Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bring Your Own Vehicle
There's minimal hassle driving into Canada from the USA as long as you have your
vehicle's registration papers, proof of liability insurance and your home driver's license.
Driver's License
In most provinces visitors can legally drive for up to three months with their home driver's
license. In some, such as British Columbia, this is extended to six months.
If you're spending considerable time in Canada, think about getting an international
driving permit (IDP), which is valid for one year. Your automobile association at home can
issue one for a small fee. Always carry your home license together with the IDP.
Fuel & Spare Parts
»
gas is sold in liters
»
at the time of writing, the average for midgrade fuel was $1.35 per liter (about C$5 per
US gallon)
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prices are higher in remote areas
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fuel prices in Canada are usually higher than in the USA, so fill up south of the border
»
most gas stations are self-service
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finding a gas station is generally easy except in sparsely populated areas such as Lab-
rador and Newfoundland's South Coast
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finding spare parts can be difficult far from big cities
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when traveling in remote regions always bring some tools and at least a spare tire
Insurance
Canadian law requires liability insurance for all vehicles, to cover you for damage caused
to property and people.
The minimum requirement is $200,000 in all provinces except Québec, where it is
$50,000.
Americans traveling to Canada in their own car should ask their insurance company for
a nonresident interprovince motor vehicle liability insurance card (commonly known as a
'yellow card'), which is accepted as evidence of financial responsibility anywhere in
Canada. Although not mandatory, it may come in handy in an accident.
Car-rental agencies offer liability insurance. Collision damage waivers (CDW) reduce or
eliminate the amount you'll have to reimburse the rental company if there's damage to the
car itself. Some credit cards cover CDW for a certain rental period, if you use the card to
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