Avis Car Hire
Saskatchewan

The Avis hire desk is conveniently located inside the main terminal building at Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (YXE). You will find it in the arrivals area, just a short walk from the baggage reclaim carousels. This on-site location means you can complete your paperwork and go straight to your vehicle without needing a shuttle bus. The process is designed to be seamless, allowing you to begin your Saskatchewan journey as quickly as possible after your flight lands.

On a late-night arrival at YXE, collecting your hire car is generally straightforward and efficient. After collecting your luggage, proceed to the in-terminal hire desks to finalise your agreement. Since the airport is relatively compact, this takes very little time. Most airport-area and city-centre hotels are within a 10–15 minute drive, so you can expect a calm and direct trip. The roads are typically quiet at that hour, allowing for an unhurried drive as you get acquainted with your vehicle and the city's layout.

Once you have your luggage from the baggage reclaim at Saskatoon airport, finding the Avis desk is very simple. The car hire desks are located directly opposite the baggage carousels in the main arrivals hall. You will see the signs for the rental agencies as soon as you exit the secure baggage area. The terminal is designed for easy navigation, so you won't need to walk far or search through different levels to find your starting point.

For a first-time visitor, the most straightforward route from Saskatoon airport to the city centre is well signed and easy to follow. As you exit the airport you will be on Airport Drive; simply follow it south for a short distance to Circle Drive. Take the eastbound ramp for Circle Drive North and continue until you see the exit for Idylwyld Drive. Taking Idylwyld Drive south will lead you directly into the heart of downtown Saskatoon, passing major landmarks and hotels along the way.

During weekday rush hours, typically from about 07:30–09:00 and 16:00–18:00, you should budget approximately 25 to 35 minutes for the drive from YXE to the University of Saskatchewan area. The most direct route involves taking Circle Drive to the College Drive exit. While traffic can be heavier on the Circle Drive bridge and along College Drive at those times, it generally keeps moving. Allowing for this extra time ensures you won't feel rushed when you arrive.

To reach the Riversdale neighbourhood from the airport while avoiding complex intersections, a simple route is best. Take Airport Drive to Circle Drive, then head south over the Circle Drive South Bridge. Exit onto Lorne Avenue and head north, which will take you toward the general area. From there you can use major cross-streets like Avenue H or Avenue C to navigate to your specific hotel. This approach avoids the denser one-way grid of the central business district just across the river.

The drive between Saskatoon and Regina is primarily along Highway 11, a direct four-lane route. For a scenic stop that adds minimal time, consider pulling off at the town of Davidson, roughly the halfway point. Here you can see the giant coffee pot and stretch your legs. A more engaging stop is the Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area, which requires a short detour off the main highway but offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially during migration seasons.

Before driving north from Saskatoon to Prince Albert National Park, one of the most convenient areas to stock up is the Preston Crossing shopping district. It's located just off Circle Drive on the city's north-east side, which is directly on your way out of town via Highway 11. This area has large supermarkets, petrol stations and various other retailers, allowing you to get all your supplies in one stop. This avoids navigating further into town and makes for an efficient start to your trip.

The drive from Saskatoon to Waskesiu Lake is roughly two and a half hours and is mostly on well-maintained highways. You can expect reliable mobile service for the majority of the route, particularly along Highway 11 to Prince Albert. Service may become intermittent as you travel north of Prince Albert on Highway 2 into the park. Convenient towns for a break include Prince Albert for fuel and food, as well as smaller communities like Christopher Lake for last-minute supplies before entering the park itself.

Reaching Wanuskewin Heritage Park by car is very straightforward from anywhere in Saskatoon. The simplest route is to take Warman Road north, which becomes Penner Road and leads directly to the park entrance, marked by clear signage. The park has a large, dedicated car park located right next to the main interpretive centre. There is ample space for vehicles of all sizes, and parking is convenient and free for visitors, making it an easy and accessible cultural destination.

On a busy weekend at River Landing and the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market, visitors have several good parking options. There is a large surface car park directly at River Landing, though it can fill up quickly. Nearby you can find on-street parking, which is metered on Saturdays but often free on Sundays—be sure to check the signs. For a guaranteed spot, consider using one of the nearby multi-storey car parks, such as the one at Remai Modern art gallery, which provides easy walking access to the entire riverfront area.

When staying near Broadway Avenue, the best parking strategy is to check if your accommodation offers a dedicated space, as this is the most convenient option. If not, try to find on-street parking on the residential side streets just off Broadway itself, such as Eastlake Avenue or 11th Street East. These areas are often less congested than the main commercial strip. Returning to your hotel before the evening rush for restaurants and theatres can also significantly improve your chances of finding a good spot.

Saskatoon's bridges are essential for crossing the South Saskatchewan River and can be bottlenecks during rush hour. For visitors, the Circle Drive bridges (both North and South) are often the easiest to navigate as they form part of the main ring road and bypass the downtown core. The Broadway Bridge and University Bridge are also straightforward but can be busy, especially at peak times. Using a sat-nav to check traffic conditions can help you choose the quickest crossing for your trip.

