Driving and other Transport in Canada
Driving in Canada can be both a pleasure and a challenge. For people from smaller countries, it can be quite an adjustment to drive in a country that spans six time zones. Canadians won’t think twice about driving for hours to a destination for a mere weekend away – or even just for day excursions. With long, open roads and often spectacular scenery, driving in Canada can be a liberating and magnificent feeling. At the same time, city driving can be anything but liberating and remaining patient is not easy for anyone, not just newly-arrived immigrants and visitors. Knowing what to expect can go a long way to making the whole experience a lot easier.
PROVINCE TO PROVINCE
Canada’s roads are fairly decent, although the ice and snow in the winter and heat and humidity in the summer can wreak havoc on the roads of some of the most populous cities which is why there are always ongoing road works. City roads are fairly wide since most cities were planned for automobiles, not like the more historic cities of Europe. Cities like Quebec City and parts of Halifax are exceptions to this. Most roads are well marked, although if you don’t read French, you may have difficulty in Quebec where French-only signs exist.
City driving
If you come from a big city like London, New York, New Delhi or Sydney, you may find cities like Toronto or Vancouver quite tame, but by Canadian standards traffic in big cities is chaotic and every year it seems to get worse. However, most cities are planned on a grid system, which makes them fairly easy to navigate. At the same time, downtown sections are usually made up of many one-way streets to help with traffic flow, which can see even the best navigator’s end up going in circles. Roundabouts are, for the most part, novel entities. Since most streets run north, south, east and west, junctions are controlled by traffic lights. Rush hour (from about 7am to 9am, and 4pm to 6pm) is to be dreaded, especially when there are road closures due to perpetual repairs. People can get into bad tempers, but there are relatively few cases of real ‘road rage’ in Canada. Some cities, such as Toronto, are busy at all hours except the very early morning. Montreal is known for its daring and aggressive drivers.
Rural driving
Some country driving, like that in the Prairies, is flat, straight and very boring, but in other parts roads can wind endlessly. Either way, it’s important to pay attention and stay alert. Wildlife, poor visibility and other sleepy drivers can make rural roads treacherous. On gravel roads you need to be aware of dust and flying stones from other cars and trucks. One of the most important things is to try not to drive longer distances than you can manage in a short period of time, especially at night. You may be eager to get somewhere, but many drivers get into trouble when they ignore their increasing drowsiness.
Traveling on highways and freeways
The main routes in and out of the big cities are usually high-speed, multi-lane freeways (also called expressways or highways). In Britain such routes are called motorways and in mainland Europe they are known as autobahns, auto routes. A few of Canada’s expressways charge a toll, the incentive to use them being less traffic. Most major arteries are well lit. Linking towns and cities across Canada are highways that stretch for miles and miles. The recently upgraded ones near cities have three to four lanes on either side, but once you get to more rural areas there is usually only one lane on either side, sometimes with the odd passing section when it expands to two lanes for a short distance. Canada has about 24,500 km of highways. The Trans Canada Highway, which runs from St John’s, Newfoundland to Victoria, British Columbia, is a whopping 7,306 km, the longest in the world. Along most main highways are service stations that include one or more restaurants, rest room facilities and a gas (petrol) station. But for driving in more out-of-the-way areas drivers are advised to bring extra gasoline, food, water, warm clothing in winter and a cellular phone. Music tapes or CDs could also be useful for when you are travelling in rural areas where radio station options are limited.
Deer crossing
In some areas, alongside the usual road signs warning of sharp bends or rock avalanches, there are signs alerting drivers to beware of certain wildlife that roams nearby. It’s not just to protect the animals; deer, elk and moose can be a real hazard for cars and their drivers. They often get mesmerized by car lights and stand frozen in the path of your car, or can bolt across the road out of nowhere. If you hit one of these large animals, especially a moose, you can be killed. Smaller animals like raccoon, squirrels or skunks aren’t a danger, but you won’t enjoy the smell if you hit them, and it’s never nice to think you’ve killed an animal.
