Alamo Car Hire
Kelowna

After collecting your luggage at baggage claim, look for the overhead signs in the arrivals hall that point towards the car rental counters. The Alamo service desk is conveniently located within the main airport terminal building. Once you have completed your rental agreement with the agent, they will provide clear directions to the vehicle pickup area, which is typically just a short walk away in a designated section of the airport car park.

Airport rental locations are used to accommodating flights that arrive after standard business hours. It is always good practice to include your flight number in your reservation so the local staff can track your arrival time. If your flight is significantly delayed, the location may have procedures in place for after-hours pickups. For peace of mind, you can check the specific opening hours for the Kelowna airport location online before you travel.

During the busy summer season, especially at weekends, it's wise to budget approximately 45 to 60 minutes for the entire car rental process. This timeframe accounts for walking from baggage claim to the rental counter, potential queues for service, and completing the necessary paperwork. It also includes the time needed to locate your assigned vehicle in the lot and adjust your mirrors and seat before driving away. Planning for this buffer helps ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your trip.

As you approach Kelowna International Airport for departure, stay in the appropriate lane and watch for the large, clearly marked signs for 'Rental Car Return'. The entrance to the return area is a dedicated roadway, separate from the main passenger drop-off and pick-up lanes. Following these specific signs will guide you directly to the Alamo drop-off zone, preventing any last-minute confusion or missed turns.

For the most efficient process, first follow the signs for 'Departures' to drop off your passenger and their luggage at the main terminal kerb. After they are on their way, simply continue following the airport's one-way road system. The signs for 'Rental Car Return' will appear shortly after you pass the departures area, allowing you to loop directly into the return lot without any backtracking or confusion.

When renting a vehicle in Canada as a traveller from the United States, you should be prepared to present your valid driving licence from your home state. It is also standard practice to have your passport with you as a primary form of government‑issued identification. While these are the typical documents requested, it's always a good idea to confirm any specific requirements directly with the rental location ahead of your arrival.

For American visitors, the most significant difference when driving in British Columbia is that all measurements are metric. Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h) and distances are in kilometres, so you'll need to pay attention to your rental car's speedometer. Otherwise, road rules are very similar to those in the US. You will also notice that daytime running lights are mandatory, a feature that most modern rental vehicles activate automatically.

Upon leaving the airport, the speed limit on Highway 97 is typically 90 km/h. As you drive south towards the city centre, be prepared for the limit to decrease to 70 km/h and then to 50 km/h on major city roads like Harvey Avenue. It is also crucial to watch for school and playground zones, which have a strictly enforced 30 km/h limit during specific hours and days.

The most straightforward route is to take Highway 97 South directly from the airport exit. This is the main highway through the region and leads you right into the heart of the city. Simply stay on Highway 97, which becomes Harvey Avenue as you enter Kelowna proper. Following the signs for 'City Centre' will guide you directly to the downtown area and the waterfront with minimal complex turns or merges.

The William R. Bennett Bridge, which connects Kelowna to West Kelowna over Okanagan Lake, is a major commuter artery. During peak commute hours, typically from 07:00 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 18:00 on weekdays, you should expect significant traffic congestion and delays. If your schedule is flexible, planning your crossing during off‑peak times will result in a much quicker and more pleasant drive.

During the popular winery season from late spring through early autumn, traffic along Highway 97 can be quite heavy and sometimes unpredictable, especially at weekends. The combination of local traffic and visitors heading to wineries, beaches, and fruit stands can lead to slowdowns. It's always a good idea to build extra time into your travel plans to account for potential congestion near popular exits and attractions.

To avoid the challenge of limited parking at popular wineries, consider focusing on a specific cluster of wineries that are close together. You can park at one and then safely walk to one or two others nearby. Another excellent, stress-free option is to book a spot on a local wine tour shuttle or use a rideshare service for the day. This allows you to fully enjoy your tastings without any concerns about driving or parking.

A great strategy is to dedicate the morning to one side of the lake and the afternoon to the other to minimise backtracking. For example, you could explore the wineries in East Kelowna or the Lakeshore Wine Route in the morning. Then, plan to cross the bridge during the midday lull in traffic to have lunch and visit the Westside Wine Trail wineries in the afternoon, creating a logical and efficient itinerary.

