If you have just arrived in Edmonton, you will have noticed that Canadians spend a tremendous amount of time outdoors. This is not just a habit—it is a deep-rooted part of Canadian culture and lifestyle. People walk in parks throughout the year, play sports, have picnics, ride bikes, and simply sit on benches enjoying nature and the climate. For new immigrants, parks and sports fields are great places to integrate into the local community and establish initial social connections. However, interacting with strangers in these places is governed by certain unwritten rules and cultural norms that are significantly different from what you are used to in your home country.
In Ukraine, when people meet in a park or on a sports field, there is often a certain formality or psychological distance, especially if people do not know each other. In Canada, the situation is completely different. Canadians are willing to communicate with strangers in public places, but this communication has clearly defined boundaries of politeness, topics of conversation, and rules of personal space. If you understand these rules and adapt to them, you will not only establish new social connections and acquaintances, but you will also feel much more comfortable in your new city. It will also greatly speed up your integration and adaptation to the Canadian way of life.
Research conducted by Canadian researchers shows that immigrants who spend more time outdoors and interact more with local residents report significantly higher levels of satisfaction with their lives in Canada and a greater sense of belonging to the community. Even more interesting is that this effect is even more pronounced for recent immigrants. This means that if you actively interact with Canadians in parks and on sports fields at the beginning of your stay in Edmonton, you will build a stronger psychological and social foundation for your future life in the city.
Understanding Canadian politeness
Before you approach someone in a park or start a conversation on a sports field, it is very important to understand the principles and mechanisms of Canadian politeness. They are not the same as in Ukraine, but they are consistent and predictable once you understand them.
Canadians are world-renowned for their politeness, but that doesn't mean they are overly warm or emotionally sensitive to new acquaintances. Rather, it means that they deeply respect personal space and boundaries, try not to create awkward situations, and carefully choose words and phrases that will not offend or undermine another person's self-esteem. The basic vocabulary of Canadian politeness includes the words “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry,” which are used not only in large or formal situations, but also in the smallest, most ordinary interactions.
If you need to ask someone for something in the park, you don't just say in Ukrainian, “Give me a bottle of water” — you say, “Excuse me, could I please ask if you have water?” or more simply, “Might you have a water bottle to spare?” This may sound overly formal or wasteful to a Ukrainian, but in Canada, it is common colloquial speech in everyday situations, which people perceive as natural and polite.
The word “sorry” in Canadian culture has a special, deeper meaning than the standard one. Canadians use it not only when they have seriously offended someone or made a mistake, but also in communications such as “Excuse me” or simply “Can I help you?” If you accidentally interrupt someone's conversation in a cafe, you would say “Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt” — even if it was purely human error and not your personal fault. If you accidentally touch something or bump into someone in a crowded place, you would say “Sorry about that.” This reflects a deep understanding in Canadian culture that every person deserves respect for their psychological boundaries and emotional feelings.
Eye contact during communication in Canada is also very important, but it should be natural, not excessive. When you communicate with someone, you should look them in the eye to show that you are genuinely interested and actively listening to what they are saying. However, this does not mean that you should stare at them constantly, without looking away — this will be perceived as aggressive or a sign of psychological discomfort. It is best to strike a natural, organic balance, where you often look into their eyes, but occasionally look away naturally. This shows that you are attentive and interested, but not aggressive or provocative.
Handshakes are also an important part of Canadian culture of politeness, but they are mainly used in formal introductions or in professional business contexts. In casual, informal interactions in the park, a handshake is often unnecessary—a simple nod or a sincere smile with a greeting of “Hi, how are you?” is more natural and expected. However, if someone offers you their hand for a handshake, you should take it with a firm, confident, but not painful grip. A handshake that is too weak can be mistakenly perceived as a sign of insecurity or a genuine lack of interest, while a handshake that is too firm can seem aggressive or threatening.
Personal space and physical distance
One of the first things that people from other cultures notice when interacting with Canadians is their particular, zealous guarding of their own and others' personal space. Canadians value and try to maintain a distance of about an arm's length (approximately 60-90 centimeters) during normal conversation. If you unconsciously stand closer than this recommended distance without a specific invitation or reason, people will feel very uncomfortable, even if they don't say so out loud.
