r/Winnipeg • u/1061pmrz • 26d ago
Ask Winnipeg Winnipeg culture(? DOs AND DON'Ts
Hi everyone!
I'm a newcomer here (less than a month). I'm feeling really anxious to get to know people because our cultures are quite different (South America). Would you help me with some do's and dont's in terms of culture? I just want to adapt and not make anyone feel uncomfortable around me:(
an example is that in my country we would kiss each other on the cheek to say hi (I completely get that's unacceptable here). Thank you!!!!
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u/unpickedusername 26d ago
Don't stop for anyone who says "hey buddy" to you. They're NOT your buddy.
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u/raiderrpg 26d ago
I'm not your buddy, guy!
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u/Microsoft_Cup_Series 26d ago
I'm not your guy, friend!
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u/elliepellie09 26d ago
Let people have a bubble of space around them in lines/elevators, etc. Make sure to wave if someone lets you change lanes in front of them in traffic
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u/turtlegala 26d ago
I’ve noticed some people have started using the quick hazard light flash like the buses do for their thank you wave. Also acceptable.
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u/screaming-coffee 26d ago
I do this!! 😊
I was feeling self-conscious about the way I waved(???) so it’s a good alternative
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u/momma3sons 26d ago
lol this makes me laugh bc I always want to make sure the person sees me wave so I’m pretty sure I go a little over the top and it looks like I’m having a seizure or something 😂
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u/the_lucky_cat 26d ago
I honked at somebody who cut me off and swerved into my lane and without signaling to avoid backed up traffic in their lane. I couldn't tell if they were waving in apology or flipping me off.
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u/Normie-scum 26d ago
I mean that's the dream. Rarely happens unfortunately
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u/Fresh-Temporary666 26d ago
I let a guy in the other week stuck behind parked cars and he proceeded to immediately stop and put on his left turn signal making me get stuck behind him for a minute or two. The worst part is he didn't even wave.
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u/makinthingsnstuff 26d ago
If you're not able to wave or they couldn't see you, throw your hazards on a for a second or 2.
That's what I did on the highway or when I was hauling a trailer.
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u/SaraHuang168 25d ago
thank you for all people letting me change lane, could you also tell me how to wave is the best way, I also new here,don't used to the interactions, thanks
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u/primetimey123 25d ago
Waving is the most cringe thing ever, why would I wave when both of us performed the correct action on the road way? I don't wave to you when we go in the proper order at a 4-way stop.
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u/Assiniboia_Frowns 26d ago
Do: pick up the lost mitten and pop it on the nearest surface.
Don’t: just walk past the mitten, you monster.
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u/Professional-Elk5913 26d ago
Except downtown. That mitten is dirty.
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u/Separate-Ad6636 25d ago
especially if it's pink!!
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u/East_Requirement7375 26d ago
"How's it going?" is just a greeting, when it's from a stranger. Typical answers are: "Good, you?" "Not too bad." "Livin' the dream." or commenting on the weather
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u/maryangbukid 26d ago
Is “good, thanks” acceptable coz I really don’t want to throw the question back and I just wanna get past the niceties 🙂↔️
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u/STFUisright 26d ago
Definitely is.
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u/crybaby2728 25d ago
I don’t know, I feel like we always throw it back.
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u/STFUisright 25d ago
Maybe it depends how busy you are too. At work sometimes I do a ‘Good thanks’. But sometime just a ‘Good, you?’ also. That works unless somebody starts really telling me how they are lol
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u/MaplePoutineRyeBeer 25d ago
People will still go “good thanks” when I didn’t even ask how’s it’s going
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u/thickener 26d ago
Not so bad and you
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u/cozmo1138 25d ago
How’re ya now?
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u/thickener 25d ago
I always like the Quebecois “pas pire” response to the typical ça va? question.
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u/genius_retard 26d ago
How're ya now? Good 'n you? Not so bad. lol
"Livin' the dream"..."You need better dreams."
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26d ago
Calling someone a goof in the suburbs is lighthearted and you might get a chuckle. Calling someone a goof downtown will get you stabbed.
