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Driving in Canada

Are Canadians really as nice as people say? Is the landscape really as pristine and beautiful? Are the cities as cosmopolitan and manageable? There's only one way to find out―hop in your car and head north. Driving in Canada is about as seamless a process as an American traveler can find these days, so explore the country on your own terms, behind the wheel of your own car.

At the Border

Identification Requirements

It's a new game at the Canadian border, thanks to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). As of January 31, 2008, you no longer have the option to orally declare citizenship. You'll need approved documentation to make the cross. You'll need to provide one of the following:

• U.S. Passport. A passport book alone is sufficient to make the cross.

• U.S. Passport Card (PASS Card). This is a new option available for border communities that cross with some frequency. The card is less expensive and more portable than the traditional passport book, so read our article to see if the PASS Card works for you.

• Enhanced Driver License. Again, this a new option for crossing by land or sea, so check our article on the topic and see if it's a good match for you. Only certain states are offering this product at this time.

• Trusted Traveler Card. Only the NEXUS card will work for travel between the U.S. and Canada. The card hastens the border-crossing process, and is only available to low-risk travelers.

However, children, cruise ship passengers, and some other groups face less retrictive documentation conditions. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers detailed information about these exceptions.

Declarations

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has the right to search your person, your vehicle, and your belongings. Inspection agents will ask you questions about what you're bringing into Canada, so know what's acceptable and what isn't.

• Personal belongings are fine, and they are not subject to duties or taxes.

• Some items are permissible in limited quantities. Check CBSA Web site for specific restrictions on alcohol, tobacco products, currency, foods, and plants.

• You are prohibited from bringing firearms, explosives, endangered species, commercial goods (without paying taxes), and certain objectionable materials into Canada.

Wait Times

Both CBP and CBSA provide real-time information about queues at each border crossing. Check for delays before you hit the road.

It's Just Like the U.S.

We're neighbors, and good ones at that. Our close proximity and long-standing diplomatic relations with Canada have led to lots of reciprocity when it comes to inter-country driving privileges.

• Your U.S. driver license gives you full driving privileges in Canada as a tourist.

• Your membership in the American Automobile Association (AAA) gives you reciprocal privileges with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), so remember to bring your AAA card in case you need a tow.

Insurance

Again, your U.S. car insurance policy is valid in Canada, as long as you remain a tourist. It's possible to get a special Canadian insurance card through your current U.S. provider or other U.S. insurance companies for extended periods of travel. Like the U.S., Canada does require certain levels of insurance by law, so check your policy. In most Canadian provinces, there's a minimum level of $200,000 for third-party liability coverage.

On the Road

Transport Canada is the government agency responsible for transportation and roadways, so you'll probably encounter it on your travels. It's important to note that Canadian provinces act like U.S. states, so rules and regulations may vary slightly in different towns and cities across the country.

Rules of the Road

• Canadians drive on the right, just like you.

• Get used to the metric system. Speeds and distances appear in kilometers, not miles.

• Learn a little French. Quebec is largely bilingual, and some information will appear only in French.

• Speed limits are typically posted, but just in case, common maximum speeds are as follows:

• 50 km per hour in and around cities

• 80-100 km per hour on highways

• 60-80 km per hour in rural areas

• Radar detectors are illegal. Leave them at home.

Safety

• Most U.S. safety precautions apply. Seat belts and child safety seats are required by law.

• Canada requires daytime running lights. Turn your headlights on whenever you hit the road, regardless of the time of day.

• There's no right turn on red in some locations, notably Montreal and Quebec City.

• DWI offenses are severe in Canada, and the country takes offenders seriously. If you have a DWI record in the U.S., you will need to apply for a special waiver to enter Canada. The process takes a few weeks, so contact your nearest Canadian consulate and plan ahead.

• Read our article with more safety tips for American travelers driving beyond the border.

Common Road Challenges

• Winter weather can get severe in many areas of Canada. Plan your driving accordingly, with special care in conditions of ice and snow. When the weather gets really bad, don't be surprised to find bridges closed, and snow-tire requirements put into effect.

• Transport Canada maintains a Web site with current road conditions across the country.

• For current weather forecasts, check Environment Canada.

• Stay alert for rapid lane changes, even in busier traffic.

• Running a red light is a more common occurrence than you might think, especially in more rural areas. Pause before crossing any intersection, even on a green light.

• Watch out for wildlife. Elk, deer, and moose are known to cross the roadways of Canada whenever they see fit.

Emergencies

If you break down or get into a traffic accident, remember your U.S. insurance and motor-club memberships. Call the local authorities, your insurance providers, or, in the event of a serious accident, your nearest U.S. consulate. 911 works for emergency assistance as well, just like in the States.

Take special caution if you travel Highway 401 between Detroit and Montreal. This is one of the busier thoroughfares on the continent, and it's subject to rapid changes in weather. Add all of the commercial traffic, and you can see why the 401 has been subject to some horrific accidents in the recent past.