Canada is the second-largest country in the world, spanning from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The country is known for its diverse cities, including the capital city of Ottawa, the bustling city of Toronto, the charming city of Montreal, and the scenic city of Vancouver. When traveling in Canada, taxis and ride-hailing services are popular options for getting around. This article will provide information on how to find and book a taxi or ride-hailing service in the major cities of Canada.
Taxis in Canada
Taxis are a common mode of transportation in Canada, and they can be found in all major cities. Taxis in Canada are usually metered, and fares are regulated by local authorities. Taxis can be hailed on the street, or they can be found at designated taxi stands throughout the city.
How to Find and Book a Taxi in Canada
There are several ways to find and book a taxi in Canada:
- Hail a taxi on the street: In most Canadian cities, taxis can be hailed on the street. Look for a taxi with a lit “available” sign on the roof.
- Call a taxi: Most taxi companies in Canada have a phone number that you can call to request a taxi. You can find the phone number for a local taxi company by doing a quick online search or by asking your hotel or the staff at a restaurant or bar.
- Use a ride-hailing app: Many Canadian cities have ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft. Simply download the app, enter your pickup location and destination, and a driver will be dispatched to pick you up.
Taxi Companies in Major Canadian Cities
Here are some major taxi companies in the major cities of Canada:
- Toronto: Beck Taxi (https://www.becktaxi.com/), Royal Taxi (http://www.royaltaxi.ca/), and Diamond Taxi (https://diamondtaxi.ca/)
- Montreal: Taxi Co-op (https://www.taxi-coop.com/), Diamond Taxi (https://diamondtaxi.ca/), and Atlas Taxi (https://atlastaxi.ca/)
- Vancouver: Yellow Cab (https://www.yellowcabonline.com/), Black Top and Checker Cabs (https://www.blacktopandchecker.com/), and MacLure’s Cabs (http://www.maclurescabs.com/)
Ride-hailing Services in Canada
Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in many Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa. These services provide a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis.
How to Use Ride-hailing Services in Canada
To use a ride-hailing service in Canada, follow these simple steps:
- Download the app: Download the app for the ride-hailing service you want to use (e.g. Uber, Lyft).
- Enter your destination: Enter your pickup location and destination in the app.
- Choose your ride: Select the type of ride you want (e.g. UberX, Lyft Plus).
- Confirm your pickup: Confirm your pickup location and request your ride.
- Wait for your ride: Wait for your driver to arrive at your pickup location.
- Enjoy your ride: Sit back and enjoy your ride to your destination.
Ride-hailing Companies in Major Canadian Cities
Here are some major ride-hailing companies in the major cities of Canada:
Uber in Canada
Uber is widely available across Canada, with services offered in all major cities and many smaller ones. The company operates in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, and Halifax, among other cities.
To use Uber, riders must download the Uber app and set up an account. From there, they can request a ride and track the driver’s progress in real time. Payment is handled through the app, with fares calculated based on time and distance.
Lyft in Canada
Lyft is another ride-hailing service that operates in Canada, but its availability is more limited than Uber’s. The company currently operates in Toronto and Ottawa, and plans to expand to other cities in the future.
To use Lyft, riders must download the Lyft app and set up an account. From there, they can request a ride and track the driver’s progress in real time. Payment is handled through the app, with fares calculated based on time and distance.
Taxis in Canada
Traditional taxi services are also widely available in Canada, with a range of companies operating in most major cities. Some of the largest taxi companies include:
- Checker Taxi
- Diamond Taxi
- Beck Taxi
- Co-op Cabs
- Blueline Taxi
To hail a taxi, riders can either wait for one to pass on the street or call a taxi company directly. Some taxi companies also offer the option to book a ride online or through a mobile app.
Other Ride-hailing Services in Canada
In addition to Uber and Lyft, there are several other ride-hailing services available in Canada. Some of these services operate only in certain cities or regions, while others are available more widely. Some of the most popular ride-hailing services in Canada include:
- Facedrive
- TappCar
- Zoro
- Uride
- Whistle
To use these services, riders typically download an app, set up an account, and request a ride. Payment is usually handled through the app, with fares calculated based on time and distance.
Overall, Canada offers a range of taxi and ride-hailing options to meet the needs of both locals and tourists. Whether you prefer the convenience of an app-based service like Uber or Lyft, or the familiarity of a traditional taxi company, there are plenty of options to choose from.