General Road Conditions
Road conditions in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are quite good. The main highways are well-maintained and the road signs are easy to understand. Side roads and local highways can be bumpy because of the area’s harsh winter weather. Rain water sometimes puddles in the road; slow down during heavy rain to avoid hydroplaning. If you’re traveling in the summer months, expect road construction.
Canadian law permits walking and bicycling on the shoulders of highways, even the Trans-Canada Highway. Be sure to watch for bicyclists and pedestrians. If you obey the posted speed limits, you should have no trouble slowing down or stopping for people in the road.
Particularly in Nova Scotia, side roads may be gravel or “chip” roads; slow down on these roads and leave plenty of space between you and any vehicle you may be following. Local roads may also have drainage ditches on each side, with narrow shoulders.
Tolls and Signage
There are a few toll roads and bridges in the maritime provinces. The Cobequid Pass, a stretch of Highway 104 between Amherst and Truro in Nova Scotia, charges $4.00 per passenger vehicle. Prince Edward Island’s Confederation Bridge costs $41.50. (The only other way to get to the island with a car is by ferry, which is more expensive.)
Road signs are bilingual in New Brunswick; you’ll typically see a phrase in English, then a destination or street name with the corresponding French phrase underneath, e.g. “National Park / Kouchibougouac / Parc National.” Street signs, conversely, display the French abbreviation for the type of road, the street name and the English abbreviation, e.g. “Rue Main St.”
Avoiding Moose
One of the biggest road hazards in Canada’s maritime provinces is the moose. These large mammals occasionally wander onto the road and pose serious danger to motorists. Pay attention to warning signs – easily recognized by the moose silhouette. Hitting a moose is no laughing matter. At best, you’ll escape with major damage to your car, but you definitely run the risk of being killed if you happen to hit a moose at high speed. Locals suggest that the best approach is to watch carefully for moose, particularly at dusk, at night and in foggy conditions, and stop if you see a moose standing on the road. Moose aren’t as agile as deer, so you may need to wait a few minutes for the road to clear.
What to Expect Along the Way
Tourist information offices are well-stocked with maps and brochures. Staff members are uniformly helpful and will make telephone calls or look over a map with you to make sure you have the information you need. Look for blue signs with a large white question mark to find tourist information offices. Most offices have well-maintained restrooms (called “washrooms”) in Canada, too.
You’ll easily find gas stations along major highways, but, if you plan to wander the back roads, make sure you fill your tank before setting out. You won’t find a gas station in every small town, so it’s best to be prepared.
Gasoline prices are higher than in the U.S., but don’t vary more than a few cents per liter within a given province. If you’re driving to Canada from the U.S., fill your tank before you cross into Canada.
Of course, if you plan to visit Canada during the winter months, you should prepare for snowy driving conditions. Be sure you have a working cell phone, emergency supplies (shovel, cat litter, candle, matches and warm clothing) and snow tires or chains.
Driving Regulations
If you drive in Canada, you must wear a seat belt. You can turn right on a red light anywhere in the maritime provinces.
Canada’s drunk driving laws are extremely strict and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police enforce them rigorously. Carry all alcoholic beverages in the trunk of your car. Most importantly, don’t drink and drive.