KNOWING THE RULES OF THE ROAD
In contrast to the other Commonwealth countries, Canadians drive on the right hand side. That means that the lane to the right is the slowest and the one on the left is the passing lane. Seatbelt-wearing is compulsory throughout the country. Car seats for children are also mandatory. For babies less than 9 kilograms and under one year of age, the car seat must be rear-facing. Forward facing car seats are for children between 9 kilograms and 18 kilograms who are older than a year. Car seats must always be placed in the back seat. If your child is under eight years of age and/or less than 36 kilograms and/or shorter than 145 centimeters, they must use a booster seat. Some rules vary from province to province and you will need to familiarize yourself with the particular rules of the province you’re staying in. For example, on the island of Montreal it is illegal to make a right-hand turn on a red light. Each province enforces a point system whereby certain driving offences result in the loss of a specified amount of points from a base amount. If a driver has lost a large amount of points, he or she may be called in for an interview or may get his or her licence suspended automatically. When a driver loses all his or her points, the licence is usually taken away for a certain period of time.
Keeping to speed limits
Speeding is a big problem in Canada where impatient drivers take advantage of the wide, open roads. Here have been numerous graphic advertising campaigns launched as an attempt to point out the tragic results of speeding. Nevertheless, it continues to happen and there are stiff fines for those who are caught. If you are used to the imperial system, it might take some time to get used to the metric system employed in Canada. Don’t make the mistake of interpreting a sign that says ‘90’ to mean 90 mph! The speed limit on highways is usually 100 km/h (60 mph) and in cities and towns it is usually 40–50 km/h (25–30 mph) or less.
Drunk-driving
Drunk-driving, called drink-driving in countries such as Britain and Australia, is a serious offence. The legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.08, or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milligrams of blood. If you’re caught with more than that while driving, you have committed a criminal offence that can lead to licence suspension, hefty fines and even jail. Killing someone while driving when drunk is considered a form of murder and carries with it a maximum jail sentence of 14 years. However, it should also be noted, that while it’s not a criminal offence, having a blood-alcohol count of more than 0.05 (and less than 0.08) will also be punished with sanctions, such as licence suspension and/or fine. One method of catching impaired drivers is random breath testing. It is an offence to refuse a breathalyzer test. Some provinces have graduated licensing so that in the first year of driving there is a zero tolerance policy – a driver caught with a higher than 0.0 levels will end up with a suspended licence for a prescribed period of time. This policy is an attempt to deter younger people from driving under the influence of alcohol since a leading cause of death of teenagers is car accidents.
Making way for pedestrians
Unlike in some countries, where at unmarked crossways pedestrians run hurriedly to get out of a car’s way, Canadians take their time crossing a road. It’s not because they’re trying to provoke you; it’s because pedestrians have the right of way – everywhere. So even though jay walking is illegal, if you hit a person who is doing so you’re in big trouble. There used to be an advertising campaign aimed at pedestrians that said, ‘you’re right: Dead right’ in an attempt to emphasize that people should not be careless when crossing just because it’s a car’s duty to stop. As in many countries, in Canada there is special signage to indicate when children, the elderly and the blind might be crossing, so that drivers take extra care. Another thing to note is that when a stationary school bus has its red lights flashing, you must stop regardless of what direction you are driving. The flashing lights mean children are getting on and off.
DRIVERS’ LICENCES
Regulations vary from province to province in terms of how long a driver can drive on a valid foreign licence before having to seek a local licence. This time period is usually 90 to 120 days for a new resident. As a tourist, however, this period of grace is usually the full six months, because a tourist visa is temporary. You can also obtain an International Driver’s Permit from your home country that is valid for one year. When it comes time to get a local licence, it varies from province to province in terms of the requirements. Provinces such as Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island have graduated licensing which means there are different levels of licences. A lower level licence is the first stage for a new driver and usually includes restrictions on night driving and/or blood-alcohol limits. Once a driver passes that level, he or she takes the test for the next level and eventually becomes a fully entitled driver. There are fees involved at all testing stages of these licensing programmes. Some provinces do not require any re-testing and you can make a direct exchange with your foreign licence for a local one, although there may be an age requirement or you might have to have a certain number of years’ driving experience. Some provinces require both written and road tests and the amount of provable driving experience you have will determine at what level you begin your testing (i.e. in the graduated licensing programmes). Licences are usually good for three to five years and renewing it only requires a fee and a new photo being taken, not a re-test of the driver road exam. However, if a licence is left to lapse, a new written and road test is required. Each province has its own ministry of transport that can provide information on that province’s requirements and advise you on your own particular situation.
