![Driving in Canada for Visitors | Rules, Tips, & Info [2021]](https://moviesignature.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/1630832052.jpg)
Preparing for a bucket-list Canadian road trip? Lucky you!
Canada is an awesome country to explore with astonishing cities, little town, beaches, and elevations. But despite all of its stunning tones, many of the best destinations are only accessible if you have your own rotations. Not to mention, there are some things you need to know about driving in Canada before ability out on that road trip.
As a Canadian regional with plenty of suffer driving abroad, I’ve noticed abundance of inconsistencies driving in Canada as opposed to other countries. And though I’d have to say driving in Canada is pretty straightforward, there are some stark affectations that you’ll need to pay attention to. I’ll step you through all of them in this quick guide on how to drive in Canada.
Here’s what we’ll cover( click to skip around ):
Canada Driving LawsLicense RequirementsWhere to Rent a CarCar InsuranceWinter DrivingTraffic LightsDriving Tips
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support my work by acquiring through the affiliate links on this page, which may earn a commission for this site. Thank you!
Canada Driving Laws& Rules of the Road
Whether you’re traveling from another continent or within North America, I recommend searching up common road signs and provincial-specific laws before driving in Canada.
Even within Canada, principles, signage, and county guidelines tend to vary across the country. Not to mention, when superhighway principles apply to a province, they are heavily enforced.
Important rules of the road for driving in Canada include 😛 TAGEND
Canadians drive on the right hand side of the road and pass on the leftMaking full stops at red lights and stop signals is mandatory( running these could arrive you with air tickets) Pedestrians ever have the right of waySpeed restrictions are regularly followed and enforced with photo radar detectorsThe speed limit will vary by province and road, but the statutory race limit is often 50 km/ hour in urban and 80 km/ hour in rural area( Source ). Seat belt consume is mandatoryCell phones are not allowed to be used while driving( unless hands-free) Driving is often not allowed on private propertyDrivers must stop( or proceed with caution) when encountering stopped school busesDriving with an elevated blood booze material is a criminal offense, though specific booze patterns vary by provinceRight paw turns are usually countenanced at red lights unless otherwise announced
License Requirements for Drivers
A valid driver’s license and proof of insurance are required for all operators in Canada.
Before you travel to Canada, it’s smart to research whether or not you’ll need an international driving permit for your stay. USA citizens with legitimate licenses generally do not need an international permit for Canada driving, but it is a requirement for operators from many other countries. Generally, you can secure an IDP before pas at your regional bureau of motor vehicles, or similar. Check this source for more information.
Where to Rent a Car
The rental car countryside in Canada is fairly standardized. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a scammer and companies primarily abide by the laws. That said, it’s always good to compare costs and agencies inspects.
I most recommend expending Discover Cars Canada to source a rental auto. It’s like a search engine that will scan all the options on world markets from the major rental car companies and offer up the best paces and car insurance.
Discover Cars is the first place I ogle when searching for a rental car either at home or abroad.
Car Insurance Rules in Canada
All motorists in Canada are required to carry insurance. The obligatory minimum indebtednes assurance varies by province or subject, so be sure to check specific requirements based on where you are going in Canada.
If you already have auto insurance in the United Commonwealth and are coming to Canada on a sightseer visa, it is very likely that your existing policy will cover you. However, it is a good idea to call your insurance provider to make sure.
If you do not have auto insurance covering Canada, or if you want additional coverages beyond the minimums precisely to be safe, then you can rent through Discover Cars Canada and choose to add on the insurance option at check out.
Another option is to consider getting a walk assurance program that masks driving in Canada. Check out our full guide to Canada travel insurance for more information. It’s always best to be prepared when traveling internationally, so hasten guarantee is a must. Travel Lemming affection World Nomads for our own excursion insurance, but it’s important to note that you’ll likely need to select the Explorer Plan if you need rental car coverage included in the plan.
Winter Driving in Canada
It’s no secret — Canadian wintertimes can be nasty.
We’re talking avalanches in the mountains, black ice, buckets of snowfall, and temperatures that, very frankly, make it unsafe to be outside for too long.
