Where to Find Rentals in Canada's Biggest Cities
Vancouver
This lively West Coast hub blending futuristic glass skyscrapers with outdoor adventure access offers both downtown and Vancouver International Airport locations for all big brands in addition to local outfits like U-Drive and Car2go.
Calgary
The center of Alberta's ranch country with views of the Rocky Mountains' rolling foothills has airport agencies and compact downtown depots. Smaller local companies provide July Stampede deals.
Montreal
Canada's second largest French-inflected city stars unique architecture, summer festivals and world-class food. Airport and plentiful downtown choices exist alongside outlets in Old Montreal and the Underground City.
Toronto
As Canada's largest city with superb diversity, rental counters operate near the CN Tower and Union Station plus Toronto Pearson International Airport. Convenient pickups across the GTA maximize exploring Ontario.
Important Canadian Car Rental Insurance Info
While minimum mandated insurance gets included nationwide, key policy variances to avoid surprise charges:
- Third Party Liability automatically covers passengers, others' injury and property damage but not the rental car itself if damaged.
- Collision/Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) provides rental coverage yet can prove expensive for high end vehicles. Many cards include it if you decline the rental company's policy.
- Additional insurance like Personal Effects for items stolen from the car, Personal Accident medical coverage and roadside assistance provide added peace of mind.
Choosing the Right Rental Car for Canada's Seasons
Given Canada's dramatic weather shifts from hot summers to frigid snowy winters, rent vehicles suited for the conditions:
- Spring & Fall - Compact hatchbacks and midsize sedans like a Toyota Corolla offer the versatility for shoulder season trips.
- Summer - Convertibles and sporty two-doors enhance cruising scenic routes or visiting festivals
- Winter - Only all-wheel drive SUVs can reliably handle heavy snowstorms. Ensure winter tires when renting near ski resorts.
Saving on Car Rentals Booked through Carandrentals.com
Access carandrentals.com's guaranteed lowest prices then maximize trip savings further using these rental car tips:
- Join free loyalty programs like Avis Preferred or Hertz Gold for accelerated rewards points and special member discounts.
- Pay entirely with points earned on travel rewards credit cards to redeem rental vouchers.
- For best prices at ski resorts, book winter rentals during value seasons like April or May.
- Seek package deals bundling rental cars into overall flight and hotel reservations booked through OTAs.
- Share larger vehicles like minivans and full-size SUVs between groups since rental costs prove only marginally higher than sedans.
- Grab limited time seasonal sales around holidays and peak periods with discounts and promo codes.
- Use carandrentals.com's price match guarantee to secure the lowest rates backed by their commitment to value.
Best Times to Visit Canada by Region
Canada's vast size leads to dramatic seasonal variances across the country so plan optimum travel timing:
Spring (April - May)
Western Canada -Mild weather with blooming wildflowers in Vancouver plus lingering snow in the mountains.
Central Canada –Maple sap harvest and syrup festivals in Ontario. Fall foliage begins in Nova Scotia and PEI.
Eastern Canada –Whale watching off Newfoundland and New Brunswick's coasts. Ski resorts wind down by April.
Summer (June - August)
Western Canada -Warm sunny weather for Calgary Stampede and exploring Banff National Park or Jasper.
Central Canada –Pleasant temperatures in Toronto and Montreal for outdoor festivals and events.
Eastern Canada –Ideal for beaching in Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland's fishing harbors.
Fall (September - October)
Western Canada –Cooler temps with fall colors in Vancouver's forests. Trails less crowded in Rockies parks.
Central Canada –Spectacular foliage displays across Ontario and Quebec's countryside.
Eastern Canada –Cape Breton's Cabot Trail and Fundy Coast shine with peak fall vistas.
Winter (November - March)
Western Canada –Cold and snowy especially at Whistler and other BC ski hills but milder around Vancouver.
Central Canada –Frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall make winter sports ideal from Quebec across Ontario.
Eastern Canada –Regular snowfall. Some rural areas isolated until spring. Popular skiing in Nova Scotia highlands.
Must-See Canadian Road Trip Routes and Attractions
Let these epic journeys across provinces inspire your rental car adventures:
- Revel in Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Glacier's national parks surrounded by the Rocky Mountains' breathtaking peaks.
- Circle Cape Breton Island’s stunning coastal vistas and sleepy fishing villages along the 185 mile Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia.
- Experience Niagara Falls' power then sample fruit wines, maple treats and seasonal harvests across Ontario's countryside.
- Spot icebergs, whales and puffins around Newfoundland's rugged eastern shores and remote Viking Trail dotted with fishing hamlets.
- Indulge in Vancouver's thriving food scene blending Asian flavors and fresh west coast seafood while enjoying the surrounding ocean and mountains.
- Marvel at UNESCO World Heritage sites like Quebec City’s 17th century colonial architecture and fortified walls overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
Important Canadian Car Rental Policies
While specific rental rules vary, common requirements across Canada include:
- Minimum age 21 with valid driver's license for 1+ year. Underage fees apply for under 25.