When visiting the charming roadside fruit stands, always signal your intention to turn well in advance, as they can appear suddenly. Be cautious as you slow down on the highway and enter their often gravel driveways. When leaving, take extra care pulling back onto the road, as highway traffic moves quickly. It's best to wait for a large, safe gap before merging.

Just a short drive south from the airport along Highway 97, you will find a major shopping centre at the junction with Highway 33. This area offers several large grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers. Stopping here allows you to easily stock up on all your holiday essentials before you even reach your accommodation, saving you a separate trip later on.

During the summer, parking in downtown Kelowna, especially near the waterfront and City Park, is at a premium. On‑street parking is metered and fills up very quickly. For a more reliable option, plan to use one of the multi‑storey car parks, such as the Library Parkade or the Chapman Parkade. To secure a good spot at a weekend, it's best to arrive before 10:00.

If you anticipate dealing with tight parking spots or small hotel garages, choosing a compact or mid‑size saloon is often the most practical choice. These vehicles are much easier to manoeuvre and park in confined spaces compared to a larger SUV or pickup. A smaller vehicle can significantly reduce the stress of navigating underground garages and busy downtown lots during your stay.

The drive from Kelowna to Big White involves travelling on a mountain road with a significant increase in elevation. During the winter months, road conditions can change quickly from clear in the city to snowy and icy on the mountain. It is essential to drive with caution, maintain a safe following distance, and be prepared for winter conditions, as the weather can be unpredictable at higher altitudes.

For the most comfortable and safest drive to Big White in winter, it is highly recommended to travel during daylight hours. Driving during the day provides the best visibility, making it easier to see the road conditions ahead and spot any potential icy patches. Additionally, road maintenance crews are most active during the day, ensuring the route is in the best possible shape for travel.

Even on short winter drives, it's wise to be prepared for unexpected delays or changing conditions. Keep a small emergency kit in your rental car that includes a warm blanket, extra water, and some non‑perishable snacks. It's also essential to have a windscreen scraper and snow brush, and to ensure your phone is fully charged before you head out.

During the summer wildfire season, smoke can sometimes drift into the valley, reducing visibility on the roads. If you encounter smoky conditions while driving, the best practice is to slow down, turn on your headlights to make your vehicle more visible to others, and increase your following distance. Before any long drive, check local news and the DriveBC website for any air quality or visibility advisories.

With shorter daylight hours in the autumn, it's best to plan your scenic drives for the middle of the day to take advantage of the best light. A lovely drive is along the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake down Lakeshore Road, or heading north from Kelowna through Lake Country towards Vernon. These routes offer stunning views of the fall colours and the lake, and planning your drive between 10:00 and 16:00 ensures you'll enjoy them in bright, clear conditions.

For a low‑stress day trip, drive south on Highway 97 to Penticton. Consider parking once in a central downtown location and exploring the Okanagan Lake waterfront and nearby shops on foot. For a beach stop, quieter options like Sun‑Oka Beach Provincial Park, located just north of Penticton, often have more available parking than the main city beaches, making for a more relaxing experience.

While the direct drive from Kelowna to Vernon takes only about 45 to 50 minutes, you should budget at least 1.5 to 2 hours to truly enjoy the journey. This extra time allows for leisurely stops at the stunning Kalamalka Lake viewpoints, which offer incredible photo opportunities of the famously colourful water. You could also make a brief detour to explore one of the charming communities in Lake Country along the way.

To reach the Myra Canyon Trestles, you will drive up Myra Forest Service Road, which is an unpaved gravel road. While generally well maintained in the summer, it's best to drive slowly and cautiously in any rental vehicle. The main car park at the Myra Station entrance provides the most direct access to the popular section of the trail. Arriving earlier in the day helps ensure you get a parking spot, as it's a very popular destination.

Transporting a rented bicycle can be challenging in a standard saloon without a bike rack. Before you commit to a bike rental, ask the shop about their policies and if they offer any transport solutions. Some smaller bikes might fit in a car's boot or back seat with the front wheel removed, but an SUV will offer significantly more space and flexibility for carrying recreational gear.

From the downtown area, the simplest and most scenic route is to take Pandosy Street heading south. This street runs parallel to the lake and will naturally turn into Lakeshore Road. By staying on this main road, you will drive directly through the charming Pandosy Village shopping district and arrive right at Gyro Beach and other popular waterfront parks in the Mission.

