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[matphoto]

I am having a vacation in Niagara in June, could someone inform me as to the tipping protocol in restaurants and also is the tax included in the price of meals. Thank you.

Mat

[Steve]

Hello there, I was working in St John, New Brunswick last September-November, Canada is quite expensive, The tax there is HST (Harmonised Sales Tax) tax which are two taxes conbined . Tipping was anywhere up to 18% although we generally stuck around 10-12 sometimes more if it was exceptional service.
Which I may add wasn't very often. But I cant really vouch for the rest of Canada. Beer was around 7-10 dollars a pint a good steak dinner was around 30-40  dollars.


Hope this helps.

[steamboatmodel]

I am having a vacation in Niagara in June, could someone inform me as to the tipping protocol in restaurants and also is the tax included in the price of meals. Thank you.

Mat

The current GST/HST tax in Ontario is 13% and is not included in the meal price.
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/bsnss/tpcs/gst-tps/rts-eng.html
Tipping is entirely voluntary with the normal rate being 10 to 20% depending on service.
The price of meals depends on where you are and what you want, the last time I was at Niagara Falls we had two orders of Fish and Chips with Coffee for $20, but I have spent $100 for dinner for two at some of the other places. The price of Beer at Restaurants that are licensed to sell it  can vary from $3.50 to $10 depending on where you are. Hope you enjoy your vacation.
Regards,
Gerald.
 

[matphoto]

Thanks Steve and Gerald, for the very helpful replies.     

Mat

[TheLongBuild]

. Beer was around 7-10 dollars a pint
Hope this helps.

£5.50 a pint 

[surfs up]

Mat


If you get the chance I recommend a trip to Niagara on the Lake for the jet boat trip down the rapids.
As for tipping in Canada I tend to leave an amount equal to the tax.


Surf

[irishcarguy]

Mat, I hope you have a great time. Remember that all the holiday spots are always full of places ready to gouge the tourist. The prices quoted here would be off the map where I live in Alberta we are not that foolish to pay those prices. We also have no sales tax just 5% GST(VAT)I can take you to one of the best restruants in Calgary where a steak dinner for two will cost less than $60.00 for 2 including wine & 10/15% tip. Our petrol is generally 20/25 cents a litre less than eastern Canada as well. Mick B.

[matphoto]

Thanks all for your replies, very helpful.  Now you tell me Mick B.  

[irishcarguy]

Hi Mat if you have any specific questions you wish me to answer I would be glad to help. Bear in mind this a huge country & trying to see even a very small part of it in a few weeks is just about impossible. It is also 10 separate provinces with their own laws & tax systems. Read what you can before you come about the area you are going to visit, if you think I can help, PM me. Mick B.

[matphoto]

Thanks for the offer Mick B. If I think of anything I will be in touch.     

Mat

[Rottweiler]

When I went to Canada about 8 years ago,My brother a Canadian National,took me around Ontario,and further.I was advised to tip at 10%,and although not compulsory it IS expected.The main thing to remember is do not leave your small change as this is classed as an insult,and have had to scrape the tip together.This is in the Ottawa/Toronto areas.
Two tips for you...be prepared to spend a lot of time watching the Falls,I spent literally hours.They are totally awe inspiring,and beyond any real description,the sheer noise and power is magnificent.DO please take a trip on "Maid of the Mist" and stand out in the open,you will NEVER forget the experience.Night time is also wonderful with the falls lit by changing colours.
We joined the Casino,for about 15 dollars,this then gave you access to the upstairs restuarant,and with a 10 dollar voucher,you can dine like a King,and revisit the buffet again and again,for such things as crab,lobster,steak you name it it is there,when the waitress comes to collect your plate,hold on to your cutlery for another plateful if you can eat it.ALL the Canadian people I met were friendly, courteous, and honest. It really is so different to this country.If you cross the bridge into America make sure you take your passport and obtain the neccessary permit. Above all see all you can and take lots of photos.
I wish I was fit enough to go again.
Best wishes,
Mick F

[Admhawk]

Keep in mind that Niagara Falls is Tourism central! Many prices in the main area are higher than normal because of that.
 
I go there fairly regular, even if it's just passing through to the US. Are you going anywhere else? The Haida Museum is about an hour away in Hamilton and worth the trip.
 
Darren

[matphoto]

Thanks Mick F and Darren, I will keep your suggestions in mind.   

Mat