Tipping in Canada
In Canada, tipping is expected for 12 of the 20 services we track. At a sit-down restaurant, 15–20% pre-tax (national average 17.2%).
Canadian tipping norms closely mirror those of the US, with similar percentages expected in restaurants, taxis, and personal services.
Tipping in Canada at a glance
- Sit-down restaurant
- 15–20% pre-tax (national average 17.2%)
- Taxi
- 10–15% of fare, $2 minimum
- Bar
- $1–$2 per drink at the bar, or 15–20% on a tab
- Housekeeping
- $3–$5 per night, left daily
- Concierge
- $5–$20 for a meaningful favour
- Tour guide
- 15–20% of tour price, or $10–$20 per person full day
- Café
- $1–$2 per drink, or 10–15% via POS prompt
- Tattoo artist
- 15–20% of the piece cost
Tipping by service in Canada
| Service | Expectation | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-down restaurant | Expected | 15–20% pre-tax (national average 17.2%) |
| Counter / takeaway | Appreciated | $1–$2 or 10–15% if you choose to tip |
| Café | Appreciated | $1–$2 per drink, or 10–15% via POS prompt |
| Bar | Expected | $1–$2 per drink at the bar, or 15–20% on a tab |
| Housekeeping | Appreciated | $3–$5 per night, left daily |
| Porter | Expected | $2–$5 per bag |
| Concierge | Appreciated | $5–$20 for a meaningful favour |
| Taxi | Expected | 10–15% of fare, $2 minimum |
| Rideshare | Appreciated | 15–20% in-app, $2–$3 minimum |
| Food delivery | Expected | 15–20% of order, $5 minimum |
| Grocery delivery | Expected | 10–15% of order, $5 minimum |
| Hairdresser | Expected | 15–20% on the service |
| Spa | Expected | 15–20% on the treatment |
| Tour guide | Expected | 15–20% of tour price, or $10–$20 per person full day |
| Tattoo artist | Expected | 15–20% of the piece cost |
| Valet | Expected | $2–$5 on car return |
| Airport baggage | Expected | $2 per bag for skycap/porter |
| Busker | Appreciated | $1–$5 if you stop to listen |
| Movers | Appreciated | $20–$40 per mover half-day; $40–$60 per mover full-day |
| Tradesperson | Optional | No tip routinely; $20–$50 cash for emergency or after-hours |
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Tipping in Canada: common questions
Do you tip in Canada?
Yes, for some services. Of the 20 services we track in Canada, tipping is expected for 12 and appreciated for 7. Canadian tipping norms closely mirror those of the US, with similar percentages expected in restaurants, taxis, and personal services.
How much do you tip at a restaurant in Canada?
15–20% pre-tax (national average 17.2%). That works out to 15–20% of the bill. Tipping a sit-down restaurant server 15–20% on the pre-tax bill is firmly expected across Canada.
How much do you tip a taxi driver in Canada?
10–15% of fare, $2 minimum. That works out to 10–15% of the bill. Lonely Planet's Americas tipping guide and CTV both indicate 10–15% is the Canadian taxi norm, with a $2 minimum for short trips.
Do you tip hotel housekeeping in Canada?
$3–$5 per night, left daily. Tipping hotel housekeepers is standard practice in Canada and mirrors US norms.
Which services should you tip in Canada?
A tip is genuinely expected for 12 services: sit-down restaurant, bar, porter, taxi, food delivery, grocery delivery, hairdresser, spa, tour guide, tattoo artist, valet, and airport baggage. For everything else it is optional or unusual.
Should you tip in cash or by card in Canada?
Cash is preferred for 10 of the 20 services we track in Canada, because card tips do not always reach staff. Carrying small notes is worth it.