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Canada Car Hire Information

Golden trees by side of main road

Only when driving through the winding roads between forests, lakes and mountains can you truly appreciate the scale and grandeur that is Canada. There really is nothing quite like exploring on the open road.  The roads are very well maintained, and there’s nothing quite like exploring in your own rental car with the flexibility of pulling over for that jaw-dropping view or photographing a passing bear!

Driving License & Age Restrictions

To drive a rental car, you must be at least 21 years of age and there is an additional supplement if under the age of 25. As long as you have a full UK driving license, we will be able to hire your car for you without the need for an International Driving Permit, however you must carry your license with you at all times.

person stood next to car green lush landscape with snowy mountains in background
view of mountains and lake out of car window

Driving in Canada – What to Expect

When driving in Canada, you’ll be on large and generally well looked after roads, however, there are some things to know before you go.

  • You’ll be driving on the Right
  • All hire cars in Canada are Automatic transmission
  • Canadian drivers are known for being courteous and friendly (but don’t get complacent!)
  • You’ll want to download the map of the area you’re driving in as reception can be temperamental (Google Maps & Maps.ME are great map apps for this)
  • Canada is huge, so give yourself plenty of time to do each leg of your journey, so you can enjoy the ride
  • Speed limits: 50kph while in towns or cities, 80kph on town motorways (highways), and 100kph on rural motorways
  • You’ll need your headlights on during the day in some regions of Canada, so check this before you head off on your adventure
  • Using your mobile phone is illegal in Canada, just like the UK

Hire Car Options

There are different sizes and types of vehicles available to hire depending on how many of you will be travelling. Here is an overview of the different types of vehicle we offer:

 

A-Class (Kia Rio or equivalent)

  • 3 or 5 doors
  • Radio
  • Luggage room for 2 suitcases
  • Suitable for up to 2 people

B-Class (Ford Focus or equivalent)

  • 5 doors
  • Radio
  • Luggage room for 2 suitcases
  • Suitable for up to 2 adults and 1 child

C-Class (Ford Escape or equivalent)

  • 5 doors
  • Radio
  • 4×4
  • Luggage room for 3 suitcases
  • Suitable for up to 2 adults and 2 children

D-Class (Ford Explorer or equivalent)

  • 5 doors
  • Radio & CD player
  • Luggage room for 3 suitcases
  • Suitable for up to 5 adults

Included:
– No risk insurance (including tyres and windows)
– Liability insurance
– Own risk insurance (CDW) and theft insurance
– Unlimited mileage
– Local taxes
– 24-hour emergency service
– Replacement car in case of breakdown

Extra Charges Apply:
– GPS 
– Drop-off fee (oneway surcharge)*
– Extra drivers 

*e.g. if you start your journey in Calgary and return it at Vancouver airport, there is a one-way surcharge.

Please familiarise yourself with the Terms and Conditions from Sunny Cars for car rental in Canada. Once you book your trip with us you will receive more information as part of your travel documents.

Our top self drive itineraries in Canada

mountain village buildings
Itinerary

A Taste of West Canada

  • Vancouver - Victoria - Tofino - Whistler - Wells Gray - Jasper - Banff
  • 16 days / 15 nights
  • from £ 3,155.- per person (excluding flights)
View itinerary
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turquoise lake mountains viewpoint
Itinerary

From Mountain Peaks to Rugged Coasts

  • Banff - Jasper - Wells Gray/Clearwater - Thompson River - Okanagan Valley - Telegraph Cove - Tofino - Vancouver
  • 18 days / 17 nights
  • from £ 3,698.- per person (excluding flights)
View itinerary
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Arial view of Niagara falls
Itinerary

East Canada Road Trip

  • Toronto - Niagara Falls - Algonquin Park - Ottawa - Quebec City - Tadoussac - Rivière-Du-Loup - Montreal
  • 14 days / 13 nights
  • from £ 2,768.- per person (excluding flights)
View itinerary
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Canada specialist
Itinerary

Canada in a Nutshell

  • Vancouver - Victoria - Tofino - Quadra Island - Vancouver
  • 11 days / 10 nights
  • from £ 2,268.- per person (excluding flights)
View itinerary
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