FAQs: Culture and adaptation
How to overcome culture shock
Culture shock is a normal part of moving, especially when the language, communication rules, pace of life, and everyday details change. In this category, we talk about how to recognize the stages of culture shock, what to do with anxiety and feelings of isolation, how to build a new social circle, and how to support yourself and your children in the first few months. Here you will find practical steps on how to meet people, where to look for communities, what habits in Canada may surprise you, and how to turn “everything foreign” into “this can be my home too.”
What you should know about Canadian traditions and culture
Canadian culture is multiculturalism, politeness, and respect for different languages and communities (English, French, and indigenous peoples). Important traditions include Canada Day, Thanksgiving in October, hockey, and winter festivals. Poutine and maple syrup are often mentioned as examples of “Canadian” everyday life.
How Christmas and New Year are celebrated in Canada
Learn how Christmas and New Year's Eve are celebrated in Canada: family traditions, home decorations, Christmas markets, festive meals, gift exchanges, parades, winter activities, and New Year's Eve countdowns. Ideas, tips, and cultural nuances for newcomers and travelers.
Basics of Business Etiquette in Canada
Practical advice on how to build professional relationships in Canada: communication rules, punctuality, networking, dress code, work meetings, correspondence, and a culture of mutual respect. We explain typical “dos and don'ts” to help you adapt to the Canadian work environment and make the right first impression.
How to prepare for a cold winter in Alberta
Category about preparing for cold winter in Alberta (Canada): practical tips for newcomers and residents of Edmonton and Calgary. Here you will find guides on winter clothing and footwear, home insulation, preparing your car for cold weather, safety during snowfall, useful purchases, money-saving life hacks, and adapting to the Canadian climate.
What products to buy: Canadian equivalents of Ukrainian dishes
Find out which products in Canada are the best substitutes for Ukrainian ingredients: where to find buckwheat, sour cream, cheese, sausages, herring, pickled vegetables, and spices. We will tell you about Canadian equivalents, what to look for on labels, and which stores are the easiest to find ingredients for borscht, varenyky, deruny, and holubtsi.
How to behave in public places in Edmonton
We have compiled useful rules and unspoken norms of behavior in public places in Edmonton — from transportation and shops to parks, events, and government institutions. Here you will find simple tips on how to behave politely and confidently: when it is customary to apologize and say thank you, how queues work, distance and “personal space,” what you need to know about noise in residential areas, rules for pets, tipping culture in cafes and restaurants, and how to communicate with service workers and strangers. This category is designed for newcomers and those who want to adapt more quickly to the Canadian style of communication, avoid awkward situations, and feel at home in the city.
How to find a Ukrainian-speaking community in Edmonton
We have compiled a list of the best ways to find a Ukrainian-speaking community in Edmonton: from cultural events and volunteering to churches, Saturday schools, sports, and family activities. Here you will find tips on where to meet Ukrainian-speaking people, how to join local communities online and offline, and how to quickly feel at home in the city.
Places to experience Canadian culture in Edmonton
Edmonton is the perfect city to experience Canada firsthand: from museums and historical sites to festivals, nature, and places to interact with locals. This category brings together the best places to experience Canadian culture in Edmonton: where to go, what to see, where to listen to music, taste local cuisine, see the heritage of indigenous peoples, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city. Here you will find options for both first-time visitors and those who want to explore Edmonton more deeply — on your own, with friends, or with the whole family.
Other practical issues
This category contains short and useful answers to everyday questions that most often arise when adapting to life in Edmonton. Here you will find tips on city services, transportation and passes, basic rules and customs in public spaces, seasonal nuances (winter, weather, clothing), as well as how everyday things work — from appointments and queues to communicating with institutions.
A guide for Ukrainians in Edmonton: culture and traditions, adapting after moving, tips for families, events and festivals, the Ukrainian community, volunteering, useful places and resources for a comfortable life in Alberta.