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Driving in Canada

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Overview

Driving in Canada is one of the best ways to savour the sights of this vast country. While you can certainly get by without a car in the major cities, many scenic smaller towns and parks are only accessible by car.

Facts

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Source

WBP almanac

External sources

Wikivoyage Wikipedia

Media

From Wikipedia382 words

WBP editorial3

Seasonal road etiquette

Canadian drivers adjust their habits with the climate. In winter, even on major routes, you’ll notice a courteous practice of leaving ample gaps for snowplows and allowing slower traffic to merge behind cleared lanes. Spring melt often brings temporary weight limits on high‑altitude passes, so plan alternates and carry a spare tyre. In the summer months, especially in the Rockies, drivers tend to pull over at scenic turnouts, giving photographers and wildlife watchers a safe viewing spot. Understanding these unspoken rhythms helps you move smoothly and respect local road culture.

Cross‑province tolls and fees

While most of Canada’s highway network is free, a handful of bridges and express lanes operate on a toll basis, notably the Confederation Bridge between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick and several Vancouver Metro corridors. Tolls are typically collected electronically, so keeping a credit‑card ready or registering for a transponder can save time at the gate. Remember that fuel taxes are included in the price per litre, which can make long‑haul trips feel pricier than they appear on paper, prompting many motorists to factor fuel‑efficiency stops into their itineraries.

Driving etiquette in Indigenous territories

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Routes that cross First Nations lands often feature signage in both English and the local Indigenous language, signalling a collaborative approach to road stewardship. Visitors are encouraged to observe speed reductions, especially near community entry points, and to respect any road closure notices issued for cultural events or environmental monitoring. Engaging with local information centres can reveal alternative routes that bypass seasonal restrictions, offering a smoother journey while acknowledging the sovereignty of the territories you traverse.

The rules of the road

[edit] Canadian traffic laws are enforced under federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal jurisdictions. Canada utilizes a right-hand traffic pattern, requiring traffic to keep to the right. Some provinces, however, initially had left-hand traffic patterns, except for Quebec and Ontario which always had right-hand patterns. Unless there is a sign indicating otherwise, drivers are permitted to turn right on red everywhere in Canada except the Island of Montreal. Generally, drivers at uncontrolled intersections and all-way stops have the right-of-way if they are the first to stop at the intersection, with priority to the right being enforced if multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously. Speed limits[edit] See also: Speed limits in Canada Speed limits are set by either the federal, provincial, or municipal governments depending on the jurisdiction under which the road falls. In national parks for example, speed limits are set by Parks Canada, an agency of the federal government. Depending on where you are driving, the speed limit typically ranges from 30 km/h to 100 km/h; highway speed limits usually range from 100 km/h to 110 km/h depending on the province. British Columbia's highways have a speed limit of 120 km/h. Seat belt use[edit] See also: Seat belt legislation in Canada Seat belt legislation is determined by province, all of which having passed legislation requiring seat belt use.

Driver's license

[edit] Main article: Driver's licences in Canada A driver's license is legally required to drive a motor vehicle in Canada. These licenses are issued by provincial/territorial governments and must be carried when driving. The process to obtain a driver's license varies by province or territory, but typically contains a written test and a driving test.

Insurance

[edit] In Canada, vehicle insurance is mandatory for all vehicle owners. Insurance structure varies between provinces: most provinces operate within private markets, but three provinces—British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba—utilize a mandatory, government-issued minimum coverage. Quebec follows a model in which injury-related claims are covered by the government insurer while property damage is covered by private insurers.