Canadian Towing Company: Proudly Canadian, Serving Ottawa Since 1999
Canadian towing is what we do and who we are. Ontario Towing is a proudly Canadian owned towing company based in Ottawa, Ontario. We have been providing 24/7 towing and roadside assistance to drivers across the National Capital Region since 1999. We are not a franchise. We are not owned by a foreign corporation. We are a local, Canadian owned and operated business that has built its reputation one tow at a time over more than 25 years.
If you are looking for a towing company in Ottawa that is locally owned and actually answers its own phone, you just found one.
Call us any time: (613) 619-4545
Why Supporting Canadian Owned Companies Matters Right Now
Canadians are paying attention to where their money goes. With tariffs reshaping trade between Canada and the United States, the push to shop Canadian and support local business has never been stronger. Across every industry, Canadians are choosing Canadian owned companies over foreign alternatives. The towing industry is no different.
When you call a Canadian owned towing company like Ontario Towing, your money stays in the Canadian economy. Our drivers live in Ottawa. They pay Canadian taxes, spend their earnings at Canadian businesses, and raise their families in this community. Every dollar you spend with us circulates through the local economy instead of being sent to a corporate headquarters in another country.
This is not about politics. It is about practical economics. When Canadian small businesses thrive, Canadian communities thrive. When you need a tow truck at 2 AM in February, it matters that the company you call has a real stake in the neighbourhood where you broke down.
What Makes a Canadian Towing Company Different
Being a Canadian towing company is more than just operating inside Canadian borders. It means we understand Canadian driving conditions from the inside. We know what happens to a battery when it sits in a parking lot at minus 30. We know how quickly black ice forms on the Queensway after a freezing rain warning. We know that salt, sand, and slush do things to vehicles that drivers in warmer climates never have to deal with.
Canadian roads come with Canadian challenges. The 417 during a January blizzard is not the same as a highway breakdown in Texas. The Champlain Bridge in freezing rain requires a different approach than a sunny California overpass. Our drivers have decades of combined experience handling recoveries in conditions that would shut down entire cities in other countries. That experience is something no amount of corporate training from a foreign head office can replace.
It also means we follow Canadian regulations and Canadian laws. Ontario Towing operates in full compliance with the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA), the provincial legislation that was introduced to protect Ontario drivers from predatory towing practices. Every one of our drivers carries the required certifications. Every one of our trucks meets provincial safety standards. We carry full insurance as required by Ontario law, and we provide written invoices for every single job.
Your Rights When You Need Towing in Canada
Many Canadians do not know their rights when they need a tow. The TSSEA was introduced specifically because the towing industry in Ontario had serious problems with unlicensed operators, inflated pricing, and companies that took advantage of drivers in vulnerable situations. Here is what every Canadian driver should know.
You have the right to choose your own towing company. No one can force you to use a specific tow truck that shows up at the scene of an accident. If a tow truck arrives that you did not call, you are under no obligation to use them. Call the company you trust instead.
You have the right to a written estimate before the tow begins. A legitimate Canadian towing company will tell you the cost upfront. If someone refuses to give you a price before loading your vehicle, that is a red flag.
You have the right to know where your vehicle is being taken. You choose the destination. No towing company can take your vehicle to a storage lot or body shop without your consent and then charge you storage fees to get it back.
You have the right to a receipt. Every tow should come with a written invoice that includes the company name, license number, breakdown of charges, and the driver's name. This receipt is what your insurance company needs to process your claim.
You have the right to file a complaint. If a towing company violates the TSSEA, you can report them to the City of Ottawa or the Ontario government. Licensed companies like Ontario Towing welcome this accountability because it keeps the industry honest.
You can view our TSSEA compliance page for more details on how we meet and exceed every requirement.
Canadian Roadside Assistance: Every Service You Need
Ontario Towing offers a full range of Canadian roadside assistance and towing services designed for our roads and our climate. Whether you need emergency towing at 3 AM or a scheduled vehicle transport to another city, we handle it all.
Flatbed towing: our flatbed trucks handle everything from compact sedans to full size SUVs without putting any additional wear on your vehicle. Flatbed towing is the safest method for transporting all wheel drive, luxury, and electric vehicles.
Roadside assistance: dead battery, flat tire, empty tank, or locked out of your car. Our roadside assistance team handles all of it on the spot so you can get back on the road without needing a tow. We respond anywhere in the Ottawa region, 24/7.
Jump starts and battery replacement: Canadian winters destroy batteries. Temperatures below minus 20 can reduce a battery's cranking power by up to 50 percent. We carry professional grade boosters and replacement batteries so we can get you started or swap your battery right where you are parked.
