IMAGE: GETTY
CANADA
Driving the Icefields Parkway
through the Canadian Rockies in Jasper National Park
A practical guide to road-tripping in Canada
What car should I choose? Canada’s roads are generally well maintained and easy to navigate, so it’s really just a matter of personal preference. That said, if you’re planning on going somewhere remote or known for unpredictable weather conditions, it may be worth opting for a 4WD. If you’re driving in winter on remote roads such as the Dempster Highway in the Yukon, you should consider hiring a car that comes with winter tyres and snow chains. Some cars in cold regions come with internal heating elements for the engine, which will prevent it from freezing in extreme temperatures; there will usually be an external socket when parking for you to plug this into. Most car hire operators will be able to provide you with a satellite navigation system for a fee.
Do I need a special driving licence? You can hire a car using a full UK driver’s licence, though some companies may require you to also carry an International Driving Permit, so it’s worth checking ahead before you travel. Take out the best insurance to cover you in case of an accident.
Any rules of the road I should know? Traffic lights often catch international travellers out. Generally, it’s acceptable to turn
130
NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM/TRAVEL
right on a red light after a stop if it’s safe to do so, unless otherwise indicated. There are also two types of green light: a solid green means the same as it does in the UK; a flashing one means you have the right of way to turn left. Four-way junctions are also fairly common and the rule there is the first to stop is the first to go. If you arrive at the same time as another vehicle, the person on the right has the right of way, though it’s always good to visually confirm with the other driver before moving.
How can I keep safe? Always plan a realistic route: Canada is the world’s second-largest country, and stops between towns and petrol stations can be surprisingly few. You should always travel with enough food and water to tide you over if you get stuck, and check you have enough petrol before a long drive, particularly in more remote areas. Once on the road, one of the main hazards is wildlife, especially at night — elk, deer, moose and bighorn sheep, as well as bears and wolves, which occasionally cross the road without much warning. Get a satellite phone to call for help if you get stranded in an area with limited phone reception. Ice can be difficult to see on the road and even the best drivers can slip and get stuck in a snow drift. GS
GETTING THERE & AROUND Air Canada flies direct from London to Vancouver and Halifax, and with one stop to Whitehorse.
aircanada.com Average flight time: 7h to Halifax; 9.45h to Vancouver; 16h to Whitehorse. Car rental is available from airports, while RV hire can be booked with specialist companies. For information on weather and road conditions, visit
theweathernetwork.com For advice on motorhome rental in Canada, visit
gorving.ca
WHEN TO GO In the northern reaches, temperatures can drop as low as -20C to -40C in winter. From April to May, bears wake up from hibernation, so pay attention if you’re hiking. July and August are generally hot across the country, with averages of around 26C in Toronto and 22C in Calgary. Autumn is great for wildlife with the salmon run.
MORE INFO
canada.ca
HOW TO DO IT Discover the World offers self-drive trips to British Columbia, the Yukon and Nova Scotia. Packages are based on two sharing and include accommodation, car rental and some activities.
discover-the-world.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156 |
Page 157 |
Page 158 |
Page 159 |
Page 160 |
Page 161 |
Page 162 |
Page 163 |
Page 164 |
Page 165 |
Page 166 |
Page 167 |
Page 168 |
Page 169 |
Page 170 |
Page 171 |
Page 172 |
Page 173 |
Page 174 |
Page 175 |
Page 176 |
Page 177 |
Page 178 |
Page 179 |
Page 180
