I always got that feeling on my earlier travels but could never pin point it...just thought I rubbed people the wrong way or maybe they thought I was trying too hard for attempting the languages and going to non-touristy places BUT...
I got on the internet and started hitting travel boards...whoooowheee....We are truly hated.
Such a bummer, and no I never really got a straight answer as to why.
The best advice given to me...when traveling abroad, especially to OZ, NZ and Europe...put a big ol' huge Canadian Flag sticker on your backpack, suitcase, whatever.
Everybody loves Canadians, they hate Americans. Sad, but, true. I noticed a HUGE difference in the way I was treated on my next trip.