Moraine Lake in Canada
Canada is known all over the world for its stunning landscapes that span from one coast to the other, which can be discovered with a rental car. The map of Canada is dotted with cities characterised by their rich cultural heritage and a plethora of breathtaking natural gems. The urban and natural gems of Canada will be easiest to explore with Driveboo, which will allow you to prepare for your journey beforehand by offering a comparison of different car rental options and the possibility to book your vehicle online.
On the one hand, there are the cities of Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. On the other, travellers can venture into the hidden secrets of Niagara Falls, Gros Morne National Park, Nahanni National Park, and the Rocky Mountains. The rich diversity of Canadian possibilities will leave even the most demanding holidaymakers satisfied.
There are numerous car hire companies located in all the major Canadian cities. However, due to the fact that most holidaymakers arrive in Canada by plane, the most convenient way is to simply hire a vehicle at the airport.
Major airports in Canada include:
Airport | IATA-Code |
---|---|
Calgary International Airport | YYC |
Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport | YUL |
Macdonald–Cartier International Airport | YOW |
Jean Lesage International Airport | YQB |
It doesn’t matter where you hire your vehicle—you should always opt for full insurance without non-waivable excess for your own and your passengers’ protection. Such insurance will protect you against theft, accidents, and damage to the car. Additionally, you should ensure you have high liability coverage.
Watch out for wildlife when travelling in Canada
The right insurance for your rental car
Paying a deposit is required by all car rental companies; however, the amount you will pay varies from company to company and depends on the vehicle type that you chose. If the rental car is returned without any damage, the previously debited amount will be transferred back to your bank account.
In Canada there are a few toll roads; these include:
Type of road | Speed limit |
---|---|
Urban areas | 50 km/h |
Outside urban areas | 80 km/h |
Highways | 100 km/h |
Emergency situation | Phone number |
---|---|
Police, Fire department | 911 |
General information | 411 |
Information about the traffic | 511 |
Canada follows right-hand traffic. In order to rent a car in the country, you need to be at least 21 years of age. When it comes to seatbelts, all passengers are required to wear them. The fine for not following the laws of the road may be as high as CAD 500. Remember—you must not overtake school buses which have flashing red lights on. Finally, traffic lights operate in compliance with the international standard.
Niagara Falls is considered one of the country’s most famous and popular natural attractions. It can be found just an hour’s drive from Toronto. In the past, daredevils would attempt to traverse the falls in strange homemade boats or walk over this natural gem on a tightrope. The carnival-like atmosphere can be still felt today.
The park is part of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, a paradise for hikers, mountaineers, and fans of outdoor activities. Located in the province of Alberta, Banff National Park is easily accessible by car. The most popular road here is Icefields Parkway, which runs from the scenic Lake Louise to the peaceful Jasper. The town of Banff is an ideal choice for those who seek shopping venues and accommodation, as well as restaurants offering regional specialities.
On the way to Old Quebec
Old Quebec is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors will find an astounding number of historic buildings. The quarter spans across both the Upper and Lower Town. While strolling along the winding paths, you will have a unique opportunity to admire Château Frontenac, the Plains of Abraham, the Parque Historique de l'Artillerie, and to take a stroll along the St Lawrence River.
Within a short drive of Vancouver, you will reach Whistler, one of the most popular ski resorts in the country. With impeccable skiing infrastructure and outdoor activities galore, the resort has attracted international attention over the years. In the summer, you can try golfing, mountain biking, and trekking, whereas in the winter, there are plenty of skiing trails waiting on the snowy slopes.
Towering over the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill is a place that simply cannot be missed. The facade is an example of the neo-Gothic style and most of the buildings date back to the 19th century. The most popular edifice of the whole complex is Peace Tower, which is a peculiar division standing between the Senate and the House of Commons. In front of the main building, you will see the famous Centennial Flame, which is a commemoration of the Canadian Confederation. The Changing of the Guard is also a superb event for families with children.
Montreal’s old quarter offers a wide variety of attractions for all types of tourists. The bustling city streets, numerous historic buildings, and charming cobbled walkways create a peculiar landscape which will stay in tourists’ minds for a long time to come. The quarter is located by the waterfront, which adds to the overall ambiance of the place.