Transport and Driving in Canada

Despite its large geographic size, getting around Canada is fairly easy thanks to an excellent transport system. Whether you’re taking the train, the bus, or even hopping on a flight, the well-established road networks, railway system, and numerous domestic airports combine to make travelling across Canada straightforward and painless.

Public transport in Canada

Trains

VIA Rail is the national passenger rail service in Canada. VIA Rail links major cities such as Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, as well as many smaller communities.

Train travel is a more comfortable option than buses, although it comes at a higher cost. To save money, buy tickets in advance, as they’re generally cheaper than on-the-spot purchases.

VIA Rail offers several service classes to suit different travel needs.

• Economy Class provides comfortable seating and access to a café car for snacks, and you can enjoy WiFi on select routes.
• Business Class offers enhanced seating with more legroom, complimentary meals and drinks, access to exclusive lounges, and priority boarding.
• For overnight journeys, Sleeper Class provides private cabins, meals, and access to shower facilities and lounge areas.

VIA Rail is constantly expanding its services, including additional round trips between Toronto and Ottawa and between London and Toronto.

Buses

Bus services in Canada are also top-notch. Clean, safe, and reliable, they offer an affordable way to travel between cities and even across the border into the United States. Various service providers offer intercity bus routes, and some are expanding to serve more remote communities as demand for local transport options grows.

Intercity buses come with a host of amenities, including onboard toilets, air conditioning, reclining seats, and movies. Many buses also have free WiFi and electrical outlets. You can purchase tickets online, over the phone, at bus terminals, or through an agency, making it easy to plan your journey in advance.

Useful links

• VIA Rail Canada
• Busbud: Compare Bus Routes Across Canada

Taxis in Canada

Taxis in Canada are plentiful, with multiple companies operating in most cities. You can hail one in the street, grab one at a taxi rank, or pre-book over the phone.

Metered fares are strictly regulated and can’t be negotiated. Drivers generally expect a tip between 10 percent and 20 percent to reflect the quality of their service. Taxi drivers in all major cities carry official identification, which you can request to see if necessary.

Besides traditional taxis, ride-hailing apps are gaining traction across Canada. Uber and Lyft have established a foothold in major cities. New entrants like URide and Zoom Zoom cater to smaller communities, offering a blend of traditional taxis with modern conveniences.

Most ride-hailing services now favour cashless payments, and you can use credit cards or mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay for a convenient and safe ride.

Useful links

• Uber Canada
• Lyft Canada
• URide
• Zoom Zoom

Driving in Canada

Driving remains the most common way to get around Canada. All vehicles in Canada must be insured and registered with the provincial or territorial government. Insurance costs vary widely between provinces. Factors such as accident rates, provincial regulations, and the type of coverage all play a part in determining the price, so it’s wise to do thorough research before committing to an insurer.

Driving regulations can also differ from one province to another. For example, British Columbia and Alberta have strict bans on handheld devices while driving. In Quebec, winter tyres are mandatory from December 15 to March 15, and the province also has lower blood alcohol limits than others. It’s essential to familiarise yourself with local driving laws to avoid any issues on the road.

Driving licences

If you’re planning on driving in Canada, you can initially use your foreign driving licence for a limited period, typically up to three months, depending on the province. After this period, you must convert your licence to a Canadian one. In some provinces, you might be able to make a direct swap if your original licence is from a country with a reciprocal agreement with Canada. These countries include the United States, Australia, Germany, France, and the UK, among others.

Bear in mind that certain documents are typically needed for the exchange process, such as proof of residency, your current valid foreign licence, and possibly a driving history or record. If your licence is not in English or French, you may also need an official translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The process for converting your licence varies across provinces and territories. In Ontario and BC, for instance, if you come from a reciprocal country and have more than two years of driving experience, you only need to pass an eye test. For others, a knowledge test and a road test may be required. For those from non-reciprocal countries, the process usually involves a written knowledge test, an eye exam, and potentially a road test.

The time you can drive on a foreign licence also differs by province. In Ontario, you can drive for up to 60 days; in Alberta and British Columbia, the period extends to 90 days of establishing residency.

Once you have a Canadian licence, it’s valid across all provinces and territories. Each province may have its own particular requirements, so it’s important to stay informed to ensure you remain compliant with local regulations.

For more on regulations in Alberta, see Driving and Licences in Calgary. For more on British Columbia's driving rules, see Driving and Licences in Vancouver. Quebec's transport and driving details can be found in Driving and Licences in Montreal. See Driving and Licences in Toronto for Ontario's rules.

Useful links

• Government of Canada: Driving in Canada

Domestic air travel in Canada

Domestic air travel in Canada is often the most efficient and practical way to get from coast to coast. The airline industry is highly competitive, with well-established players like Air Canada facing stiff competition from low-cost carriers such as WestJet and Flair Airlines. These low-cost options are constantly expanding their networks, which means there are always good deals to be found if you know where to look.

If you’re looking for cheap flights, signing up for airline newsletters can give you access to exclusive offers, and fare comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights can help you find the best prices across different airlines.

Booking your flight well in advance and flying during off-peak times, such as mid-week or non-holiday periods, can also help you save. Loyalty programmes are another great way to rack up points that you can use for future discounts or even free flights.

Canadian airports are always upgrading their services to make your experience smoother. Enhanced security measures have reduced wait times, and the adoption of contactless check-in and boarding has made flying safer and more convenient.

Useful links

• Air Canada
• WestJet
• Flair Airlines

Cycling in Canada

Cycling in Canada is actively encouraged by local authorities, who strive to make conditions as favourable as possible. Many towns and cities have dedicated cycle lanes, making getting around on two wheels both practical and enjoyable. Bike-sharing schemes are also becoming increasingly popular, with larger cities leading the charge.

Several cities are investing heavily in cycling infrastructure. Toronto, for instance, has approved new bike lanes and safety improvements as part of its Cycling Network Plan, enhancing connectivity and safety throughout the city. Many of Canada’s cities have similar plans in progress.

As a cyclist, you’re expected to follow the same road regulations as other vehicles, and wearing a helmet is compulsory in most provinces. Provinces such as British Columbia have mandatory helmet laws for all cyclists, while others, like Ontario, only require helmets for cyclists under 18.

There are plenty of dedicated bicycle shops across the country to help you get set up, whether you’re looking for a new bike or maintenance services.