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It’s July, and we’re taking a break from the usual economic deep dives and serving up something a little more fun. From our morning cups of coffee to how much poutine we consume, Canadians have some pretty unique spending habits.
We’ve rounded up 7 surprising facts about how we sip, spend, and celebrate. Let’s take a look at the numbers behind what makes Canada unique.
1. Coffee is still king
Trying to talk to someone before they’ve had their morning coffee? You’re braver than most of us. Canada runs on coffee, and that’s made us one of the world’s top coffee consumers. In fact, we drink an average of 2.7 cups per day. We drink more coffee by volume than any other beverage. Whether it’s a Tim’s double-double or a cup of local brew, it’s clear that Canadians can’t get enough of it. [1]
2. Poutine obsession
When you think of a famous Canadian dish, more often than not, you’d think of poutine. And what’s not to like? It’s potatoes, cheese, and gravy. At this point, it’s practically a food group with 82% of Canadians saying they’d consume the dish, making it one of the most beloved dishes across the country. That’s a lot of gravy. [2]
3. Swimming in syrup
It’s in the Canadian flag, a single maple leaf making it iconically Canadian. Canada’s maple syrup production rose 91% in 2024 when we produced 19.9 million gallons of it, which is enough to fill more than 900 average sized swimming pools. Quebec alone was responsible for 18 million gallons of it, safe to say we don’t kid around when it comes to syrup. [3]
4. Canadians love spending on experiences
Canadians are prioritizing experiences in 2024. According to RBC’s Consumer Spending Tracker, travel and dining continue to lead discretionary spending, with categories like recreation and entertainment also seeing strong momentum, especially during holidays and long weekends. [4]
5. Glued to our screens?
Streaming services have popped up in droves seemingly overnight. Entertainment might be digital now but it still makes a serious dent in the budgets of everyday Canadians. Households are spending about $67 per month on streaming everything from Netflix and Disney+ to Spotify and sports subscriptions. This makes it one of the most consistent non-essential expenses we prioritize. [5]
6. Yes, Hockey is still expensive
It may be Canada’s favorite sport, but it doesn’t come cheap. For parents wanting to support their kids’ hobbies, it could cost them around $4,478 per child on average. This includes expenses like equipment, ice time, travel, league fees, and many more. It’s become one of the biggest youth activity expenses in the country. Still, for many families, it’s something that instills discipline and national tradition making it non-negotiable for some. [6]
7. Canada’s diversity shines through
We are one of the most multicultural nations in the world and the numbers definitely back that up. According to a 2021 census, nearly 1 in 4 Canadians is an immigrant. The top 10 countries of birth being:
This makes Canada a truly unique landscape with a multitude of different financial values, habits, and mindsets. [7]
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Get It Perfect, Just Get It Started
This July, let’s celebrate the little things that reflect who we are. From how we spend our mornings, to the experiences we prioritize, Canadians have their own rhythm that’s equal parts practical and joyful.