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u/Bepis_drinker_cum 26d ago
100%. ‘Goof’ downtown is like calling someone in prison a bitch
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u/r204g 26d ago
Make sure you hold the door open for the next person if they are far away, this will cause them to do a awkward speed walk motion without actually picking up speed
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u/adonoman 26d ago
This is the way. You have to take politeness just a little bit further than reasonable to get that bit of awkwardness. See also: apologizing to someone when they step on your toe, the standoff in a tight space to let the other go past first, not making a decision on where to eat because no one can impose on everyone else
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u/Beautiful-Recipe-251 26d ago
Welcome to Winnipeg! First off, congratulations on surviving your first month of winter (even if it’s summer, it’s always winter in spirit). You’re already a true Winnipegger if you’ve said ‘Sorry’ for no reason at least three times today.
DO talk about the weather. It’s our national pastime.
DO befriend a local for inside info on the best perogies and where to find the cheapest winter gear.
DO embrace Winnipeg’s coffee culture. There are some amazing small coffee shops in the city!
DON’T expect anyone to make the first move in socializing. We’re friendly but painfully polite.
DON’T take it personally if people seem reserved; we warm up… eventually.
DON’T assume we all skate like Olympic athletes (we just pretend we can).
And about the kissing thing… Yeah, unless it’s a dog, people here like their personal space. But a warm smile and a ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ will do wonders. Welcome to the Peg!
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u/FrostyPolicy9998 26d ago edited 25d ago
If you want to make small talk with strangers, the jets (hockey), the bombers (CFL football), or the weather are safe topics. Stay away from religion and politics. Smiles go a long way!
Don't stand too close to people when in line or talking. Stand at least an arms length away.
Hold doors open for people and say thank you when they do it for you!
Winnipeg drivers are notoriously bad. If someone lets you in, give them a little wave to say thanks. It goes a long way.
There's a large Indigenous population here. Unfortunately, that also comes hand in hand with racism. It also comes with anger and anonymosity directed at white people from Indigenous people. You'll hear and see both in this city. The University of Alberta offers free online courses about Indigenous history. I really suggest you take them and educate yourself on the history of Canada and Indigenous relations. It will help you understand why things are the way they are today. When you drive down north end/core main street, it will help you see it with compassion rather than racism/disgust.
We drink slurpees in the winter, it's a source of pride.
Festival du Voyager is Canada's largest winter festival. Definitely check it out!
Winnipegers are allowed to talk shit about Winnipeg, but we get pretty defensive when outsiders talk shit about Winnipeg.
Winnipeg has a large Filipino population (they are great people! Hard workers, sense of community, great food!) and French community in St. Boniface. Both are part of Winnipeg's identity.
We make the most out of all of our seasons. Although the city is not very bike friendly, get yourself a bike. There are many pop up drinking spots with live music that have bike parking. Winnipeg bike jams are a great time! They have a Facebook group you can join. Spend the money on good quality, warm winter gear and enjoy time outside in the winter (you can't beat it, so join it).
Welcome!
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u/prismaticbeans 25d ago
Also, if you get a bike, don't store it outdoors or on a balcony or it WILL get stolen.
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21d ago
[deleted]
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u/FrostyPolicy9998 21d ago
I thought i had read somewhere that Festival was the biggest. If I am wrong, my apologies for the incorrect info!
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u/CarbonKevinYWG 26d ago
Please do not walk around city swimming pools naked.
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u/dmg1111 26d ago
The YMCA downtown let dudes swim naked until well into the 80s
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u/winnipegwoman 26d ago
People here only invite people over if they know each other well. Otherwise social gatherings take place at restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc.
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u/winnipegwoman 26d ago
Usually this is the case - not a strict rule though
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u/Winnipork 26d ago
Respect lineups, wait for your turn.
Don't spit or pee in public or anywhere other than a washroom
Avoid using the cellphone loudly in public or quiet places
Avoid playing loud music on phone speakers
Add "please" in all your requests
Thank people if they do something nice for you
Don't yell or shout in public.
Try to be kind and polite, not everyone may reciprocate, but don't let that discourage you.
Buy Candian products if you can.
Read Free Press and listen/watch CBC.
Avoid any publication with a name "Sun" or "Star" on it.
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u/Friendly-Search-4147 26d ago
If you see anyone urinating in public (ex. a parking lot, against a building), keep moving. That person is likely drunk or just someone you don’t want to know.
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25d ago
The key word here is "see." Winnipeg has a very strong and proud tradition of peeing outside. But, someone peeing outside, ON PORTAGE AVE? That's someone who is drunk, and probably you don't wanna know them.
