Canadian toll roads: all you need to know

In Canada, toll roads are very rare compared to Europe or the United States. The vast majority of highways and roads are free to drive. There are, however, a few exceptions — mainly in Québec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Here’s a complete guide to toll roads, bridges and tunnels in Canada, how they work and what to expect, to help you plan your Canadian self-drive itinerary by car or RV. 

 

QUÉBEC

  • A-25 Bridge (Olivier-Charbonneau, Montréal–Laval): fully electronic toll in both directions, year-round. No cash booths: license plates or transponders are scanned automatically. Charges are billed to the vehicle owner or the rental company (see note below).
     
  • A-30 (Beauharnois/Valleyfield sector): toll applies on the bridge crossing the St. Lawrence River. Same system as the A-25: electronic payment and automatic billing to the vehicle owner (see note below).
     
  • Québec–USA border crossings: some border posts charge tolls for vehicle crossings.

 

ONTARIO

  • Highway 407 ETR (Toronto): fully electronic toll. No booths and no cash payment: plates or transponders are scanned. Charges are automatically billed to the rental company (see note below).
     
  • Ontario–USA international bridges: several bridges charge tolls, payable in cash or card (CAD or USD) at the border:
    • Ambassador Bridge (Windsor–Detroit)
    • Blue Water Bridge (Sarnia–Port Huron) 
    • Peace Bridge (Fort Erie–Buffalo) 
    • Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (Niagara) 
    • Whirlpool Rapids Bridge (Niagara Falls, NEXUS only) 
    • Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls, cars & pedestrians)

 

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

  • Confederation Bridge: toll is only charged when leaving the island toward New Brunswick. Payment accepted in cash or card.

 

NEW BRUNSWICK

  • Route 95 (Woodstock to Maine, USA): toll applies when crossing into the United States. Payment at the booth by cash or card.

 

NOVA SCOTIA

  • Highway 104 (Cobequid Pass, near Antigonish): toll section. 
    Free for vehicles registered in Nova Scotia, but payable for out-of-province vehicles (including rentals). Payment at the booth.

 

PROVINCES WITH NO TOLLS

  • Alberta 
  • Saskatchewan 
  • Manitoba 
  • Newfoundland and Labrador

 

For rental vehicles

When driving a rental car or an RV on an electronic toll road (e.g. Highway 407 in Ontario, A-25 or A-30 in Québec), the toll bill is sent directly to the rental company. The company then charges the customer’s credit card on file. Additional administrative fees (sometimes more than $100 per toll) may be added. For exact fees, please refer to your car rental agreement or your RV rental agreement.

 

Practical tips

  • If you want to avoid toll roads and bridges in Canada, plan your route ahead and use tools like Google Maps or Waze, which can be set to avoid toll roads. 
  • Always carry a valid credit card to cover toll charges (most systems are fully electronic). 
  • For rental vehicles, ask your provider if they offer toll packages or passes to avoid expensive admin fees.

 

Traveling in Canada is simple: most roads are free. By planning your route, you’ll avoid unexpected toll charges. Explore our Canada self-drive car itineraries or our RV road trips in Canada to travel with peace of mind.

 

 

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