Trip budget calculator
The total cost of your trip, provincial taxes and tips included.
Updated October 13, 2026For travellers
Driving in Canada as a tourist
A tourist can drive in Canada on a French licence for a limited stay; an International Driving Permit may be requested by some rental companies or be useful during a check.
A few rules surprise French drivers: you must stop behind a school bus with flashing lights, all-way stop signs are common, and turning right on a red light is allowed almost everywhere except on the island of Montreal.
Free tools
Run the numbers for your situation
Guides in this section
Questions this section answers
- Is an International Driving Permit required?
- What catches French drivers out?
- Do I need winter tyres?
Official sources
- Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) (Government of Quebec)
- Travel advice for Canada (in French) (France Diplomatie)
More Travel topics
eTA, passport and customs
eTA required when flying, passport and declaration.
3 questions coveredTravel insurance
Healthcare is expensive for visitors: get proper cover.
3 questions coveredMoney and tipping
Prices before tax, tipping and card payments.
3 questions coveredSIM, eSIM and phones
Roaming, travel eSIM or a local prepaid SIM.
3 questions coveredDestinations
Choose your region by season and trip length.
3 questions coveredRoad trips and itineraries
Realistic itineraries, distances and stops.
3 questions covered