For popular trailheads like Knox Mountain Park or Angel Springs, it is highly recommended to arrive before 09:00 on weekends to secure a spot in the main car park. If you find the lot is full, your best backup plan is to look for legal street parking in the surrounding area, paying close attention to any residential parking restrictions. Another option is to choose a less crowded, secondary trail nearby.

For families, the best beaches are those with large, convenient parking areas located close to the sand. Gyro Beach and Rotary Beach, both in the Mission area, are excellent choices as they offer ample parking and are just steps from the water. Hot Sands Beach at City Park is also accessible, but its downtown location means the parking areas fill up much faster during peak season.

The drive to Sparkling Hill and Predator Ridge, located near Vernon, involves turning off the main highway onto well paved, winding country roads. The route is scenic and generally easy to navigate, but it's a good idea to trust your GPS as you get closer. The final approach involves a climb up a private road that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, so take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Visitors new to Kelowna should be mindful of the increasing number of roundabouts; remember to yield to traffic already inside the circle before entering. In the downtown core, several streets are one-way, so it's important to watch for signage. The five‑way intersection where Water Street and Pandosy Street meet near the Queensway bus loop can also be confusing for first‑timers, so approach it with extra caution.

In British Columbia, speed limits in school and playground zones are strictly enforced and are a key part of local road safety. School zones are 30 km/h from 08:00 to 17:00 on school days. Playground zones are also 30 km/h but are in effect every day of the year, from dawn until dusk. Be sure to watch for the distinct, bright yellow signs that indicate you are entering one of these reduced‑speed areas.

Parking enforcement is very active in downtown Kelowna, particularly in the high‑traffic areas near the waterfront and on Bernard Avenue. A common mistake visitors make is letting their paid parking time expire or not noticing time limits on street signs. To avoid a ticket, be diligent about checking the rules and consider using a local parking app, which can send you reminders and allow you to extend your session remotely.

When booking a lakeside property, it's a great idea to ask about vehicle access. Enquire if the driveway is steep, narrow, or has a gravel surface, as this might influence your choice of rental car. You should also confirm if parking is guaranteed, if there is a fee, and whether the parking stalls are large enough to comfortably accommodate different vehicle sizes, especially if you're considering an SUV or van.

For a relaxed day, plan your winery visits for the mid‑afternoon, between 14:00 and 16:00, after the main lunch rush has passed. Then, make an early dinner reservation at a lakeside restaurant for around 17:30 or 18:00. This schedule allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and your meal during the golden hour. You'll be able to finish your evening and drive back to your accommodation while it's still twilight, avoiding navigating unfamiliar roads in the dark.

The drives from Kelowna to nearby cities like Kamloops or Revelstoke are very manageable and scenic, making for a great day of travel. The drive to Kamloops takes about two hours, while the trip to Revelstoke is around two and a half hours, not including stops. The highways are well maintained, and you can easily plan for a stop in a town like Vernon or Sicamous to break up the journey and enjoy the mountain landscapes.

It is very common to see wildlife, especially deer, on or near the roads in the Okanagan. Be particularly vigilant when driving during the low‑light hours of dawn and dusk, as this is when animals are most active. On rural routes, such as the road to Big White or the scenic roads connecting wineries, reduce your speed and actively scan the ditches and tree lines for any movement.

Cellular service can be unreliable in the more remote and mountainous areas outside of Kelowna. The best way to prepare is to download the maps for the entire Okanagan region to your phone through your preferred navigation app before you leave your hotel. This allows your phone's GPS to function and provide turn‑by‑turn directions even without a data connection, ensuring you can always find your way.

For an early morning flight, a good rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport's rental car return area two hours before your flight's departure time. The vehicle return process itself is usually very quick, often taking just a few minutes. This two‑hour window provides a comfortable buffer to walk to the terminal, check your luggage, pass through security, and get to your gate without feeling rushed.

If you realise you've left a personal item in your vehicle, immediately return to the Alamo rental counter inside the airport terminal. The sooner you can report the lost item, the better the chance it can be retrieved before the car is cleaned or rented to the next customer. Be sure to have your rental agreement handy, as it contains the vehicle information that will help the staff locate the car quickly.