Bringing Canadian Mindsets Home: Five Cultural Reflections

I’ve been back from Canada for a little while now, and I’ve found myself reflecting on some of the cultural differences that stuck with me (for all the right reasons). Immersing yourself in another culture can give you a new perspective on your own. Here are a few things I noticed and want to bring back with me:

1. A slower pace: especially on the West Coast. One day, I caught myself overtaking people on the pavement and thought, “Why am I rushing? I’m on holiday.” It reminded me how much we hurry out of habit, even when there’s no need.

2. Being phone-free: my UK mobile plan didn’t work abroad, so I naturally used my phone less. And I felt noticeably better for it. Less distracted. More present.

3. Asking "how are you today" and actually meaning it: shopkeepers didn’t just ask how I was; they actually listened. They genuinely wanted to know. It caught me off guard at first, but it made everyday interactions feel more human.

4. Access to nature: trails and natural spaces weren’t fenced off. Instead of warning signs, there was an unspoken expectation of responsibility: respect the land, look after yourself. That trust felt refreshing.

5. Privately owned, publicly accessible spaces: Calgary’s SkyWalk and Toronto’s PATH system are great examples. What a clever, civic-minded idea: private infrastructure, open for everyone to use.

There’s a lot I loved – the food, the forests, the craft beer! But it’s these little cultural differences I’ll remember.

Has anyone else come back from a trip with small shifts in mindset? I’d love to hear yours.