Hitchhiking Canada: What You Need To Know

Thinking of hitchhiking Canada? In this post, I’m sharing my tips for a good hitchhiking experience in Canada based on my own experiences.

When I lived in Western Canada, hitchhiking became my favorite transportation method.

Why, you may ask. «Why should I pay if I can get anywhere for free» was my answer. After a few experiences (good and bad), I know what works versus what does not.

In this guide, you’ll find my tips for hitchhiking in Canada, some warnings, and some good stories too!

Where Can You Hitchhike In Canada?

Hitchhiking in Canada is a great way to see the country while getting some free rides.

It’s also a great way to meet new people and have some interesting experiences.

Here are a few places where you can hitchhike in Canada:

• The Trans-Canada Highway: The Trans-Canada Highway is the longest highway in Canada, and it runs from coast to coast. It’s a great place to hitchhike because there are many places to stop along the way, and you’re likely to get a ride from someone who is also going on a long journey.
• The main roads: Hitchhiking on the main roads in Canada is also a good option. These roads are usually well-traveled and there are many places to stop. You’re likely to get a ride from someone who is going to their destination, rather than just picking someone up for the sake of it.
• The small towns: Small towns are often good places to hitchhike because people are generally more friendly and willing to help out. There are also often fewer cars on the road, so you’re more likely to get a ride.
• The rural areas: Hitchhiking in the rural areas of Canada can be a great experience. The scenery is beautiful, and you’re likely to meet some interesting people. The downside is that it can be difficult to find a ride, and you may have to walk for long periods of time.

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Is Hitchhiking Legal In Canada?

In many countries, provinces, or states, hitchhiking is illegal.

Generally, the rule says that it is forbidden for a pedestrian to be on the highway (obviously it is dangerous!) and sometimes, the rule prohibits drivers from picking up a hitch-hiker.

So, a spot just before the entrance of the highway is a legal option. These are the rules.

However, there is a difference between illegal and tolerated by the police.

Some countries, states, or provinces have a good reputation for hitchhiking and in some places; some police officers do not stop, even if you are on the highway.

If you are sufficiently far away from the entrance as you are not in their «area/town», you will be fine.

Here’s a story to share my experience being on the highway on foot:

My three friends and I returned from Calgary airport, walking a few kilometers to find a good spot on the highway. As we were four people, we decided to subdivide into two teams.

My partner and I were on the second team, which means that the first team would be the first to be seen by drivers and that we would be seen after them.

As we were waiting to find a ride, we received a call from our friends. They had been intercepted by the police and asked to return to the fuel station at the entrance of the highway to find a ride.

While we waited, a car stopped and -surprise – it was the police in an undercover car. The officer said “You look nice, good luck,” and drove off.

Two minutes later, we found a ride and an hour later we arrived at the destination. The first team had just found their ride from Calgary as well.

As you can see, on the same road, we had different stories. The police tolerated us while they didn’t tolerate our friends, but none of us got a fine, or trouble.

Should You Use A Sign When Hitchhiking In Canada?

If you’re hitchhiking in Canada, you might be wondering if you should use a sign.

The answer is: it depends. If you’re in a rural area, a sign can be helpful in getting a ride. But if you’re in a city, it’s probably not necessary. Ultimately, it’s up to you.

I had success with and without a sign, and I didn’t notice any differences.

If you decide to write something, make sure it’s readable for drivers. And don’t make it too long – you want people to be able to read it quickly.

Some suggested things to write:

• Where you’re going
• How far you’re going
• Funny things like: “Good Karma, Good Day”

Hitchhiking Canada: Suburb VS City

There’s a big difference between hitching a ride in the city and hitching in the suburbs.

In the city, you’re likely to find yourself waiting at busy intersections for hours on end, while in the suburbs you might get lucky and snag a ride within minutes.

But which is better? Let’s compare and contrast these two hitchhiking experiences.

For starters, hitchhiking in the city can be a pain. You’re constantly having to dodge cars and trucks, and chances are that drivers are not exactly going the same way.

It’s easier to get closer to the main road or the highway where most people are heading in one direction.