When you choose to visit Canada is just as important as where in Canada you go through, and climates across the country vary widely. That said, if you’re not used to winter driving and are gung-ho on a artery trip-up, then touring Canada from November through March may not be for you.
Now, if you’ve just predict everything I said above and you’re still interested in a Canadian winter road excursion, then I have to give you a pat on the back.
To help you prepare, here are some of my top wintertime driving tips 😛 TAGEND
Make sure you have winter tires and chain them up if driving in the mountainsRent a auto that has all-wheel driveCheck the road conditions before leader out( many provinces has their own site for this, just google” road conditions in XX province” Keep your cell phone fully billed at all timesKnow the numbers for emergency services and tow trucksCheck the condition before leader out so you don’t get caught in unfavorable conditionsDrive gradually and restrain a lookout for other motorists( and black frost) Stay adaptable with your itinerary — the condition can be unpredictableDress appropriately with a suitable windbreaker, toque( beanie ), named of gauntlets, and wintertime boots
Traffic Lights in Canada
Traffic ignites in Canada are fairly on equality with the rest of the world — Green represents depart, Yellow represents a red light is about to appear and you should prepare to stop, and Red entails stop.
However, there are some specifics to look out for depending on where you travel. For illustration, a flashing green light implies something totally different in British Columbia than it does in Ontario, and a red-faced flashing light acts as a stop sign.
When you decide what state you want to travel to, do a immediate probe of what the specific lights planned before you smacked the road.
5 Tips for Driving During Your Trip to Canada
Tip# 1- Familiarize Yourself With the Language
Perhaps an curious first station as you’re probably interpret this in English and Canada is a primarily English-speaking country, but if you’ll be driving in the Canadian province of Quebec, then prepare yourself for some slight differences.
In Quebec, the road signalings are generally the same as the rest of Canada, but the province of Quebec largely squanders pictograms and the text is in French.
This is because Quebec has language rules that frustrate English from being used in any artery signage. Check out this driving in Quebec guide for more details, which includes info on driving principles, stop clues, traffic lights, and more.
Another ” expression” you’ll have to familiarize yourself with( if you’re inspect from the USA, that is ), is the metric system.
Canadian road ratifies and rapidity restrictions are all announced in metric units such as km/ h. Nonetheless, you’ll find that numerous Canadian vehicles clock hurried in both kilometers and miles per hour.
Pro Tip: If recognise miles from kilometers conveys doing math in your manager, then fraction the kilometer ethic by 1.6.
Tip# 2- Prepare for Long Distances
The second-largest country in the world, driving in Canada symbolizes long distances, spread out Canadian cities, and an lengthy artery network.
While I recommend putting to one or two regions for your first stay, you will find that if you want to cover a lot of grind, you will have to spend a lot of time in the car. To know what you’re in for, map out your direction ahead of time, scheme whatever it is you want to stay overnight, and remember that Canada is spread out over six occasion zones.
If you are looking for epic artery excursions in Canada, be sure to check out our artery excursion timetables for British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
Pro tip: There is a thoroughfare in Canada called the Trans Canada Highway. This highway, also known as the# 1, pass all ten Canadian provinces( including Vancouver Island and Prince Edward Island) from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific. The Trans Canada Highway covers 7821 kilometers( 4860 miles) and would take over 20 eras of straight driving on the road were you to attempt it in one came swoop.
Tip# 3- Know Roadside Assistance Numbers
Regardless of where you’re driving, having a list of Canadian roadside relief figures will come in super handy.
Especially in major urban areas, having a random tow truck pick you up should your car break down can be super expensive and the process can be somewhat convoluted.
Prior to setting out on your Canada trip, tack on assistance to your automobile policy — almost all rental business will give it. And make sure you have a fully-charged cell phone!
Read Next: Before you circulate, check out our index of 16 Canada travel tips — they include info on visas, weather, places, and more!
Tip# 4- Slow Down for Pot Holes& Construction Crews
An unfortunate reality of driving in Canada is that you’ll have to keep an eye out for potholes.
