Transport & Travel

Train 

Depending on where you are in Canada, taking the train might be the best way to travel. Canada’s rail network extends across the country, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the east to Vancouver and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, in the west. The train is a particularly good option when travelling in Ontario and Quebec along the tracks that link Windsor-Toronto-Ottawa-Montréal-Québec City because there are many trains each day and distances are short. Trains in Canada are safe and comfortable. A variety of essential services are available on trains and at train stations. It is often cheaper to buy train tickets in advance. 

You can get more information and buy tickets from Via Rail Canada by visiting www.viarail.ca, calling 1-888-842-7245 or going to a train station in person. 

Bus 

Catching a bus is generally the cheapest way of travelling between cities and is often the only way of getting to smaller towns if you are not driving a car. Remember that bus travel can be very long due to the great distances involved. Most buses have air conditioning and a washroom on board. On longer trips, stops are made from time to time so that passengers can buy food and other necessities. The largest network of bus routes is run by a company called Greyhound and its affiliates. Other bus companies offer service between destinations in particular regions. 

You can get more information and buy tickets by calling or visiting your local bus station or contacting a bus company that operates in your area (search the Internet). 

Ferry 

In coastal areas of Canada such as British Columbia and the Atlantic Region, ferry boats are a common mode of transportation. Many ferries transport both passengers and vehicles. 

You can get more information and buy tickets from ferry companies that operate routes in your area. Visit a local ferry terminal or search for ferry companies in the Yellow Pages or online.  

Public Transit 

All cities and most major towns in Canada have a public transportation system with one or more modes of transportation (bus, subway, train, etc.). Routes generally reach most parts of a city or town, but service is usually more frequent in central areas. If you plan to use public transportation to move around every day, you should research transportation options before deciding where you will live. 

The bus is the most common form of urban transportation in Canada. In addition to bus networks, some cities also have streetcars (trams), light-rail trains or subways. In most cases, you can easily transfer from one mode of transportation to another. 

To use public transportation, you must purchase a ticket or a transit pass. Transit passes allow you unlimited use of public transportation for a specific period (one month or more). They are usually cheaper than buying many tickets if you plan to use public transportation often. 

You can get more information about public transportation in your city or town by visiting an information kiosk at a main transit station, calling a transit information line (see the Blue Pages under “Transit”) or visiting the website of your municipal government. In most cities, you can buy tickets at major transit stations, convenience stores or directly from the bus driver (you will need to provide the exact amount). 

Public transportation often has features to assist people with physical disabilities. In many cities and towns, there are also transportation services available specifically for people with limited mobility, such as specially equipped buses. Etiquette on public transportation 

Taxis 

All cities and towns have one or more companies that offer taxi service. Taxis have automatic meters that use set rates to calculate the cost of your trip. This cost is based on a combination of travel distance and travel time. The rates are fixed and cannot be negotiated. You simply pay the amount indicated on the meter at the end of your trip. If you want to have an idea of how much your trip will cost, ask the driver before the trip starts. Many drivers will also hope for a tip, especially if they help you with lots of bags. Taxis are quite expensive, so most people only use them when they do not have another option. Taxi drivers have an official identification card to indicate that they are licensed by the city. This card should be displayed on the dashboard of the taxi. 

Walking and cycling 

Walking and cycling are healthy and cheap ways of getting around Canadian cities and towns. Cycling is permitted on most streets. However, many cities also have specific lanes and paths for cyclists. When you leave your bicycle unattended, make sure to lock it to a bike rack on the sidewalk in order to prevent it from being stolen. 

You can generally get a map of bicycle networks from local bike shops or from the municipal government (at information kiosks or online). Bikes are available new and used. To buy one, consult the Yellow Pages or search the Internet for bicycle shops in your area. Cyclists can usually get information on the rules of the road from the same provincial or territorial government department that regulates cars and driving.

Driving in Canada 

Driving licences 

To drive a car in Canada, you will need a driver’s licence. It is illegal to drive without a licence and the penalties for doing so are very high. In Canada, a driver’s licence is issued by provincial and territorial governments. You must get a licence from the province or territory in which you live. This licence will allow you to drive anywhere in Canada. You must have it with you whenever you are driving. 

If you have a valid licence from your country of origin, you will probably be able to use this to drive in Canada for a short period after arriving. Check with your provincial or territorial government department responsible for cars and driving for details (see Table 13.1 for contact information). If you plan to use a foreign driver’s licence in Canada, you should get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your country of origin. An IDP provides a translation of your licence into a variety of languages, including French and English. 

The process for getting a driver’s licence in Canada depends on the province or territory in which you live and on your driving background. You may need to pass a written examination on the rules of the road (study guides are available) and one or two driving tests. You may choose to pay for driving lessons to prepare for the driving tests (see the Yellow Pages or search the Internet). Once you have a licence, it will have to be renewed periodically (see the expiry date on your licence). 

You can find more information on driver’s licences from the department that regulates cars and driving in your province or territory. This information is available on the Internet or in person at a service centre (see government website for locations).