There are several toll roads in Canada, which usually operate a cash or card system. It is important to be aware of the Ontario 407 Highway however, as the tolls are charged automatically and charged to the owner of the vehicle, through a number plate recognition scheme. More details regarding this can be found below. As long as you are clued up as to where the toll roads on your journey may be, then they do make the driving experience in Canada a pleasurable one, as the highways are very well maintained and accessible.
Toll Roads in Canada
- The Ontario Highway 407
- The Cobequid Pass
- The British Columbia Highway 5
- The Quebec Autoroute 30
- Ontario Highway 412
The Ontario Highway 407
The toll is known as part of the Express Toll Route or ETR. Unlike many toll roads there is not a booth to stop at and pay. Instead a camera, electronically recording your number plate, calculates the toll automatically. The amount you pay will depend on how far you have travelled along the highway and a bill will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. A transponder is recommended. The tolls for the 407 can be fairly expensive, it is possible to calculate the toll fee on the 407 ETR website.
The Ontario Highway 407 in a Rental Car
As there is no other way to pay the 407 Toll a bill will be sent to the rental agent. The usual process is that the rental agent will charge an administration fee and add this amount plus the toll charge to your credit card. It is advisable to speak to your rental agent directly if you plan on using the 407 Highway in your rental car. There are additional highways, which do not have a charge including the 401, 403 and the Queen Elizabeth Way. These run parallel to the 407 Highway at no charge.
The Cobequid Pass (Highway 104)
This is a 45 kilometre (25 mile) stretch of tolled Highway in the Canadian Province of Nova Scotia. It is possible to pay in cash with the fee ranging from $4 for a standard vehicle up to $24 for large trucks, buses and tractors. Electronic Toll collection (ETC) is cheaper starting at $2.
The British Columbia Highway 5
Also known as simply, Highway 5 this is a long stretch of highway, 524 kilometres / 326 miles north to south route in British Columbia. This was a former toll road, but tolls were dropped in 2008 once the road was paid off. You may still come across the former toll signs, but it is now free to drive.
The Quebec AutoRoute 30
Tolls are collected on the St Lawrence bridge section of the A30. The fees for a category 1 vehicle are currently $1.40 and $2.05 for a category 2 vehicle. Discounts are applicable if you have a transponder fitted. It is possible to pay with cash or credit card at the tollbooths. A transponder will allow you to drive straight through without stopping.
Ontario Highway 412
Known also as the King’s Highway or as Highway 412 this is a fairly short stretch of highway in Ontario, which is tolled. It is approximately 10 kilometres long and connects the Highway 401 with Highway 407.
If you are
hiring a car in Canada and plan on driving on toll roads it is always advisable to check your route in advance and make sure you have the correct method of payment.