Tipping Etiquette in Canada

In Canada, tipping is customary at restaurants (15-20% on pre-tax bill), bars ($1-2 per drink), and for services (hairdressing, taxi, delivery). Standard percentages: 15% for good service, 18% for very good, 20% for excellent. Tipping on pre-tax bills is standard.

Tipping by Service Type

• Restaurants: 15-20% of pre-tax bill (18% average)
• Bars: $1-2 per drink or 15% of total
• Coffee shops: $1-3 (optional, but increasingly expected)
• Delivery services: 15-20% or $3-5 minimum
• Taxi/Uber: 15-20% or round to nearest $5
• Hairstylist: 15-20%

The Great Tipping Inflation Debate

Tipping expectations have increased in Canada from 10-15% (2010s) to 15-20% (2020s). Some point-of-sale systems default to 18-20%, making 15% feel low. It's OK to adjust based on service quality — tips reward good service.