National Car Hire
Alberta

The National Car Rental desks at Calgary International Airport are conveniently located within the main terminal building. After collecting your luggage, follow the overhead signs for "Rental Cars", which will take you directly to the service desks. The vehicles are parked in a dedicated car park that is connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. This arrangement is very convenient as it removes the need to wait for or board an external shuttle bus, letting you get on your way more quickly.

Finding the rental-car area at YYC, even late at night, is straightforward. Once you exit the secure baggage claim into the main arrivals hall, look for the prominent overhead signage directing you to "Rental Cars." These signs are well lit and positioned at key decision points throughout the terminal. Simply follow this clear path to the rental counters, which are consolidated in one area, and then proceed across the walkway to the adjacent car park to locate your vehicle.

When returning a hire car for a morning flight, it’s sensible to allow some extra time. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport about 30 to 45 minutes earlier than your airline recommends for domestic or international flights. This buffer covers the time needed to get to the rental return area, complete the vehicle check-in, and walk back to the terminal. Factoring in this extra time helps ensure a low-stress experience before you head to the airline counter to check your bags.

The exit from the YYC rental-car car park is designed for easy motorway access. As you leave the car park, follow the signs for Airport Exit, which will guide you onto Airport Trail NE. Stay in the right-hand lanes and follow the clear signage for Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2) or Stoney Trail (Highway 201). The interchanges are well signed well in advance, giving you plenty of time to get into the correct lane without sudden manoeuvres, making for a smooth transition onto Calgary’s main routes.

To reach downtown Calgary from the airport during rush hour, the most direct route is typically Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2) South. From the airport you’ll use this main route and then exit onto Memorial Drive West, which leads directly into the downtown core and East Village. Expect heavy traffic at peak times, but this route avoids complex side streets. Using a satnav with live traffic updates can also help you anticipate slowdowns and make the journey more manageable.

Yes — the rental-car car park itself is the best place to get organised before you begin driving. After you’ve located your vehicle, take a few minutes to arrange luggage, properly fit any child seats, and programme your destination into the satnav. For a more comfortable experience, try to find a parking bay slightly away from the main traffic flow within the garage. This gives you the space and time to get settled without feeling rushed.

For visitors new to winter driving in Calgary, the key is to adapt your driving to the conditions. Roads can be icy, especially on overpasses and bridges, even if they appear clear — a phenomenon known as black ice. Reduce your speed, leave considerably more distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, and allow for longer braking distances. Be gentle with acceleration and steering to maintain traction, and always check local road reports before setting out from the airport.

The drive from Calgary to Banff generally takes about 90 minutes to two hours. To ensure you see the mountain scenery in daylight, your arrival time at YYC matters. In summer with long days, leaving the airport by late afternoon is usually fine. However, in winter when daylight is much shorter, aim to be on the road from Calgary no later than 2:00 or 3:00 pm to enjoy the views as you enter the Rockies.

The choice between Highway 1 and Highway 1A depends on your priorities. The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) is the main multi-lane route and is the fastest, most direct way to Banff. Highway 1A, the Bow Valley Parkway, is a slower, more scenic two-lane road running parallel to the main highway. If efficiency is your priority, stick to Highway 1; if you have extra time and want better opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic pull-outs, the 1A is an excellent choice.

For travellers heading directly to Canmore, the most straightforward route is via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1 West). After leaving the airport, use Airport Trail to connect to Deerfoot Trail or Stoney Trail, both of which have clear, large signs directing you to Highway 1 West towards Banff. Once on the Trans-Canada it’s a direct drive to the Canmore exit, with no complex urban interchanges to navigate, making it a stress-free option for first-time visitors.

A common mistake is underestimating Calgary’s size and not using the ring road, Stoney Trail (Highway 201), to bypass city traffic. Exiting too early can lead you into urban congestion instead of the direct westbound highway. Another frequent error is misjudging drive time, especially with stops, which can result in arriving in the mountains after dark. Finally, relying solely on a phone GPS without downloaded offline maps can be an issue as cell service becomes less reliable closer to the parks.

When driving from Calgary to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway, a great first stop is Canmore, about an hour west of Calgary. It has numerous cafés, grocery stores and filling stations right off the highway. If you’re taking the route via Red Deer first, the Gasoline Alley area just south of the city is a perfect hub for services. Stopping at one of these locations ensures you’re well supplied and refreshed before the more remote stretches of the mountain drive.

To avoid driver fatigue on a Banff–Jasper loop, break the trip into manageable segments. A sensible plan is to drive from YYC to Banff or Lake Louise on day one and stay overnight. Dedicate the next day to driving the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, as this scenic route takes many hours with stops. After a night or two in Jasper, complete the loop by driving to Edmonton and then south back to Calgary, which is a simpler motorway drive.