To avoid the post-event gridlock at SaskTel Centre, a smart strategy is to arrange a pickup at a nearby business. Consider having your ride wait at one of the petrol stations or fast-food outlets on Idylwyld Drive, just a short walk from the arena grounds. Another option is to walk a bit further to a larger car park, like the one at Lawson Heights Mall, which is a few minutes' drive away. This allows you to exit the pedestrian congestion on foot and meet your ride away from the main vehicle exodus.

Driving in Saskatoon after a snowfall requires extra caution and reduced speeds. Main arteries like Circle Drive, College Drive and 22nd Street are prioritised for ploughing and salting, making them the most reliable routes. Residential side streets can remain snow-packed and slippery for longer periods. Be particularly careful on bridge decks and in shaded areas, as these spots are prone to developing black ice and can be hazardous even after the main roads are clear.

During periods of extreme cold, it's wise to do a quick check of your hire car before leaving the lot. Ensure the vehicle starts smoothly and let it run for a few minutes to warm up the engine and fluids. Check that the heater and demister are working effectively to ensure good visibility. It's also a good idea to confirm the tyres look properly inflated, as cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop. These simple steps help ensure a safe and comfortable start to your winter driving.

Prairie crosswinds can be strong and surprising for drivers unfamiliar with them. On Highway 11 between Saskatoon and Regina, and on Highway 16 (the Yellowhead Highway) heading towards the Alberta border, the most exposed sections are wide-open stretches with no trees or hills to act as windbreaks. You'll notice the wind most when passing large trucks or on elevated areas and overpasses. Maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel and being prepared for sudden gusts is the best way to drive safely.

During summer drives in Saskatchewan, especially around dawn and dusk, insects on your windscreen are unavoidable. The most practical approach is to ensure your vehicle's washer fluid reservoir is full before you start a long trip. Make use of the petrol station squeegees every time you stop for fuel to keep the windscreen as clear as possible. For extended road trips, some drivers find it helpful to keep extra washer fluid and a cloth in the car for more thorough cleanings when needed.

To view the Northern Lights you'll need to drive away from Saskatoon's light pollution. A practical plan is to head 20–30 minutes north or east of the city on a main highway, then turn onto a quieter, paved grid road. Before you go, check an aurora forecast and let someone know your general location. Choose a safe place to pull over completely off the road, switch off your car's lights, and be mindful of your surroundings on the dark, rural roads when returning to the city.

Visitors should be aware of the speed limit transitions when entering or leaving Saskatoon. The limit on major highways like Hwy 11 or 16 is typically 110 km/h, but it drops to 90 km/h and then quickly to 60 km/h or 50 km/h as you approach the city limits. Another area to watch is Circle Drive, which is a freeway-style road but has a speed limit of 90 km/h, not the higher highway speed. Paying close attention to signage in these transition zones is key to avoiding surprises.

In Saskatoon's residential neighbourhoods, 4-way stops are common and follow the standard rule: the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the one on the right proceeds first. Local drivers are accustomed to this and generally courteous, but it's always best to be cautious and make eye contact to ensure the other driver sees you. Always come to a complete stop and proceed only when it is clearly your turn and safe to do so.

The easiest route to Pike Lake Provincial Park from Saskatoon is to take Highway 7 west out of the city, then turn south onto Highway 60. The route is well signed and the drive takes about 20–30 minutes. On hot summer weekends, the main car park near the beach and pool area can start to fill up by late morning, around 11:00. Arriving earlier in the day is the best strategy to secure a convenient parking spot close to the main attractions.

For an efficient day trip to the Battlefords, take Highway 16 west from Saskatoon. Once you arrive, start by visiting the Fort Battleford National Historic Site first. Afterwards, cross the river to explore North Battleford, where you can visit the Western Development Museum and other city attractions. By planning your stops in a geographic sequence, you can see the main sights in both communities before heading back east on Highway 16, thus avoiding unnecessary backtracking and making the most of your day.

A trip from Saskatoon to the Big Muddy Badlands involves a significant amount of driving on secondary highways and gravel roads. While the main highways south will be paved, the final approaches to key sites like Castle Butte are typically on well-maintained but unpaved grid roads. Be prepared for dusty conditions when it's dry and potentially slippery, muddy roads after a rain. It's wise to have a reliable vehicle and check local weather and road reports before you depart on this remote adventure.

To comfortably visit Grasslands National Park from Saskatoon, plan for at least a three-day loop. On day one, drive south to the park's West Block, which takes about four to five hours, and explore that area. On day two, drive through the scenic Frenchman River Valley to the East Block, known for its badlands formations. For your third day, you can begin the drive back north, perhaps stopping in Moose Jaw or near Lake Diefenbaker to break up the return trip to Saskatoon, keeping each day's driving manageable.

The most direct route from Saskatoon to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is to take Highway 7 west to Rosetown, then head south on Highway 4 towards Swift Current. From Swift Current, you'll take the Trans-Canada Highway west to Highway 21 south, which leads into the park. This drive takes about five hours, so many travellers choose to stop overnight in Swift Current. This town offers numerous accommodations and services, making it a convenient and logical halfway point for the journey.

