Now you have booked your self drive holiday, you may have a few questions about driving in Canada. We have put together some helpful advice to assist you.
It is legal to drive in the Canada with a valid UK photocard driving licence. You will be driving on the opposite side of the road from the UK, which does take some getting used to. However, roads are well-signposted and nicely maintained. As in the UK, seatbelts are mandatory and you are required to obey speed limits. Please take extra care when driving, especially in the national parks, and keep an eye out for wildlife.
If you are travelling with children, it is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the local car seat/seat booster guidelines. Most airlines do allow you to check a pram and car seat in addition to the child’s hold luggage allowance.
In Canada, most road signs are in English or French, depending on the province, and are measured in kilometres. In Quebec, all road signs must be in French. A stop sign in Quebec will have “Arrêt” on it. New Brunswick and Ontario will also have French and English road signs. Federally managed areas, such as airports and national parks, will also have bilingual signage.
Please double check which provinces you are driving through as each province will have their own signage for their roads. Be aware that in Canada, when you get to a red traffic light, you are allowed to turn right provided there is no oncoming traffic, except in Montreal.
More information can be found here - Driving in Canada
If you are visiting the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia. You are required to prebook a parking space due to how busy the trail is.
You can book your space here: Cabot Trail Car Park
Discovery Parks Canada have restricted access to Moraine Lake Road to personal cars whilst they improve the road for the future. There are plenty of other ways to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, including a shuttle bus or walk.
Visit Parks of Canada for more details and the most up to date information.
The booking portal for the Moraine Lake Shuttle will open on Wednesday, April 16 2026 at 8:00 am MT.
We highly recommend booking your slot on the bus when the booking portal opens to secure your preferred time slot. Alternatively speak to your consultant if you wish to add a day trip to Moraine Lake.
As BC Ferries only allow 40% of each sailing to be pre-booked, we include your ferry passage in your holiday cost to avoid disappointment. The remaining 60% of a departure's capacity is on a first come first served basis on the day.
To allow for city traffic, peak period car collection delays and grabbing breakfast before you go, your consultant will automatically prebook and prepay your ferry departure time as close to midday as possible. As times are subject to change in the run-up to departure, please refer to your final documentation for your confirmed departure time. You will receive your final documents via post approximately 2 weeks prior to your holiday.
Please ensure you arrive at the ferry terminal at least 60 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. Onboard, you will be required to vacate your secured vehicle to adhere to Transport Canada’s safety requirements. There will be amenities at your disposal on the ferry to explore and enjoy.
Got a few more questions about driving in Canada? Visit the Driving in Canada FAQ page.
At My Canada Trips there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 917 5724
We are open today between 9am and 5:30pmRequest a Callback
At My Canada Trips there are a number of ways you can contact us meaning that all you have to do is choose the option which is most convenient to you.
0800 917 5724
We are open today between 9am and 5:30pmMake An Enquiry
Request A Callback
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