How to drive in Canada: what you need to know as a European before you go

If you're wondering what it's like to drive in Canada, I'll first tell you that it's a blast, as long as you stick to the main roads.

In this post, which belongs to our super Guide to travel to CanadaWe are going to tell you all the regulations and all our experience so that you know the differences between driving in Europe and driving in Canada, which I can tell you is very similar to driving in the United States.

First of all, I must tell you that it is one of the countries that has one of the largest networks of highways and scenic routes of the world. From the emblematic highway Trans-Canada, extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific Icefields Parkway, in the State of Alberta, which we enjoy in Our route through the Canadian Rockies, which runs from Banff to Jasper, with stunning views of glaciers, rugged mountains and dreamy turquoise lakes.

AN IMPORTANT TIP: Don't travel to Canada without a good travel insurance, avoid big problems. It is one of the first requirements that they tell you on the Canadian government website along with the processing of the And so.
We recommend you the Iati Star We hired this insurance after a good comparison and study of the different ones on the market. It is the only one that exceeds one million euros of coverage. Without a doubt, it is the best for North America, where breaking a leg costs you €150.000, as happened to a friend of ours in the USA. Another positive thing is that Iati has an app for virtual visits.
I leave you here a link where you have a 5% off for any Iati travel insurance.

On our last route we did Canada by motorhome And if there's one thing we didn't do, we drove for quite a while during the 21 days of travel we did. 

TIP: If you want to do this route by Canada by motorhome Like us, we recommend renting a motorhome. Do it in Calgary or Vancouver with Road surfers, a company we would repeat with. Roadsurfer  gave us un discount of 150 $ that you as readers can also benefit from applying the DISCOUNT CODE: KUCAVANAAMERICA

Driving license in Canada as a tourist: International driving permit

First of all, what you should know, if you are Spanish or European like us, is that in Canada you will need the International permit which you must request from the Traffic Department in your country.

For Spaniards, like us, you have to go to the DGT to pick it up once it has been processed online at the DGT Electronic Headquarters website. 

In the online processing you must Enter your details and pay a small fee, selecting the DGT office where you will pick up your international driving license.

Past In 2 days you will be able to go and pick up your international licensel to drive to the office listed on your application taking with you your DNI, proof of application (can be digital) and a passport-sized photograph. 

It's that easy, although you already know that the queues at the DGT are always huge. Based on our experience, go early and be patient. You will be there all morning to pick up your international card to be able to drive in Canada.

This card gives you will only serve for 1 year, something that I also think is partly worth it for them. It could last as long as your license lasts in Spain…

What vehicles can you drive with a Spanish B license in Canada?

In Canada, with a B license, you can drive many more vehicles than in Spain. Vehicle weight restrictions in Canada are much lower than in Spain.

Basically, The limitation is on the axles of the vehicle and not on the weight of the vehicle, as happens here in Spain and Europe.

So with your international driving license that will say that you have a B permit, you will be allowed to drive normal cars, but also motorhomes that weigh up to 6.000 kg (here in Spain you can only drive motorhomes with a B permit of up to 3.500 kg) or small trucks that can also weigh 6.000 kg or more. if they only have two axes.

When you will need another license different from B is when the vehicle to be driven has 3 axles or more.

What it's like to drive in Canada: the basics

The traffic rules in Canada are very similar to the European ones, usually so you will have it easy. 

Furthermore, the roads They are similar to those in the United States broad and so many times with long straights, easy to driveIn our case, we found the roads to be great.

TIP FOR HAVING INTERNET IN CANADA: Internet in Canada is essential, although coverage outside the towns leaves something to be desired, I can tell you that in advance! We use a card with unlimited data Holafly and it was great for us. You can buy it with a 5% OFF through this link.

Act quickly. drive on the right, respect traffic signs and speed limits, which are normally 40 km/h on urban roads, 90-100 km/h on highways. 

Unlike the United States, here the Speed ​​and distances are marked in kilometers and not miles. Something that for us Europeans is a whole extra advantage in North America..

Canadian vehicles and refueling in Canada

Another interesting thing about driving in Canada is the vehicles used there. 

La Most vehicles of the inhabitants of Canada are 4×4, pickup trucks, with lots of power and horsepower. This makes them very suitable vehicles for terrain and inclement weather, especially in winter. Although, on the other hand, unlike Europe, Cars there consume much more gasoline. 

Diesel vehicles are almost anecdotal, Gasoline ones predominate and having so many horses, they use a lot of gasoline.

The only good thing is that, as they are the fourth largest oil producers in the world, Gasoline in Canada is cheaper than in EuropeOn our last trip we paid 1 € per litre of petrol on average at the gas stations. One thing for another, in the end the reality is that the kilometer driven costs you the same as in Europe.

Finally, regarding refuelling in Canada, I would like to tell you something important that you should know. The petrol hose there is black or green. The yellow hose is for diesel in Canada, not like in Spain where it is black. Be careful with this, don't make a mistake when picking up the hose!

Oh, and a tip to save on gas: if you are renting a vehicle, I would choose the cheapest gasoline: Regular, with the lowest octane rating, 87.

The big differences in driving in Canada for a European: different rules

Next, I am going to try to be very practical, so much so that I am only going to give you, and in a summarized way, those rules that are different from those we have in Spain and in the European Union, so that you can write them down and be clear about them before driving on the roads of Canada:

Conclusions about driving in Canada

This is all the information that we can provide you with based on our experience regarding travelling to Canada and driving on Canadian roads. A super guide that we hope will be of support on your trip.

I hope this article has helped you and if it has, please the best way to thank us is to comment below and write to us on social media to tell us about it, remember.

Good route, friends!