National Car Hire
Canada

Most major Canadian international airports, such as Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR) and Montréal (YUL), have National Car Rental counters directly within the arrivals terminal. You can usually find them by following the overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation" after you collect your luggage. At smaller regional airports or off-site locations, a complimentary shuttle service is commonly provided. Airport signage will direct you to a designated shuttle pick-up zone, which is often located just outside the terminal doors.

To ensure a smooth late-night pick-up, it helps to check the airport layout online before you travel. Most airport websites have detailed maps showing the exact location of rental car counters and car parks. On arrival, follow the airport’s permanent signage for rental cars, which is designed to be clear even during off-hours. Having your reservation confirmation to hand on your phone can also help, as it often includes location-specific instructions or a local contact number for the branch.

For a trip that combines urban navigation with long motorway drives, a mid-size or full-size saloon often provides an excellent balance of comfort, fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability. These vehicles typically offer ample boot space for the luggage of two to four travellers without feeling cumbersome in city traffic. If your plans include more rural or mountainous terrain, or you are travelling with more kit, an intermediate or standard SUV would be a better choice. An SUV offers higher ground clearance and a more spacious interior, enhancing comfort on extended journeys.

When facing Canada’s variable weather, selecting a vehicle with all-wheel drive (AWD) can provide enhanced stability and traction on wet or gravel roads. Before leaving the rental facility, it’s wise to check that the tyres are in good condition with adequate tread, as this is crucial for safe handling in any weather. Also take a moment to familiarise yourself with the vehicle’s features, such as the demister, windscreen wipers and headlight controls. Ensuring these basic systems are functioning properly will contribute to a safer and more comfortable drive.

Before you begin your journey, conduct a thorough walk-round of the vehicle to note any pre-existing scratches, dents or dings on the rental agreement’s damage report. Inside the car, confirm the fuel level matches what is indicated on your paperwork and familiarise yourself with the dashboard controls, including headlights, wipers and hazard lights. It’s also a good idea to adjust your mirrors, seat and steering column for a comfortable driving position. This quick inspection ensures a safe start and a clear record of the car’s condition.

The most significant difference for US drivers in Canada is the use of the metric system. All speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h), not miles per hour (mph), and distances are shown in kilometres. For example, a sign showing a speed limit of 100 is approximately 62 mph. While many road signs use internationally recognised symbols, some may have text in both English and French, particularly in Eastern Canada. Pay close attention to your speedometer to ensure you’re matching the posted km/h limits.

The drive between Toronto and Montréal is primarily along Highway 401, which is a major and well-maintained corridor. For a smoother trip, plan your departure time to avoid rush-hour traffic leaving the Greater Toronto Area, typically heaviest on weekday mornings and afternoons. Be aware that as you cross into Québec the highway numbers change and signage becomes predominantly French. It’s also wise to plan for a rest stop around the halfway point, near towns like Kingston or Gananoque, to break up the roughly six-hour drive.

While road signs in Québec are in French, many use internationally recognised symbols that are easy to understand regardless of language. For example, a stop sign is still a red octagon that says "ARRÊT," visually similar to "STOP." Key terms to know include "sortie" for exit and "est" and "ouest" for east and west. Using a GPS navigation app with voice guidance is extremely helpful, as it will provide clear, turn-by-turn directions in English, allowing you to focus on the road.

When embarking on long-distance drives in Canada, especially through the Prairies, Northern Ontario or the Rockies, it’s a good rule of thumb to refuel whenever your tank is half-empty. Petrol stations can be infrequent outside major towns and cities, with stretches of over 100–200 kilometres between service areas. Use a navigation app to identify upcoming towns with fuel stations along your route. This proactive approach prevents the stress of running low on fuel in a remote area with limited mobile coverage.

To efficiently blend urban and natural attractions, structure your itinerary by clustering activities geographically. Spend a few days exploring a major city on foot or by public transport, leaving your hire car parked at your accommodation. Then use the car for multi-day excursions to nearby national parks or scenic regions before moving on to the next city hub. This approach minimises daily driving in and out of congested urban centres and allows for more immersive experiences in each type of destination.

