🇨🇦Canada · Taxi
How much to tip a taxi driver in Canada (2026 Guide)
ExpectedCard is fine
10–15% of fare, $2 minimum
10–15% of the bill is the typical range.
Tipping calculator
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Cultural notes
Lonely Planet's Americas tipping guide and CTV both indicate 10–15% is the Canadian taxi norm, with a $2 minimum for short trips. POS terminals in Canadian taxis typically prompt 15/20/25%, and many riders accept 15%. Add an extra $1–2 if the driver helps with bags or waited at a stop. Airport taxi runs from Pearson (Toronto) or YVR (Vancouver) typically get a $5–10 round-up depending on the metered fare. Quebec taxis follow the same conventions.
Common mistakes
Tipping the rideshare-style 20% on a flat-rate airport zone fare — 10–15% is plenty when the fare is already set.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tip expected for a $5 short hop?
Round up to $7 or $8.
Are airport flat-rate taxis tipped?
Yes — usually 10% or $5 round-up.
Tipping other services in Canada
- Sit-down restaurant15–20% pre-tax (national average 17.2%)
- 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
- 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 a taxi driver in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: ctvnews.ca