Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. For a holiday, taking a leisurely drive across hours of freeway enjoying the scenery would be a real pleasure, as a business user the sheer distances involved can make it a different matter entirely.

If you are covering a large distance (there are six time zones from west to east) be aware you will encounter a large variety of road conditions; from expressways to busy town routes through to winding country roads.

You should bear in mind that each province and territory can set its own traffic and safety laws – so things can differ from place to place. For instance many road signs are only shown in French in Quebec, so carrying a French phrase book would be an advantage.

Talking generally, as in the USA, right turns on red traffic lights are generally allowed. However, at some junctions in towns and cities you can only turn right on a green light. In some parts of Quebec, right turns on red lights are not allowed at all.

The risk of a collision is an ever present danger, as the wide open roads mean some drivers get impatient and will break the speed limits. There are regular mobile patrols with hand-held speed cameras and some provinces use helicopter patrols. Fines are high – so always exercise caution.

The speed limit on motorways is 100km/h­­, and in built up areas 50km/h. Each province has a points system for drink driving offences and you will receive both a fine and points on your licence if you are found to be exceeding the alcohol limit. In Canada it is a criminal offence to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08, or 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.

A bonus for most visiting car driving licence holders is that you can both drive and hire a car in Canada using a standard full driving licence. You should carry the plastic photo card and the paper counterpart at all times. The Canadian Government advises carrying an International Driving Permit obtained in your home country.

While it’s not exactly breaking news to say it snows in Canada, what might catch out the unassuming traveller is how deep the snowfall can be. Winter driving conditions can be extreme, so you should pay close attention to local news and weather and take advice. Snow tyres are required in some provinces.

You should watch out for icy roads, rock avalanches, snow or other extreme conditions. Some roads are very isolated and getting into an accident there could mean being stranded for several hours with no other cars passing by. You should always take a mobile phone if you can, and save the number of local emergency services into it.

The Canadian Government’s Get Ready website advises you carry the following items if driving in Canada in the winter: food that won't spoil (like energy bars), water (in plastic bottles that won't break if the water freezes), a blanket, extra clothing and shoes or boots, first aid kit with seatbelt cutter, small shovel, scraper and snowbrush, candle in a deep can and matches, wind‑up flashlight, whistle (in case you need to attract attention) and road maps.

A problem for driving in Canada is the potential threat from wild animals. Bears are present in many places, for instance. Road signs will usually alert you to the presence of certain types of wildlife. Hitting a deer, elk or moose can be a real danger for cars, as their sheer size means there’s a high chance that you’ll be killed if you’re involved in a collision with one of these – so do be cautious.