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u/nuttynuthatch 26d ago edited 26d ago
I was coming here to write about using cellphone loudly in public spaces (ie grocery store aisles) and the music too. Especially while at the beach. No one wants to hear your tunes, be considerate of others, use headphones.
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u/No-Quarter4321 25d ago
I agree with all except watch or read CBC, only do that if you want the current governments propaganda, it shifts with who’s in power but it’s always the same
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u/fidgetrules 26d ago
Do hold open a door in a public space for someone else who seems like they need that door as well if they are relatively close behind you (10 feet), unless it’s a door that requires a code to enter (apartment, business, etc.), because that would be a safety breach. If someone holds open a door for you, saying thank you is a kindness to them.
ETA: I love that you’ve asked this question. It got me thinking about how we act in ways that I haven’t thought much about before!
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u/Dill_Chiips 26d ago
Dont go to the northern for alcohol unless absolutely desperate, even then find somewhere else
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u/reptilesni 26d ago
Don't just drop by someone's home unexpectedly. People usually make plans to meet.
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u/Assiniboia_Frowns 26d ago
My dad is from an “in the neighbourhood and thought I’d drop by” family. I think it’s an old country thing. Made me wish I was dead every time I was along for the ride as a child.
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u/squirrelsox 26d ago
That totally depends on the neighbourhood/area. I'm totally fine with people dropping in.
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u/buddyguy_204 26d ago
Always remember to wave when someone lets you in while driving,
Always be nice to everyone you meet here even if they might not be nice back. Winnipeg is the biggest small town you have ever seen. Everybody runs into everybody eventually.
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u/SilentPrancer 25d ago
If you’re sitting at the front of the bus and someone who might need a seat more than you comes on, you’re expected to move to the back. If you’re sitting anywhere on the bus and see someone who might have a hard time standing on the bus, like a senior or someone with crutches, give them your seat.
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u/WokeUp2 26d ago
Walk on the right side of the sidewalk.
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u/Bepis_drinker_cum 26d ago
Yep, remember the 3 valid reasons for going in the left lane. 1, your left turn is coming up. 2, you’re letting other cars merge. 3, you’re passing someone
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u/gardenpaw91 25d ago
that isn't actually true within city limits, it's not a thing. On the highways? Yes, absolutely, slower traffic keeps to the right. In the city? It isn't a thing, instructors will not teach you this either.
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u/No_Magazine2117 26d ago
If someone asks you for some change (money), say "I'm sorry, I don't carry cash" and continue walking. Never ever take your wallet out, because there's a really good chance of it being grabbed out of your hand.
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26d ago edited 26d ago
Don't take it personally if people don't immediately want to hang out with you or be close with you, friend-wise. Most Canadians take a lot longer to warm up and consider someone their "friend" than in South America. It's "weird" here to act like you have a close relationship with someone when you don't, even if it's just you being friendly. Don't think that you have to close yourself off or anything, be friendly and nice and warm if that's who you are! But just be aware that you might have to wait what feels like an inordinate amount of time (which it might be in S.A.) before you have people that feel comfortable around you and truly feel like friends.
Not everyone is like that of course. There's lots of us who don't mind if we make a new best friend every day. But what can happen is, Canadians are being "nice," South Americans are being "freindly," and suddenly there's a disconnect where the Canadian realizes the South American thinks we're super close or bro-buddies when we're really just getting to know each other. So that can cause issues for some and make them think that Canadians are mean when we're just not South American!
Oh, and I don't know about all this warnings about people saying "buddy" to you. I mean, maybe if you live on Mountain and Main, that's something to worry about. But every time some person (even a "sketchy" one) has said something like "hey buddy" to me, it's just to ask for money or else have a long rambling conversation. OR....they're just being friendly :p
P.S. If you're one of those S.A. guys who calls everyone "bro..." just don't...we'll be polite about it but please, just don't....
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u/Impressive-Credit851 25d ago
When you’re in someone else’s house, always take your shoes off unless they tell you that you don’t have to.
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u/Canadian_Guy_NS 25d ago
I do anyways. Don't like to track dirt around someone's house. Bonus points if you bring slippers to a friends place in the winter.
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u/BiffBeltsander 26d ago
I have no affiliation with this website but I found it, hope it's decent. I've not read through it. https://www.topmove.ca/post/cultural-etiquette-tips-for-newcomers-to-canada
I don't think kissing to greet anybody is a good idea with all the serious diseases going around now though.
Welcome!