OWNING A CAR
The main cities have public transport systems, but many people feel a car is necessary for traveling longer distances, especially if they live in the suburbs or a rural area.
Buy it in Canada or bring your own?
There are stiff restrictions on foreign cars (those made outside either Canada or the US), so you may find it completely impractical or even impossible to import your own. According to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and Regulations, all vehicles imported into Canada must comply with Canadian safety standards. For the most part, foreign cars do not comply and cannot be modified to comply. This is not a case of the driver’s side being opposite to those in Canada; that is not an issue. Usually it comes down to something like the seat belt anchorage point being in the wrong place. Cars older than a full 15 years are exempt from this law, as are buses manufactured before 1 January 1971. Cars bought in the United States can often be modified, if necessary, to meet Canadian safety standards unless they have been already altered to fit another country’s requirements. Vehicles that have been designed, built, tested and certified to meet either all of Canada’s standards or all US standards might be allowed in if they come with a ‘statement of compliance’ label affixed by the original manufacturer (as long as the car has not been altered since it was made and the manufacturer’s certification has been maintained). Visitors and tourists, however, can bring in a motor vehicle temporarily without complying with the Canadian safety regulations as long as the car is used exclusively by a person who is a visitor or a person passing through Canada to another country. People who are coming to Canada on a work permit or student visa are considered visitors in this regard. You can’t, however, sell or dispose of such a vehicle while in Canada. Even if your car meets the requirements, it must go through customs and is subject to duty, which may be more expensive than you think. Servicing a foreign car can be costly because of the lack of parts. To determine the suitability of your car contact Transport Canada.
Buying new
If you come from a country with a currency that trades strongly against the Canadian dollar, buying in Canada might be a good idea. The recent surge in the Canadian dollar against the American dollar, however, has lured some people to buy in the US and import into Canada. Even with duties and the cost of modifications, some vehicles are still cheaper if bought south of the border. Prices in Canada range widely depending on the brand and features of the car. Lowest prices for a new car are around $12,000 for something like a small hatchback. Mid-size cars are usually in the $20,000 to $40,000 range. Top-end cars are pricey to buy and to take care of. Right now, the auto industry in North America is in trouble and there are definitely deals to be found. Eco-friendly (smart cars, hybrids and electric cars) and fuel-efficient vehicles are also becoming very popular.
Buying used
Buying a used vehicle is also an option. Auto trading magazines and the classified advertising sections of the newspapers are the best places to search. New car dealers also sell used cars, although the increase in accountability of a dealer usually comes at a higher price. The advantage of a used car is that the major portion of depreciation has already taken place, but you may end up sacrificing having a warranty in the process. It’s extremely important that you get a qualified mechanic to check the car to ensure it’s not a money pit waiting to happen.
Leasing
Leasing-to-own are one of the most popular options now because many people can’t commit to buying a car outright. A deposit of a few thousand dollars is usually required and then a monthly payment is agreed upon, with interest. After a certain period of time you have the option of buying the car by paying the remainder of the price or trading in the car for another, newer car (and getting a new lease). The downside to leasing is if you cannot afford to buy it, or choose not to buy the car, when your option to do so comes up, the deposit and monthly payments are lost money. However, because leasing is so popular, dealership competition means that there are some very cheap leases that make economical sense. And for those who own their own business and use the car mostly for that business, lease payments can be used as an income tax deduction (as a business expense).
Things to take into account
Remember that cars have a shorter life span in Canada because of salt put on the roads in the winter. Rust can develop before you know it. Cars last longer on the mild West Coast. You will probably have to invest in a pair of winter tyres or at least some all-season radials. In the coldest regions you may have to ‘plug in’ your car overnight to prevent it from freezing up. The device is called a block heater and can be purchased and installed at most repair garages. If you think you will need a car, but not often enough to spend the money to buy one, there are companies that offer car sharing services for a monthly or yearly fee. Finally, Ontario has a ‘drive clean’ programme that began in Toronto and Hamilton and has now expanded to south western and eastern Ontario. The programme requires an emission test every two years. If your car fails, you must pay for whatever service repairs are needed to get your emissions to a prescribed limit.