But in the suburbs, you might have to walk further before you even find the main road.

That said, people in the suburb or countryside, are more likely to help you out and give you a ride.

There’s a sense of community in the suburbs that you don’t find in the city. People are more likely to go out of their way to help someone in need.

So, if you’re looking for a ride, the suburb is probably your best bet. But if you’re just looking for an adventure, then the city is the place to be.

Just make sure to be near the highway or towards the end of the city to increase your chances of getting a ride.

Now, let’s talk about hitchhiking from an airport.

Airports are close to roads with plenty of intersections (and police) and there are too many opportunities for drivers. That means they will not stop because they probably do not go in the same direction as you.

On the opposite, if you want to get to the airport, the chances that your driver is going to the airport are tiny.

Two possible options: to walk the remaining distance or to find a kind person, nice enough to drop you off despite the detour.

Here’s my hitchhiking experience from Calgary Airport to Canmore.

Leaving Calgary – which is one of the best cities to live in Canada, my travel buddy and I finally found a ride.

However, confusion with the driver, and we ended up on the main road far away from the highway.  Result: there was not a lot of traffic. It was getting dark, and an hour later, we were still looking for a ride.

Then, we saw a jeep making a «U-turn» into a ditch to pick us up.

The man was in a rescue team and he dropped us off at a gas station near a highway entrance even if he was not planning to drive in that direction. And we, finally, found a ride!

Tips For Better Hitchhiking Experiences In Canada

Below, you’ll find my best tips for hitchhiking in Canada.

Choose The Right Time

If you have a long-distance to do, it is better to do it early. I also recommend hitchhiking before the sunset because it will be safer and you will be visible.

You can rely on peak hours to find a ride easily.

If You Are Not Alone

If you are not the only one in this super hitchhiking spot, courtesy and the unwritten rule saying that you must go beyond them. And you will have the chance to get sympathy from drivers!

Who has never regretted not giving a ride to a hitchhiker but it was too late to stop? Oh! Look at that! A second chance!

Smile

Hitchhiking requires patience and your best smile. Be friendly to drivers. They want to see your face, your eyes, and your smile. They need to trust you.

That said, avoid wearing sunglasses if you can. Eye contact can be everything!

Warnings

Hitchhiking is at your own risk and can come with tricky situations too. While hitchhiking can be a great experience, it can also be dangerous.

Here are some more tips to ensure your safety when hitchhiking.

Make Sure Your Phone Is Fully Charged

Having a phone is a good way to feel secure. You can also use it to take a picture of the matriculation plate or to text someone. You should also make sure you have access to Internet. Get a Canadian SIM card for your trip!

Here’s my weird experience hitchhiking from Calgary to Canmore:

Returning from Las Vegas, I was hitchhiking from Calgary airport (again) all by myself.

I had to walk several kilometers to finally find a ride. The man had to put some fuel in the car. We stopped at the first fuel station and he told me that it was too expensive, that we had to find another one.

At the second station, he could not pay by card. At the third station, there were too many people. Finally, at the fourth station, it was too full.

Obviously, I texted a friend to tell her that my driver was weird, but my phone almost died. We ended up losing an hour searching for a “perfect” place to get fuel when he asked me if I wanted to stop to eat somewhere.

I refused and I told him that I was in a hurry to reach the destination and that if he wanted to stop, he could drop me off and I could find another ride. He did not stop and he did not say anything all the way back.

Arriving in Canmore, I told him that he could drop me at the A / W (fast food) so he could not know where I was going. Once the car was parked, he asked me if I wanted to eat with him, which I also refused.

Then, staring at me with his “creepy” eyes, he re-asks, “are you sure you do not want to eat with me?” It was at this time that I thanked him and I left the car. And thank God, I arrived at my destination.

Trust Your Intuition

My rule: always trust your intuition!

Beautiful words on paper, I know, but it is actually more difficult to put into action. So I would add, rely on this intuition before boarding the car as it is also difficult to ask the driver to stop if something goes wrong.

In fact, it is rather difficult to say that we are not happy with the driver… to the driver.

