Exploring the natural beauty of Canada by car

Traveling across Canada is an exhilarating journey, offering a delightful combination of natural beauty, vibrant urban centers and exciting cultural encounters.

  Armed with an international driver's license and a rental car, you can set off on an exciting exploration of this country, exploring the hidden gems that lie off the beaten track. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of getting a rental car, shed light on lesser-explored routes, and delve into the cultural aspects that make Canada an outstanding destination.

What is required to rent a car in Canada?

Major car rental companies are readily available in cities and towns across Canada, offering a wide variety of vehicles to suit every need.

To rent a car in Canada, a typical requirement for tourists includes having both a national and international driver's license in addition to a passport. It is recommended that you carefully review the specific preconditions and policies of the rental agency you choose, as they may impose additional conditions or restrictions.

Although the minimum age to rent a car varies, most rental companies require that the driver must be at least 21 years old and have one to three years of driving experience. It is strongly recommended that you carefully review the terms of your rental agreement, including aspects such as insurance coverage and any additional fees. It is very important to keep in mind that payment is usually made using a personal credit card.

Where to Explore Canada with a Rental Car

With your international driving license and rental car in hand, it's time to chart your course across Canada. Below, we've compiled a list of lesser-visited destinations, each of which promises an experience akin to groundbreaking.

Icefields Parkway, Alberta: Revered as one of the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway reveals its beauty between Jasper and Banff National Parks. This route offers breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, pristine glacial lakes and towering peaks. Don't miss the chance to discover hidden treasures along the way, such as Athabasca Falls, Peyto Lake, and Mistaya Canyon.

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia: The Cabot Trail, which runs along Cape Breton Island, is a spectacular coastal route that passes through fishing villages, rugged cliffs and dense forests. Take a detour off the main highway and visit charming villages like Cheticamp and Ingonish Beach, where you can immerse yourself in Acadian and Mi'kmaq culture.

Dempster Highway, Yukon and Northwest Territories. Designed for the intrepid, the Dempster Highway is a spectacular and remote route. This gravel road crosses the tundra, crosses the Arctic Circle and leads to the charming town of Inuvik. Along the way, be prepared to encounter wildlife such as caribou and musk ox.

Basic traffic rules for drivers in Canada:

• Drive on the right side of the road and always wear your seat belt.
• Follow the established speed limits: in cities - 40-50 km/h, in residential areas - 30-40 km/h, on rural highways - 80-100 km/h, on major highways - 100-120 km/h.
• Never drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Make sure you have the necessary documents: passport, national driving license and international driving license.
• Follow laws regarding the use of child restraints for children of the appropriate age and size.
• Refrain from using mobile devices while driving.
• Give way to pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles when necessary.
• Please be aware of wildlife on rural roads and pay attention to signs indicating wildlife habitats.
• Give way to emergency vehicles if they are on the side of the road.