canada-toll
Canada Toll Roads 2025: Complete Guide
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
System: Limited toll facilities in 4 provinces
Coverage: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Technology: Electronic transponders, cash, credit cards
Major Routes: Highway 407 ETR, A25/A30 bridges, Confederation Bridge
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Canada? 2025 Update
Most Canadian highways are toll-free, but you'll encounter tolls in only four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Unlike the United States, Canada has a very limited toll road network focused on specific high-traffic corridors and bridges.
Key Point: The Trans-Canada Highway is toll-free except for the Cobequid Pass section in Nova Scotia, and most interprovincial travel requires no toll payments.
Canada Toll Costs: Current Rates (2025)
Ontario: Highway 407 ETR
Highway 407 ETR introduced new toll zones and vehicle classifications effective January 1, 2025. Light vehicle rates range from $0.32 to $0.89 per kilometer depending on time and location, with the majority of personal transponder customers seeing about $8 monthly increase.
| Vehicle Class | Peak Rates (per km) | Off-Peak Rates (per km) | Transponder Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Vehicles | $0.58 - $0.89 | $0.32 - $0.54 | $29.50/year + tax |
| Heavy Vehicles | Distance-based rates | Lower rates available | Mandatory transponder |
Quebec: A25 and A30 Express Bridges
A30 Express toll rates increased to $2.30 per axle (total $4.60 for cars) effective February 1, 2025. Electric vehicles with Quebec registration and valid transponders cross toll-free.
| Bridge | Car (2 axles) | Truck Rate | EV Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| A30 Express Bridge | $4.60 CAD | $2.30/axle | Free with transponder |
| A25 Bridge | $2.80 - $4.20 CAD | Varies by time/transponder | Not applicable |
Nova Scotia: Cobequid Pass
Nova Scotia vehicles travel toll-free since December 2021, but out-of-province vehicles still pay tolls. As of 2025, American commercial vehicles pay double tolls as a trade measure.
Prince Edward Island: Confederation Bridge
The Government of Canada froze Confederation Bridge tolls for 2025 at $50.25 for passenger vehicles. Tolls are collected only when leaving PEI (westbound).
How to Pay Canada Tolls
Electronic Payment Systems
- 407 ETR Transponder: Annual lease $29.50 plus tax, additional transponders $11.95 each
- A25/A30 Transponders: Province-specific systems with online account management
- StraitPASS: Post-paid credit card system for Confederation Bridge
- E-Pass (Nova Scotia): Free transponders for NS residents, paid for out-of-province
Traditional Payment
- Credit Cards: Accepted at most toll facilities
- Cash: Limited availability, Canadian currency only
- Video Tolls: Automated license plate billing (highest rates)
Recent Changes (2025)
- 407 ETR launched Route Relief Program for low-income drivers with up to 6 free trips monthly
- A30 Express rates increased 70 cents due to traffic volume exceeding 30,000 vehicles daily
- Confederation Bridge tolls remain frozen through government subsidy
- Nova Scotia doubled tolls for American commercial vehicles as trade retaliation
Provincial Toll Information
Ontario Toll Roads
- Highway 407 ETR - 108km electronic toll highway with new 2025 rate structure
- Highway 412 and 418 - Connected toll routes using same system
- Note: Highway 401 remains toll-free
Quebec Toll Bridges
- A25 and A30 Express Bridges - Electronic toll systems with transponder discounts
- Peak/off-peak pricing structure
- Free passage for electric vehicles with green plates
Atlantic Canada
- Nova Scotia Toll Highway - Free for NS residents, paid for visitors
- Confederation Bridge - Frozen rates through 2025
- Halifax bridges: Angus L. Macdonald and MacKay Bridge tolls removed March 17, 2025
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations
- Daily costs: $10-50 CAD depending on routes and vehicle type
- Alternative routes: Most toll roads have free alternatives (longer travel time)
- Cross-border travel: Some Canada-US border bridges accept EZ-Pass
Best Practices
- Get transponders for frequently used routes
- Register for promotional offers on 407 ETR for potential $50 monthly credits
- Consider electric vehicles for Quebec toll savings
- Plan alternative routes for budget travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid tolls when driving across Canada?
Yes, most Canadian highways including the Trans-Canada Highway are toll-free. Tolls mainly affect urban areas and specific bridges.
Do I need different transponders for each province?
Yes, Canada doesn't have a unified toll system. Each province uses different transponder systems and payment methods.
What happens if I don't pay Canadian tolls?
Video toll systems will send bills by mail with additional administrative fees. Rental car companies may charge processing fees for unpaid tolls.
Are Canadian tolls expensive compared to the US?
407 ETR benchmarks against North American toll roads and sits in the bottom half for peak toll charges, behind Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles.
Can tourists get toll discounts?
Limited options exist. Quebec offers EV discounts for registered vehicles, and Nova Scotia provides free passage only for NS-registered vehicles.
Canada vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Coverage | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Limited toll facilities | 4 provinces only | $4-50 per crossing |
| United States | Extensive toll networks | Most states | $2-25+ per journey |
Useful Links & Resources
Provincial Pages
Payment Systems
- E-Pass Canada Information
- Electronic toll collection options by province
Links for Future Updates
High Priority Updates Needed:
- ontario-highway-407-etr-bridges-tunnels - Update with 2025 rate structure and new toll zones
- quebec-toll-bridges-a-25-a-30-transponder - Update A30 Express rates to $2.30/axle
- nova-scotia-toll-highway-e-pass - Update with American commercial vehicle rate changes
Medium Priority Updates:
- Halifax bridge toll pages - Update with March 2025 toll removal
- pei-bridge-confederation-bridge-toll-strait-pass - Add 2025 toll freeze information
- Cross-border bridge pages - Update with current EZ-Pass compatibility
New Pages Needed:
- 407 ETR Route Relief Program details
- Quebec EV toll exemption comprehensive guide
- Canadian toll road comparison calculator
