Do You Need Winter Tires on a Rental in Ontario?

Short answer: winter tires are not legally required in Ontario the way they are in Quebec — but in Northern Ontario, renting without them between December and March is a genuinely bad idea.

What Ontario law actually says

Ontario does not mandate winter tires. However, the province does recognize them: drivers with winter tires can qualify for an insurance discount, and many rental agencies fit them on northern fleets by default in the cold months. All-season tires are legal but lose grip dramatically below 7°C.

Why they matter up north

Highways 17, 69 and 11 see lake-effect snow, black ice and long stretches between services. Stopping distance on winter tires can be 30–40% shorter on snow and ice. If you're driving to Timmins, Wawa, or across Manitoulin in January, that margin is the difference between a close call and a ditch.

What to ask the rental agency

• "Does this vehicle have winter (not all-season) tires fitted?"
• "Is there a winter tire fee, and is it per day?"
• "Is AWD available for the same dates?"

Many Sudbury and Northern Ontario locations include winter tires seasonally at no charge; others add a small daily fee (often around $9/day). Always confirm before pickup.

Be winter-ready

Pack an emergency kit, keep the tank above half, and check Ontario 511 for closures before long drives. See our resources page for more winter driving tips, and use the readiness checklist before you pick up.