A fair tip for a taxi driver in Canada is 10% to 20% of the fare, depending on the service. Ten percent is standard for an ordinary ride from one point to another, and the higher end suits a smooth, friendly trip or a driver who helps with luggage.
Tipping is customary but not required, and there is no law about it. Many drivers count tips as part of their income, so a tip is appreciated, but you decide the amount based on your own ride.
How much to tip by service quality
For a standard trip, a tip around the middle of the range is reasonable. Move toward 20% if the driver loads and unloads heavy bags, finds an efficient route or handles a special request. For a short trip, or when the service was less attentive, the low end is fine.
What affects the amount
A clean, comfortable vehicle and a timely, courteous trip support a higher tip. A dirty car or a late arrival can justify tipping less. Judge the ride on your own experience rather than on a formula.
Short fares
On a very small fare, the percentage works out to only a few cents, so many riders round up to the next dollar or add a dollar or two. That is a friendly gesture and nobody expects more.
Tipping in practice: cards, cash and currency
If you pay by card, check that the terminal lets you enter a custom tip, and decide on the amount before you confirm payment. Many terminals show preset percentages, and you can usually choose a different figure. With cash, say the total you are handing over, so the driver knows whether to bring change back or keep the difference.
Calculate the tip on the metered fare. If the fare includes a flat airport charge or a posted flat rate, base the tip on the total shown to you.
If you are working from another currency, convert the fare to Canadian dollars first and calculate the tip on that figure. Exchange rates change, so use the current one on your banking app.
Late at night or on trips with several stops or heavy luggage, tipping toward the upper end of the range matches common practice. The same goes for a driver who waits while you collect something, or who helps an older passenger or someone with a stroller into the car.
For a fare estimate before you ride, the taxi fare estimator gives a rough figure to base your tip on.