23 Things That Make the US Very Different From Canada

Voter Voting Election Polls Pressmaster Shutterstock
image credit: Pressmaster/Shutterstock

While the United States and Canada share a long border and many cultural similarities, they also have distinct differences. These differences, ranging from healthcare to education, can significantly impact the daily lives of their residents. Let’s look at the differences between how these countries approach governance, lifestyle, and societal norms.

Presidential System

President Joe Biden Politics Democrat Maxim Elramsisy Shutterstock
image credit: Maxim Elramsisy/Shutterstock

Unlike Canada’s parliamentary system, the U.S. operates under a presidential system of government. The President of the United States serves as both the head of state and the head of government, which consolidates executive power in one individual. In contrast, Canada’s Prime Minister is the head of government, while the monarch is the head of state.

Major League Baseball

Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees Baseball Conor P. Fitzgerald Shutterstock
image credit: Conor P. Fitzgerald/Shutterstock

The United States is home to Major League Baseball (MLB), featuring 29 teams across various states. Canada once had two MLB teams but now boasts only the Toronto Blue Jays after the Montreal Expos moved to Washington D.C. This leaves Canada with less direct involvement in one of North America’s most beloved sports.

Higher Military Spending

American Soldiers Salute US military Army Bumble Dee shutterstock
image credit: Bumble Dee/shutterstock

The United States allocates a significantly higher percentage of its GDP to military spending compared to Canada. This financial commitment supports the largest military in the world, both in terms of personnel and technology. Canada, with a more modest military budget, focuses on peacekeeping roles and defense rather than global military presence.

Medical Bankruptcies

Hospital Doctor Nurse Gurney Sick Spotmatik Ltd Shutterstock
image credit: Spotmatik Ltd/Shutterstock

A stark difference between the U.S. and Canada is the presence of medical bankruptcies, which are prevalent in the United States due to high healthcare costs and limited insurance coverage. Canada’s universal healthcare system largely shields its residents from such catastrophes.

NCAA

NCAA Sign college university sports competition fitzcrittle shutterstock
image credit: fitzcrittle/shutterstock

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is an American organization that regulates student-athletes from over 1,000 North American institutions and conferences. Canada does not have an equivalent to the NCAA; instead, it has separate governing bodies for university sports, such as U Sports. The NCAA is renowned for its role in cultivating young athletes.

Electoral College

Ballot Box Election Vote I'm friday shutterstock
image credit: I’m friday/shutterstock

The United States uses an Electoral College system to elect its President, a process that can result in a candidate winning the presidency without securing the popular vote. Canada’s Prime Minister, on the other hand, is determined by the party that wins the most seats in the House of Commons. The Electoral College is a unique and sometimes controversial American feature.

Fortune 500 Headquarters

Asian Business Economy City Work Entrepreneur TimeImage Production Shutterstock
image credit: TimeImage Production/Shutterstock

The U.S. hosts the headquarters of the majority of Fortune 500 companies, indicating its role as a central hub of global business and finance. While Canada has its share of large corporations, it does not match the U.S. in terms of the number or scale of these major conglomerates. This concentration of corporate power in the U.S. underscores its economic influence.

Tipping Culture

Male Restaurant Waiter Jobs Work Friends Dinner Drazen Zigic Shutterstock
image credit: Drazen-Zigic/Shutterstock

In the United States, tipping is often expected, reflecting a cultural norm that compensates for lower hourly wages for service workers. In contrast, Canada has a less pronounced tipping culture, partly due to higher minimum wage laws that reduce the reliance on tips for income.

Federally Legalized Marijuana

Cannabis Culture CBD Marijuana Dispensary Store 18th Studio Shutterstock
image credit: 18th Studio/Shutterstock

As of now, marijuana is federally legal in Canada for both medical and recreational use, a progressive stance not mirrored in the United States, where marijuana legality varies by state. Federal prohibition remains in place in the U.S., creating a patchwork of laws and regulations that can confuse residents and visitors alike.

Death Penalty

Prison Bars jail green mile movie Dan Henson Shutterstock
image credit: Dan-Henson/Shutterstock

The death penalty is a legal punishment in the United States, with several states still actively carrying out executions. In contrast, Canada abolished the death penalty in 1976. This difference underlines a fundamental divergence in human rights and criminal justice approaches between the two countries.

Imperial System

Father son tape measure construction repair Prostock studio Shutterstock
image credit: Prostock studio/Shutterstock

The United States continues to use the imperial system for most measurements, which include pounds, inches, and Fahrenheit. Canada, meanwhile, officially uses the metric system, which is standard across most of the world, making scientific and international communication more consistent.

Ivy League Schools

Harvard Memorial Hall, at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts Jon Bilous Shutterstock
image credit: Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

The Ivy League, an American collegiate athletic conference, represents eight private universities known for their high academic standards and significant social prestige. Canada does not have a direct equivalent to the Ivy League, although it does boast high-quality institutions such as the University of Toronto and McGill.

