Hertz Car Rental
Calgary

The code “YYC” refers to Calgary International Airport, your primary pickup point. After collecting your luggage, look for the overhead directional signs for “Ground Transportation” and “Rental Cars.” These signs will guide you from the baggage claim area toward a dedicated rental car center located across the roadway from the domestic terminal. All major rental agencies, including Hertz, are conveniently consolidated in this facility, making it a straightforward walk from either the domestic or international arrivals halls.

The rental car center at Calgary International Airport is situated directly across from the main terminal building, making it easily accessible at any hour. The most direct route from either domestic or international arrivals is to follow the prominent overhead signage for “Rental Cars.” This path is designed to be linear and prevents you from having to double back through security or other terminal zones. The well-lit walkways lead you straight to the facility where the rental counters are located.

During typical weekday rush hours, which generally run from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and 3:30 to 6:00 PM, you should budget approximately 45 to 60 minutes for the drive to downtown Calgary. The primary route, Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2), can experience significant congestion during these periods. Outside of peak traffic times, the same journey is much quicker, often taking only 25 to 30 minutes. Planning your arrival time or route accordingly can help ensure a smoother start to your visit.

For the most straightforward drive to Banff, take Airport Trail west as you leave the rental facility and follow signs for Stoney Trail (Highway 201) West. This ring road allows you to bypass the busiest parts of the city with minimal complexity. Stay on Stoney Trail until you see the signs for the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) West toward Banff. This route involves fewer merges and less dense traffic than cutting through the city, providing a much more relaxed start to your mountain journey.

When picking up your vehicle for a winter drive, perform a few quick checks for peace of mind. First, inspect the tires to see if they are winter-rated, often identifiable by a mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall. Ensure the vehicle is equipped with an ice scraper and snow brush, which are essential for maintaining clear visibility. Finally, confirm that the windshield washer fluid reservoir is full, as you will use it frequently to clear away road salt and grime from the windscreen.

Visitors from the U.S. should be aware of a few key differences when driving in Calgary. All speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h), not miles per hour, so be mindful of your speedometer. Daytime running lights are mandatory at all times. A flashing green traffic light indicates that you have the right-of-way to make a left turn, but you should still proceed with caution. Finally, be prepared for photo radar enforcement in construction zones and on major routes like Deerfoot Trail.

A convenient and popular area for stocking up after leaving the airport is the collection of shopping centers in northwest Calgary, near Stoney Trail and the Trans-Canada Highway. Locations like the Royal Oak or Beacon Hill shopping centers offer large grocery stores, pharmacies, and coffee shops. Making a stop here allows you to easily grab all your road-trip necessities without diverting far from the main route to Banff and the Rocky Mountains. This ensures you are well-prepared before services become less frequent.

A fantastic loop for a Drumheller day trip involves taking different routes for your outbound and return journeys. Drive east from Calgary on Highway 9 directly to Drumheller to start your day at the museum. For your return, take the scenic Dinosaur Trail loop just north of town, then head south on Highway 10 along the Red Deer River to see the hoodoos. From there, you can connect back to the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) for a different perspective on your drive back to the city.

To significantly increase your chances of securing a parking spot at Lake Louise, especially during the peak summer months, it is highly recommended to leave Calgary very early. Aim to be on the road by 6:00 AM at the latest, which should get you to the lake before 8:00 AM. Arriving this early not only helps you avoid the largest crowds but also allows you to enjoy the serene morning light on the mountains and water. Any later, and you will likely need to use the park-and-ride shuttle service.

Driving the Icefields Parkway is an unforgettable experience, but it requires planning as it is a remote route. Before you start, ensure you have a full tank of gas, as there is only one gas station along the entire 232-kilometer (144-mile) stretch. Cell phone service is virtually non-existent for most of the drive, so download your maps and music ahead of time. Plan for frequent stops, as there are dozens of marked viewpoints, glaciers, and lakes to see, turning a three-hour drive into a full-day adventure.

To ensure a stress-free departure from Calgary International Airport, it's wise to leave Canmore approximately four hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This buffer accounts for the 90-minute drive, potential traffic delays on the Trans-Canada Highway or near the city, and the time needed to return your rental car and refuel. It also provides a comfortable margin for checking in your luggage and clearing airport security without feeling rushed.

Wildlife encounters are common on Alberta's highways, especially in the foothills and mountains. Be particularly vigilant for animals like deer, elk, and bighorn sheep crossing the road. The highest-risk times for wildlife activity are at dawn and dusk, when animals are most active and visibility is lower. Always scan the ditches and shoulders of the road as you drive, obey posted speed limits, and be prepared to slow down or stop suddenly if an animal appears.

Understanding Calgary's main arteries makes navigation much simpler for visitors. Deerfoot Trail (Highway 2) is the primary north-south corridor that runs through the city center and can be very busy. Stoney Trail (Highway 201) is the city's ring road, designed to help traffic bypass the downtown core. For travelers heading from the airport (YYC) to the mountains, using Stoney Trail is almost always the fastest and least stressful option, avoiding the congestion of Deerfoot Trail.

