Driving in canada

Auto rental

Canada has several car rental companies found at airports and in major towns and cities. Rates vary depending on the season, type of vehicle and length of rental. The minimum age to rent a vehicle ranges from 21-25 years old. Most companies require renters be at least 25 years of age, or may charge additional fees for those under 25. You must also possess a major credit card. Requirements may vary from province to province. Be sure to reserve your car ahead of time during peak travel times, from mid May to summer.

RV rental

Camper and motor home rentals are also widely available. Reserve well ahead of time for the peak summer season. Many provincial and national parks, private campgrounds and other conservation areas in Canada allow you to camp with your RV.

Rules of the Road

Canadian traffic rules are similar to American rules. For example, Canadians drive on the right side of the road. But most safety laws are determined on a provincial and territorial level, so make sure you know the particular rules for the province you will be visiting.

Here are some important tips and safety advice to make your journey to Canada safe and memorable:

• Canadians drive on the right side of the road.
• Seat belts are compulsory.
• Children under five must be in child restraints.
• If your car is not equipped with daytime running lights, drive with your headlights on, especially just prior to sunset and immediately after dawn.
• Right turns on red lights are permitted in most cities across the country after a full stop; however, certain areas of Quebec prohibit such turns. For more information, check with the Government of Quebec's website.
• Traffic signals, such as a flashing green light, do not mean the same thing across all provinces and territories. Check the driving websites of the provinces you plan to visit.
• Radar detection devices are illegal in many Canadian provinces.
• Motorcyclists must wear helmets.
• Pedestrians have the right-of-way and you must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
• The speed limit on the auto routes (limited-access highways) is usually 100 km/hr (62 mph). Speed limits are enforced.
• Drivers must carry proof of insurance in Canada at all times.
• Driver tips for summer road trips can be found at the Canada Safety Council website.
• For practical road safety tips, visit the Transport Canada website.
• You can find a complete rundown of Canadian traffic regulations by consulting the online version of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Driver's Licenses & Permits

U.S. Visitors – Your American driver's license is valid in Canada

Make sure you bring along proof of insurance by asking your insurance company for a free "Non-resident Inter-Provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card" before you leave, or carry the policy itself. If you're driving a borrowed car or trailer, bring a letter of permission signed by the owner. If you're driving a rented car, carry a copy of the rental contract.

All other visitors to Canada – Applying for the International Driving Permit (IDP)

If you are visiting from Britain, you can apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the Automobile Association before you leave but is not mandatory.

The IDP is a special license for tourists, authorized by UN treaty, which is printed in 10 languages and recognized in over 150 countries around the world.

What is mandatory is that international drivers arriving in Canada must present a valid driver’s licence from their country of residence. If the driver's licence is in a language other than English, an International Driver's Permit is required in conjunction with the country of residence driver's license.

This will allow you to drive in Canada and rent a car here.