Desert Landscapes

Ultra marathon desert extreme running sport Maridav Shutterstock
image credit: Maridav/Shutterstock

The United States is home to several famous desert landscapes, including the Mojave, Sonoran, and Great Basin Deserts. These arid regions are known for their unique ecosystems and dramatic landscapes. Canada’s climate and geography do not support large-scale deserts, offering instead vast boreal forests and tundra regions.

Amazon Prime Benefits

amazon corporate headquarters Sundry Photography shutterstock
image credit: Sundry Photography/shutterstock

While both countries enjoy Amazon Prime services, the U.S. version offers more extensive benefits, such as a greater selection of prime-eligible items and faster shipping options. This difference highlights the broader range of services and products available to American consumers compared to their Canadian counterparts.

Corn Belt

corn cobs in plantation field crops food agriculture Photoongraphy Shutterstock
image credit: Photoongraphy/Shutterstock

The United States houses the Corn Belt, an area of the Midwest known for its extensive corn farming, which plays a significant role in the country’s agricultural industry. Canada does not have a region comparable to the Corn Belt, mainly due to climatic differences that are less favorable for corn at such a large scale.

Jury Duty Compensation

Judge Justice Law New Africa Shutterstock
image credit: New Africa/Shutterstock

In the United States, jury duty compensation varies significantly by state but generally offers some remuneration for participation. In Canada, some provinces do not compensate for jury duty at all, or the payment is minimal, reflecting different approaches to civic duty.

State vs. Provincial Sales Tax

POC Restaurant Pay Contactless Dinner Dean Drobot Shutterstock
image credit: Dean Drobot/Shutterstock

The U.S. has no federal sales tax; instead, states can levy their own sales taxes, which vary widely. In contrast, Canada has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) applied at the federal level, alongside Provincial Sales Taxes (PST) or a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that combines both.

Bankruptcy Laws

symbol of law and justice court corgarashu shutterstock
image credit: corgarashu/shutterstock

U.S. bankruptcy laws offer individuals several options for declaring bankruptcy, including Chapters 7 and 13, allowing for debt elimination or repayment plans. Canadian bankruptcy laws do not provide as many options and generally lead to harsher consequences for the individual. The more flexible U.S. approach aims to provide a fresh start for debtors.

Black Friday

young women shopping stores
image credit: RossHelen/shutterstock

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is significantly bigger in the U.S. than in Canada. While Canadians have adopted Black Friday sales to some extent, the phenomenon does not match the American level of consumer participation and retail frenzy. This shopping event underscores the U.S. culture of consumption and sales.

Drive-Thru Liquor Stores

Cocktail Old Fashioned Alcohol Drink whiskey Joshua Resnick Shutterstock
image credit: Joshua-Resnick/Shutterstock

Drive-thru liquor stores are common in many U.S. states, offering convenience for consumers purchasing alcoholic beverages. In Canada, alcohol sales are more regulated, and drive-thru liquor stores are generally not permitted, reflecting stricter alcohol control policies. This difference points to varying national attitudes towards alcohol sales and consumption.

Alcohol in Grocery Stores

Grocery shopping food cart Prostock studio Shutterstock
image credit: Prostock studio/Shutterstock

In the U.S., many states allow the sale of alcohol in grocery stores, making it easily accessible during regular shopping trips. In contrast, Canadian provinces typically have more stringent regulations, often requiring alcohol to be sold in dedicated stores. This accessibility in the U.S. reflects a more relaxed regulatory approach to alcohol distribution.

American Football

American Football Stadium Sports EFKS Shutterstock
image credit: EFKS/Shutterstock

American football is deeply ingrained in U.S. culture, with the NFL being a major aspect of American sports. Canada has its version, the Canadian Football League (CFL), which follows slightly different rules and enjoys a dedicated but smaller following. The prominence of the NFL and college football in the U.S. highlights a significant cultural passion not mirrored in Canada.

Cheaper Gas Prices

Pretty young woman refuel the car pumping gas station gergely zsolnai shutterstock
image credit: gergely-zsolnai/shutterstock

Gasoline prices in the United States are generally lower than in Canada, partly due to lower fuel taxes and different oil market dynamics. This price difference affects everything from the cost of commuting to the overall cost of living. Cheaper gas prices in the U.S. are often cited in discussions about American car culture and suburban living.