When driving back from a rural venue at night, safety and timing are key. Plan to leave the event a little early if possible, before you feel tired. Saskatchewan highways are very dark outside of towns, so drive at a comfortable speed and use your main beams when there is no oncoming traffic. It's also wise to be especially vigilant for wildlife, which is more active at night. Having a designated driver and a charged phone with a mapping app ready is the best way to ensure a safe return.

During spring planting and autumn harvest, it's very common to encounter large, slow-moving farm machinery on Saskatchewan highways. These vehicles, like combines and tractors, are wide and often travel well below the speed limit. The most important thing is to be patient and only pass when you have a long, clear stretch of road and it is legal to do so. Be aware that they may make sudden turns into fields with little warning, so maintain a safe following distance.

You can explore a great deal of Saskatchewan while sticking almost exclusively to paved roads. Most provincial parks, major historical sites like Fort Battleford, and towns are accessible via the provincial highway system. When planning your route to smaller towns or attractions, use an online map and enable satellite view to check the road surface ahead of time. Many regional parks and points of interest are also on paved routes, allowing for a comfortable drive without venturing onto gravel.

To ensure a smooth start for your family trip, it's best to plan for child safety seats in advance. You can typically request car seats or booster seats when you make your vehicle reservation, which helps the rental staff prepare for your arrival. Upon reaching the desk at YXE, simply confirm your request, and the staff will guide you through the process. Taking a moment to properly install the seat in the well-lit airport car park ensures your children are secure before you even leave the lot.

When travelling with bulky sports equipment, the key is to be organised before you leave the terminal. After picking up your keys, have one person wait with the gear while another brings the vehicle round to the passenger pickup area. Load the largest items, like ski or hockey bags, first to ensure they fit. It's helpful to choose a larger vehicle model, like an SUV or people carrier, when booking to accommodate your gear, making the loading process at the airport quick and stress-free.

For an early morning winter departure, allow yourself plenty of extra time to return your hire car. Roads can be icy and visibility may be poor, so a slower drive to the airport is prudent. Before you leave your hotel, clear any snow or ice from the vehicle to ensure safe driving. Follow the signs for hire returns carefully, as they will guide you to the correct drop-off lane, and factor in a few extra minutes to walk from the car park back to the terminal.

Several petrol stations are conveniently located just a few minutes from Saskatoon airport, making refuelling before your return simple. The commercial area at the junction of Circle Drive and Airport Drive has multiple options that are easy to access as you head back towards YXE. Refuelling here allows you to return the car with a full tank without having to detour far from the main route to the terminal, ensuring a low-stress end to your trip.

To ensure a smooth vehicle return at YXE, pay close attention to the overhead and roadside signs as you approach the terminal. The airport access road has clearly marked, separate lanes for departures, arrivals, and car hire returns. Stay in the designated lane for hire returns, which will guide you directly to the dedicated drop-off area. Driving slowly and reading the signs carefully is the best way to avoid taking a wrong turn and having to circle back around.

Saskatoon is an excellent base for several manageable day trips. You can easily drive to Batoche National Historic Site and the town of Duck Lake in a morning or afternoon, which is about an hour north. Another great option is a trip to the Battlefords, about 90 minutes west, to see the national historic site and museums. For a shorter outing, Pike Lake Provincial Park is less than 30 minutes away, offering a relaxing escape without a long drive.

The drive from Saskatoon to Winnipeg is a long but straightforward journey, primarily on the four-lane Highway 16 (Yellowhead) and then the Trans-Canada Highway. The landscape is very flat and the roads are straight, which can lead to driver fatigue more so than on varied routes. It's important to plan for regular breaks to stretch and stay alert. The trip is significantly longer than most drives within Saskatchewan, taking roughly eight to nine hours, so it's best planned as a full day of travel.

For a first-time prairie driver heading to Alberta, the smoothest route to Edmonton is Highway 16 (the Yellowhead Highway). It's a direct, four-lane divided route for the entire five- to six-hour drive, making it very easy to navigate. To get to Calgary, the most common route involves taking Highway 7 west to Rosetown, then heading towards the Trans-Canada Highway via Medicine Hat. While this route has more two-lane sections, it is well maintained and the most direct path.

The most common wildlife hazards on Saskatchewan roads, especially at dawn and dusk, are deer and moose. These animals are often unpredictable and can appear on the road with little warning. Local drivers adjust by reducing their speed in areas with wildlife warning signs and constantly scanning the verges and tree lines on both sides of the road. Using main beams when possible on dark rural roads can also help you spot the reflection of an animal's eyes sooner.

During a major downtown event like the Fringe Festival, the best strategy is to park once and explore on foot. The Broadway Avenue area, where the Fringe is centred, has limited parking. A smart plan is to find a spot in a nearby residential area a few blocks away or use a public car park in the downtown core across the river. From there, you can enjoy a scenic walk across the Broadway Bridge and spend the day enjoying the festival without worrying about moving your car.