In Ukraine, people often communicate closer to each other, and physical proximity during conversation is normal and expected. In Canada, this style of interaction is viewed very differently. If you accidentally enter someone's personal space, say “Sorry” and nod your head to the side — this immediately and effectively removes any potential social tension. Even in crowded parks on weekends or during celebrations, people try to maintain this distance as much as possible.
On sports fields, this rule is less strict, as people often stand closer together and work side by side during active games, but during conversations between matches, races, or during breaks, people still try to maintain this recommended distance. If you are passing someone a ball or other object and need to get closer, just say “Pardon” or “Thanks” — people will understand immediately.
In families with small children, this rule is somewhat relaxed and not strictly adhered to. Parents often stand close to each other and hold their children behind them, which is considered normal and natural. However, with strangers, personal space and distance are maintained at all times, and adherence to this is considered a sign of consideration and respect.
Small talk as the backbone of communication
At first glance, small talk about the weather and other trivial matters may seem like a waste of time and seem banal. However, in Canadian culture, it is not at all wasteful or banal — it is actually the foundation, the basis of any social interaction and establishing acquaintances. Small talk often starts a conversation, warms up the atmosphere, and allows both people to naturally assess whether they want to continue and deepen the conversation.
In Canada, especially in Alberta and Edmonton, the most popular topic for small talk is the weather. This may seem strange, but there are several logical reasons for this. First, the weather is a universal topic that does not depend on where a person comes from, how old they are, or what job they do. Everyone experiences the weather every day — there are days when it is hot, cold, windy, or snowing. Second, the weather in Alberta is often unpredictable, so it is always a relevant and timely topic of conversation. Third, and very importantly, the weather is a neutral topic that will not cause any differences of opinion or communication issues. Even if two people have radically different political beliefs, cultural values, or religious beliefs, they can both easily and sincerely agree that the weather is wonderful today or, conversely, that the weather is not very pleasant today.
A typical small talk in the park sounds something like this: “Nice day, isn't it?” — this is a so-called ‘affirmative’ form of a question. The person naturally responds: “Yeah, we needed this weather.” Then you can naturally add: “Especially after all that snow last week.” It's simple, natural, without strain or tension, and it creates a solid foundation for further conversation.
Another very popular topic for small talk on sports fields and in sports circles is sports, especially hockey. In Alberta, especially in Edmonton, hockey is a deeply rooted cultural religion, almost a religious cult. If you want to chat with Canadians at sports venues or in sports circles, it's good to know a little about the local hockey team, the Edmonton Oilers, or the local professional football team. You don't really need to be a die-hard fan, but simply knowing the basic facts about the team and the latest game results can greatly open the door to conversation and establishing contact. “Did you catch the Oilers game last night?” is a typical way to start a conversation on a sports field. Even if you didn't watch the game, you can say, "I haven't been following them closely recently. Are they playing well this season?" This shows genuine interest, but it's honest, not lying.
In addition to the weather and sports, good topics for small talk in parks include local landmarks and attractions, local restaurants, local curiosities, and interesting parks and events. If you are standing near a beautiful park, you can ask, “Do you come here often?” or “This seems like a great place for a walk.” These are neutral, friendly, non-pressured topics that do not require the person to reveal personal, private information about themselves.
It is very important to understand that small talk is NOT the beginning of a deep, intimate friendship and does not imply the establishment of a long-term relationship. It is simply social lubrication, a tuning fork that makes interaction more comfortable and painless. If you walk through the park and say “Nice weather” to five different people, almost all of them will respond in a friendly manner, but then they will simply continue on their way. This is normal and natural. Don't take it as a cold rejection or unpleasantness. It's just a typical way for Canadians to show politeness without promising any deep friendship.
Starting a conversation with strangers
When you decide to start a conversation with a stranger in a park or on a sports field, there is a certain social protocol that you should follow consistently so as not to create an awkward situation.
First, assess the situation and the person's emotional state. If the person is clearly very busy (jogging, actively playing sports, talking on a cell phone, focused on a laptop or tablet screen), it is not the best time to talk. If the person is sitting on a bench, simply looking at the scenery and enjoying nature, or looks relaxed and free, this is indeed a good time to talk. If a person has headphones in their ears, it is a clear signal that they do not want to talk. Respecting these nonverbal cues shows the other person that you understand and respect their space and boundaries.