The drive from Calgary to Drumheller goes through the heart of the Alberta prairies. Roads are primarily two-lane and well maintained but can feel very open and exposed. Be prepared for potentially strong crosswinds due to the flat landscape. Services such as petrol stations and restaurants are clustered in the small towns you’ll pass through, like Beiseker or Three Hills, so plan fuel and rest stops in advance rather than expecting frequent facilities.

Driving and parking during Stampede is a completely different experience. Expect significant traffic congestion, especially on routes to Stampede Park, and numerous road closures nearby. Parking is extremely limited and often expensive close to the grounds. Most visitors and locals find it much easier to park at a C-Train station and take public transport to the event to avoid the stress.

Many travellers find it convenient to use Calgary’s C-Train park-and-ride system to access the downtown core. If you’re coming from the south, stations like Somerset-Bridlewood or Anderson offer large car parks. From the northwest, Tuscany or Crowfoot stations are popular choices. Parking at one of these suburban hubs allows you to take a relaxed train ride into the city centre, avoiding downtown traffic, one-way streets and high parking costs.

Driving in Calgary’s Beltline and East Village requires extra attention, as they feature many one-way streets. It’s wise to review your route before you start driving. Many hotels and residential buildings have underground car parks that can be quite tight with low clearance, so be mindful of your vehicle’s size. Also pay close attention to signage for designated loading zones in front of hotels to avoid fines while you’re checking in.

For a scenic day trip without the intensity of mountain driving, consider exploring the foothills. A drive south on Highway 22, known as the Cowboy Trail, offers rolling landscapes and towns like Black Diamond and Turner Valley. Another option is heading west towards Bragg Creek, which provides a taste of forest and foothills scenery. These routes are generally less crowded and offer a relaxed pace compared with the main highways into the national parks.

A practical plan is to stop at a major supermarket in one of Calgary’s northwest communities after leaving the airport. Neighbourhoods like Royal Oak, Crowfoot or Tuscany are located along main routes towards the Trans-Canada Highway and have large supermarkets and shopping centres where you can easily purchase groceries, drinks and snacks for your mountain trip. This is often more convenient and offers more choice than the smaller, pricier shops within the national parks.

When travelling with ski or snowboard equipment, choosing a vehicle with sufficient cargo space, such as an SUV, is a good first step. Pack the gear so it doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view through the rear or side windows — often laying items flat or diagonally with the rear seats folded down is best. Using ski or snowboard bags helps protect both your kit and the vehicle’s interior from scratches and melting snow on the return journey.

To streamline the rental pickup with children, divide tasks. One adult can handle the rental formalities at the desk while the other stays with the children and luggage in a quieter area. Once at the vehicle in the car park, focus on correctly and securely installing the car seats before loading all the luggage and pushchairs. This ensures the most important safety step is done properly without the clutter of bags.

Mobile coverage is generally reliable along the Trans-Canada Highway between Calgary and Banff, and within the towns of Banff and Lake Louise. However, on the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper you should expect service to be almost non-existent for much of the drive. Similarly, coverage can be patchy on the route to Waterton and in remote parts of Kananaskis Country, so it’s wise to download maps for offline use.

The best approach is to be prepared ahead of time. Before your trip, download offline maps of the entire region onto your phone. Major routes like the Trans-Canada and the Icefields Parkway are also well signed, directing you toward towns and attractions. Having a paper map as a backup is also a good idea, allowing you to track progress and identify upcoming towns or service areas without relying on technology.

Driving the Icefields Parkway in spring or autumn requires careful planning and flexibility. The weather can change instantly, with sunny skies giving way to snow and icy conditions, especially at higher elevations. Many services, including petrol stations and visitor centres, may be closed for the season. It’s essential to check official road conditions and the weather forecast immediately before you depart and ensure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel.

To fully enjoy the Icefields Parkway without feeling rushed, treat it as a full-day journey, allowing at least 6 to 8 hours for the drive between Lake Louise and Jasper. Start early and pick three or four key attractions you definitely want to see, such as Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Falls. Prioritising your main stops lets you spend quality time at each while still leaving room for spontaneous photo opportunities along the way.

Wildlife is frequently seen along Alberta’s highways, and drivers should be especially vigilant at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. Be prepared for deer, elk and bighorn sheep to be on or near the road. If you see wildlife, slow down and be patient, but never stop in a live traffic lane. Always use a designated pull-out to observe from a safe distance, and never feed wild animals for their safety and yours.

Before you head into Kananaskis Country, the main decision point is the last major town you pass, typically Canmore or Calgary. This is your last chance to ensure you have a full tank of fuel, plenty of water and snacks, as services within K-Country are very limited. It’s also the point to double-check your route, since mobile coverage is unreliable in the area. Know your specific destination, such as Peter Lougheed Provincial Park or the Smith-Dorrien Trail, before you lose connectivity.