Mobile tire service: whether you need a flat changed on the shoulder of the 417 or a seasonal tire swap at your driveway, we come to you. Spring and fall are our busiest seasons for tire swaps as Canadians switch between winter and all season rubber.
Accident recovery: we work directly with Canadian insurance companies to handle collision towing with insurance approval. We know the process, we know the paperwork, and we have relationships with the adjusters. Our goal is to make the worst day of your driving life a little less stressful.
Long distance towing: need your vehicle moved from Ottawa to Toronto, Montreal, Kingston, or anywhere else? We handle long distance transport across Ontario and Quebec. We regularly run vehicles between Ottawa and the GTA, Ottawa and Montreal, and everywhere in between.
24 hour emergency roadside assistance: breakdowns do not wait for business hours and neither do we. Our emergency towing service operates around the clock, every single day of the year. Call us at any hour and we will actually pick up the phone.
Parking enforcement: we partner with property managers, condo boards, and business owners across Ottawa to enforce parking rules on private property. If unauthorized vehicles are taking up your spaces, we handle removal quickly and professionally.
Car lockout service: locked your keys in your car? It happens to the best of us, especially in winter when you are rushing to get out of the cold. We get you back in without damaging your vehicle.
Gas delivery: ran out of fuel on the side of the road? We bring enough gas to get you to the nearest station. No need for a tow.
Winch services: stuck in a ditch, snowbank, or mud? Our winch equipped trucks pull vehicles out of situations that would leave most drivers calling for backup. Ottawa winters create winch calls every single day.
Scrap vehicle removal: got an old car sitting in your driveway that is not worth repairing? We remove scrap vehicles across Ottawa and handle the logistics so you do not have to.
Light and medium duty towing: from compact cars to delivery trucks, our fleet handles vehicles of all sizes.
Boat towing: Ottawa is surrounded by water and that means boats need transport. We tow boats and trailers to and from launches, marinas, and storage facilities across the region.
Trailer towing: whether it is a utility trailer, camper, or equipment trailer, we have the trucks and the experience to move it safely.
Fleet services: businesses with vehicle fleets need a towing partner they can rely on. We offer priority response for commercial clients who need consistent and dependable towing service for their operations.
How to Spot a Trustworthy Canadian Towing Company
Not every company that calls itself Canadian is operating by the rules. Here is how to tell the difference between a legitimate Canadian towing company and one that might cause you problems.
Check their TSSEA license. Every towing company operating in Ontario is required to hold a valid TSSEA license. If a company cannot show you their license number, do not let them touch your vehicle.
Look at their Google reviews. A company with hundreds of real reviews from Canadian customers has earned trust over time. Ontario Towing has over 700 Google reviews because we have spent 25 years doing right by the people of Ottawa.
Ask for a price before they load your car. A trustworthy towing company will give you a clear estimate before the job starts. If the price changes after your vehicle is on the truck, that is a problem.
Confirm they carry insurance. A licensed and insured towing company protects you if anything happens to your vehicle during the tow. An unlicensed operator leaves you with no recourse if your car is damaged.
Check their address. A real Canadian towing company has a real Canadian address. Ours is 2197 Riverside Drive, Ottawa. We have been at this location for years and we are not going anywhere. Companies that operate out of P.O. boxes or cannot provide a physical address should raise questions.
See if they answer their own phone. When you call Ontario Towing, you reach our dispatch team directly. We do not route calls through a third party answering service in another time zone. You talk to someone who knows Ottawa and can send a truck to your exact location.
Fair and Transparent Towing Prices
We understand that price matters. Being stranded is stressful enough without worrying about being overcharged. Ontario Towing offers fair and transparent pricing with no hidden fees, no bait and switch tactics, and no surprises when the job is done.
We give you the price before we start. That price is what you pay. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Interac, and cash. All invoices are in Canadian dollars and we provide receipts that your insurance company will accept for reimbursement. We also work directly with Canadian insurance companies for accident tows, which means you often do not have to pay anything out of pocket.
Canadian Insurance Approved
Ontario Towing is approved by major Canadian insurance providers. When you are involved in a collision, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your insurance company will cover the tow. We work directly with insurers to handle the billing and paperwork so you do not have to chase reimbursements after the fact. Our drivers understand the Canadian insurance approval process and will walk you through every step at the scene.
Winter Towing in Canada: What Every Driver Should Know
Canada's winters are among the harshest in the world for driving. Ottawa specifically averages over 200 centimetres of snowfall per year. Here are some things every Canadian driver should keep in mind during winter months.
Keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. A good kit includes a blanket, flashlight, phone charger, small shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, jumper cables, and non perishable snacks. If you break down on a rural road outside Ottawa, help might take longer to arrive than in the city.
Your battery is the first thing to fail in extreme cold. A battery that works fine in September can be completely dead by January. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested before winter arrives. If it fails, call us for a jump start or battery replacement and we will come to you.
Winter tires are not optional in Ottawa. While Ontario does not legally require winter tires, Quebec does, and if you commute across the river to Gatineau, Hull, or Aylmer you are required to have them. Insurance companies in Canada also offer discounts for winter tires. Our mobile tire service handles seasonal swaps at your home or office.
Black ice is invisible and deadly. The Queensway, Airport Parkway, and bridges across the Rideau River and Ottawa River are especially prone to black ice. If you lose control and end up in a ditch, call us before trying to get the car out yourself. Spinning your wheels can cause more damage to your vehicle and the road shoulder.
Keep your fuel tank at least half full. A full tank reduces condensation inside the tank which can freeze fuel lines. It also means you have heat if you are stuck waiting for a tow truck.
Know your towing company before you need one. Save our number in your phone now: (613) 619-4545. The worst time to start looking for a towing company is when you are standing on the side of the highway in a snowstorm.
Coverage Across the National Capital Region
We are not just a Canadian towing company. We are an Ottawa towing company. We cover every corner of the National Capital Region and we know these streets because we drive them every single day. Here are some of the communities we serve:
Kanata · Barrhaven · Orleans · Nepean · Gloucester · Gatineau · Stittsville · Alta Vista · Vanier · Westboro · Centretown · Manotick · Bells Corners · Rockcliffe Park · South Keys · The Glebe · Downtown Ottawa · Findlay Creek · Greely · Bayshore · Hull · Aylmer · Merivale · Heron Gate · South Gloucester · Tunney's Pasture · Britannia Beach · Ottawa International Airport
No matter where you are in the region, Ontario Towing is the Canadian company that will get to you fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ontario Towing a Canadian owned company?
Yes. Ontario Towing is 100% Canadian owned and operated. We have been based in Ottawa, Ontario since 1999. We are not a franchise and we are not affiliated with any foreign company. When you support us, you are supporting a Canadian small business.
Why should I choose a Canadian owned towing company?
Choosing a Canadian owned towing company means your money stays in the Canadian economy. It also means you are working with a company that understands Canadian roads, Canadian weather, Canadian regulations, and Canadian insurance processes. With the current push to shop Canadian and support local business, choosing a Canadian towing company is one of the easiest ways to keep your dollars working for your community.
Are you licensed under the TSSEA?
Yes. Ontario Towing operates in full compliance with the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act. All of our drivers carry the required certifications and our trucks meet Ontario's provincial safety standards. You can view our compliance details on our TSSEA compliance page.
Do you work with Canadian insurance companies?
Yes. We are approved by major Canadian insurance providers and we handle the billing and paperwork directly with your insurer for accident tows. In most cases, you do not need to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement.
What areas do you serve?
We cover the entire National Capital Region including Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Nepean, Gloucester, Gatineau, and all surrounding communities. We also provide long distance towing across Ontario and Quebec.
How much does towing cost in Ottawa?
Towing costs depend on the type of service, the size of the vehicle, and the distance. We provide a clear price before the job starts and that price is what you pay. No hidden fees. Call (613) 619-4545 for a quote.
Can you tow in Canadian winter conditions?
Absolutely. Our fleet and our drivers are equipped and trained for Canadian winters. We handle recoveries in snow, ice, freezing rain, and extreme cold every single day from November through April. Ottawa averages over 200 centimetres of snow per year and we operate through all of it.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Interac, and cash. All invoices are in Canadian dollars and we provide receipts for insurance claims and tax purposes.
How fast can you get to me?
Response times depend on your location and current call volume. We give you an honest ETA when you call and we stick to it. In most cases we are on scene within 30 minutes across Ottawa.
Can I choose my own towing company after an accident in Ontario?
Yes. Under Ontario law, you have the right to choose your own towing company. If a tow truck arrives at the scene that you did not call, you are under no obligation to use them. Save our number now so you are ready: (613) 619-4545.
Breakdowns do not follow a schedule and neither do we. Call (613) 619-4545 any time including weekends and overnight. Ontario Towing: proudly Canadian, proudly Ottawa, proudly here for you since 1999.