The drive from Vancouver to Whistler along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) is scenic but requires attention to seasonal conditions. In summer the drive is straightforward, though expect heavy tourist traffic, especially at weekends. From autumn through spring the weather can change rapidly, bringing rain, fog and even snow at higher elevations. During the winter months it’s essential to have a vehicle equipped for mountain conditions, as the road can be icy and challenging for those unfamiliar with winter driving.

When driving from Calgary into the Rocky Mountains, be prepared for dramatic shifts in weather at any time of year, including summer snow at high elevations. The key is to drive defensively, maintain a safe following distance and be mindful of wildlife, which can appear on the road unexpectedly. Check road reports and weather forecasts before you depart, especially for the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper. Having a vehicle with good handling, such as an SUV, can provide extra confidence on winding mountain roads.

Before driving the Icefields Parkway, confirm you have a full tank of fuel, as there is only one petrol station along the entire 232-kilometre route and its operation can be seasonal. Plan to dedicate a full day to the drive to allow ample time for stops at viewpoints, glaciers and short hikes without rushing. It’s also critical to check official road conditions online before you go, as the parkway can close unexpectedly due to weather, especially outside the peak summer months. Ensure you have snacks, water and warm layers in the car.

When planning to take a hire car on a ferry, such as those serving Vancouver Island or in Atlantic Canada, it’s essential to book your ferry crossing in advance, especially during peak season. Arrive at the terminal well ahead of your scheduled departure time, as check-in procedures and loading can take a while. Be sure to review the ferry operator’s guidelines for vehicles, and remember to turn off your car alarm once parked on the vehicle deck to avoid draining the battery during the crossing.

Major cities like Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal have excellent public transport systems, making it easy to explore their downtown cores without a car. A great strategy is to park your hire car at your hotel, which may be located just outside the city centre, and use the underground, streetcar or bus for daily sightseeing. This approach saves you the hassle and expense of navigating heavy traffic and finding parking. You can then use your hire car for convenient day trips to attractions outside the urban area.

Parking in Canadian cities is quite similar to the US, but with a few key differences to watch for. Signage often uses symbols, such as a green 'P' for permitted parking, but the text explaining time limits and restrictions will be prominent. Pay close attention to rules regarding rush hour, as many main streets prohibit parking during morning and evening commutes to improve traffic flow. Also be aware of residential permit-only zones, which are common in neighbourhoods surrounding the downtown core.

The historic districts of Montréal and Québec City are characterised by narrow, cobbled streets, many of which are one-way and can be challenging to navigate. A smaller, more compact hire car will be much easier to handle in these tight quarters. Parking is extremely limited and consists mostly of small lots or paid on-street spaces. The best approach is often to park your car in a larger garage on the periphery of the old town and explore the area on foot to fully enjoy its historic charm.

Many Canadian cities have moved to pay-by-plate meters and mobile parking apps, which are very convenient for visitors. When you park, look for a nearby pay station or a sign with instructions for a specific app, like PayByPhone or Green P. These apps allow you to pay for and extend your parking session directly from your smartphone without returning to your car. Using an app is often the easiest method, as it saves you from needing Canadian coins for older meters.

Across Canada, deer, moose and elk are the most common large animals that pose a risk to drivers. These animals are most active and likely to be on or near roadways at dawn and dusk, so exercise extra caution when driving at these times. In mountainous regions like the Rockies it’s also common to see bighorn sheep and bears near the road. Always be alert, scan the road shoulders and be prepared to slow down or stop safely if you encounter wildlife.

For a relaxing fall foliage trip, aim for daily driving distances of around 200 to 300 kilometres (about 125 to 185 miles). This comfortable pace allows for frequent, spontaneous stops at scenic lookouts, charming small towns and apple orchards without feeling rushed. Planning shorter driving days ensures you have plenty of daylight to appreciate the vibrant colours and explore local attractions. It also reduces the likelihood of driving after dusk, when visibility is lower and wildlife is more active.

