Winter Towing in Canada: Tires, Traction and Trailer Care

Towing in winter adds snow, ice, cold and road salt to everything else you're managing. Here's how to prepare the vehicle, the trailer and your driving.

Winter tire rules that affect towing

Quebec

From December 1 to March 15, vehicles registered in Quebec must have winter tires — marked with the winter pictogram, or studded. Heavy vehicles and a few other categories are exempt.

British Columbia

On designated routes, winter tires or chains are required from October 1 to April 30 (to March 31 on some routes outside mountain passes and high-snowfall areas). For fifth wheels and trailers, BC says the tow vehicle's drive axle should have mountain-snowflake or M+S tires, and you should carry chains for the trailer tires to stop them slipping on banked curves.

Other provinces set their own rules, so check before you travel. For year-round trailer brake rules, see our province-by-province brake guide.

Driving adjustments

• Slow down and leave far more space. A trailer adds a lot of stopping distance on ice.
• Brake and steer gently. Sudden inputs are what start a slide or trailer sway.
• Revisit brake controller gain. A setting that's right on dry pavement can lock trailer wheels on ice. Test at low speed in a safe spot — see brake controller setup.
• Clear snow and ice off the trailer, including the roof and the lights.

Keep the hitch and wiring working

• Check tire pressure more often — pressure drops as temperatures fall.
• Test lights before every trip. Salt corrodes connectors quickly. Cap the plug when you're not towing and replace corroded connectors — see trailer wiring.
• Protect the receiver. Take the ball mount out when you're not towing and fit a hitch cover so nothing rusts in place — more in hitch maintenance.
• Keep the coupler latch and jack moving — a little grease stops them seizing.

Useful winter gear

• Winter fronts for the tow vehicle's grille
• Towing mirrors for a clear view past a snowy trailer
• Floor mats to keep salt and slush off the carpet

Sources, checked September 2026: Québec.ca — Requirements for winter tires; Gov.bc.ca — RV and trailer tire and chain requirements.