Total
0
Shares
12 comments
  1. Black Jack fordert zu einem spannenden Duell mit der Bank heraus, ohne dabei
    die Zahl 21 zu überschreiten. Mit so einem breiten Spektrum an Spielen garantiert
    die Spielbank Amsterdam Sloterdijk spannende
    Unterhaltung für jeden Gast. Beliebte Spiele wie Jin Ji Bao Xi Grand
    und Aladdin’s Fortune versprechen neben hohen Gewinnen auch ein packendes
    Spielerlebnis. Von den klassischen Walzen-Slotmaschinen bis zu den modernen Video-Spielautomaten, das Casino deckt
    alle Vorlieben ab. Neben diesen zeitlosen Klassikern lockt das Casino mit einer
    Vielzahl moderner Spielautomaten, Live Poker, Live Bingo und modernen Spielen wie
    Casino 21, Diceball, und Casino Barbut. Besonders hervorzuheben ist neben der attraktiven Lage und der einladenden Atmosphäre
    des Casinos auch das Angebot an außergewöhnlichen Events, die regelmäßig stattfinden.
    Das Glücksspielangebot gilt nur für Besucher ab einem
    Alter von 18 Jahren, außerdem besteht eine Ausweispflicht.
    Während eines Aufenthalts in den Niederlanden lässt sich ein Museumsbesuch gut mit einem Kasinobesuch kombinieren. Unser Nachbar verfügt über kilometerlange Strände, einer schönen Landschaft und bietet kulturelle Kostbarkeiten. Alle 14 Standorte bieten Möglichkeiten zum Poker spielen an.
    Natürlich finden Sie im Holland Casino Utrecht auch
    alle anderen Tisch- und Automatenspiele. Das Holland Casino in Venlo liegt direkt an der Autobahn und ist damit sehr gut zu erreichen.
    Auch die Holland Casino Amsterdam Centrum sind
    so gestaltet, dass Besucher sowohl tagsüber als auch
    abends bequem spielen können. Für die Anfahrt
    zum Holland Casino Amsterdam Centrum bietet sich die Nutzung der A10 Ringautobahn an, von der aus Besucher den Schildern zum Stadtzentrum folgen können. Darüber hinaus bietet das Casino besondere
    Veranstaltungen wie Winning Wednesday, bei dem Inhaber der Favorites Card zusätzliche Preise gewinnen können,
    und das Sunday Royale, ein Event mit spannenden Spielen, Live-Unterhaltung und tollem
    Essen.

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/arena-casino-deutschland-ihr-spielerlebnis-im-detail/

  2. Durchsuchen Sie alle von Posido Casino angebotenen Boni, einschließlich jener Bonusangebote,
    bei denen Sie keine Einzahlung vornehmen müssen, und durchstöbern Sie auch alle
    Willkommensboni, die Sie bei Ihrer ersten Einzahlung
    erhalten werden. Solltest du mehr Interesse an den Sportwetten haben, dann steht für dich
    ein Ersteinzahlungsbonus von 100% bis zu 200€ bereit. Nach der
    Einzahlung sind 20 Freispiele umgehend verfügbar. Bei der Ersteinzahlung kannst du den Willkommensbonus aktivieren, den du bei der Anmeldung bereits ausgewählt hast.

    Egal, ob Sie ein Fan von Spielautomaten,
    ein Stratege bei Tischspielen oder ein Wett-Enthusiast sind – Posido hat für jeden etwas zu bieten. Egal, ob Sie einen Slot spielen oder an einem Live-Dealer-Tisch Platz nehmen möchten – die Plattform funktioniert perfekt auf
    iOS- und Android-Geräten. Diese Flexibilität sorgt dafür, dass Spieler keine Kompromisse eingehen müssen, wenn sie unterwegs spielen möchten. Mit einer Auswahl, die Tausende von Spielautomaten, klassische Tischspiele, innovative Spielshows und spannende Live-Casino-Erlebnisse umfasst, bietet Posido Spielern jeder Vorliebe ein maßgeschneidertes Erlebnis.

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/spinanga-casino-ihr-weg-zu-spannenden-freispielen/

  3. Players can also enjoy a variety of table games such as blackjack, baccarat,
    roulette, and poker, available in both demo and real-money modes, with options like European Blackjack,
    American Roulette, and Caribbean Poker. The promotions are designed to cover the first four deposits,
    along with additional weekly and daily offers. These licences
    ensure compliance with international gambling regulations,
    financial transparency, and secure handling of player funds.In Australia, online gambling
    is regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) under
    the Interactive Gambling Act (2001). KingBillyWin provides its loyalty programme to Australian players through unique features designed
    specifically for Australians during their national holidays and sporting events.
    The policy at Wolf Winner Casino stipulates that players who have not reached 18 years cannot play while the company might demand age verification from them.
    Players can withdraw their remaining funds through customer support during self-exclusion because their account access is blocked and promotional materials stop.