- Present your driver's license and passport at pickup. International licenses also accepted.
- Major credit card required for insurance authorizations. Debit cards generally not accepted.
- Crossing into the USA or other provinces typically not allowed unless specifically permitted.
- Child safety seats legally required for kids under age 8. Rentals range $5-$15 per day.
- Returning with a near empty tank triggers expensive refueling fees so fill up beforehand.
- Smoking and unattended pets prohibited in vehicles or substantial cleaning fees apply.
- Off-roading not permitted with most rentals unless explicitly allowed for certain 4x4 and trucks.
Tips for Renting an Car in Canada Under 25
Renting in Canada as a young traveler has hurdles but success involves:
- Research companies' underage policies - some allow renting at 18 or 20 vs standard minimums of 21 and up.
- Look for occasional deals waiving young renter surcharges by paying slightly higher base rates.
- If booking separate parts of a trip, underage rules apply where an accident occurs so plan wisely.
- Ask your credit card provider if underage rental fees get waived when booking entirely on the card.
- Add an older companion over 25 as the primary renter to avoid extra costs if possible.
- Peer to peer services like Turo base eligibility solely on driver history, not age, if you have clean records.
Must-See Destinations for Canadian Road Trips
With stunning scenery and vibrant cities, these regions promise unforgettable road trips:
Western Canada Road Trip Routes
Whistler and Vancouver - Scenic Sea to Sky highway connects lively Vancouver with Whistler's breathtaking mountain resort.
Canadian Rockies - Icefields Parkway reveals turquoise lakes, glaciers and peaks connecting Banff and Jasper national parks.
Vancouver Island - Meander roads hugging the rugged Pacific coast near surf town Tofino across to Victoria's historic sites.
Central Canada Road Trip Itineraries
Niagara Falls - Cruise beside the roaring cascades along the Niagara Parkway from Lake Ontario to the Horseshoe Falls.
Muskoka Lakes - Navigate this scenic Ontario lake district with romantic resorts, provincial parks, and amazing fall colors.
Prince Edward County - Sample award-winning wineries, cheesemakers, and farms just 2 hours from Toronto.
Eastern Canada Road Trips
Nova Scotia South Shore - Discover historic Lunenburg, remote lighthouses, and surf towns like Mahone Bay and Halifax.
Cape Breton Highlands - Circle the breathtaking Cabot Trail looping around Nova Scotia's rocky northern coast with endless ocean vistas.
Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick - Watch the world's highest tides surge dramatically twice daily sculpting the epic Fundy coastline.
Comparing Car Rental Costs Across Canada
Rental pricing varies considerably based on location, vehicle type, seasonal demand and booking timeframes. Average daily rates run:
Economy class - $45-$65 CAD
Compact car - $50-$75
Midsize sedans - $60-$85
Full-size & SUVs - $80-$150+
Passenger vans - $100-$200+
For lowest prices, book 1-2 months in advance before daily charges climb higher as availability decreases. Airport locations cost more than neighborhood outlets. High season summer rates run 20-40% above spring or fall pricing outside ski towns.
Leveraging Loyalty Programs for Canadian Car Rentals
Membership with rental loyalty programs provides perks like:
Avis Preferred - Skip rental counter lines, earn free days faster through points, and access members-only deals.
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards - Expedited booking, car selection and rental pickup plus points towards free rentals.
Enterprise Plus - Special offers, accelerated earn of reward points and speedy pickup.
Budget Fastbreak - Priority service, points towards free days, and instant perks for signing up.
National Emerald Club – Choose vehicle model, space number, and earn free rentals quickly while skipping counter lines.
Even occasional Canada renters benefit from 2-3 free programs by earning sign-up bonuses, seasonal promotions and accelerated points for free rental days.
Helpful Mobile Apps and Sites for Canadian Road Trips
Convenient resources to aid planning routes, finding attractions and deals:
Google Maps – Excellent turn-by-turn directions, route planning and drive time estimates for Canada. Offline regional maps.
GasBuddy – Locate lowest nearby gas and diesel prices updated in real-time. View price heat maps.
Canada National Parks App – Navigate parks across Canada with trail maps, camping permits and reservations.
Roadtrippers App – Build complete custom road trip itineraries integrating attractions, hotels and booking links.
AllTrails App – Detailed trail guides for day hikes, backpacking, mountain biking and more across Canada.
Yelp, TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet – Discover highly rated restaurants, sights, hotels and activities along your chosen routes.
Road Trip Gear and Accessories for Canada Travel
Enhance road adventures with:
- Offline GPS navigation device in remote regions outside cell coverage
- Dash cam to relive scenic drives and document any incidents
- Phone mount and charger for navigation and hands-free abilities
First aid kit – bandages, medications, ointments
Emergency roadside kit – flares, reflectors, jumper cables, tools
General gear – blankets, coats, gloves, scraper, trash bags, paper towels, wet wipes, duct tape, zip ties
Tire accessories – pressure gauge, inflator/sealant kit, traction aids