Why are Canadians so much nicer than their neighbours to the south?

Question

There's a similar history, a similar mix of people, yet Canada is far more superior. Why?

My guess is that it has to do with less religious freaks moving to Canada, and more explorers/adventurers.

Answer 1

way to make a stereo type

Answer 2

First off, there is no such thing as one nation being superior to another. Countries and nations are different, but not superior / inferior to one another. Once someone starts thinking they are superior they do stupid things like start invading other countries. I'd like to think that is one thing Canada would never do, but ya never know ...

That said, in general it is true the Canadians I have met in Europe have always been very friendly, very polite folks. All Canadians, both French and English speaking. Of course very proud of their country, but that's fine, I'd be proud of being from Canada too (especially these days...). Encounters with Americans in Europe have been more numerous (makes sense, the population is 10x bigger) and more varied in terms of personalities -- from nouveau riche hot-shot ***holes to some really great friends.

One place where I can say Canadians are NOT nicer than Americans is on the ice hockey rink! You guys are vicious! High-sticking and cross-checking all the time! All brute force and little finesse! (Okay, I admit now to rooting for the Czech team. That is finesse, a joy to watch ... when they play well).

If one were to suppose that Canadians were generally more gregarious than US citizins, I do not think your hypothesis would hold water.
The only "religious freaks" I can think of who moved to the colonies were the Puratins, and they lived all the way up into Nova Scotia. Are Nova Scotians known in Canada for being unfriendly, perhaps due to their religious heritage? Puritans mainly lived in New England and yes, I suppose Northeasterners are known to be a bit less friendly than, say Californians (whose heritage is also that of explorers / adventurers). I think their coldness has more to do with perception of social status (like what's also found in England) and urban living than anything else.
The "religious freaks" of the United States can be mainly found south of the Mason-Dixon line -- where one can also find some of the friendliest Americans! If you are a socially liberal agnostic (comme moi), never get someone from Kentucky to talk about politics or religion ... but all other subjects are fine and Southerners are known for their politeness and hospitality.

If the basis that Canadians are friendlier than US citizens were true, I would hypothesise the reason for this would be that Canada is more rural, and rural "country" people are always a lot friendlier and chatty (an urban New Yorker would say "more naïve") than city folk. At least this what I've seen in all my travels -- smaller village, nicer people. And even though Canada is a former English colony (or sort of still is? excuse my ignorance), you thankfully haven't picked up that nasty English & New English habit of judging people by their birthright -- that immediately makes for a nasty person.

Answer 3

Is that your experience
Ive had the reverse Im afraid
All the Canadians Ive met have been quite arrogant whereas the Americans very gregarious and honest and friendly

I hope to experience more on holiday this year

But how would you feel if I had made that statement in reverse about Canadians??

Answer 4

Because, while the United States had their revolution, Canada decided to remain loyal to the ever-polite British.

Although a lot of it is gone, aspects of British culture are still around.

Answer 5

Less religious freaks? what are you talking about? If you had faith you won't be so hostile. If I sent you a video of a man preaching and supernatural gold dust begins to appear would you be convinced people up here have great faith?

Answer 6

With no disrepect to the great people of Canada, we have our number of crack pots with warped brains too....just
something we all have to put up with....freaks like this to
spoil the western hemisphere!

Answer 7

Until you meet ALL candians and all Americans, you really should hold your judgement. Have a great weekend

Answer 8

i don't know. i'm canadian, but i live in the south.

Answer 9

You must be Candian, you sound so friendly!

Answer 10

hehe... and ur from canada ?