Due to a yearly temperature swing of virtually 60 units Celsius/ 140 stages Fahrenheit( many areas in Canada experience +30 degrees in the summer and -3 0 degrees during the winter ), road skin-deeps expand and contract regularly. This means that road crews are out in full swing every summer and potholes are a regular reality.
Though you won’t have to worry about potholes too much on main roads in major metropolis or on the Trans Canada Highway, they do tend to exist on agricultural freeways, sideroads, and elsewhere.
Road gangs are usually pretty good at sticking red flags on the two sides of the route when there’s a pothole to look out for, but it’s best to keep your eyes relatively peeled.
On that tone, ever slow down when you determine a artery employee on the side of the superhighway. The general rule of thumb is to slow down to 60 km/ h, but follow any signage.
Tip# 5- Stay Aware of Large Animals
If you’ll be driving outside of the major cities, then biding well understood swine sweeping the road is essential to driving safely in Canada.
Especially around dark, animals such as deer exist in countless rural and often projectile out in front of cars without much warning.
In these situations, it’s best to slightly veer in the direction the animal was coming from and slow down as quickly as possible.
Other swine you may come in contact with on the roads include moose, geese, ducks, and skunks.
Driving in Canada FAQ
Is driving in Canada left or right?
Canadians drive on the right hand side of the road and pass on the left. When on a double-lane highway, the same rules apply with slower traffic sticking to the right hand lane and faster traffic passing on the left.
Can you drive in Canada with a US license?
US licenses are valid in Canada. When operating a car in Canada, you’ll need to have your license, auto policy, and registration in the vehicle at all times.
What is the age limit to drive in Canada?
The minimum age restriction to drive in Canada is 16, although you must be at least 20 year olds to lease a car. Motorists under the age of 25 will have to pay a young moves fee.
***
That’s it for my guide on safe driving dress in Canada!
Canadian roads are excellent for exploring, and I hope this gave you a ton of inspiration for your upcoming trip.
For more promotion scheming your jaunt, be sure to check out all my free Canada travel navigates.
Preparing for a bucket-list Canadian road trip? Lucky you!
Canada is an awesome country to explore with amazing cities, small towns, beaches, and elevations. But despite all of its astounding qualities, many of the best destinations are only accessible if you have your own rotations. Not to mention, there are some things you need to know about driving in Canada before honcho out on that road trip.
As a Canadian neighbourhood with spate of suffer driving abroad, I’ve noticed abundance of changes driving in Canada as opposed to other countries. And though I’d have to say driving in Canada is pretty straightforward, there are some stark affectations that you’ll need to pay attention to. I’ll move you through all of them in this quick guide on how to drive in Canada.
Here’s what we’ll cover( click to skip around ):
Canada Driving LawsLicense RequirementsWhere to Rent a CarCar InsuranceWinter DrivingTraffic LightsDriving Tips
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support my work by acquiring through the affiliate associates on this page, which may earn a commission for this site. Thank you!
Canada Driving Laws& Rules of the Road
Whether you’re traveling from another continent or within The americas, I recommend ogling up common street signalings and provincial-specific laws before driving in Canada.
Even within Canada, rules, signage, and regional conventions tend to vary across the country. Not to mention, when road rules apply to a province, they are heavily enforced.
Important rules of the road for driving in Canada include 😛 TAGEND
Canadians drive on the right hand side of the road and pass on the leftMaking full stops at red lights and stop signs is mandatory( running these could estate you with air tickets) Pedestrians always have the right of waySpeed limits are regularly followed and enforced with photo radar detectorsThe speed limit will vary by province and road, but the statutory hasten limit is often 50 km/ hour in urban areas and 80 km/ hour in rural area( Source ). Seat region consume is mandatoryCell phones are not allowed to be used while driving( unless hands-free) Driving is often not allowed on private propertyDrivers must stop( or proceed with caution) when encountering stopped academy busesDriving with an promoted blood alcohol material is a criminal offense, though specific booze regulations vary by provinceRight paw turns are usually let at red lights unless otherwise affixed
License Requirements for Drivers
A valid driver’s license and proof of insurance are required for all drivers in Canada.