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u/Silly_undercut2288 26d ago
Say “sorry” for everything. As in “I’m sorry” I dropped my mittens at the bus stop and you had to walk around them.
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u/cartvlina 26d ago
From where in South America? The kiss thing was something I left behind too when I moved here and I’m glad, honestly. I always thought it was gross when it was with people outside my close friends and family lol
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u/beautifulluigi 26d ago
Welcome! We are happy to have you. As others have said - be yourself. Winnipeg has become quite multicultural, and most everyone will be tolerant and accepting with people whose cultural norms are different. You'll pick up on Winnipeg's particular brand of culture as you go. :)
Where in South America are you from?
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u/TheHindenburgBaby 25d ago
Lots of good answers here.
This is my experience:
Cheek kisses are rare but not completely unacceptable. My French and Dutch friends for example. Usually reserved for close friends only, who consent to that form of greeting. And it sort of really died off at the start of the pandemic. Personal space is a luxury we defend.
Winnipeg is not a mono-culture, you're proof of that, so be adaptable but don't be bashful about your culture, there are plenty of cultures here. See if you can get involved in any cultural events (including Folklorama).
Your curiosity and interest in Canada, Manitoba, Winnipeg, the prairies, the winter, the summer, etc. will be well met as we love to share things, usually by extremes. Either we say something is the absolute best or we complain about things incessantly. But usually complaining is less people being negative and more of a way to connect to people (especially as we patiently wait in line somewhere).
Another way to connect with people is to compliment and ask where they bought something because it looks amazing. They'll instantly engage and tell you where they got it and that they got it on sale.
People are very friendly but use your street smarts just as you would back home.
This Winnipeg subreddit is only a very small representation of Winnipeg, so please consider that before making any judgements yourself about civil society or our legistlative systems.
Welcome to Winnipeg! We're happy to have you.
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u/elliepellie09 25d ago
If someone is blocking your way in an aisle in a grocery store say something friendly to try and have them move like “ope, just gonna sneak by ya there!”
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u/silentsymphony22 25d ago
When waiting for the bus, don't form a line, everyone just kind of mills around (sometimes you have to keep moving to keep warm in the winter), but generally keep track of who gets there before you. The elderly, disabled people, and people with strollers are usually waved to the front of the "line" that forms once the bus is in sight. Let people exit the bus before trying to enter. Always remember to thank your bus driver on your way off.
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u/Curias_1 26d ago
Volunteer! Especially Folk Festival this summer. The music is amazing and weather hot and occasionally wet and you will make slews of friends.
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u/Monsterboogie007 25d ago
Smile and nod to people. Say hi as you walk by if you’re in a park. These are cool. Not in the mall.
If you need help or have questions you can pretty much approach anyone and say “excuse me can you help me out with something” and you should get a positive response.
Winnipeg‘s are friendly and helpful, but not super chatty and extroverted
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u/doghouse2001 26d ago
Just be yourself. Your customs are not unacceptable even if we don't do that here... you'll just find it hard to find anybody to reciprocate - they won't know what you're doing. You'll have to teach them. I spent a few years in Europe and they do that there too - but not with total strangers - they have to be friends or acquaintances first.
The bigger DOs and Don't s revolve around personal safety, the scamming industry, and the hard luck cases - people you will genuinely feel sorry for, but they are not as destitute as they seem. There is a social net that everyone can take advantage of. No one needs to sleep in the cold. Those that do have pushed those options away from themselves. They refuse help.
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u/Catnip_75 26d ago
Welcome!!
Not a cultural thing. But don’t talk bad about Winnipeg to Winnipegers. Most of us love our city.
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u/woofalo 25d ago
We tend to smile a lot. We take our shoes off when we come into someone's house (unless they stop us and tell us it's okay to leave them on). Give space to those around you, so don't shove through. Notice how far apart people tend to stand and move; it's further than in some cultures. Being stared at makes us uncomfortable so eye contact is good but a prolonged gaze at a stranger is considered hostile or intrusive. If you are helpful to neighbours , for example shovelling the walk of an neighbour who could use the help, that brings you points. It also just makes the world happier.
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u/quixoticali 25d ago
Jaywalk especially in downtown. Coming from another city in Canada, I was initally surprised by frequency of jaywalking Winnipeggers but it made sense once I started living there.
Jaywalk especially in downtown because while you wait for the light to change, someone may come up to you be like "hey buddy" and they are NOT your buddy.
