Driving Across Canada: A Complete Guide

Canada is vast and captivating, but factors like climate, distance, and high domestic travel costs can make exploring challenging. However, having a vehicle at your disposal allows for spontaneous adventures throughout this stunning country.

The Trans-Canada Highway ranks among the world’s longest roads, covering 7821km (4859 miles) from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Victoria, British Columbia. This epic route passes through all ten provinces, skirting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It traverses islands, tundra, national parks, and stunning landscapes, making it the ideal way to experience the diversity of Canada. However, embarking on this journey requires planning, a reliable vehicle, and preparation for various weather conditions. This practical guide will help you make the most of your Canadian road trip.

Renting a Car in Canada

Renting is the most straightforward option for getting on the road. However, be aware that one-way rental fees can be high, and some locations may restrict rentals between them. Therefore, consider returning your vehicle to its original location to avoid additional charges. Most rental rates exclude comprehensive insurance, which is often presented as an optional purchase. Many credit cards or travel insurance plans cover rental vehicle insurance, so check your benefits.

Understanding the rental agreement details can save money and provide peace of mind. It’s crucial to confirm the mileage allowance, especially for RV rentals. If you have flexibility in your plans, seek out relocation deals, where you could rent a vehicle at a significantly reduced rate while transporting it between locations, sometimes with free fuel included. Relocation opportunities may also be available for private vehicles.

Purchasing a Used Car in Canada

For long-term visitors in Canada, buying a used vehicle can be a practical choice. Insurance costs should be a priority, as rates can be high, particularly in regions like Ontario. It’s important to note that ownership transfers only occur after the purchaser’s insurance is secured. In provinces such as British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, government-run insurance is mandatory. In other regions, the buyer must arrange their insurance independently.

Insurance rates vary based on location, driving history, and vehicle type. Despite being able to purchase without a Canadian license, a fixed address is necessary for insurance and registration. Additionally, foreign drivers may be classified as ‘new drivers’, resulting in higher premiums and restrictions on insuring older vehicles. Generally, banks provide the best rates for new drivers, whereas private insurers may offer less favorable terms. Understanding cancellation penalties is also prudent if you plan to resell the vehicle shortly after purchase.

Important Considerations When Buying a Vehicle in Canada

Establishing trust with the seller is essential. A reputable dealership may handle all necessary paperwork, though the costs may incorporate commission fees. Be cautious of ‘as-is’ vehicles that lack proper certification; driving one off the lot without certification can incur unexpected expenses for towing and repairs. When buying privately, aim to negotiate the inclusion of certification in the sale price.

Dealers must disclose any outstanding liens attached to a vehicle, as the responsibility for settled debts transfers to you upon purchase. Ask for a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) from reputable sellers to provide you with the vehicle’s ownership, accident history, and financing information. If unavailable, you can obtain it for a fee through local transportation offices.

Online searches using terms like ‘one owner’ and ‘service history’ can help locate well-maintained used vehicles. With some diligence, it’s possible to find reliable cars priced around CAD$3000, which can be resold later, often recouping a significant portion of the initial investment.

Post-2000 models of Toyotas and Hondas are typically fuel-efficient and possess good resale value. While brands like Volkswagen and Volvo come highly recommended, parts for these may be more costly. Despite their appeal for long trips, inexpensive SUVs may conceal expensive issues related to suspension and chassis.

Winter Driving in Canada

Winter conditions necessitate thorough vehicle inspections due to road salting, especially for older cars. Essential checks include the state of the timing belt and whether winter tires are necessary. Ensure brakes and tire tread comply with safety standards. Don’t forget to factor sales tax into your budget, which can reach up to 13% in certain provinces.

Registering Your Vehicle in Canada

Once you’ve acquired a vehicle, you’ll need to navigate registration, which varies by province:

• Alberta – www.servicealberta.gov.ab.ca
• British Columbia – www.icbc.com
• Manitoba – www.mpi.mb.ca
• New Brunswick – www.gnb.ca
• Newfoundland & Labrador – www.gs.gov.nl.ca
• Nova Scotia – www.gov.ns.ca
• Ontario – www.mto.gov.on.ca
• Prince Edward Island – www.gov.pe.ca
• Québec – www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca
• Saskatchewan – www.sgi.sk.ca

Moreover, consider registering for the Canadian Automobile Association’s roadside assistance service to mitigate potential roadside troubles.

Ultimately, if you wish to explore the breadth of Canada, thorough research and planning are essential. Evaluate various rental and purchase options to find what fits best—not every choice has to be exorbitantly priced.

Planning Your Journey Across Canada

Once you’ve secured transportation, consider one of the remarkable routes available to enhance your Canadian adventure:

This article was first written in March 2013 and last updated September 2020.

This article was first published on July 9, 2019, and updated on September 16, 2020.