During the peak summer season in the Canadian Rockies, parking at iconic locations like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon fills up extremely early. To secure a spot, it’s highly recommended to arrive before 8am, and for the most popular sites even as early as 6am may be necessary. An alternative strategy is to use the park-and-ride shuttle services offered by Parks Canada. This option removes the stress of finding parking and guarantees access to these breathtaking destinations.

A common issue for visitors is underestimating the speed of traffic on major motorways like Ontario’s 400-series, where traffic flow can be faster than the posted limit. When merging, it’s crucial to get up to motorway speed on the slip road to blend in smoothly. Another point of confusion can be the prevalence of left-hand exits in some urban areas, like Montréal. Using a sat-nav and paying close attention to overhead signs well in advance of your exit will help prevent last-minute, stressful lane changes.

Canada spans six time zones, so it’s important to factor these changes into your itinerary on a cross-country drive. When planning your route, note where the time zone boundaries are and adjust your estimated arrival times accordingly. For example, when driving from Alberta to Saskatchewan you may lose an hour depending on the time of year. It’s wise to call ahead to your accommodation to confirm their check-in window and plan to stop for meals well before you feel hungry, especially in remote areas with fewer dining options.

Driving etiquette in Canada is very similar to that in the United States, with a strong emphasis on courtesy and safety. On multi-lane motorways, the left lane is strictly for passing, and drivers are expected to move back to the right lane after overtaking another vehicle. At four-way stops, the right-of-way goes to the vehicle that arrived first, or to the vehicle on the right if two arrive simultaneously. Overall, Canadian drivers are generally considered to be polite and rule-abiding, and visitors will find the road culture familiar.

When driving through any Canadian town, be extremely vigilant about school zones and playground zones, which have significantly reduced speed limits during specific hours. These zones are strictly enforced, and the posted hours are usually aligned with the school day. Speed enforcement, including the use of photo radar, is common in many municipalities, particularly at the entry points to towns where the speed limit drops. Always slow down well in advance of a reduced speed area to ensure compliance.

To minimise stress when driving from Toronto to Niagara Falls, try to travel on a weekday and avoid the peak summer weekend traffic on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Once you arrive in Niagara Falls, the easiest parking strategy is to use one of the large, centrally located lots managed by Niagara Parks. From there you can walk to most of the main attractions or use the WEGO bus system, which connects all major sites and saves you from having to move your car and find new parking spots.

To fully appreciate the Cabot Trail, it’s best to dedicate at least two full days to the drive, with an overnight stay in a town along the route like Chéticamp or Ingonish. This relaxed pace allows plenty of time to stop at the numerous scenic lookouts, embark on short hikes within Cape Breton Highlands National Park and explore local artisan shops. Driving the trail counter‑clockwise is often recommended as it keeps you on the ocean side of the road, providing unobstructed coastal views and easier access to pull‑offs.

After the coastal environment of the Sea-to-Sky Highway, driving into interior British Columbia presents a shift to a drier climate and more mountainous terrain. Highways like the Coquihalla (Highway 5) involve steep grades and high mountain passes that can experience sudden weather changes, including snow, even in late spring or early autumn. The roads are well maintained, but you should be prepared for long ascents and descents and be aware that services can be more spread out than along the coast.

When planning a road trip in Atlantic Canada, it’s important to account for potential delays at key crossings like the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island or the Canso Causeway to Cape Breton Island. While these are efficient links, high winds or heavy traffic can occasionally slow things down. Coastal routes are incredibly scenic but are often two-lane roads that wind through small communities, so your average speed will be lower than on major highways. Build extra time into your daily schedule to enjoy the views and local stops without feeling rushed.

For a chance to see the Northern Lights without venturing into the far north, consider a road trip to destinations known for dark skies and northern latitudes that are accessible by well-maintained highways. Areas like Jasper National Park in Alberta, the region north of Lake Superior in Ontario or parts of Newfoundland are reachable by standard roads. The key is to travel during autumn, winter or early spring and get away from city light pollution. Plan around the new moon for the darkest possible skies, increasing your viewing chances.

