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Winter Tires Change in Canada

Preparing for winter in Canada isn’t just about packing an emergency kit—it’s also about making sure your vehicle is equipped with the right tires to handle snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. While some provinces have strict laws regarding winter tires, others provide strong recommendations to ensure driver safety. This guide breaks down the latest winter tire regulations by province for 2025, making it easy to stay informed and compliant wherever you drive.

The table above summarizes the legal requirements and advisories for tires across Canada. It’s designed for easy updates as laws change, ensuring this guide remains a reliable reference for Canadian drivers.

Region	Law/Advice	Date (if applicable)	Last updated
Quebec	Mandatory winter tires under the Highway Safety Code	December 1 – March 15	April 4, 2024
British Columbia	Winter tires or chains required on designated routes. Outlined in the Motor Vehicle Act, Section 208	October 1 – April 30 (on designated routes)	June 25, 2024
Ontario	No law, strongly recommended	N/A
Alberta	Strongly recommended	N/A
Saskatchewan	Strongly recommended	N/A
Manitoba	Strongly recommended	N/A
New Brunswick	Strongly recommended	N/A
Nova Scotia	Strongly recommended	N/A
Prince Edward Island	Strongly recommended	N/A
Newfoundland and Labrador	Strongly recommended	N/A
Yukon Territory	Strongly recommended	N/A
Northwest Territories	Strongly recommended	N/A
Nunavut	Strongly recommended	N/A

 

When to put on winter tires in Quebec

Quebec has the strictest winter tire laws in Canada, making it mandatory for all motorized vehicles to be equipped with approved winter tires from December 1 to March 15. This requirement, part of the Highway Safety Code, was first introduced in 2008 to address the high number of winter-related road accidents. 

Why these dates ? 

The dates (December 1 to March 15) are not arbitrary. Quebec experiences early snowfalls and late cold snaps, with icy roads persisting well into March. The original deadline was December 15, but due to unpredictable weather patterns and an increase in early winter accidents, it was moved to December 1 to ensure drivers are prepared before the first snow hits. Similarly, March 15 accounts for lingering cold temperatures and the risk of black ice, especially during morning commutes.

Penalties for Non-Compliance 

Failure to comply with the winter tire law can result in a fine ranging from $200 to $300, plus additional fees. Beyond the legal aspect, driving without proper tires significantly increases the risk of accidents, not just due to poor traction but also because of longer braking distances on icy roads.

 

When to put on winter tires in British Columbia

Range of mandatory dates 

In BC, winter tires or chains are mandatory on designated routes from October 1 to April 30. This regulation is in place to ensure driver safety due to the province’s diverse climate, which ranges from coastal rain to heavy interior snowfall. The specific dates are aligned with the typical onset of cold weather in mountainous regions and can vary slightly depending on the route.

Key Routes Requiring Winter Tires or Chains:

• Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway).
• Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway).
• Highway 5 (Coquihalla Highway).
• Highway 97 (Okanagan Corridor).

Penalties for Non-Compliance 

Driving without the required winter tires or chains on designated routes can result in a fine of $121 to $598, depending on the circumstances. 

 

When to put on winter tires in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan

Unlike Quebec or BC, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan do not have mandatory winter tire laws. However, given the harsh winter conditions common in these provinces, installing winter tires is strongly recommended for safety and performance.

Ontario tires regulation

Winter tires are not legally required in Ontario, but insurance incentives are offered by many providers. Many insurance companies offer discounts (ranging from 2% to 5%) for drivers who install winter tires during the winter season. In general, it’s highly recommended to put on winter tires when temperatures drop below 6°C.

Alberta tires regulation

In Alberta, as in Ontario, winter tires are highly recommended, even though they are not legally required. They are even more important for those traveling through mountain passes in the Rockies or remote rural roads. Installing winter tires from late October to early April is much safer in these unpredictable conditions.

Saskatchewan tires regulation

Winter tires are not mandated by law in Saskatchewan, but switching to them in late October and keeping them on until April is strongly recommended for safe driving. In fact, known for its open prairies and strong winter winds, Saskatchewan experiences regularly drifting snow and black ice, particularly on Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 11. 

 

When to put on winter tires in Manitoba and Atlantic Provinces 

Manitoba tires regulation

While there’s no law mandating winter tires, studded tires are permitted (and recommended) from October 1 to April 30. Manitoba also offers the Winter Tire Program, providing low-interest financing to encourage the purchase of winter tires. This program helps cover not just the tires but also additional costs like mounting, balancing, and rims. 

New Brunswick tires regulation

For optimal safety, consider installing winter tires from late September to early November.To be more precise, New Brunswick allows the use of studded tires from October 15 to May 1, although winter tires are not mandatory. An exception exists for school buses, which must be equipped with winter tires to ensure student safety. 

Nova Scotia tires regulation

In Nova Scotia, studded tires are allowed from October 15 to May 31. This province has chosen public awareness campaigns over legal mandates for winter tire use. They specified that studs must not protrude more than 0.12 inches from the tire’s surface. Despite the lack of legal obligations, winter tires are highly recommended due to the province’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles and icy coastal roads. 

