How much to tip at a restaurant in Canada (2026 Guide)
15–20% pre-tax (national average 17.2%)
15–20% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
Tipping a sit-down restaurant server 15–20% on the pre-tax bill is firmly expected across Canada. Globe and Mail reports the national average tip at 17.2%, with the vast majority in the 15–20% range. POS terminals typically pre-suggest 18/20/25% — Canadians are free to enter a custom percent and many use 15–18%. In Quebec, Bill 72 (in force since May 2025) requires that suggested tip percentages on POS terminals be calculated on the pre-tax subtotal rather than the GST/QST-inclusive total. Quebec restaurants also more commonly add an automatic 15–18% service charge for groups of 6+; check the bill before adding more.
Common mistakes
Tipping on the post-tax (GST+PST/HST/QST) total — that is a 12–15% over-tip in most provinces. Calculate on the subtotal.
Frequently asked questions
Is the suggested tip calculated on pre- or post-tax?
In Quebec since Bill 72 (May 2025), it must be pre-tax. Elsewhere, terminals frequently use the post-tax figure unless you switch to a custom amount.
Is the gratuity for a large group already included?
Often yes (15–18%) for groups of 6 or 8+. Read the bill before adding.
Can I tip in cash even if I pay the bill by card?
Yes — many servers prefer cash because it processes faster and is paid out the same shift.
Tipping other services in Canada
- Counter / takeaway$1–$2 or 10–15% if you choose to tip
- Café$1–$2 per drink, or 10–15% via POS prompt
- Bar$1–$2 per drink at the bar, or 15–20% on a tab
- Housekeeping$3–$5 per night, left daily
- Porter$2–$5 per bag
- Concierge$5–$20 for a meaningful favour
- Taxi10–15% of fare, $2 minimum
- Rideshare15–20% in-app, $2–$3 minimum
- Food delivery15–20% of order, $5 minimum
- Grocery delivery10–15% of order, $5 minimum
- Hairdresser15–20% on the service
- Spa15–20% on the treatment
- Tour guide15–20% of tour price, or $10–$20 per person full day
- Tattoo artist15–20% of the piece cost
- Valet$2–$5 on car return
- Airport baggage$2 per bag for skycap/porter
- Busker$1–$5 if you stop to listen
- Movers$20–$40 per mover half-day; $40–$60 per mover full-day
- TradespersonNo tip routinely; $20–$50 cash for emergency or after-hours
Tipping at a restaurant in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: theglobeandmail.com, cbc.ca, ctvnews.ca