As the cost of living continues to climb, tipping has become an increasingly divisive issue for Canadians.
While it's not legally required, tipping in Canada is widely seen as the social norm, and skipping it is often considered poor manners.
These days, nearly everyone working in the service industry is expected to receive a tip, from bar staff and servers to barbers, hairdressers, and even coffee shop employees.
A survey released by H&R Block in April found that 90% of Canadians feel tips are too high, and 82% believe tips are now expected in more places than ever before.
Interestingly, the survey also revealed that Canadians think the proper amount to tip is just 9% — a big jump down from the 15%, 18%, 20%, and even 22% prompts we regularly see on tablets and card machines across the country.
To delve deeper, we asked our readers, "What's your honest opinion on Canadian tipping culture?" in a post on Narcity Canada's Facebook page.
The question sparked nearly 300 replies, many of which were passionate, divided, and deeply personal. Some stood firmly against tipping, while others had no problem with it.
As one user bluntly put it: "If you can't afford to tip — go to McDonald's, cheapskates!"
Here are some of the most common themes we saw in the responses.
Card machine suggestions are too high
Many users have noted that high tip suggestions have been appearing on card machines.
When it's time to pay, you're often met with suggestions starting at 18%, jumping to 20%, 22%, or even 25%.
To make matters worse, in most provinces, these percentages are calculated on the total after tax, so you're tipping on the tax as well. However, Quebec changed that in May. Tips are now calculated based on the pre-tax amount in La Belle Province.
As one person put it: "I think 10% is still plenty. This minimum of 18% on machines is nonsense."
Employers should pay employees more
Many of the replies mentioned that they feel like they are subsidizing employees' wages and that employers should pay them more.
"Employers should pay a living wage," one person wrote.
Another said, "First, employers need to pay their staff a living wage. But I always tip when I receive good service. It's the kind, thoughtful, and gracious thing to do."
"It's not up to me to subsidize people's wages. If their employer can't pay them minimum wage at least, and it's their own problem, not mine," another wrote.
There were also opinions challenging this concept, too.
Some people argued that some employees are already paid enough and don't need to rely on tips, unlike workers in the U.S.
One user believes tipping is "unnecessary" in Canada, as it has "reasonable labour laws". In comparison, the U.S. allows restaurants to pay tipped workers below the minimum wage. That varies de
They wrote, "In the U.S., the minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour at the federal level, but their total earnings (including tips) must reach at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Many states have their own, often higher, minimum wages for tipped employees."
In comparison, the minimum wage in Ontario is $17.20 an hour, which will increase to $17.60 on October 1, 2025. CA$17.60 is just under US$13.
It's expensive enough as it is
Going out for dinner or drinks with friends can feel like a splurge these days, and many Narcity readers say tipping is a big part of the problem.
They argue that rising tip expectations are making dining out even more expensive, and in some cases, turning them off from it altogether.
"Maybe if things didn't cost so much money, people would tip more," one person wrote.
Another reader pointed out, "With the price of restaurant meals going up 35-60% over the last 2-3 yrs, the amount of the tip, even at 10-15% has gone up a lot. Don't see the need to tip 20 or 25%."
"Stops me from eating out," someone else said.
But it's not just bars and restaurants where tipping is taking a toll on people's wallets.
"Hairdressers charge a LOT for their services. I disagree with tipping them. I will give a Christmas bonus," one person wrote.
Not everybody should be tipped
Tipping can be a touchy subject, and many responses to our question made it clear — many people think that not everyone deserves tips.
Some believe that tipping should be reserved for specific situations, such as when dining in and receiving full service, or when someone goes out of their way to provide a service to you.
One person said, "Unless I'm at a sit-down restaurant where someone tends to me, or you are a delivery driver, nobody else should be tipped."
Another shared an experience where tipping felt completely unnecessary.
"I grabbed beer off of a shelf. Carried it to the checkout. The clerk scanned it. And there was a tip option… for scanning. I wasn't even offered a bag for the items."
Another user wrote, "I'm not ever tipping for going to a counter and ordering and collecting my order."
Not everyone thinks that delivery drivers are deserving of tips, either.
"If a delivery driver is already receiving $4.99 or more for a $25 delivery [fee], then they will only get a minimum tip if they offer exceptional service, i.e. faster than usual delivery," one person said.
"Consequently, when two bags of groceries are delivered to my apartment from the store, which is literally five minutes away, and I'm already paying a $5.99 delivery fee, then no," another added to the conversation.
It shouldn't be a given
A common theme was that many people believe tipping should be optional, not something that's automatically expected. This sentiment is especially strong when diners feel they've received poor service at a bar or restaurant.
"Tips should be earned, not demanded," one person wrote.
Another shared a firm stance: "If there's a mandatory tip, I will automatically make it ZERO, otherwise I'll base it on service, quality, friendliness and attentiveness! They get paid for their job, my tip is for how I'm treated and how I'm made to feel."
Someone else agreed, saying, "When I was growing up, you mostly tipped waitresses/waiters and hotel personnel. I miss the old days when tipping was a choice. Not required."
"It is now just like a tax. It is expected regardless of the quality of service. It is expected, not a reward for a job well done," another commenter added.
It's gotten out of control
The most popular response was that tipping culture has gone "out of control."
Out of almost 300 comments, readers used that exact phrase 15 times, which says something.
"It is completely out of control. Leave a tip for damn near everything these days. It's ridiculous," one 09698796person commented.
Another wrote, "It's out of control. Everyone wants a tip. Where does it stop? Do I tip the mailman every time I get mail? Or the garbage worker? Stop it already, it's called doing your job."
Someone else echoed the same frustration: "Out of control. Everybody wants a tip for doing their job for which they're being paid. When it comes to restaurants, tipping based on the amount of the bill needs to come to an end."
Do you agree with some of Narcity's readers' points, or do you think tipping is just part of the deal when it comes to dining and services in Canada?
This article's right-hand cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
