At first glance, daily life in Canada and the U.S. can seem almost identical. Same language (more or less), same stores, similar cities. But look a little closer, and the differences start to reveal themselves. From how people speak and behave to the way signs are written or food is packaged, subtle details set the two cultures apart.
For citizens of either country visiting the other, these differences can feel strangely surreal—like hearing a familiar tune played in a slightly different key. It’s not dramatic enough to be called culture shock in the usual sense, but it can definitely throw you off if you’re not expecting it. I have seen video clips of Canada where everything seems to be filmed in America, but then something suddenly occurs—maybe a difference in mannerisms or just a reaction to a situation—and I feel like I’m in a dream. Or rather, I’ll describe it as slight intoxication. This feeling hits me most whenever I watch daily life in the predominately English-speaking parts of Canada due to the similarities in American culture. It’s like walking through a familiar house only to find that the furniture has been subtly rearranged—just enough to make you hesitate, just enough to remind you you’re not quite home.
Can you tell the difference between life in Canada and the U.S.? In this quiz, you’ll see photos taken in both countries—signs, foods, places, and more. Your challenge? Figure out which side of the border each one comes from. Some will be easy. Others might surprise you. Let’s see how sharp your eye really is.
Photo Credits
Tim Hortons® – Marek Ślusarczyk (Creative Commons)
Variety of milk in cartons and bags – Paulo O (Creative Commons)
Lay’s® ketchup potato chips – Clovermoss (Creative Commons)
Man holding cup of beer – Mika Stetsovski (Creative Commons)
Moraine Lake – Vincent M.A. Janssen (Pexels)
Sequoia trees – ArtTower (Pixabay)
Curious about more regional distinctions? Check out this guide to American and British English differences.