Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle subsidiary Waymo has announced plans to enter Canada, beginning with vehicle mapping and testing in Toronto ahead of a proposed commercial robotaxi launch in 2028. The company has received approval to participate in Ontario’s Automated Vehicle Pilot Program, allowing it to begin testing its self-driving technology on public roads.
According to Waymo’s official announcement, published October 16, 2026, the company will initially deploy manually driven vehicles to develop high-definition maps of Toronto’s road network. The expansion marks Waymo’s first entry into Canada as it continues to increase its international operations.
Waymo Begins Mapping and Autonomous Vehicle Testing in Toronto
Waymo will introduce its vehicles through a phased testing program, beginning with human-operated driving to record road layouts, traffic patterns, and local driving conditions. The company will then conduct autonomous testing with trained safety operators behind the wheel before progressing toward fully driverless operations.
Initial testing will cover selected Toronto neighborhoods, including Harbourfront, Liberty Village, Parkdale, and areas around Yonge and Eglinton. Waymo expects to use a limited number of all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles before gradually expanding its fleet.
Toronto also presents different operating conditions from many of Waymo’s existing markets, particularly during winter. Snow, ice, and changing road visibility will provide opportunities to evaluate how its autonomous driving system performs in colder environments.
Waymo has not announced an exact date for removing human safety operators from its Toronto vehicles. The company aims to begin carrying paying passengers in 2028, subject to additional regulatory approvals and successful testing.
Waymo Partners With Element Fleet Management
To support its Canadian operations, Waymo has partnered with Toronto-based Element Fleet Management, which will provide vehicle maintenance, operational support, and fleet management services.
According to Element’s partnership announcement, the company will coordinate vehicle readiness, charging infrastructure, maintenance, and day-to-day fleet operations. The arrangement expands an existing partnership that began supporting Waymo’s operations in San Diego earlier in 2026.
Waymo expects the Toronto expansion to support hundreds of jobs over time, covering vehicle maintenance, safety testing, customer service, and fleet operations. The company also plans to invest in local facilities and infrastructure as preparations for commercial service progress.
Waymo Accelerates International Robotaxi Expansion
Waymo’s Canadian entry follows a period of rapid expansion across the United States and other international markets. The company currently operates commercial robotaxi services in 15 American cities and is conducting testing in London and Tokyo.
The expansion builds on earlier deployments in Austin and Atlanta, where Waymo began operating commercial services in 2025. Its vehicles have also expanded onto highways, allowing the company to serve additional routes and travel requirements.
Toronto will become another international market for the company’s autonomous ride-hailing service, although public rides are not yet available. Waymo plans to continue working with Ontario regulators throughout the testing process before introducing commercial operations.
Featured image credits: Wikimedia Commons
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