Before arriving at a downtown Calgary hotel, it's essential to confirm their parking arrangements. Inquire about the location of their parkade, any vehicle height restrictions, and whether parking is included with your stay or requires an additional fee. It's also helpful to ask about temporary loading zones for checking in, as many downtown streets are one-way or have restricted stopping areas. Planning this ahead of time will save you the trouble of circling busy city blocks upon arrival.

Driving near Stampede Park during the Calgary Stampede in July is extremely challenging and generally not recommended. The area experiences major road closures, significant traffic congestion, and a high volume of pedestrian traffic. Parking is exceptionally limited and expensive. The best strategy for visitors is to drive to a C-Train (light rail) station farther from the city center, park there, and take the train directly to the Stampede grounds for a much smoother and more enjoyable experience.

To comfortably visit both Banff and Jasper National Parks without feeling rushed, a realistic plan would be to allocate at least five to seven days for the trip. This allows for two or three days to explore the Banff and Lake Louise area, a full day dedicated to the scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, and another two days for the sights around Jasper. This pacing ensures you have ample time for hikes, viewpoints, and spontaneous stops rather than spending the entire vacation behind the wheel.

The most direct route from Calgary to Waterton Lakes National Park is to drive south on Highway 2 (Deerfoot Trail). Continue past towns like Okotoks and High River until you reach Fort Macleod, then head west on Highway 3, and finally turn south onto Highway 6 which takes you directly into the park. Good places for a break along the way include the historic town of Nanton, known for its antique shops, or Claresholm, which offers various services and restaurants.

The drive between Calgary and Edmonton is primarily on Highway 2 North. To avoid the heaviest traffic, plan to leave Calgary outside of the morning (7-9 AM) and afternoon (4-6 PM) rush hours. The city of Red Deer is located almost exactly at the halfway point and serves as the perfect place to stop. It has numerous gas stations, restaurants, and coffee shops just off the highway, making it an easy and convenient spot to refuel and stretch your legs.

For those new to mountain driving, the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) from Calgary to Lake Louise is an excellent introduction as it is a wide, well-maintained divided highway with gentle curves. For a more scenic and slower-paced option, the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A), which runs parallel to the main highway between Banff and Lake Louise, is a great choice. It has a lower speed limit and offers a relaxing drive with numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing, feeling much less like a major freeway.

Major attractions in Calgary are well-equipped for visitors arriving by car. The Calgary Zoo and Heritage Park both have large, dedicated paid parking lots located right at their entrances, making access very simple. For the Calgary Tower, which is downtown, the most convenient option is to use the adjacent Calgary Tower Centre parkade or one of the many nearby public parkades. At all these locations, payment is typically handled via automated pay stations that accept credit cards.

Your choice of where to stay depends on your overall itinerary. If your primary activities, aside from visiting friends, involve heading to the mountains, a hotel in the northwest quadrant near Stoney Trail or the Trans-Canada Highway would be most efficient. If your plans are centered entirely within the city and its northern suburbs, staying near the airport or in the north provides easy access to major routes like Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail, minimizing time spent crossing the city.

Planning a sunrise hike in the mountains from Calgary requires a very early start and some preparation. You should plan to leave the city at least three hours before sunrise to account for the drive, finding the trailhead, and getting your gear ready in the dark. Be sure to pack headlamps, dress in layers for the cold morning air, and check trail conditions and wildlife advisories online before you go. Downloading the trail map for offline use is also a wise precaution.

For a ski day at Sunshine Village or Lake Louise, it's crucial to get an early start from Calgary, especially on weekends and powder days. Aim to arrive at the resort's parking lot no later than 8:30 AM to secure a good spot and avoid the traffic that often backs up on the access roads. Arriving early allows for a more relaxed experience, giving you plenty of time to get your tickets and gear sorted before the lifts start running, maximizing your time on the slopes.

A balanced itinerary could involve spending your first day and night in Calgary, exploring a neighborhood like Inglewood or visiting a downtown attraction. On day two, drive early to the mountains and base yourself in Canmore or Banff for two nights to explore the national park. On your final day, you can enjoy a morning activity in the mountains before making the relatively short drive back to Calgary for your afternoon or evening flight, which minimizes backtracking and maximizes your time.

For a quick turnaround trip, efficiency is key. Before leaving the airport, set your GPS to your city destination to ensure a direct route. On your return day, budget extra time and locate a gas station near the airport to refuel the vehicle before heading to the rental return area. Follow the airport road signs for “Rental Car Return” carefully, as they will guide you to a dedicated parkade separate from the main public parking and departure zones.

When traveling with bulky gear like skis or multiple large suitcases, selecting a vehicle such as an SUV or a minivan is a practical choice for adequate cargo space. It is critical to pack the vehicle in a way that does not obstruct your view out of the rear window. Maintaining clear 360-degree visibility is especially important for safety when driving in winter conditions, as you need to be aware of changing road surfaces and other vehicles around you.

