*This is a collaborative post
I’ve talked before about how we would love to plan an epic trip to Canada in the future. Both Hubby and I would love to spend some time exploring the country, and as such have been looking at what we need to know in terms of driving in Canada.
Related Post – Things to know before visiting Canada
When we go to America, and visit Disney World, we never hire a car purely because the transport included works well for us. To be able to visit Canada and tour the Rocky Mountains, which is a big bucket list item for me, means we need a car to be able to explore properly and get the most out of our trip.
Every country has different rules and regulations, so it’s important for us to know the requirements for car hire in Canada and rules of the roads before we go.
Minimum Driving Age
To hire a car in Canada you must be over 21 years old and have held a driving licence for a minimum of one year. If you are under 25 years old there may be a young driver surcharge.
Take a Credit Card
Car hire companies will want to hold funds against a credit card, so make sure you have an in date credit card in the name of the driver so ensure your car hire goes without a hitch.
Car Seats
Do you need a car seat for any children travelling with you? Every province has it’s own rules, so it’s important to check for the age and weight of any children travelling to make sure they are safe and secure in the car.
Choose The Correct Car
Canada is full of different terrains, so it’s important to choose the correct car when touring the country. Will you need a city car, or perhaps you’ll be doing off road driving and need something more suitable.
Know Before You Go – Driving In Canada
Every country has their own rules, and driving in a new country can be daunting. Here are some quick tips for driving in Canada
- Drive on the right hand side of the road
- Never overtake a school bus
- If you are pulled over by the police, stay in the car, turn the engine off and have hand visible.
- Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt
- Have your drivers license with you all the time
- Take a French guide book or brush up on your French if you’re driving in Quebec as many of the road signs are in French.
- Have food and water in the car if you are covering long distances.
- Speed limits vary from Province to Province, are are recorded in KM/H so make sure you read the signs to avoid getting a fine.
- Turning right at a red light is permitted unless there is a sign telling you not to.
As Canada is the second largest country, and the roads are often wide and quiet, it would be crazy not to hire a car and take off on an adventure. Where will yours take you? Ours I think will start with a train ride on the Rocky Mountaineer before hiring a car and exploring the western side of Canada.
