Canadians don't like American tourists

I think that stereotype is kind of silly.  Not to mention that Canadians can be just as pushy and rude as Americans.  We're not THAT different when it comes to culture.

Every time I've visited the US, I've been treated with nothing but kindness, friendliness, and respect, both by people working in service jobs (from the ticket-takers in the Port Authority and Penn Station in New York City, to servers in restaurants in little towns in New Jersey, to clerks in stores in Syracuse, to gas station attendants in Pennsylvania), and by other people I encounter, who are always happy to share directions with a stranger, chat on the train, and be complimentary about Canada when they find out that's where I'm from.

With the exception of American border guards (and ours aren't so nice these days either), I've found average Americans to be as nice and friendly as the average Canadian.

I think it's great that the U.S./Cuba trade blockade has been lifted (if only partially-- however, I understand Obama has pledged to finish the job).  A point that was raised by a Cuban-Canadian on our CBC supper newscast (Here and Now in NL) is that the end of the travel sanctions will mean that as Cuban-Americans are allowed to visit home as many times as they like (instead of once only 3 years as during the blockade) they will have the opportunity to bring home to their families amenities (toothpaste, shampoo, etc. along with $$) that are readily available here but cost-prohibitive there.        

Wilf Day wrote:

For those who don't read the Globe and Mail, this little gem of a story:

Quote:

Canadians aren't exactly tossing back celebratory mojitos at the prospect of Americans soon being able to travel freely to Cuba, an island many Canucks covet as their own.
 
In fact, recently introduced bills in Washington that recommend lifting the 46-year ban on U.S. citizens travelling to Fidel Castro's fief have many Canadians in a sweat that the island's laidback calm will be shattered once the Americans - typecast, fairly or not, as loud, crass vacationers - descend.
"As a tourist, it's really nice to go somewhere where everyone is treated equally. The Americans could change that. As tourists, they do have this built-in reputation as pushy and demanding.

 Liz Collings, a bank employee in London, Ont., who has vacationed in Cuba 11 times, said a sudden influx of Americans might be uncomfortable for tourists who are used to having resorts to themselves.

But one Canadian unenthusiastically said it had to be done; he was pro-freedom, even for Americans.

I wonder if he was pro-freedom even for Cubans? Not if it violates a rich westerner's right for a cheap winter destination, I guess. who cares if Cubans aren't allowed to stay there and have sporadic electricity while resorts are all lit up 24/7? Who cares if Cubans are not allowed to leave freely to visit their relatives in the US or Canada? Who cares if they do not have the right to emigration?

I really hope Obama follows through (and gets congressional approval)  and ends the ridiculous blockade. This is a very positive first step.

And I agree with Michelle and TOprof - there is little difference overall in general. I worked in the tourism and service industries and there are many rude Canadians.  The stereotype here on the East Coast is about rude arrogant Torontonians that flood this area in the summer. I don't like any stereotypes, but believe me that one is very prevelant. And during a festival last summer, my apartment building was urinated on by a fellow Canadian.

 I am pretty certain that when the Cubans who wait on Canadians all winter already have plenty of rude arrogant tourist stories.

Michelle wrote:

I think that stereotype is kind of silly.  Not to mention that Canadians can be just as pushy and rude as Americans.  We're not THAT different when it comes to culture.

Every time I've visited the US, I've been treated with nothing but kindness, friendliness, and respect, both by people working in service jobs (from the ticket-takers in the Port Authority and Penn Station in New York City, to servers in restaurants in little towns in New Jersey, to clerks in stores in Syracuse, to gas station attendants in Pennsylvania), and by other people I encounter, who are always happy to share directions with a stranger, chat on the train, and be complimentary about Canada when they find out that's where I'm from.

Americans are some of the best and most hospitable [i]hosts[/i] in the world - far, far warmer than Canadians imo. But a good host is not always a good guest, and this seems particularly true with Americans travelling abroad.

I've been treated well everywhere I've travelled - all across Canada, the US, England, and Wales. If I could afford to, I'd travel again, but to places I've never been, like Italy and France, although I love parts of England, and in the US I'd like to return to New Mexico and Colorado (I have friends in Denver).