Mobile service can be unreliable in many rural and northern parts of Canada, so it’s wise to prepare for losing your connection. Before your trip, download offline maps of your entire route area using your preferred navigation app. This allows your phone’s GPS to continue tracking your location and providing directions without a data signal. As a reliable backup, it’s always a good idea to have a physical road map or atlas in the car for reference.

When travelling with children on Canadian motorways, plan for more frequent stops than you might on a solo trip. Major routes like the Trans‑Canada Highway have regularly spaced service centres with restrooms, food and fuel. However, it’s also a good idea to look for provincial or municipal parks in small towns along your route. These often have playgrounds and picnic areas, providing a much better space for children to run around and burn off energy than a standard petrol station.

When travelling with bulky kit like skis, snowboards or camping equipment, an SUV or a minivan is often the best choice for its generous cargo space. Consider a vehicle with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, which offers the flexibility to accommodate long items like skis while still leaving room for a passenger in the back. Before finalising your hire, think about how your luggage and equipment will fit together to ensure everyone has enough comfortable seating space for the journey.

A popular Vancouver Island loop involves taking a ferry from the Vancouver area to Nanaimo, driving north towards Tofino on the west coast, and then returning via the southern route through Victoria before ferrying back from Swartz Bay. To make it manageable, plan for at least four to five days, with overnight stays in key locations like Tofino and Victoria. It is crucial to book your ferry reservations well in advance, especially for summer travel, to secure your desired sailing times and avoid long waits at the terminal.

A smart strategy for a mixed urban and rural trip is to choose accommodation with dedicated parking, even if it’s slightly outside the downtown core. You can leave your hire car safely parked for the days you plan to explore the city using public transport or on foot. Then use the car for your planned day trips to surrounding attractions, avoiding the daily stress and expense of finding parking in a congested city centre. This approach gives you the best of both worlds: convenience for excursions and simplicity for city exploration.

To ensure a smooth return for an early flight, allow extra time for refuelling the vehicle near the airport, as petrol stations can be busy in the morning. At the return facility, clearly follow the signs for your specific rental agency to avoid ending up in the wrong lane. Before you leave the car, do a final sweep of the cabin, boot and glovebox to make sure you haven’t left any personal belongings behind. Having all your luggage ready to go will also speed up your transition from the car to the terminal.

After arriving on an international flight, the longest processes are typically clearing Canadian immigration and customs, followed by baggage claim. The time this takes can vary significantly depending on the airport, time of day and number of arriving flights. It’s wise to budget at least 60 to 90 minutes for this entire process before you can make your way to the rental car counters. Having your travel documents and customs declaration completed and ready will help expedite your passage through immigration.

To ensure a smooth and efficient pick-up experience at the rental counter, it’s always good practice to have your primary driving credentials organised and easily accessible. Travellers should be prepared to present a valid driving licence from their country of residence. Having your reservation confirmation number handy, either printed or on your phone, will also help the agent locate your booking quickly. Being prepared with these items allows the pick‑up process to proceed without unnecessary delays.

When planning a cross‑border trip, it’s important to confirm that the rental vehicle is permitted to be taken into the United States, as policies can vary. You should also ensure that all travellers in your party have the necessary and valid travel documents, such as passports and visas, required for entry into the US. Be prepared for potential wait times at the border crossing, and check official border wait‑time websites before you depart to choose the least congested crossing point.

To minimise backtracking on a multi‑province trip, plan a linear or a large loop route rather than an out‑and‑back journey. Consider flying into a major airport at one end of your desired region and flying out of another at the opposite end, an open‑jaw itinerary. For example, you could fly into Calgary to explore the Rockies and then drive east across the Prairies, ending your trip in Winnipeg. This approach maximises your sightseeing time and ensures you are always moving forward to new destinations.