Renting a car while visiting Toronto gives you the freedom to explore the city on your own schedule, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Between dense traffic, unique local driving rules, and tricky parking regulations, navigating Toronto roads can be overwhelming for first-timers.
If you’re a tourist planning to rent a car, here are five essential tips to make your experience safer, smoother, and less stressful.
What Tourists Should Know About Driving in Toronto
1. Plan for Delays In The Toronto Traffic
Traffic congestion is a daily reality when driving in Toronto. Weekday rush hours run from approximately 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. and again from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. During these windows, highways and main roads can slow to a crawl, especially on routes like the 401, Gardiner Expressway, and Don Valley Parkway (DVP).
Construction is another major factor. Summer months in particular bring road closures, detours, and delays. With frequent utility work, lane reductions, and special event disruptions, Toronto roads can change quickly and without much warning.
Your best bet? Use real-time navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps. These tools can help reroute you around slowdowns and keep your trip as efficient as possible. Always plan for extra time; even a short 15-minute drive can double during peak traffic.
If you’re planning to head out of the city, say, to Niagara Falls or cottage country, try to leave during off-peak hours. Weekend traffic leaving Toronto can be just as hectic as weekday rush hour.
2. Watch Out for Streetcars and Bike Lanes
Toronto is one of the few North American cities with an active streetcar network. These streetcars share the road with regular traffic, especially in downtown areas. If you’re driving behind one and it stops with doors open, you must stop and wait until passengers have finished boarding or exiting.
Trying to pass a streetcar on the right while doors are open isn’t just illegal, it’s dangerous. Always remain alert when following one, and maintain a safe distance.
Bike lanes are also prominent in many parts of the city. These are clearly marked and should never be driven in unless you’re turning right or parking legally. Blocking a bike lane can lead to fines and put cyclists at risk. Respect the designated lanes to keep Toronto driving safer for everyone.
Toronto’s traffic laws also favour pedestrian safety. Be prepared to yield at crosswalks and always check for pedestrians when turning, especially at busy downtown intersections.
3. Parking Rules Are Strict, But Signage Can Be Confusing
Parking in Toronto is one of the trickiest aspects of driving here. Each street can have multiple rules, and those rules can change by time, day, or even season. One side of the street might allow parking from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the other side bans it entirely during rush hour.
It’s critical to read every posted sign carefully before leaving your vehicle. Many areas use Green P parking systems, which require payment through a mobile app or kiosk. Others require permit parking or restrict parking entirely at certain times.
Parking enforcement in Toronto is strict, and fines can be steep. Vehicles parked in rush hour zones or tow-away areas can be removed quickly, leading to expensive and frustrating recovery processes.
When in doubt, park in a public lot or underground garage. It might cost more, but it’s a safer bet than risking a ticket, or worse, a tow.
For longer visits or hotel stays, check whether your accommodation includes free or discounted parking, as overnight parking can be especially limited in busy neighbourhoods.
4. Tolls and Highways You Should Know
Toronto’s highway system includes a mix of free and tolled routes. The 407 ETR (Express Toll Route) is a major toll highway that runs east-west across the northern part of the city. Unlike toll booths, the 407 uses automatic plate recognition to charge your account, which can result in additional administrative fees if you’re in a rental car.
Unless you’re prepared for the added cost, avoid the 407 and stick to alternate routes like the 401 or Highway 7. Most tourists don’t need to use the 407 unless they’re trying to bypass traffic in outer suburbs or heading out of town quickly.
Other key roads include:
- Highway 401: One of North America’s busiest highways. Expect heavy traffic, especially near airport exits and interchanges.
- DVP (Don Valley Parkway): Connects downtown with the northern suburbs. It’s scenic but notorious for congestion during rush hours.
- Gardiner Expressway: Runs east-west along the lakefront and leads directly into downtown. Great for access but slow-moving at peak times.
Understanding these routes can help you make better decisions when planning day trips or travelling to popular tourist destinations across the GTA.
5. Rental Car Logistics in Toronto
Before picking up your rental car, make sure you’re clear on your agreement. Understand what your insurance covers, whether your fuel policy requires you to refill before return, and exactly where you need to drop off the vehicle.
It’s a good idea to plan your first route in advance, whether it’s from the airport or a downtown branch, to avoid confusion in heavy traffic. Know where you’ll park, what exits you need, and what neighbourhoods you’re heading into.
Toronto is a large, sprawling city with several major boroughs like North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, and the downtown core. Each has its own traffic style, parking options, and points of interest. If you’re visiting tourist hotspots like the CN Tower, Distillery District, or Toronto Zoo, pre-planning your driving and parking options can save time and reduce stress.
With Ventures Car and Truck Rental, you can also modify your reservation if your plans change. Whether you’re delayed by traffic or decide to extend your trip, our online reservation portal makes it easy to adjust your pickup or drop-off time.
Modify Your Reservation Before You Hit the Road
Driving in Toronto doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy the flexibility of a rental car and take in everything this city has to offer, from downtown landmarks to scenic day trips just outside the GTA.
If your plans change or you need to update your booking, we make it easy. Reach out to Ventures Car Rentals today at (905) 800-0150, email us at info@venturescarrentals.com, or click here to get in touch online.
