EVERY country has different cultures and traditions. If you’re visiting Canada, avoid saying or doing things to upset its residents.

Here are 10 things you shouldn’t do in Canada

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1. Don’t use fake accents

Don’t use fake Canadian accents in front of local people. Apart from sounding funny and weird as a mockery, a fake accent wouldn’t be the same as a Canadian accent. If you can’t use Canadian accents naturally, it’s best to use your original accent.

2. Don’t underestimate the sport of hockey

You may want to say something derisive or bad truth about a hockey team in Canada. But don’t ever say that in Canada if you don’t want to get into trouble. Hockey fans are everywhere, and you don’t want to piss them off by insulting everything hockey has to do with it.

3. Say sorry sincerely

When you bump into someone in a crowd, be sincere. Don’t apologize for formality alone, or they’ll assume you’re not really apologizing. Make them believe that you are really sorry that you did something wrong.

4. Be careful when swearing

Sometimes someone reflexively speaks profanity when something happens to oneself. But try not to swear with profanity and harsh words, because they have their own style of doing the same thing. They will pronounce politely and mention church items. For example, “tah-bar-nac” (a box containing the Eucharist), “os-tee” (communion wafers) and “ka-lees” (a cup for drinking holy wine). Try to understand their style.

5. Don’t refuse when someone offered you poutine

If you order fries and the waiter offers you poutine, you should say yes, because poutine is a delicious food you have to taste. Poutine is a common Canadian dish consisting of french fries topped with cheese flakes and a thick sauce.

6. Canada is not the 51st state of the US

Canadians recognize that Canada is not the same country as the US. However, they are so frustrated when the world does not realize that Canada does not belong to the US, but that the two countries also have a strong relationship. Many Canadian celebrities have found success in Hollywood, for example Justin Bieber.

7.Canadian beer doesn’t taste good

Don’t offend the taste of Canadian beer with derogatory comments. If you’ve never drunk Canadian beer before, refrain from commenting that it tastes like deer pee. If you don’t like the taste of Canadian beer, try to appreciate it.

8. Don’t say a boot

Don’t make jokes about “a boot” in Canada. They always get confused when someone says “a boot”, because it will sound like “a boat”. If you want to say boat (boat), say it clearly and don’t be like saying “boot”, it will make them confused and angry.

9. Don’t discuss religion in Canada

In Canada, you are free to discuss issues regarding politics, gay marriage, or something considered taboo like abortion. However, never talk about religion. Unless you say you value their religion. Religion remains an issue in Canada even though the country is predominantly Christian. It all has to do with Canada, which is peace-loving and wants to see religious differences.

10. Don’t talk about Quebec

The sovereignty of Quebec has been a controversial topic in Canada for more than 50 years. Quebec wants to secede from Canada and nearly half of its population supported a referendum in 1995. If you want to discuss a topic, avoid discussing Quebec’s sovereignty issues.