When you decide to start a conversation, start with something simple, easy, and non-threatening. Get close enough, smile sincerely but not exaggeratedly, and say something like, “Beautiful day today, isn't it?” or "I've never been to this part of the park before. Do you know if there's a trail that goes down to the river?" This gives the person a simple, easy way to respond without getting into a deep conversation. If people are positive and want to continue the conversation, they will follow your lead and develop the conversation further. If not, the person can simply say, “It is” or “I'm not sure, sorry” — and this is a correct, clear way of conveying that they are not interested in continuing the conversation. In this case, you need to politely end the interaction by saying something concise: “No problem, have a nice day” or “Thanks anyway, enjoy your walk” — and discreetly walk away at the same time. There is no point in insisting on conversation.
On sports fields, conversation often starts more naturally and organically. If you are both waiting for your children to play, or if you are both waiting for your turn on the sports field, just say something like: “How long have your kids been playing here?” or “Is your son new to the league this season?” Parents are often happy and enthusiastic to talk about their children, so this often naturally turns into a conversation.
Group interaction dynamics
If you notice a group of people in a park or on a sports field, the conversational dynamics are slightly different from one-on-one interactions. You can't just walk up to the group and start talking — that would be considered an unwelcome intrusion on their time and space. However, if you notice that the group seems sociable and friendly (people are smiling, laughing, and looking as relaxed as possible), you can approach them and ask something like, “Mind if I join you?” or, in a sports context, “Is this group looking for more players?” This politely gives the group the opportunity to invite you or politely decline. If they say, “Sure, come on in! We'd love to have you!” — it means they sincerely want you. If they say, “We're good, thanks though” or “We have enough for now,” it means they don't need more people at the moment, and you should politely leave and not take it personally.
At sports venues, interaction is often more organized and structured. If there is a regular game or gathering (for example, every Saturday morning people come to play volleyball or basketball), it is often considered a semi-public event, and new people are often welcomed. You can ask, “Does anyone mind if I play today?” or “Can I join in the next game?” — and people will often say “sure” or give you clear information about when you can join. However, if you are unsure about the rules of the game or the athletic ability of the group, it is a good idea to watch a few times before joining in.
Integrating into existing park and sports field communities
Edmonton has a very active culture of community sports groups and associations. In the river valley, at Hawrelak Park, Buena Vista Park, and other landmarks, people regularly gather to play basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, and other sports. Many of these groups are informal and relaxed—people just show up, play together, and then leave. Others, however, are more organized and structured, and may require registration, sports club membership, or membership fees.
If you want to join one of these groups, the best way is to come a few times, watch the game, and talk to people about how the group works. Don't try to join the game on your first visit if you are unsure of your athletic abilities. Instead, come early, watch from the sidelines how people play and interact with each other, talk to a few people about how it works, and then ask if you can join next time. Most Canadians are very friendly and welcome new people, especially if they see that you are serious and respect their institutions and traditions.
Some groups have their own traditions and unwritten rules. For example, some groups play strictly by the official international rules, while others are more relaxed and adaptable. Some expect people to arrive 15 minutes before the official start time to allow time for warm-ups and athletic training, discussion, and team organization. If you watch and listen carefully during your first visit, you will quickly understand these unwritten group rules.
Parks and playgrounds also often host organized activities such as sunrise yoga, community picnics, outdoor painting, lectures, and talks. These events are often advertised online on websites, social media, or on bulletin boards in parks. If you are a new immigrant, especially from Ukraine, you should seriously consider participating in such events. They are specifically designed to allow people to meet each other in a relaxed, open environment and get to know each other.
Edmonton also has several groups that are specifically organized for immigrants or people from certain cultural and national backgrounds. For example, there is the Ukrainian youth organization CYM Edmonton and the youth organization PLAST Edmonton, which organizes various outdoor activities for Ukrainian children and youth. These groups often meet in parks, and if you have children, this is a great and relaxed way for your children to meet other Ukrainians and Canadians in a comfortable, familiar environment.