Before you travel to Canada, it’s smart to scour whether or not you’ll need an international driving permit for your stand. USA citizens with legitimate licenses generally do not need an international permit for Canada driving, but it is a requirement for drivers from many other countries. Generally, you can secure an IDP before hurtle at your local bureau of motor vehicles, or same. Check this source for more information.
Where to Rent a Car
The rental automobile landscape in Canada is fairly standardized. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a scammer and companies chiefly abide by the laws. That said, it’s always good to compare prices and agencies revaluations.
I highly recommend using Discover Cars Canada to source a rental automobile. It’s like a search engine that will scan all the options on world markets from the major rental car companies and offer up the best rates and gondola insurance.
Discover Cars is the first place I gape when sought for a rental auto either at home or abroad.
Car Insurance Rules in Canada
All operators in Canada are required to carry policy. The obligatory minimum obligation assurance varies by province or territory, so be sure to check specific requirements based on where you are going in Canada.
If you already have auto insurance in the United Government and are coming to Canada on a sightseer visa, it is very likely that your existing program will handle you. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to call your insurance provider to make sure.
If you do not have auto insurance covering Canada, or if you want additional coverages beyond the minimums just to be safe, then you can rent through Discover Cars Canada and choose to add on the insurance option at check out.
Another option is to consider getting a trip assurance program that comprises driving in Canada. Check out our full guide to Canada travel insurance for more information. It’s always best to be prepared when traveling internationally, so advance policy is indispensable. Travel Lemming enjoys World Nomads for our own cros coverage, but it’s important to note that you’ll likely need to select the Explorer Plan if you need rental car coverage included in the plan.
Winter Driving in Canada
Winter in Canada conveys a ton of snow and seriously chilly weather!
It’s no secret — Canadian wintertimes can be nasty.
We’re talking avalanches in the mountains, pitch-black frost, buckets of blizzard, and temperatures that, quite frankly, make it unsafe to be outside for too long.
When you choose to visit Canada is just as important as where in Canada you go through, and climates across the country vary widely. That said, if you’re not used to winter driving and are gung-ho on a artery excursion, then calling Canada from November through March may not be for you.
Now, if you’ve just predict everything I said above and you’re still interested in a Canadian wintertime artery trip, then I have to give you a pat on the back.
To help you prepare, here are some of my top wintertime driving gratuities 😛 TAGEND
Make sure you have winter tires and chain them up if driving in the mountainsRent a gondola that has all-wheel driveCheck the road conditions before foreman out( many provinces has their own site for this, just google” road conditions in XX district” Keep your cell phone perfectly blamed at all timesKnow the numbers for emergency services and tow trucksCheck the climate before heading out so you don’t get caught in unfavorable conditionsDrive gradually and deter a sentry for other motorists( and black frost) Stay resilient with your itinerary — the brave can be unpredictableDress appropriately with a suitable windbreaker, toque( beanie ), specified of gauntlets, and wintertime boots
Traffic light in Canada
Traffic sunrises in Canada are fairly on equality with the rest of the world — Green represents exit, Yellow symbolizes a red light is about to appear and you should prepare to stop, and Red makes stop.
However, there are some specifics to look out for depending on where you travel. For illustration, a blink green light wants something totally different in British Columbia than it does in Ontario, and a cherry-red twinkle lamp acts as a stop sign.
When you decide what responsibility you want to travel to, do a immediate probe of what the specific lights aim before you made the road.
5 Tips for Driving During Your Trip to Canada
Tip# 1- Familiarize Yourself With the Language
Isn’t Quebec City, Quebec pretty ?!
Perhaps an quirky first place as you’re probably decipher this in English and Canada is a mainly English-speaking country, but if you’ll be driven by the Canadian province of Quebec, then prepare yourself for some slight differences.
In Quebec, the road signals are generally the same as the rest of Canada, but the provinces and territories of Quebec principally expends pictograms and the verse is in French.
This is because Quebec has usage constitutions that avoid English from be utilized in any artery signage. Check out this driving in Quebec guide for more details, which includes info on driving constitutions, stop clues, traffic light, and more.
Another ” word” you’ll have to familiarize yourself with( if you’re call from the USA, that is ), is the metric system.
