Driving in Canada can be a liberating experience.  Highways are well maintained and, once out of the main cities, congestion is a thing of the past.  Making for the “open road” means just that and in remote areas you may not see another vehicle for hours!  The longest street in the world and the longest highway in the world can both be found in Canada - just remember that this is a vast country and distances between cities can be immense.  Plan your journey in advance, make sure you have adequate fuel and try to stop every couple of hours for a rest.  Other than that, sit back and enjoy the spectacular landscape and the freedom that hiring a car in Canada can give you.

Tips for driving in Canada

• Drive on the right
• Do not drink and drive or drive under the influence of drugs - these offences are taken very seriously in Canada
• Seat belts must be worn, front and rear.  Stiff penalties are imposed for not wearing your seatbelt
• Children under 12 years should ride in the back and use an appropriate car seat that is approved by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
• Always carry your driving license and your passport to confirm your identity. It is advisable to carry your rental agreement also as proof of insurance.
• After three months, an International Driver's Permit should be applied for, but you needn’t worry about this if you are simply visiting for a holiday.
• The minimum age for hiring a car in Canada is 21 and young drivers (under 25) may have to pay a supplement - this will be clearly indicated when you make a quote.
• Be aware that city speed limits are reduced near schools (20mph)
• Be aware that the speed limit on the road you are using may change if you cross into a different province
• Speeding, even on wide open highways, is taken very seriously in Canada with big advertising campaigns to raise speed awareness.  Offenders may face steep fines.
• Speed cameras and radars are both used to catch speeding offenders
• It is illegal in most provinces to carry a radar detector
• When parking, look for municipal parking, marked with a green P sign.  Avoid parking in the street, as your car may be clamped or towed away if left in a restricted zone
• Provinces differ slightly in their use of headlights. For example, you may have to keep your headlights on for a particular period after sunrise.  If you are unfamiliar with the regulations of the province in which you are travelling, watch local traffic and follow their lead.
• Pedestrian crossings are clearly marked by overhanging yellow signs and an 'X' painted on the road surface. Pedestrians wishing to cross will stick out a hand to warn drivers.  Pedestrians have right of way on crosswalks.
• Drivers are allowed to make a right turn on a red light at junctions in every province except Quebec unless there is a sign saying otherwise. Before making the turn, you should bring the car to a complete stop to check that there is no through traffic and that there are no signs forbidding a right turn.
• If you are stopped by a police officer, remain seated in your car, switch off the engine and await instructions from the approaching police officer
• It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident if anyone has been injured.  In these instances the police must be informed immediately and an accident report filed
• Most cities have good, easy to use signs.  However, visitors should be aware that signs in Quebec may be solely in French.
• Signs are in kilometres
• Highway 401 through Toronto (also known as the Macdonald-Cartier Freeway) can become very busy at during rush-hour as well as weekends and holidays, bear this in mind when planning your journey
• The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest highway in the world, travelling through some very remote areas. It's not unusual to not see another vehicle for hours.  You are advised to carry water, food and a mobile phone with you on long journeys and ensure you have adequate fuel before setting off. If you break down in a remote area, stay with the vehicle until help arrives. It is also a good idea to let someone know the route you intend to use and estimate a time for arrival.
• A toll is payable on some of Canada’s “expressways”
• Watch out for the wildlife!  Moose, elk and deer can cause serious collisions and drivers should keep an eye out for animals near the road, particularly at dawn and dusk.
• Canada is a year-round destination, as popular for ski-ing and wintersports in the winter as hiking and boating in the summer.  If you hire a car in the winter, snow chains and ski racks may be required - please ask for further details when you reserve your hire car.  For further tips on winter driving, please follow this link.