Here are two situations in which, fortunately, I survived and where it was difficult to stop (so we waited until the end of the ride (and it was for a short distance)).

However, before you start reading, I would clearly state that although some experiences are scary, the percentage of bad experiences versus good experiences is definitely lower, but still there.

Bad intuition # 1 in Oliver:

We are three girls traveling a very short distance to get to the village. We are 5 people in the car (driver and passenger + us). The driver was driving too fast for that kind of country road.

One of my friends said that we should stop = BAD INTUITION! A few seconds later, the driver takes a turn and we nearly had an accident.

Bad intuition # 2 towards Edmonton:

We are two girls and this time we are 4 people in the car. The two young men who offered us the ride were very happy to pick up two hitch-hikers for the very first time.

This was a good excuse for the driver to take selfies while driving. This same guy told us that they were under the influence of drugs. As he is saying this, he is about to consume even more drugs (while driving) = BAD INTUITION!

My friend was sitting behind the driver so she could not see the speedometer, but I knew that the car was going faster than the speed limit. Avoiding two crashes, was enough for the co-pilot who asked his friend to slow down.

Thank, God! The distance was very short, so we tried to stay calm. Our two “charming” young men bought us a coffee before we left them when suddenly the driver has a genius idea!

He decided to offer us a knuckles duster if we ever feel in danger in our future experiences…

Hitchhiking With A Partner

To feel safer, I recommend having a hitch-hiking partner. Bonus, it is funnier to test your patience while waiting for a ride with someone.

Two smiles are better than one. If you are three people, it is possible, but the options are going to be limited. And if you are more than three people, you should think to subdivide into teams.

Women And Hitchhiking

As a woman, I hitch-hiked alone on some points, but it is stressful. I recommend a partner at least for the first time. But, the good side of it: girls get much more sympathy from drivers.

Do You Need A Weapon To Hitchhike?

Definitely not necessary to get a weapon, but you could feel more secure! I do not recommend pepper spray, as a car means confined space and it does not fit with that kind of product.

Pepper spray + driver = hitch-hiker also affected by the pepper spray. I would suggest a pocket knife.

Please note that it is unlikely that you will have to use it. In my own experience, I never had to use one.

My travel buddy and I always had a pocket knife with us just in case. It is always priceless to see the driver’s face change when he is joking and asking if you have a gun and your answer is no, I have a knife…

My Favorite Hitchhiking Experience

Heading to the Calgary Stampede with my travel buddy, an old man offered us a ride. This happy man told us about his wife and their love story. His wife was a judge for an art contest for the Stampede and they had free passes at home.

He offered us two of those passes if we were willing to stop at his house to meet his wife at the same time.

What normally appears as a bad intuition turned out to be a good intuition. We met his wife, visited their beautiful garden, and ate chocolate.

Then, Mister drove us to the Stampede and gave us his business card in case we could need a ride back to Canmore later that day.

Two weeks later my travel buddy and I are hitch-hiking to British Columbia to visit a national park. We stopped in a small village looking for a cheap restaurant.

Everything was too expensive and we decided to go to the supermarket. Oops, the train stopped and the road is blocked.

There was no other way to get to the destination. Worried, full of adrenaline, and confused, we finally jumped through the train wagons.

Proud, we were taking a picture of this damn train … when a woman starts to shout at us. “My husband gave you a ride to the Stampede and you came to our home, don’t you remember?”, she asked.

So, the old cute couple invited us to lunch in this little-overpriced restaurant. Three hours from their home in a small village in British Columbia … who would have thought?

Final Thoughts On Hitchhiking In Canada

Hitchhiking in Canada is definitely a fun experience. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re up for it, it can be a great way to see the country.

Just be sure to follow the safety guidelines, and always trust your gut.

If you do decide to hitchhike in Canada, we hope you have a great time.

If you don’t, know that you can always book flights, buses, or trains to travel around the country.

We recommend using Busbud to find cheap bus tickets, and Skyscanner to book flights.

Visiting Canada soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Best hikes in Vancouver
• Best hikes in Kananaskis
• How many days in Vancouver