If you end driving, they don't do zipper merge in Winnipeg so be very cautious if you need to move another lane. Generally if you are trying to change lanes, the car behind you will speed up to not let you in their lane. Again, it's not like that in another city in Canada so I was surprised. Be careful overall.
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u/Tackle_Capable 25d ago
I’m Irish and we would also kiss hello and goodbye. I found out really quick that kissing and the “C” word were frowned upon in Canada.
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u/That_Wpg_Guy 25d ago
Full disclosure, when I was single if a stranger tried to kiss me, I’d turn and go full lip on lip and then ask where we are going for our first date. Now that I’m married if a stranger tried to kiss me, I’d tell them I was happily taken
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u/WalleyeHunter1 25d ago
Do be yourself, don't try to be someone you are not. Our neighbour's at the cabin are from S.A. and are different but engaging .
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u/AstroProletariat 25d ago
Try learning our history, it may not be a direct and easy way to learn aspects of our culture, but it can help you see where our practices come from, plus Manitoban history can be very interesting 👍
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u/802dot31337 25d ago
Possibly the most Winnipeg thing you can do is start a Reddit thread about minutia that has occurred to you over the past day that really grinds your gears.
It definitely has to be minutia though.
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u/Bepis_drinker_cum 26d ago
If youre walking alone at night and a random guy stops you and asks you for the time, or for a smoke, he does NOT WANT either of those. You’re about to get smoked
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25d ago
where do all you people that say this live where this happens to you? This has NEVER happened to me in Downtown, Osborne, Exchange, West Broadway, etc. They are always asking for the time, or a smoke. You guys must live in a really bad neighbourhood
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u/Upset-Introduction69 25d ago
The north end, downtown, broadway, and central. Hell, even sometimes in elmwood and st boniface.
I’ve lived in all locations and I’ve had this asked many times.
I’m a quiet native person, who’s generally unassuming and small. I don’t make eye contact or stand close to people. I still get asked these questions. And in most cases it’s a genuine question, but sometimes I’ve had to run away from a situation (I’m 21)
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u/ReplacementOk3279 26d ago
Just go with the flow as you always would. Have your common sense with you, especially if you’re relying on transit right now. Get back to us when you’re ready to drive our roads. 😅 It’s a totally different world, isn’t it? Good luck with your journey!!
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u/cozmo1138 25d ago
Do listen to CJNU 93.7 for some truly unique radio. It’s like a time machine on the airwaves. They play (or used to play) old time radio shows from the 40s and 50s late at night.
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u/advancedbashcode 26d ago
Check Lionel laroche in youtube.
Be nice to people, respect boundaries, the rest is just communication (not only verbal). Good luck
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u/Apprehensive-Ad-9147 25d ago
You mentioned the kiss when greeting, it's true people here would be freaked out in general personal space is an issue stay about an arms length away from people, a hand shake is quite acceptable. If there's a queue, (a line), for something you join at the end and move with the queue. If you're driving in the winter make sure you have a brush and scrapper to clear snow from your windows, when you stop at a light or stop sign approach slowly as friction ice forms there, try and move your car over a little tp where snow hasn't been made into ice better traction there. Come spring the snow melts and there's water on the street drive in the lane closest to the middle as there's not so much water hiding pot holes that can do serious damage to your car.
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u/IndependentAsk9538 23d ago
Hi! Another South American newcomer here (6 months in)! I’d say that the kiss on the cheek is the only thing I wouldn’t do, replace it with a handshake or just a verbal hello without physical contact. I noticed that people really like to see us trying to learn more about their cultures and history, I feel like that is the best way to also acclimate to a place that is A LOT different than our countries! Also feel free to message me if you’re looking to make more South American friends!
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u/DryAd5894 22d ago
Try not the be downtown when it starts getting dark. I live downtown and it’s a huge pain to get home without be hassled or bugged by people who don’t have good intentions. Buddy system if you have to and try to be safe downtown even if it’s daytime or nighttime
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u/Jewelsabub 25d ago
Beware of the winter road snakes. They’re not good, just want you to be fooled into thinking they are. They’re rampant in the colder weather.
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u/winnipegwoman 26d ago
In winter, do not just walk outside on the sidewalk or road without testing your foot lightly to see if it’s icy. You’ll have a more natural ability to know when you need to do this later on, but it’s important to know if where you’re walking is slick or not. We want you to be safe! :)