The drive from Calgary to Waterton is not technically difficult, as it mainly follows major highways south through prairie landscapes. The route is straightforward, but be prepared for the region’s notorious strong winds, which can surprise drivers. Services become less frequent the further south you travel, so it’s wise to ensure you have sufficient fuel before leaving larger towns like Fort Macleod or Pincher Creek for the final stretch to the park.

For the quickest and least stressful drive between Calgary and Edmonton, stick to the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2). This is a direct multi-lane route connecting the two cities. The key to minimising stress is timing your departure to avoid rush hour traffic in both cities. Try to leave after 09:00 and plan to arrive before 16:00 to miss the worst of commuter congestion at either end.

A sensible approach is to treat the drive as a transition day rather than a travel burden. Enjoy a relaxed morning in your departure city, perhaps visiting one last attraction or café. Then plan to make the three-hour drive mid-day, which naturally avoids rush hour. This schedule allows you to arrive in the new city by late afternoon, with time to check in and settle before dinner, making the travel day feel productive rather than exhausting.

A key difference for US visitors is that all speeds and distances are posted in kilometres and kilometres per hour (km/h), not miles. Be particularly mindful of reduced speed limits in school and playground zones, as they are strictly enforced. Alberta also makes extensive use of photo radar for speed enforcement on motorways and in towns. Finally, while right turns on red are generally permitted after a full stop, watch for signs that may prohibit the manoeuvre at specific junctions.

In Alberta, you must yield to all traffic already circulating within a roundabout before you enter. Once inside, you have the right of way until you exit. Use your indicator to show your intention to leave. Roundabouts are becoming more common in newer suburban communities around Calgary and in mountain towns like Canmore, so it helps to be familiar with the procedure before you encounter one unexpectedly.

When visiting popular sites in the mountain parks, especially during peak season, parking is a major consideration. At world-famous locations such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon, car parks can be completely full before 08:00. That means you need to plan to depart from your accommodation very early to secure a spot. Alternatively, booking a place on the Parks Canada shuttle is a less stressful option that guarantees access without the parking hassle.

Due to extreme demand, private vehicle access to Moraine Lake Road is now restricted. The most reliable and convenient way to visit is by booking a reservation on a Parks Canada shuttle or a private tour operator’s bus well in advance. For Lake Louise you can either try to arrive extremely early (before sunrise in summer) for a chance at parking, or use the same park-and-ride shuttle system. Using the shuttle is highly recommended as it removes the significant stress of finding parking.

A sunrise excursion requires careful preparation. Map your route the day before in daylight so you’re familiar with the turns. Allow extra driving time in the dark and be extremely vigilant for wildlife on the roads, as animals are very active at this hour. Remember that no services, including petrol stations or cafés, will be open, so bring a flask of hot drink, snacks and dress in warm layers while you wait for the sun.

For a safe place to get a feel for your vehicle in winter conditions, find a large, empty car park, such as those in industrial areas on a weekend morning. This controlled environment allows you to gently test the brakes and feel how the car responds when turning on snow or ice without the pressure of other traffic. A few minutes of practice can build a lot of confidence before you head out onto the main highways to the mountains.

When a snowstorm occurs, the most practical and safe response is to be flexible with your plans. Often the best course is to delay your drive to the mountains until the storm has passed and road crews have cleared the Trans-Canada Highway. If you’re already on the road, consider stopping in a town like Cochrane or Canmore to wait for conditions to improve. Always prioritise safety over a rigid schedule and check official road reports frequently.

A common mistake when returning a vehicle to YYC is following the general signs for "Departures" too closely. The turn-off for "Rental Car Return" is a specific exit you need to watch for as you approach the terminal area. Missing this dedicated exit can lead you into the passenger drop-off loop, forcing you to circle the entire airport road system again to get back to the correct entrance for the rental return car park.

The most efficient plan is for the driver to proceed first to the Departures level of the main terminal. There, you can drop off all passengers and every piece of luggage directly at the kerb corresponding to your airline. After the drop-off is complete, the driver can then proceed alone to the clearly signed rental-car return area. This strategy prevents the rest of the group from having to transport heavy bags from the rental facility back to the terminal.

The decision depends on your travel style and priorities. If your main goal is to experience iconic mountain landscapes, it’s best to drive directly from the airport to the Rockies and maximise your time in towns like Banff or Canmore. However, if you enjoy a mix of urban culture and nature, you could spend your arrival day and first night exploring Calgary before heading to the mountains for the remainder of your short trip. This gives you a taste of both worlds.