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Home/United States/to Canada
Cross-border route

United States Canada

Driving across the border
Yes — you can drive from United States into Canada, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. An IDP is recommended in Canada and required if your licence is not in the Roman alphabet, in the 1949 Geneva format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The busiest land crossing is the Ambassador Bridge linking Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario.
Get my permit for Canada Canada requirements

Last reviewed June 2026

Route at a glance
FromUnited States
ToCanada
IDP in CanadaRecommended
Accepted format1949 Geneva
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in CanadaCAD
United States → Canada

Crossing the border

The busiest land crossing is the Ambassador Bridge linking Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario.

Driving rules in Canada

  • Right turn on red permitted unless signed otherwise (except Montreal Island).
  • Winter tyres mandatory in Quebec in winter.
  • Seatbelts mandatory.
  • Alcohol limit 0.08% federally; provinces add warn-range penalties.

What to see when you arrive in Canada

  • Niagara Falls
  • Banff and Lake Louise in the Rockies
  • the CN Tower in Toronto
  • Old Québec City
  • Vancouver and Stanley Park

Common questions

01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from United States to Canada?
An IDP is strongly recommended for Canada and required if your national licence is not printed in the Roman alphabet. Canada recognises the 1949 Geneva format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between United States and Canada?
No. Both United States and Canada drive on the right.
03
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.
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