How to Spot a Canadian-Friendly Business (Without Asking for Poutine)

Let’s face it: when you're traveling south of the border, it’s not always obvious which places genuinely like having Canadians around — and which ones just smile because they have to. But fret not, fellow maple-leaf wanderers. We’ve developed a sixth sense for spotting the good ones over the years. Here's how to tell if you're about to walk into a Canadian-friendly gem… or a “meh” moment waiting to happen.

1. They Don’t Flinch at Your Accent

We all have that moment when we say “sorry” too enthusiastically, and someone asks, “You’re Canadian, aren’t ya?” If the person behind the counter says it with a grin (and maybe even a “Welcome back!”), you’re in safe hands. If they chuckle at your request of “where is the washroom?”… keep walking, bud.

2. They Accept Our Coins (Or At Least Laugh When We Try)

Have you ever accidentally handed over a loonie at a gas station in Buffalo? The best kind of response? A chuckle and a “Nice try, eh?” The worst? A glare and a dramatic sigh like you just insulted their entire banking system.

3. There's a Maple Leaf Sticker on the Door (Or a Hockey Game on TV)

It doesn’t have to scream "I love Canada" in neon letters, but a subtle nod — maybe a “Canucks Welcome” sign or better yet, a “WelcomeEh!” window sticker — is a very good sign. Bonus points if the bartender knows which Canadian hockey team won the last Stanley Cup.

4. They Know We Don’t Use Gallons or Fahrenheit

Any business that posts prices in both gallons and litres deserves a medal. And if they tell you the weather in Celsius without you asking? Go ahead and leave them a tip. A big one.

5. They Offer You Something for Free (Without Making It Weird)

Look, we’re polite, but we’re not immune to a free sample. A business that tosses in a cookie, extra coffee stamp, or a “10% off for our friends up north” coupon? That’s just good neighbor energy. And we remember that stuff — all the way back to the border.

6. They Actually Want to Hear Your Feedback

Canadians are nice, but we’re honest too. A business that listens when you mention a glitch — and maybe even thanks you for it — is a rare find. That’s the kind of place we brag about to our friends. And post about. And revisit. You get the picture.

Final Tip: Trust Your Gut (And Your Instinct for Passive-Aggressive Hospitality)

You don’t need a checklist or a secret handshake. A truly Canadian-friendly business just feels right. Like the first sip of Tim’s on a cold morning. Like a polite “go ahead” at a four-way stop. Like home — even when you’re not.

But hey — if you’d rather skip the guesswork, that’s what WelcomeEh is for.
We’ve done the legwork (so you don’t have to), curating a growing list of businesses that actually appreciate our visit — and prove it.

No gimmicks, no shameless self-promotion (except this one). Just great places picked with Canadians in mind.

Know a spot that deserves a shout-out?
Nominate a business that made you feel right at home.
Let’s build a better traveling experience — one friendly stop at a time.

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