Are you tired of feeling pressured to tip more and more? You’re not alone.
Let’s take a trip back in time to see how tipping in Canada became such a big deal—and what you can do to tip smarter.
The History of Tipping in Canada
The Early Days: When Tipping Was Actually a Thank You
So, tipping in Canada—where did it all begin? Believe it or not, this cash-handling ritual kicked off in the early 1900s. It began as a tradition brought over from Europe, where it was a master-servant custom in Tudor England.
It was pretty simple back then. Imagine it: you get exceptional service, and you think, “Hey, this person deserves something extra!” So you slip them a little extra something as a way of saying, “Thanks for being awesome!”
Fast forward to the 1950s, and things start getting serious. Tipping wasn’t just a nice gesture anymore—it became an expectation. If you dined out, stayed at a hotel, or even took a taxi, you were basically required to throw in some extra cash.
By the late 20th century, tipping percentages skyrocketed. What started as a modest token of appreciation quickly turned into a math equation: 15%? 18%? 20%?! Suddenly, tipping felt less like a reward and more like a necessary part of life.
Tipping in Canada used to be like a polite nod—subtle, but appreciated. Now it can feel more like a polite mugging—’Hand over 20% or else suffer shame and embarrassment for the rest of your life!’
Tipflation: The Rising Cost of Gratitude
How Much Are We Tipping These Days?
Tipping habits in Canada have shifted significantly, with expectations rising across various services. Here’s a snapshot of how tipping trends have evolved and what’s considered the norm now.
Tipping Across Professions
Canadians are tipping more often, with 76% tipping hairdressers, 74% tipping bartenders, and 71% tipping food delivery drivers. However, tipping remains less common for hotel housekeepers (34%) and coffee shop workers (29%).
Average Tips
The average tip has climbed from 16% to 20% between 2019 and 2023, reflecting the growing pressure to tip more across a broader range of services.
Tipping Trends Across Different Services (from Most Mandatory to Least)
| Service | Tipping in the Past | Tipping Now | Social Expectations |
| Restaurant | 10%-15% | 18%-20% | Almost mandatory; skipping will be judged harshly |
| Bars | $1 per drink | 15%-20% | Expected, especially for good service. |
| Hairdresser | 10% | 15%-20% | Recommended to keep good rapport. |
| Delivery Services | $2-$5 | 10%-15% | Expected, especially for fast service. |
| Nail Salons | 10% | 15%-20% | Expected for repeat visits. |
| Hotel Housekeeping | $1 per night | $2-$5 per night | Appreciated but not expected. |
| Fast Food/Pickup | None | 5%-10% | Increasingly seen, still debated. |
| Coffee Shops | None | 10%-15% | Increasing with digital payments. |
Analysis
Tipping has become a social expectation in many places, particularly in restaurants and bars, where the norm has risen to 18%-20%. This shift is driven by the growing social pressure to tip generously, making it almost mandatory in certain settings.
Even services that previously saw little to no tipping, like coffee shops and fast food, are seeing a rise due to the convenience of digital payment options. However, tipping remains less common in areas like hotel housekeeping, showing that while tipping is more prevalent, it’s still selective based on the service.
Public Opinion: Are We Really Still Doing This?
Canadians have mixed feelings about tipping these days. While some are on board, many are questioning why we’re still doing it.
Recent reports shows growing frustration with tipping culture.
About 64% of Canadians report being asked to tip more frequently, and 62% feel pressured to leave larger tips. This “tip-flation” has seen tipping standards rise sharply; in 2016, 43% of Canadians tipped under 15%, but now only 23% do. Meanwhile, the number tipping 20% or more has more than doubled from 8% in 2016 to 21% today.
“Tip creep” is also causing fatigue, with 83% of Canadians saying too many places now ask for tips, but only 13% feel service has improved. As a result, 59% of Canadians now prefer a “service included” model with higher wages, a shift from 2016 when tipping was more favored.
Regionally, British Columbia reports the highest levels of “tip creep” (74%) and “tip-flation” (73%). Also, 73% of Canadians believe the current tipping system allows employers to underpay their employees.
Tipping used to be a genuine “thank you” for great service, but now it feels like just another part of the bill—expected whether the service was good or not. As someone who once worked as a bartender, I’ve seen this change up close.