Canadian road signalings and hastened restraints are all posted in metric units such as km/ h. Nonetheless, you’ll is my finding that numerous Canadian vehicles clock moved in both kilometers and miles per hour.
Pro Tip: If differentiate miles from kilometers makes doing math in your front, then part the kilometer price by 1.6.
Tip# 2- Prepare for Long Interval
The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia
The second-largest country in the world, driving in Canada represents great distances, spread out Canadian metropolis, and an substantial street network.
While I recommend persisting to one or two states for your first inspect, you will find that if you want to cover a lot of soil, you will have to spend a lot of time in the car. To know what you’re in for, map out your direction ahead of time, programme whatever it is you want to stay overnight, and remember that Canada is spread out over six occasion zones.
If you are looking for epic superhighway tours in Canada, be sure to check out our road junket timetables for British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
Pro tip: There is a thoroughfare in Canada called the Trans Canada Highway. This highway, also known as the# 1, intersects all ten Canadian provinces( including Vancouver Island and Prince Edward Island) from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific. The Trans Canada Highway encompasses 7821 kilometers( 4860 miles) and would take over 20 eras of straight driving on the road were you to attempt it in one descended swoop.
Tip# 3- Know Roadside Assistance Numbers
The Alaska Highway, Yukon Territory
Regardless of where you’re driving, having a list of Canadian roadside succour counts will come in super handy.
Especially in major urban setting, having a random tow truck pick you up should your car break down can be super expensive and the process can be somewhat convoluted.
Prior to setting out on your Canada trip, tack on assistance to your automobile coverage — almost all rental business will volunteer it. And make sure you have a fully-charged cell phone!
Read Next: Before you hasten, check out our roll of 16 Canada travel gratuities — they include info on visas, weather, locales, and more!
Tip# 4- Slow Down for Pot Holes& Construction Crews
Me in Medicine Hat, Alberta
An unfortunate reality of driving in Canada is that you’ll have to keep an eye out for potholes.
Due to a yearly temperature jive of practically 60 grades Celsius/ 140 grades Fahrenheit( many areas in Canada experience +30 degrees in the summer and -3 0 degrees during the winter ), road surfaces expand and contract regularly. This means that road crews are out in full swing every summer and potholes are a regular reality.
Though you won’t have to worry about potholes too much on main roads in major metropolis or on the Trans Canada Highway, they do tend to exist on rural roads, sideroads, and elsewhere.
Road crews are usually pretty good at sticking red flags on the side of the highway when there’s a pothole to look out for, but it’s best to keep your eyes relatively peeled.
On that note, always slow down when you hear a artery worker on the two sides of the route. The general rule of thumb is to slow down to 60 km/ h, but follow any signage.
Tip# 5- Stay Well understood Large Animals
If you’ll be driving outside of the major metropolitans, then remaining aware of swine intersecting the road is essential to driving safely in Canada.
Especially around darknes, animals such as deer exist in countless rural and often projectile out in front of cars without much warning.
In these situations, it’s best to slightly swerve in the direction the animal was coming from and slow down as quickly as possible.
Other swine you may come in contact with on the roads include moose, geese, ducks, and skunks.
Driving in Canada FAQ
Is driving in Canada left or right?
Canadians drive on the right hand side of the road and pass on the left. When on a double-lane highway, the same rules apply with slower traffic sticking to the right hand lane and faster traffic deliver on the left.
Can you drive in Canada with a US license?
US licenses are valid in Canada. When operating a car in Canada, you’ll need to have your license, vehicle insurance, and enrollment in the vehicle at all times.
What is the age limit to drive in Canada?
The minimum senility limit to drive in Canada is 16, although you must be at least 20 years old to hire a vehicle. Drivers under the age of 25 will have to pay a young drivers fee.
***
That’s it for my guide on safe driving habits in Canada!
Canadian roads are excellent for exploring, and I hope this gave you a ton of inspiration for your upcoming trip.
For more facilitate contriving your outing, be sure to check out all my free Canada travel navigates.
Read more: travellemming.com
Recent Comments