How to deal with language barriers
If your English is not perfect or you are an immigrant, this does not prevent you from interacting with Canadians in parks and on sports fields. In fact, most Canadians are very tolerant and understanding of people who speak English as a second language, especially in cities like Edmonton, where there are large numbers of immigrants from different countries.
If you don't understand what someone has said to you, just say sincerely and directly, "I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you repeat that, please?“ or ”My English is not perfect — could you speak a bit slower?" Most people will gladly and patiently repeat the information or slow down their speech. If people see that you are sincerely trying, they will often do so willingly and with pleasure, rather than judging you.
Canadians understand that learning a new language is a difficult, long-term process, and they sincerely respect people who make a specific effort to do so.
If you have children who speak English better and more fluently than you, don't hesitate to ask for their help and participation. Parents often deeply understand this situation and will not judge you for it. In fact, many parents with immigrant backgrounds find a lot of positivity and comfort in their children helping them communicate with local citizens. This could also easily be the start of an interesting conversation: “My daughter is helping me with my English” often elicits a good, positive response from Canadians, who respond with understanding and sympathy.
If you make a language mistake, just continue the conversation with confidence. People will not usually correct or criticize you unless you ask them to. If someone understands the general gist and meaning of what you are saying, they will treat it as a normal, natural conversation. Canadians are not as focused on perfect grammar and pronunciation as they are on the content of the conversation and the sincerity of the communication.
Reading social cues and knowing when to end a conversation
One of the most important skills in communicating with Canadians is the ability to read and interpret social cues. Canadians are generally very polite and will not say directly and rudely, “I'm not interested in talking to you.” Instead, they will give you subtle, unobtrusive signals that indicate that the conversation should come to an end.
Some typical signals include: the person starts looking at their watch or cell phone, the person looks away and does not look you in the eye with the same intensity, the person gives short, concise answers to your questions instead of extended and detailed ones, the person starts to step back or turn away (this is a clear signal that they want to move on), the person looks anxious or rushed. If you notice any of these signals, it's time to end the conversation and let the person go.
A good, polite way to end the conversation is to give the person a chance to leave. You can say something like, “Well, I don't want to hold you up” or “Thanks for chatting — I'm sure you have things to do” or simply “Nice talking with you, have a great day!” This gives the person clear permission and peace of mind to move on without having to find a way out.
Conversely, if the person clearly wants to continue the conversation and deepen the connection, they will actively continue to tell you about themselves, ask you questions in response, smile, and make positive and encouraging gestures. When a person is active and open in conversation, you can continue a little longer and deeper, but always follow their social cues and signals of readiness.
Communication on sports fields: additional considerations
Sports fields offer somewhat unique opportunities and potential for interaction and establishing contact. People often go there to be active, play sports, and have fun, rather than to sit alone by themselves, so the level of sociability and willingness to interact is generally higher. However, this also means that people are often busy with their sporting activities, so it is important to respect this and not get in the way.
If you are doing some activity on the sports field (e.g., throwing a ball to each other, stretching, warming up), it is a natural, organic introduction to a conversation with someone nearby. People often come up and talk to you while you are both doing something together. This is less intense and less demanding than just sitting on a bench and talking, so people often engage more easily and openly.
If you are a parent watching your child on the sports field, this is a great opportunity and a gold mine for interacting and connecting with other parents. Parents often arrive early or stay a little longer after the game to talk to each other while their children play together. The topic of conversation is often naturally children and everything related to them: how long they have been playing in this club, what sports they are involved in, how they like the sport, what school they attend. These conversations are often easier and more natural because they have a common denominator—parenting and caring for children.
