The standard restaurant tip in Vancouver is about 15 percent of the bill before tax, with 18 to 20 percent for good service. Canadian guides put 15 percent as the baseline, and some diners now tip on the total for convenience.
Restaurant tipping in Vancouver
Tipping is expected in sit down restaurants across BC. The traditional way is to work it out on the pre tax amount, so that the tip reflects the service and not the taxes. On a CAD 50 bill, 15 percent is CAD 7.50 and 20 percent is CAD 10. Many payment terminals now suggest amounts on the screen, and some offer figures higher than 20 percent. Those are generous but not customary, and you can choose your own amount.
Rounding up is also common. If your total is CAD 78, you can round up to CAD 90, which works out to roughly a 15 percent tip on the pre tax amount. Pick whatever fits how the service felt.
Adjusting for the service
- Satisfactory service: around 15 percent.
- Attentive, friendly and prompt service: 18 to 20 percent.
- Slow or inattentive service: a lower tip is your call, but servers often depend on tips for much of their pay, so consider whether the delay was really their doing.
- Large bills: the same percentage applies, so check your math before you sign.
A generous tip is a good way to thank staff who are attentive, friendly and efficient.
Paying the tip, and special cases
You can add the tip on the card machine or leave cash when you pay. Some restaurants automatically add a tip of about 15 to 18 percent for groups of six or more, so check the bill before you add more. Takeout orders do not usually call for a tip. A small tip or a rounded-up total is welcome when the order took effort.
Lean toward the higher end when staff go the extra mile, for example by accommodating dietary needs or keeping drinks filled. Tips for taxi rides follow a similar habit but a slightly lower range, usually around 10 to 15 percent of the fare, and you can book a ride on the Vancouver taxi page when the meal is over.