The interchange connecting Airport Trail, Deerfoot Trail, and Barlow Trail can be challenging for first-time visitors due to its multiple lanes and quick decisions. The best way to navigate this area smoothly is to use a GPS and review your route before you start driving. Setting your destination while parked at the rental facility allows you to receive turn-by-turn directions, giving you advance notice of which lane you need to be in and helping to prevent stressful, last-second maneuvers.

For a conference trip, the most efficient strategy is to park your rental car at your hotel's parkade and utilize other transportation for getting around downtown. Many conference venues, like the BMO Centre or the Telus Convention Centre, are easily accessible via the C-Train or a short walk from major hotels. This approach saves you the time and stress of finding and paying for parking at multiple locations in the busy city core, allowing you to focus on your event.

A classic Kananaskis day trip involves taking the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west to Highway 40 (Kananaskis Trail) and driving south. This scenic route offers access to numerous trailheads for hikes of all difficulty levels, like those at Barrier Lake or Wedge Pond. It's important to check road conditions beforehand, as Highway 40 south of Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is closed annually from December 1st to June 14th for wildlife conservation, which will affect your route planning.

Fueling up in Calgary is a very similar process to the U.S., with one key difference: gasoline is sold by the litre, not the gallon. There are approximately 3.78 litres in a U.S. gallon, so the price on the sign will appear much lower. Most gas stations are self-serve and offer pay-at-the-pump convenience, accepting major credit cards. The fuel grades (regular, mid-grade, premium) are the same as what you would typically find in the States.

While cell service is reliable within Calgary and major towns like Banff, it can become spotty or completely unavailable in remote areas, particularly on the Icefields Parkway and in Kananaskis Country. The most reliable strategy is to download the maps for the entire region for offline use in your preferred navigation app before you leave the city. This ensures your GPS will continue to function and guide you accurately even without a cellular or data connection.

Due to access restrictions for personal vehicles at Moraine Lake, the most practical approach is to use the Parks Canada shuttle system. Drive from Calgary to the Park and Ride lot located on the Trans-Canada Highway, just east of the Lake Louise turnoff. From this central hub, you can board shuttles that will take you to both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This system is designed to be efficient and eliminates the significant stress of trying to find parking at these extremely popular destinations.

Mountain weather can change in an instant, and safety should always be the top priority. If conditions deteriorate, the smartest plan is to turn back on the main highway you came on or proceed to the nearest town to wait for the weather to improve. Avoid the temptation to use smaller, secondary roads shown on a map as a shortcut, as these are often less maintained and can become hazardous in snow or heavy rain. Always check the official 511 Alberta road report website before and during your drive.

Traffic heading north on Deerfoot Trail toward the airport is generally lightest in the early morning. However, to be safe, it's best to plan your drive to the airport to avoid the start of the morning rush hour, which begins around 7:00 AM. If you are coming from downtown or south Calgary for a morning flight, allowing about 45 minutes of driving time provides a comfortable cushion for any unexpected slowdowns, ensuring you arrive at the rental return with time to spare.

For a scenic Badlands loop, start by driving east from Calgary on Highway 567 to the quirky town of Rosebud, then continue to Drumheller. After exploring the museum and the unique landscape, head southeast on Highway 10 to see the famous Hoodoo Trail. From there, you can drive through the historic coal mining town of East Coulee and loop back toward Drumheller. For your return to Calgary, take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) for a faster, different route.

Calgary's most popular urban neighborhoods like Kensington, Inglewood, and 17th Avenue are designed to be pedestrian-friendly. While you can drive to them, parking is typically a mix of paid street parking with time limits and smaller private lots. The most enjoyable and efficient way to experience these areas is to drive there, find a central spot in a parkade or a paid lot, and then explore the unique shops, cafes, and restaurants on foot.

For a convenient stopover, the best hotel locations are in the northwest quadrant of Calgary. Look for accommodations near Stoney Trail (Highway 201) or Crowchild Trail. This positions you perfectly for a quick and easy departure west on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) towards the mountains the next morning. These areas also offer a relatively straightforward drive to and from the airport without having to navigate the downtown core.

Both Nose Hill Park and Scotsman's Hill are easily accessible by car and offer stunning views of the city skyline against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. Each location has designated parking lots, but they are very popular and can fill up quickly, especially on clear evenings around sunset and on weekends. To secure a spot more easily, try visiting on a weekday or arriving well before the peak sunset viewing hour. Scotsman's Hill has more limited parking, so patience may be required.

As you approach Calgary International Airport, the key is to stay in the lanes designated for vehicle returns. The airport has clear, color-coded overhead signs that specifically say “Rental Car Return.” These signs will direct you to a dedicated multi-level parkade where all the rental agencies are located. Following these specific signs will ensure you are separated from the traffic heading to the main departures and arrivals levels, leading you directly to the correct drop-off point.

A perfect one-day itinerary would be to start early and drive west on the Trans-Canada Highway to the town of Canmore, about an hour away. Enjoy a morning walk, grab a coffee, and soak in the dramatic mountain scenery. In the early afternoon, drive back to Calgary and spend the rest of the day exploring a vibrant neighborhood like Kensington or Inglewood. This plan provides a taste of both the majestic Rockies and Calgary's unique urban culture without feeling overly rushed.