Make sure you have all the relevant information before making a reservation. This includes the following things:
Verifying the date and time for the pick up and return of the car.
Deciding upon the size and/or class of car you wish to rent. Keep in mind that most rental companies break down the cars they have available into classes. The classes include compact, economy, mid-size, standard, full-size, premium, minivan, SUV and luxury. Many smaller Canadian companies have only three classes or categories. These include compact, economy and mid-size.
Name of the person who will be picking up the vehicle.
Any special requests you have. For example some rental companies can accommodate the special needs of customers such as car seats for children, air conditioning, a luggage rack, automatic versus manual transmission and an extra key if it is requested (for people who have a tendency to lose or misplace things easily!).
If you qualify for any discounts (such as a senior’s discount or a discount due to a membership in CAA) or any specials or coupons find out this information before you make your reservation.
Canada’s Highways
In Canada the speed limit is according to the metric system, which means that it is measured in kilometres (km) and not miles, as it is in the United States. As a rough estimate, if you are used to calculating your driving speed in miles, 90 km/h is approximately 60 mph and 50 km/h converts to 30 mph. On most Canadian highways the speed limit is 100 km/h but can change suddenly so being aware of the speed limit signs displayed along the side of the road is very important. There are stretches of highway where the speed limit will be 100 km/h and then change to 110 km/h and then back again.
Wearing a seatbelt in Canada is required by law and motorcyclists are required to wear helmets, as are their passengers. These rules are strongly enforced and if you are caught breaking them the penalties can be stiff.