Driving and drivers license

Driving in Canada

Distance calculator for the east of Canada*

*Distances are expressed in kilometres 

Distance calculator for the west of Canada*

 *Distances are expressed in kilometres

Basic motorhome driving regulations in Canada

Generally driving in Canada is similar to driving in Europe. One drives on the right hand side of the road. However, some aspects are very different so please check current regulations before driving.
All occupants of a motorhome must wear a seat belt (including children who must have a suitable child or booster seat).

You have the right to drive around Canada with your valid driver's license. Driver's licenses wich are not printed in latin alphabet require an international driving permit in English language in addition to the first one.

Fatigue is a major cause of accidents so do not hesitate to take regular breaks from driving.
The speed limit on highways is 100 km/h and in urban areas it is 50km/h.

When driving a motorhome through tolls and into service stations use the truck lane.

Safe and secure driving in Canada

Remember to take breaks from driving at least every 2 hours. The distances can be very long between two cities or two tourist sites.

Watch out for school buses (they are marked "school children"). When they flash a stop sign it indicates an immediate halt in both directions of traffic and no overtaking is allowed. The speed limit is very low near schools.

Remember that your motorhome is longer and taller than a car. Watch out for signs indicating height restrictions. Also be careful of low hanging tree branches in campsites (be very aware of height restrictions and high objects when reversing).

Please note that a two-wheel drive vehicle can only be driven on paved roads (unless otherwise stated in our terms and conditions). The all-terrain or 4x4 vehicles can take dirt roads but there may be restrictions indicated in our general rental conditions.

Petrol and service stations in Canada

In general fuel is much less expensive (on average two times cheaper) in Canada than in Europe. But the price can change quickly. More rural service stations tend to be more expensive than those in the cities. Also, full up with fuel at the beginning of the week as from Thursday the prices increase.

Always check the total fuel tank capacity of your vehicle before departing on a long journey, as often the service stations are quite far apart.

Ferries in Canada

There are a lot of Canadian ferry companies allowing you to visit an island with your vehicle, explore or cross the St. Lawrence River. Each journey is unique and requires specific criteria for each trip. You will find the ferry crossing that you need here.

Find more information please see:

BC Ferries

Canadian Ferry Operators Association

Bluewater Ferries

Otarrio Ferries

Bay Ferries

Marine Atlantique

You can always get more information by contacting the local tourism offices.