A weekend getaway in Ottawa won’t be complete with a trip to some of its famous landmarks, including world-class museums, lovely parks, gothic-style government buildings, and the Rideau Canal. This city has numerous major highways with 417 also known as Queensway the most popular one because of ‘The Split’ as it branches into two directions at some point. Parking in Ottawa during rush hours can be challenging due to prohibitions to facilitate easy traffic flow. Therefore, keep an eye on the nearby signs for any traffic restrictions. All streets have a three-hour parking limit, with overnight parking restricted in winter. Renting a car is easy, and there are about 50 car rental locations in Ottawa.
While visiting, is it worthwhile to rent a car while visiting Ottawa?
There is no cause to worry regarding parking when visiting the city. Although it is a beautiful city bordering the provinces of Ontario and Quebec and nestled at the junction of three rolling rivers, look out for some traffic hotspots. Most of the streets in downtown Ottawa are one-way, so you’ll need to keep an eye out for signs indicating a one-way street. There is rush hour early in the morning and in the evening. You should always check for parking restrictions as you’ll be fined if your car idles for more than three minutes within 60 minutes. With a rental car, you’ll enjoy the flexibility of visiting other magnificent attractions that are located less than a two-hour's drive from Ottawa, such as the Merrickville Ruins, Bonnechere Caves, and Gatineau Park. With most neighborhoods and sites spread far and wide, a cheap car rental in Ottawa comes in handy if you are cautious about saving time and money.
What different driving laws should I keep in mind while driving in Ottawa?
Booking car rentals in Ottawa is one thing, but to safely navigate through the city, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the city’s traffic laws. For example, you must give a cyclist at least three feet of room or risk a fine. You are prohibited from talking on your phone and texting while driving. The laws are also strict concerning your engagement with pedestrians. You must wait until they completely reach the other side of crosswalks. Driving while under the influence of illegal drugs will attract the same penalty as driving while drunk. When you approach a stopped emergency vehicle, such as a tow truck, ambulance, or police car, you must slow down and move into the next lane. Non-compliance with this particular rule will cost you three demerit points and a fine. It's recommended that you check with Ottawa's department of motor vehicles for any recent changes in traffic law.
Will I need a special driver’s license or permit to drive a rental car in Ottawa if I’m visiting from another country?
For rental cars in Ottawa, including passenger van rental, economy car rental, and electric car rental, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a valid Ontario driver’s license before starting to navigate the streets of this city. If you are arriving from another country, then you can seek to exchange it for an Ontario driver’s license after you book a luxury car rental in Ottawa. However, this will depend on whether your country has a reciprocal agreement with Ottawa. Countries that have a reciprocal agreement with Ottawa include Korea, France, Australia, and the United States of America. Also, you may consider applying for an Ottawa driver’s license as a new driver provided that you follow the process. With a driver’s license, you’ll be sure to have an easy time with Ottawa car rentals.