These days, it seems like people tip more because they feel they have to, not because they really want to. And from the other side, many workers start to see tips as a right rather than a reward.
It’s created a strange dynamic, where servers push for extra items to boost the bill, and the interaction can sometimes feel a bit forced—like they’re just after your tips. I get it, though; service workers often rely on tips to make ends meet, so it’s not their fault this pressure exists. But this shift can leave everyone feeling uneasy.
Tipping Around the World
Travelling extensively has opened my eyes to how different tipping cultures are around the globe. Here are some tipping norms from various regions:
| Country | Tipping Norms | Typical Tip Rate |
| Canada | Expected in most service areas | 15%-20% |
| United States | Expected almost everywhere | 15%-20% |
| Mexico | Expected in restaurants and hotels | 10%-15%, varies by region |
| Australia | Not typically expected | 0%-10% (for exceptional service) |
| United Kingdom | Often included in the bill | 10%-12.5% (optional if not included) |
| Japan | Tipping is seen as rude | None |
| Vietnam | Not expected, but appreciated in tourist areas | None, though rounding up is sometimes appreciated |
| France | Service charge included in most bills | 5%-10% (for exceptional service) |
| Germany | Rounding up the bill | 5%-10% |
| Italy | Service charge often included | 5%-10% (if no service charge) |
Analysis
It’s fascinating to see how countries like Australia and the UK, which share cultural ties with Canada, have a more relaxed approach to tipping. In Australia, tipping isn’t expected, and in the UK, a service charge is often included, highlighting that good service doesn’t have to come with the burden of tipping.
Asia generally doesn’t expect tipping at all, with countries like Japan even viewing it as rude. My first trip to Vietnam really drove this home—after leaving a tip for excellent service, the server ran after me to return it, showing that tipping isn’t customary there.
These experiences contrast sharply with Canada, where tipping is almost obligatory. What I’ve found is that service in these no-tipping cultures can be just as good, if not better, making interactions feel more genuine and less transactional.
Tipping and Technology: The Rise of the Awkward Tipping Machine
Why We Dislike the New Tipping Machines
Tipping machines are everywhere now, from coffee shops to food trucks, and they’ve made tipping more uncomfortable than ever. You order your coffee, swipe your card, and suddenly, a screen asks you to tip 15%, 20%, or even 30%.
With the cashier watching, hitting “No Tip” feels like admitting you’re cheap, adding unnecessary pressure to what should be a simple transaction. These machines often push for higher tips, turning a personal choice into a public, guilt-driven moment.
Defeat the Machine: How to Tip Less with Confidence
- Carry Cash: Paying with cash avoids the tipping machine altogether. No screen, no pressure.
- Be Quick with the Button: When using a tipping machine, make your choice swiftly. The less time you spend on the screen, the less pressure you feel.
- Set Your Tipping Rule: Decide your tipping amount before you even reach the counter. This way, you’re not swayed by the higher options on the screen.
- Remember It’s Optional: Not every situation demands a tip. If the service doesn’t merit it, feel free to skip it.
The Future of Tipping in Canada: Where Do We Go From Here?
Tipping in Canada isn’t disappearing, but it’s definitely evolving. Here’s what might be next:
Will Tip Percentages Keep Rising?
Tipping has crept up from 15% to 20%, and it might keep climbing as costs rise. But people are getting tired of it—this “tipping fatigue” could lead more Canadians to push back against these higher expectations.
No-Tipping Models and Service-Included Pricing
Some restaurants, like Folke in Vancouver, are ditching tips altogether, paying staff higher wages and including costs in menu prices. It’s a hassle-free experience that’s gaining traction, and it could lead to more places adopting European-style service-included pricing.
The Impact of Technology
Digital tipping screens are making tipping more public and pressured, often leaving customers uncomfortable. This could push more people toward no-tipping models or at least make them wish for it.
Cultural Stubbornness
Despite these changes, tipping is deeply ingrained in Canadian culture. It’s seen as a way to reward good service, so it’s not going away anytime soon. We’re likely to see a mix of rising tips, more aggressive tipping tech, and some no-tipping experiments.
What Does This Mean for You?
The future of tipping in Canada means navigating both traditional tipping and newer, no-tipping models. It’s up to you to choose what works best for you.
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