Prince Edward Island tires regulation

 

Similar to Nova Scotia, PEI does not require winter tires by law but recommends using both winter and studded tires from October 1 to May 31. The studs on tires must not extend more than 3.2 mm from the tread. Although PEI’s winters are often milder along the coast, winter tires stay a critical safety measure, especially in rural areas.

Newfoundland and Labrador tires regulation

Winter tires are not mandatory in Newfoundland and Labrador but many insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who equip them. Interestingly, tire chains are compulsory when driving on snow-covered roads, with fines up to $400 for non-compliance. Studded tires are allowed from November 1 to May 31, and it’s recommended to switch to winter tires around the same time. 

 

When to put on winter tires in Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut

Yukon Territory tires regulation

There’s no official legislation requiring winter tires, but the Yukon’s climate demands early preparation. Temperatures can drop below 5°C as early as September. For optimal safety, it’s advised to install winter tires by late September. Yukon also has one of the highest recommended minimum tread depths (4 mm) due to the severity of its winter. Roads like the Klondike Highway and Alaska Highway are known for blowing snow, making proper winter tires crucial.

Northwest Territories tires regulation

In the Northwest Territories, winter driving conditions are challenging, with temperatures plunging below -40°C and snowfall starting as early as September. While not legally required, good winter tires are vital for traction on icy highways like Highway 3 (connecting Yellowknife) and remote northern routes. Many drivers opt for studded winter tires to improve grip on the region’s icy surfaces. It’s advisable to make the switch to winter tires by mid-September to stay ahead of sudden snowfalls and rapidly freezing conditions.

Nunavut tires regulation

Nunavut experiences some of the most extreme winter conditions in the world, with permafrost terrain, relentless snowstorms, and icy roads dominating much of the year. Although there are no laws mandating winter tire use, the reality of Nunavut’s climate makes them an absolute necessity. In fact, many drivers use winter tires year-round due to the persistent cold and minimal road infrastructure.

 

Advices of our experts

Our tire experts have gathered key recommendations to help you navigate Canada’s diverse winter conditions, whether you’re facing icy city streets or remote snow-covered highways.

1. Maintain the recommended tread depth

Tread depth plays a critical role in winter tire performance. While the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, experts recommend at least:

• 3.5 mm in Quebec.
• 4 mm in Northern Territories.
• 3.2 mm in Alberta and British Columbia..

If you’re unsure about your tire tread depth, check out this detailed guide on when your tires are considered worn out.

2. Regularly check tire pressure

Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, reducing grip and increasing wear. Check your tire pressure:

• At least once a month, especially in British Columbia, where temperature fluctuations between coastal and mountainous regions are common.
• Before long trips in Northern Territories, where severe colds can cause rapid deflation.
• Regularly in Montreal, where roads are notorious for potholes that can impact tire pressure and alignment, increasing the risk of uneven wear and potential damage.

Keep in mind that these tips apply throughout the entire year, not just during winter.

If you don’t know how to check your tire pressure, learn more about the proper air pressure for your tires.

3. Use Studded tires or chains when necessary

For regions with heavy snow and ice:

• Consider studded tires in the Atlantic Provinces (legal from October 15 to May 1).
• In British Columbia, chains are mandatory on certain mountain routes like the Coquihalla Highway. You should practice installing them before winter hits.

4. Prepare for Sudden Weather Changes

Winter in Canada can be unpredictable:

• In Alberta, sudden snowstorms can occur even in early fall. Keep an emergency kit with essentials like a shovel, traction mats, and a flashlight.
• Monitor your tire’s condition regularly, checking for cracks, uneven wear, or embedded debris.

5. Clean and Care for Your Tires

In Quebec, where urban roads are heavily salted, rinse your tires frequently to prevent salt buildup, which can lead to rubber degradation and reduced traction. Pay special attention to icy intersections, where sudden braking is more common.

 

Best tire options for Canadian winters 

Selecting the right winter tires is essential for navigating Canada’s diverse and challenging winter conditions. Whether your vehicle’s drivetrain is FWD, RWD, AWD, it influences the tire choice.

For FWD vehicles, commonly found in sedans and compact cars, tires like the Michelin X-Ice Snow are ideal. They offer superior grip on ice and snow, providing a quiet ride and long tread life, making them perfect for daily commuters. 

RWD vehicles, often performance-oriented cars, benefit from tires such as the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90. This tire delivers exceptional handling and braking on icy surfaces, ensuring confidence for drivers. 

SUVs and crossovers with AWD or 4WD systems demand tires capable of handling varied winter conditions. The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is known for its excellent performance in harsh winter climates, providing reliable traction and stability. 

Electric vehicles have unique requirements due to their weight and torque characteristics. The Continental ICECONTACT XTRM offers low rolling resistance and excellent winter traction, making it suitable for EVs. 

For a comprehensive guide, please refer to our detailed article on selecting the best tires for electric vehicles. 

For light trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, the Toyo Observe GSi-6 is designed to handle Canada’s most severe winter conditions. Built with advanced Microbit technology, this tire provides enhanced traction and durability in severe winter conditions.

 

Need help choosing the right winter tires for your vehicle? Book an appointment to find the best option tailored to your driving needs.

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.

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