INSURING AND REGISTERING
Insurance is mandatory. As a foreigner (unless you are American) you will be considered an inexperienced driver unless you can prove your driving experience or there is a reciprocal agreement between the province and your country (e.g. Ontario and Japan). Insurance rates are highest for inexperienced drivers, drivers under 25 and in general young male drivers. Rates are also dependent on the age and make of the car, and the city you live in (major metropolitan areas are more expensive than smaller cities). The cost of insurance ranges widely, but generally you’re looking at $880 to $2,500 a year. Registration with the provincial registry of motor vehicles office is also mandatory and includes an annual fee of $53 to more than $255 depending on the province, and the city in which you live.
JOINING MOTOR ASSOCIATIONS
The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) provides 24-hour emergency roadside assistance for any trouble you may have from locking your keys in the car to a flat tyre or complete breakdown. Many people find the annual membership fee (ranging from $55 for basic services to $120 for premium services) worth the money, especially if they own an older car or drive long distances. Some car dealers offer their own roadside assistance as part of the sale package. There is no obligation to buy any such plan or association. If your car breaks down or you lock your keys in the car, you can pay for a tow truck or service person to come and help at that time.
GASOLINE
Also known as petrol in Europe, gasoline (gas – or gaz in Quebec) varies in price across the country. You’ll find higher prices in the far north and the east, especially in Quebec. Prices often inexplicably rise before weekends and holidays and you will see this noted in newspapers from time to time. Gasoline is sold by the liter. Despite heavy competition between gasoline companies, price wars are rare. In fact, at an intersection with two competing stations, the prices are likely to be close if not identical and to rise and fall together. Most stations are self-serve but there are full serve options as well.
USING OTHER TRANSPORT
As mentioned before, major cities have some form of public transport, such as buses, streetcars (trams), light rail and underground train systems. Montreal and Toronto are the only ones with underground trains, called the Metro in Montreal and the Subway in Toronto. They also have commuter trains serving the suburbs and outer regions. If you live in the city core, you may not need a vehicle; for longer trips there’s the option of renting a car. For long-distance travel Canada has a bus system, such as Greyhound or Voyageur Colonial, which serves major centres as well as some rural ones. A bit more expensive but faster is VIA Rail that connects major centres across Canada. Even pricier is flying, although it’s also the most common method of travel for long distance in Canada, since the country is so big. Canada has one major and several smaller airlines. The industry in Canada has been in turmoil over the last several years. Canada’s second major airline, Canadian Airlines went bankrupt and was taken over by Air Canada – now the country’s only national airline serving major and minor centres in Canada and the US and major cities worldwide. However, in 2003 Air Canada filed for bankruptcy protection, emerging from those 18 months later. And now in recent months there are rumors the airline is in trouble again. Canada 3000, formerly Canada’s biggest charter airline, went bankrupt after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US. Since then, domestic discount carrier JetsGo also went under. Can Jet recently downgrade itself from a scheduled airline to a charter airline. And an upstart airline, Zoom, which launched in 2002, collapsed in the summer of 2008 due to skyrocketing fuel costs. Hundreds of passengers were stranded in the UK and in Paris. One success story is Porter Airlines, which flies between major cities in Ontario, Quebec and the north-eastern US. It’s based at the Toronto Island airport and has major plans to expand. And then there’s Air Transat, a well established charter airline specializing in holiday packages. Domestically, Air Canada’s biggest competitor is West Jet, which started in the west but has rapidly expanded to serve many cities in Canada and the US. Of course, there are also small, regional airlines such as Bearskin Airlines and Central Mountain Air. Even with competition, airfares are not as cheap as they are in the UK, Europe or Australia. Beware: a flight from Toronto to Vancouver can cost as much as or more than one from Toronto to the UK. Not unlike elsewhere in the world, the September 11 attacks led to tighter security at airports and other ports of entry to Canada. To pay for higher security costs at airports, the government instituted a security fee for all passengers that currently sits at $17 for international flights. There is a lower fee for domestic flights between airports that have benefited from investments in security. And, of course, there are other fees that make flying expensive: fuel surcharges, airport improvement fees, insurance surcharges, etc. Because Canada has so many bodies of water within its boundaries and on three of its borders, marine travel is by no means obsolete. Because of the islands on the West and East Coasts, ferries and cruises are particularly popular there
Sources: Books/Magazine
Regards,
SReja
