Enlighten Me

O.K.---So there's no way to avoid looking like a tourist, but how do I avoid looking like an AMERICAN tourist? Is it a dead giveaway to wear white running shoes, for example? No---I won't be wearing patriotic T-shirts.....

Evangelion

Find out what the locals wear. Wear that.

Keep your mouth shut.

Should work for a while, at least.

Sakpo

Who cares if people know you're American? Anyway, nobody would know for sure unless you have a southern accent something like that. Why on earth would white running shoes be an American thing anyway? Sorry, but in Canada if someone looks/sounds North American and looks like a tourist, they're generally assumed to be American, even if they're Canadian. The good news is there isn't a lot of anti American sentiment likely to be directed at tourists, except from total dickheads who you're unlikely to run into. Be nice, friendly, and not patronizing, and you'll be fine. Where in Canada are you going?

I've had family from southern California over here in Canada (Vancouver area) a million times, and when they didn't look like tourists they were generally thought to be locals. It really is hard to differentiate between most Canadians and most Americans. Obviously people with obvious regional accents and the like are exceptions. If you are going to be in central or eastern Canada (ie. east of Winnipeg) just dress normally and if asked by anyone say you're from Vancouver. It's really easy for Californians to pass as Vancouverites. If you're in Vancouver, just say you're from St. John's, Newfoundland. If they call you a "Newfy," punch them. If they ask why you don't have an accent, say "not all Newfoundlanders have the accent, especially in the city." Or better yet, say you're from Halifax. Nobody in Vancouver is quite sure what people from Halifax are like.

Best yet, say "I'm from California and I'm really enjoying your lovely country. It's so wonderful here." That'll work wonders for making Canadians like you (they crave approval from outsiders, plus you'll be confirming what they already believe about Canada's superiority to the outside world...and outsiders who do this are loved dearly). If GWB is mentioned, say you hate him and "the way he ignores and mistreats the rest of the world."

MortalWombat

Wear flannel shirts, stocking caps, and say "eh" and "hoser" a lot.

EarlFlynn

Wear a toque, a "Canada Kicks Ass" t-shirt, and moccasins.

Sakpo

Alternativelty, say "so how about that Stomping Tom, eh?" a lot. This alone will leave most Canadians with a vague sense that you're "more Canadian" than they are. Follow up by asking "how many Chevrons to the nearest Hortons?" If you're outside of Ontario, finish by saying "Leafs suck, eh!" If you're in Ontario, just say something else, and make it sound like question even if it isn't? For some reason many of them do that? It's really annoying?

hezekiah jones

Where are you visiting in Canada?

Godless Dave

If you can, try to master the Canadian "ou" diphthong. I have yet to meet an American who can pronounce it the Canadian way; if you can learn it no one up there will think you're an American.

It would also help if you can convince yourself that Moosehead and Molson taste significantly better than Miller Genuine Draft, but that takes a lot of self-delusion.

Seriously, I wouldn't worry about it. Everyone I've ever met in Canada had no problem separating individual people from the actions of their government (unlike some people down here). Just be friendly and respect local customs and culture as you would when traveling anywhere. I have never met an unfriendly Canadian.

hezekiah jones

I don't get that "ou" business at all. I have never said "aboot" in my life, despite practically every Wisconsinite's claim that this is how Canadians speak.

Viti

Why do they do that? I have a business associate from Toronto and he does this. It's hot today? You look nice? That was a good meeting?

I feel like I have to agree or answer him every time he opens his mouth.