My travels to Canada over the past month have been extremely interesting. Here are some things I’ve learned:
*Life is much slower in rural Ontario – then again it’s slower in most rural areas.
*The speed limit on Ontario’s highways is about 50mph. That makes for a long drive.
*Refills are not free at most places.
*They don’t put much ice in any drinks (I think it’s because they see ice most of the year-round.)
*Don’t order the tea – it’s not anything like sweet tea from McAllister’s. (that’s for you, Dad)
*People are more trendy. It’s a little surprising for rural areas – but these kids are pierced, tatoo’d, with wild hair colors.
*Don’t let 1.19 on the gas sign fool you – that’s for the litre (not liter or gallon). 🙂
*Hotels aren’t an option here, it’s mostly mom and pop owned motels – don’t expect any perks, but do expect friendly smiles.
*Fast food is more expensive – meals are more expensive by $1.50 or so.
*I’m having to relearn to say a few words: about, process, project.
*Few things are stated as fact, they’re mostly questions – though they don’t use ‘eh near as much as we make fun of them for. They say “right?”
I’ll share more after my next trip – almost time to go home now… 🙂
mjd
For The Journey 
*Refills are not free at most places.
(This is one of the disappointing things.)
*They don’t put much ice in any drinks.
(It’s actually something A&W does (Something about not watering down.) and I assume other companies just followed suit.)
*Hotels aren’t an option here, it’s mostly mom and pop owned motels – don’t expect any perks, but do expect friendly smiles.
(In the city here in Edmonton there are a few hotels and even a Motel 8, but yea, pretty spread out.)
*I’m having to relearn to say a few words: about, process, project.
(Had to spell out cheque yet? Had to spell anything with a “Z?” (It’s zed here.))
And a few things you missed. 😀
*You can’t put outgoing mail in your own mailbox. You have to actually go post it in a red box or go to a postal office.
*A no-fee bank account is an extremely rare find.
*There are MANY Taco Bell/KFC combo stores.
*Fries are a side dish in almost every restaurant. Even Taco Bell. They always ask if you want gravy too.
I forgot to mention the shoe thing. It’s not particularly a cultural thing, but there are many residents that prefer you remove your shoes once entering their house (but of course very polite about it). It’s purely practical. Especially in the winter when chances of having dry shoes upon entering is slim to none.
Come to think of it, you could call it a cultural thing. Some traditions are born of practicality aren’t they?
It’s not a rhetorical question. I really am just guessing. 😀