If you want to join a game or match, be honest about your actual skill level and athletic training. Tell people that you want to join, but you are unsure of your level of play or skill. Most of the group will be happy to explain how it works and help you understand the rules. Canadians tend to be very patient with beginners and enjoy the opportunity to help someone new get started.If you make a mistake or error during the game, don't stress or relax. People understand that mistakes and inaccuracies are a natural and integral part of sports and games. If you make mistakes constantly, people may give you friendly advice and guidance such as, “Try passing to the left next time” or “Watch out for that defender on the right.” This is not criticism or judgment—it is help and advice. Accept the advice gratefully and try to use it in the next rounds of the game.## Special scenarios: walking with petsEdmonton is a very dog- and pet-friendly city, so parks are often crowded with people walking their pets and other animals. If you have a dog, it's a great and natural way to interact with other people and make contact. People often approach you and comment on your dog, asking about its breed, age, and name. It's a natural conversation starter.However, it is important to follow the strict rules for dogs in Edmonton parks. Your dog must be under constant control, on a leash (except in special designated off-leash areas), and must not disturb other people with its behavior. If your dog barks constantly and incessantly, it makes you less friendly and attractive to potential acquaintances and conversations, so it is better to train and keep your dog as calm as possible. If people see that you are responsible and caring towards your dog and follow the rules, they will be more willing to interact with you and start a conversation.It is also very important to ask before allowing your dog to play actively with someone else's dog. Say, “Does your dog like to play?” or “Is it okay if our dogs greet each other?” This shows that you respect their pets, their boundaries, and the safety of their animal.## Invitation to deeper social relationships
If the conversation in the park is going very well, developing naturally, and you both show genuine interest in each other, people often hint at deeper and longer-lasting social relationships. This might sound like, “We should grab a coffee sometime” or “Maybe we can bring our families to this park next weekend.” or “There's a community event at the park next month — you should check it out.”
If someone extends such an invitation to you, it is a genuine, sincere invitation. Canadians do not typically say things they do not mean or do not plan to follow through on. If she says, “Let's grab a coffee,” she truly means the invitation. However, this does not always mean that they will value you as their closest friend or that there will be a long-lasting friendship — it is just the first attraction and the first step to get to know each other a little better and deepen the connection.
If you want to get someone's phone number or add them on Facebook and other social networks, you can just ask for it without worrying. Say, “I really enjoyed chatting with you. Would you mind if I added you on Facebook?” or “I'd like to continue this conversation. Can I get your contact info?” Would you mind if I added you on Facebook?“) or ”I'd like to continue this conversation. Can I get your contact info?" Most people will be happy to provide their contact information if they are also interested.
Cultural events in Edmonton's parks
One of the best ways to interact with Canadians and make connections is to actively participate in the cultural events that are constantly taking place in Edmonton's parks. Edmonton hosts over 800 events and festivals each year, many of which take place in parks and outdoors. These events range from music festivals and concerts to culinary events, running competitions, sports tournaments, and art exhibitions and installations.
The River Valley, for example, often hosts cycling events, marathons and races, community picnics, and cultural festivals celebrating different cultures. Whyte Avenue near the river valley also frequently hosts music and cultural events throughout the year. If you join these events and activities, you will have many natural opportunities to interact with locals in a relaxed, fun, and friendly environment.
Cultural events also often feature small team sports or activities that require cooperation and teamwork, so this is a natural opportunity to meet people and make contact. In addition, people are often in a good, positive mood at such festive events, so they are more open and willing to talk to new people and strangers.
Tips and recommendations to conclude
The most important rule for communicating with Canadians in parks and sports fields is to be and remain authentic, while respecting other people's boundaries and space as much as possible. Canadians value honesty and directness in communication, so don't try to pretend or act like someone you're not. If you are a new immigrant, you can talk about it without any problems. Many people will be genuinely interested in your story and your background and will be happy to help you adapt to your new place and way of life.
Try to visit the same places regularly and at the same time each week. If you consistently visit the same park at the same time each week, you will naturally begin to see the same people, and you will organically begin to build long-term relationships with them. Regularity and consistency create recognition, and recognition creates stronger social bonds and friendships.
Also, don't be afraid to take the first step and take the initiative in communication. Canadians often expect people to be active and proactive in communicating and establishing contact. If you just sit on a bench and passively wait for people to come to you, it may not happen. However, if you smile, say “Hello,” ask something about the weather, you will open the door to free, natural communication.
Finally, don't doubt yourself and your abilities. Newcomers to cities are welcomed, understood, and accepted, and people deeply understand that when you are new to a city and a country, you have to learn new, unfamiliar ways of communicating and socializing. People like those who sincerely try, who show energy and willingness, and they often do everything possible to help a newcomer. Communicating with Canadians in parks and on sports fields is a wonderful, natural first step toward integrating into Canadian society and building a satisfying, fulfilling new life in your new home.