    Variety, ease of use, and decent payout potential align well with what most online gamblers seek.
    Some promotions even tie into the King Billy narrative, offering a bit of continuity and a unique flavour that sets the casino apart from
    generic alternatives. The consistent medieval theme runs throughout the site, but it never overwhelms the gaming experience.
    Even the best pokies can be overshadowed by clunky website
    design. Each provider typically offers a distinctive style, ensuring there’s something for everyone—from crisp 3D
    graphics to retro-inspired reels.
    Whenever I test a new online casino, I look beyond flashy promotions.
    Table games and specialty titles round out the offering.
    They don’t contribute meaningfully to wagering
    requirements, so they’re best played with cash rather than bonus funds.
    The King Billy live casino is powered by Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play Live.
    RTPs were clearly displayed, which isn’t always the case at offshore casinos.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/best-payid-pokies-in-australia-a-comprehensive-guide/

  4. On 14 July 2020, the United Kingdom Government announced a ban on the use of company’s 5G network equipment, citing security concerns.
    The two laws “[compel] Chinese businesses to work with Chinese intelligence and security agencies whenever they are requested to do so”,
    suggesting that Huawei or other domestic major technology companies could not refuse to cooperate with Chinese
    intelligence. Follow up reporting from Wired cast doubt on the findings of Zhong Lun,
    particularly because the Chinese “government doesn’t limit itself to what the law explicitly allows” when it comes to national security.
    Huawei executives denied these claims, saying that the company has not
    received requests by the Chinese government to introduce backdoors in its equipment,
    would refuse to do so, and that Chinese law does not compel
    them to do so.
    Once you have arrived at one of New York’s airports, you need to get to your hotel.
    Let me guide you through the concrete jungle, I’ll make sure you have a great time,
    within your budget. On my site you’ll find ways
    to book your hotel, tickets for sports games and Broadway
    shows or any of the famous attractions. Last
    month, they rolled out of dealerships at numbers greater
    than those of the Panamera — one of the longtime top sellers — and
    the BMW 7 Series combined, according to data compiled by ECC Intelligence.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/why-a-players-position-in-poker-is-important/

  5. Wagering requirements are the number of times you must play through your bonus (or
    bonus + deposit) before withdrawing. Online casinos often set a
    maximum bet per spin or round when using a casino bonus.
    If you lose your deposit, the bonus is activated and you can continue
    playing with bonus credits. A non-sticky casino bonus (sometimes called a “parachute bonus”) allows you to withdraw both your deposit and any winnings at any time.

    Australian-friendly online casinos offer a variety
    of payment options. Cryptocurrencies are becoming increasingly accepted at Australian online casinos, offering fast
    and anonymous transactions. Many casinos provide welcome bonuses for new players, which can significantly boost your initial bankroll.
    The Australian online casino market is constantly evolving, with new sites launching regularly to cater to players’ diverse
    needs. While Australians have a strong appetite for gambling, the legal framework surrounding online casinos is quite restrictive.
    ‘Browny’ loves checking out the newest online casino games and pokies and then reviewing them
    for our consumers.
    It accepts players from 100+ nations, including Australia.
    The registration process at this online gambling website is straightforward.
    Decent live casino section with 280+ tables All the featured games are mobile-friendly.

    Instant titles and RNG table games are also available.
    If you’re a returning gambler, you can claim reload bonuses, free
    spins, and cashback.

  6. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you adjust brightness on Windows 10.
    If your device has brightness keys on the keyboard, they might offer an even faster route.
    Simply access the Settings menu, navigate to Display options, and tweak the brightness slider until you reach
    a comfortable level.
    Idols also has an overarching narrative, but he’s not revealing when, or
    if, he’ll share that with fans. The album’s stark black and white cover, meanwhile, was inspired by Joy Division’s Closer.
    The commitment to its craft is felt keenly, and Dominic
    now has an opportunity to go beyond what people expect of him.
    Bob guided him on how to interact with an orchestra, helping Dominic tune his songwriting into its capabilities.
    ‘Sometimes in the past I would pull from samples, [recording software] Splice
    or a beat to get things going, but with Idols it started
    with this defiantly analogue set-up,’ he explains.

    “When you make an album in LA or London, everything is great, even if it’s mediocre, because people want a hit out of it,” he argues.
    The song’s purposefully unsuited to radio – unlike the follow-up single, Lovesick Lullaby.
    As he released his self-titled third album in 2022, he hit a low.
    Yungblud’s music has been described as alternative rock, pop-punk, pop rock, and hip-hop.
    Yungblud released the performance as a charity single on 18 July 2025,
    with all proceeds going to benefit Acorns Children’s
    Hospice, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Cure Parkinson’s.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/dress-standards-in-online-gambling/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Post
Couple video games gaming dog ORION PRODUCTION Shutterstock

25 Video Games Every Millennial Played During Childhood

Next Post
church and state religion christian faith political anthony heflin shutterstock

Oklahoma Announces All Schools Must Incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments Into Curriculum

Related Posts