Driving in Canada – everything you need to know

Picture yourself cruising through open landscapes with snow-capped mountains rising majestically on the horizon, as the scent of pine trees drifts in through the open window.

On a self-drive tour in Canada, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, with each bend in the road revealing fresh vistas and breathtaking natural beauty.

Want to experience Canada’s scenic roads? Here you’ll find our top tips, so you’re fully prepared for your adventure through this spectacular country.

Benefits of exploring Canada on your own

The greatest advantage of discovering Canada independently is undoubtedly the freedom it gives you.

With your hands on the wheel, you’re in control of the pace and can make spontaneous detours whenever you like. Pause to soak up the breathtaking scenery, snap a photo, or pop into a cosy café for a warming cup of coffee – it’s entirely up to you.

The journey itself is an adventure, with captivating routes that take you past shimmering glaciers, glassy lakes, and deep green forests.

Frequently asked questions about driving in Canada

Canada is the perfect destination for a self-drive adventure.

We’ve put together answers to the most common questions about driving in Canada.

Is it safe to drive in Canada?

Yes, driving in Canada is safe.

However, harsh winters can pose challenges on certain routes, such as those through the Rocky Mountains. Our tours, however, take place between May and October, so our itineraries avoid any issues with winter weather.

Can you drive in Canada with a British driving licence?

Yes, you can drive in Canada with your British driving licence for up to 1-3 months after your arrival, depending on which province you’re in. If your driving licence is in a language other than English or French, you must bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) that translates your licence into these languages.

Please note: You must bring your physical driving licence with you.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Canada?

In Canada, drivers use the right-hand side of the road, which is the opposite of what we’re used to back home.

Driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road can take some getting used to at first. Fortunately, all our rental cars have automatic gearboxes, so you can focus entirely on the road and the traffic.

Most people quickly get used to driving in Canada, and may even find it a bit of an adjustment switching back to familiar driving conditions when they return home.

How old do you have to be to drive in Canada?

Generally, you need to be at least 21 years old to hire a car in Canada and must have held your driving licence for at least one year. It’s worth noting, however, that certain categories of car hires require drivers to be at least 25 years old.

What are the speed limits in Canada?

Canada has 12 provinces, each with their own specific speed limits, so be sure to keep an eye on the road signs.

As a rule of thumb, expect speed limits of 40–50 km/h within city limits, 70–90 km/h on main roads, and 80–110 km/h on motorways. However, you should always adhere to the speed limit posted on the signs.

Are there any other rules I should be aware of?

In most places in Canada—with the exception of the island of Montréal in the province of Québec—it is permitted to turn right at a red light. However, this is only allowed if you come to a complete stop and check that the way is clear, and as long as there is no signage indicating otherwise.

On smaller residential roads and in neighbourhoods, you may encounter 3-way or 4-way stop junctions, where all drivers must stop regardless of their direction. The first vehicle to arrive has the right of way and proceeds first.

It’s also important to remember that you must not overtake a stationary school bus. Doing so may result in a fine.

Are there toll roads in Canada?

Driving is free of charge in most parts of Canada, with a few exceptions where you may encounter toll roads.

Most often, you won’t be able to pay road tolls in person, as many toll roads operate using an electronic payment system that bills the owner of the vehicle via the car’s registration number. If you’re driving a hire car, the toll charge is usually passed on to you by the rental company.

Where can I refuel my car in Canada?

You’ll generally have no trouble finding somewhere to fill up your car in Canada, as long as you’re close to a town or city.

However, in remote areas, petrol stations can be few and far between. If you plan to drive through such regions, we recommend refuelling your car in advance. In our daily itinerary, we’ve highlighted specific locations where you should be particularly mindful about filling up. For example, it’s not possible to refuel in the town of Sun Peaks, so we recommend stopping for fuel in Clearwater instead.

It’s also a good idea to plan your fuel stops ahead of time. Handy apps such as Google Maps can help you find petrol stations along your route.

Where can I park my car?

Parking on main roads is prohibited in Canada.

Other parking rules vary depending on your location, but you’ll usually find signs clearly indicating where parking is allowed.

What are the road conditions like in Canada?

The roads in Canada are generally well maintained, though they can be challenging during the winter months.

As we only offer tours from May to October, you’ll rarely encounter any issues with the roads when driving in Canada on our tours.

Are there animals on the roads in Canada?

In particular, when driving through forested areas or at night, you may come across animals such as deer, moose, or bears on the roads. Be sure to slow down and stay especially alert in these areas.

Do I need a GPS to drive in Canada?

Having a GPS is a huge help when driving in Canada.

If your mobile plan includes data in Canada, or if you purchase a Canadian SIM card or an eSIM, you can easily use GPS apps such as Google Maps to navigate.

Many GPS apps also allow you to download your route in advance, so you can use the map offline. This is particularly useful when driving in areas with poor signal coverage.

What’s included when you hire a car?

Our self-drive tours in Canada include car hire with unlimited mileage, one-way rental, and all legally required insurance.

If you’d like to learn more about our car hire in Canada, take a look at our practical info page or get in touch with our experienced travel specialists, who are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Why choose TourCompass?

We understand that travelling independently can feel daunting. When you book a self-drive tour with TourCompass, you get the best of both worlds: the freedom of a self-drive adventure and the reassurance of travelling with a tour operator you can reach 24/7.

Ready to get behind the wheel in Canada?

Canada is brimming with unique experiences, all waiting to be discovered at your own pace as you journey along its breathtaking country roads.

Are you ready to take the wheel and set off on the adventure of a lifetime across Canada’s vast open landscapes?

Our experienced travel specialists are here to help you find the perfect tour to Canada, tailored to suit you and your wishes!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller