Hertz Car Rental
Canada

For a multi-city Canadian journey, major international airports like Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR), Montreal (YUL), and Calgary (YYC) offer the most seamless experience. These locations are well-equipped for one-way rentals, allowing you to pick up a car in one city and drop it off in another without hassle. Their extended hours and large vehicle selections provide flexibility for any itinerary. Planning your route between these key airport hubs is an efficient way to structure a cross-province road trip, ensuring convenient access as you arrive and depart.

Hertz counters at major Canadian airports are accustomed to flight delays and generally align their hours with the last scheduled arrivals. If you've included your flight number in your reservation, the staff will be aware of your delay and can better anticipate your arrival. It's always a good practice to have your reservation details handy on your phone for a smooth check-in process. Even with a late arrival, the team will be prepared to get you on your way as efficiently as possible so you can begin your trip.

To manage a group pickup with staggered arrivals, designate one person as the primary driver to handle the rental paperwork. While they complete the process at the Hertz counter, the rest of the group can gather luggage and meet at a pre-arranged spot, like the passenger pickup area. Once the car is ready, the driver can circle around to collect everyone and their bags. This approach minimizes congestion at the rental counter and allows your group to consolidate and start your journey more quickly.

If you only need a car for specific day trips, consider booking from a Hertz neighborhood location rather than the airport. These downtown or suburban branches are often easily accessible by transit or a short taxi ride from your hotel. You can pick up the vehicle in the morning and return it at the end of the day, avoiding overnight parking challenges and costs in a busy city center. This strategy gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding region without committing to a car for your entire stay.

Canada is renowned for its spectacular scenic drives, perfect for exploring by rental car. The Icefields Parkway in Alberta, connecting Banff and Jasper, offers breathtaking mountain and glacier views. In British Columbia, the Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler is another iconic choice. For coastal beauty, Nova Scotia's Cabot Trail provides dramatic ocean vistas, while a drive through Prince Edward Island offers rolling hills and charming seaside villages. These routes are well-maintained and designed for leisurely travel, with plenty of pull-offs for photos.

Driving in Canada feels remarkably similar to the U.S., but the most significant difference is the metric system. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h), and gasoline is sold by the liter. Road signs use familiar shapes and colors, though some may feature pictograms or be bilingual in French and English, particularly in Quebec and New Brunswick. Overall, the transition is quite intuitive, and you'll likely adapt to the metric measurements within the first hour of your drive.

In most of Canada, turning right on a red light after a complete stop is permitted, unless a sign indicates otherwise—just like in the U.S. The major exception is the island of Montreal, where right turns on red are prohibited. Pedestrians generally have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections, and drivers are expected to yield. Always be extra cautious in busy urban centers and watch for cyclists, who often have dedicated lanes and signals you'll need to be aware of.

Planning a cross-border trip is straightforward when you confirm your rental allows for travel between the U.S. and Canada. To minimize stress at the border, check official government websites for estimated wait times before you depart and choose less busy crossings if possible. Have your passports and rental agreement easily accessible for the border agent. Traveling during off-peak hours, such as mid-morning on a weekday, can also lead to a much smoother and quicker crossing experience.

When driving in Quebec, you'll find that most road signs are exclusively in French. However, they use standard international symbols for things like stop signs ('Arrêt'), speed limits, and warnings, making them easy to understand. Key terms to know include 'Sortie' for exit and 'Est' (East) and 'Ouest' (West). Using a GPS with audible turn-by-turn directions is highly recommended, as it will pronounce the French street and town names for you, making navigation much simpler.

Driving in the historic centers of Montreal and Quebec City can be challenging due to narrow, one-way streets, and limited parking. For exploring Old Montreal or Old Quebec, walking and public transit are often more convenient. However, a rental car provides invaluable freedom to visit attractions outside the immediate downtown core, such as Montmorency Falls near Quebec City or the Montreal Botanical Garden. A good strategy is to park your car at the hotel and use it for day trips to the surrounding regions.

The Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler is well-maintained, but winter conditions require careful planning. Check the weather forecast and road reports on DriveBC.ca before you leave, as conditions can change rapidly. Allow plenty of extra time for the journey, drive at a comfortable speed, and maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles. The drive is incredibly scenic, so treat it as part of the experience rather than a race, and use the designated pull-outs to enjoy the view if conditions are clear.

To fully appreciate the Icefields Parkway, dedicate an entire day to the drive between Banff and Jasper. The journey is only about three hours of pure driving, but the real experience is in the stops along the way. Start early to give yourself a full 8-10 hours of daylight for exploring key sights like Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield, and Athabasca Falls. Pack a lunch and snacks, as services are limited. This relaxed pace allows for spontaneous stops at scenic lookouts without feeling rushed.

For a seamless day trip, start by driving directly to Niagara Falls in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds. Park in one of the large lots near the falls and explore the main attractions on foot. Afterward, take the scenic Niagara Parkway north towards Niagara-on-the-Lake. This beautiful drive follows the Niagara River and has several wineries and viewpoints along the way. Once in Niagara-on-the-Lake, you'll find street parking and public lots to explore the charming town.

To avoid Toronto's notorious traffic, plan your day trip for a weekday and leave the city before 7 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m. When returning, aim to be back before 3 p.m. or wait until after 7 p.m. to miss the worst of the evening rush hour. Using a GPS with real-time traffic updates can help you navigate around unexpected congestion. This timing strategy is especially important for trips toward Niagara or Muskoka, as the main highways can become very slow during peak periods.

Driving in downtown Ottawa, especially around Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market, requires some planning due to frequent road closures for events and security. Parking is also at a premium. The best approach is to park your rental car in a secure public garage for the day and explore the central sights on foot. A car is more useful for reaching attractions further afield, like the Canada Aviation and Space Museum or Gatineau Park, which are a short drive from the city center.

If you're heading straight to the Rockies from Calgary International Airport (YYC), the drive is straightforward and takes about 90 minutes to reach Banff. Plan to stop in Calgary or a town like Canmore on the way to pick up groceries, water, and a park pass for Banff National Park. This saves you from paying higher prices in the tourist-focused towns. Ensure your phone is charged and your navigation is set before leaving the airport area for a smooth transition from city driving to the mountain highways.

Your choice depends on your trip's primary focus. A compact car is ideal for city-centric travel, offering easy navigation of narrow streets and tight underground parking garages. For long highway journeys, especially to national parks or in variable weather, an SUV provides more comfort, cargo space, and better handling. If you're traveling with a larger family or group, a minivan is the practical choice for maximizing passenger and luggage space, ensuring everyone is comfortable on extended drives.

For trips involving bulky winter sports equipment, an SUV or a minivan is your best option. These vehicles offer ample cargo space to store gear, separating it from the passenger area. Look for models with fold-down seats to accommodate long items like skis or hockey sticks. Bringing a waterproof tarp or bag to place under wet equipment can also help keep the vehicle's interior clean and dry after a day on the slopes or at the rink.

When traveling with children, take your time at the rental pickup location to get properly organized before hitting the road. Use the spacious parking area to install car seats and ensure they are secure without feeling rushed. Adjust mirrors and seating, and get snacks and entertainment accessible for the kids. This initial setup in a calm environment prevents stressful roadside stops later and ensures everyone is safe and comfortable from the start of your journey.

While exploring the beautiful coastal routes of Atlantic Canada, it's wise to adopt a 'half-tank' rule: start looking for a gas station whenever your fuel gauge drops below half. Gas stations can be infrequent in rural areas and may have limited hours. Similarly, cell service can be patchy outside of towns and cities. Be sure to download maps for offline use before you venture onto scenic but remote drives like the Cabot Trail or the Irish Loop.

Driving in Newfoundland offers a unique experience with vast, rugged landscapes and significantly less traffic than on the mainland. However, distances between communities can be long, so planning fuel and rest stops is crucial. The biggest factor to be aware of is the high population of moose, which are a serious road hazard, especially at dawn, dusk, and nighttime. Always scan the sides of the road, obey warning signs, and avoid driving after dark whenever possible for a safe journey.

Wildlife encounters are common on Canadian roads, particularly in rural and forested areas. The most active times for animals like deer, moose, and elk are at dawn and dusk, so be extra vigilant during these periods. Reduce your speed, use your high beams on unlit roads when no other cars are present, and constantly scan the ditches and road edges. If you see one animal, slow down and expect others to be nearby, as they often travel in groups.

When visiting popular national parks like Banff or Jasper, especially in summer, planning is key. You'll need to purchase a park pass, which can often be done online in advance or at the park gate. Parking lots for iconic spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake fill up extremely early, often before sunrise. To avoid disappointment, plan to use the park's shuttle service, which you should book in advance to guarantee your spot for these high-demand locations.

Winter storms in Canada can create hazardous driving conditions, including heavy snow, high winds, and reduced visibility. Major highways are prioritized for plowing, but it's common for them to be temporarily closed during severe weather. In whiteout conditions, visibility can drop to near zero. If you're caught in one, slow down dramatically, turn on your full headlights, and if necessary, pull over safely far from the road and wait for conditions to improve. Always check road reports before any winter drive.

If you encounter black ice or freezing rain, the most important rule is to remain calm and avoid sudden movements. Do not slam on the brakes. Instead, ease your foot off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want the car to go. The best defense is prevention: if the forecast calls for freezing rain, postpone your travel if possible. On cold, clear days, be extra cautious on bridges and overpasses, as they freeze first.

Using Canada's ferry systems, like those in British Columbia or Atlantic Canada, is a common part of road trips. It's essential to book vehicle reservations in advance, especially during peak season, as sailings sell out. Arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for ticketing and lining up. Follow the directions of the crew for driving onto the vessel, and remember to turn off your car alarm once parked on the vehicle deck.

To create an efficient loop on Vancouver Island, consider using two different ferry routes. You could take a ferry from the Vancouver area to Victoria, explore the southern part of the island, then drive north towards Tofino. On your return, drive from Tofino to Nanaimo or Comox and take a ferry from there back to the mainland. This creates a natural circuit, allowing you to see different parts of the island without covering the same ground twice.

A popular and manageable Rockies loop starts in Calgary. Drive to Banff for a few days, then take a full day to drive the scenic Icefields Parkway to Jasper. After exploring Jasper, you can drive east to Edmonton for a different city experience before heading south back to Calgary. Alternatively, from Jasper, you can return to Calgary via the faster Highway 16 and Highway 2. Breaking the trip into segments of 2-4 hours of driving per day allows plenty of time for sightseeing.

To beat summer weekend traffic leaving major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, timing is everything. For a Friday departure, your best bet is to leave either before noon or after 8 p.m. to avoid the mass exodus to cottage country or vacation spots. When returning on a Sunday or holiday Monday, plan to leave your destination very early in the morning or wait until later in the evening. This strategy can save you hours of sitting in gridlock on the main highways.

On major highways like the Trans-Canada, you'll find full-service centers with gas, food, and clean washrooms. However, in more remote areas or on secondary highways, rest stops are often more basic, sometimes consisting of just a picnic table and a simple washroom facility. It's a good practice to carry your own water, snacks, and hand sanitizer. These quieter stops can be a peaceful place to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural scenery during a long drive.

Parking signs in Canadian cities can be complex, so take a moment to read the entire pole from top to bottom. Each sign applies to a specific time or day, and you must obey the most restrictive one currently in effect. Look for symbols indicating no parking, time limits, or requirements for residential permits. When in doubt, it's often safer to use a paid public parking garage, which offers clear rates and rules and eliminates the risk of getting a ticket.

Before booking a large SUV or minivan, check your hotel's website or call them directly to ask about their parking garage's height and width restrictions. Many older urban hotels have compact garages that can be challenging to navigate with a bigger vehicle. Knowing the clearance height in advance can save you from a stressful situation upon arrival. If the garage is tight, a mid-size or compact vehicle might provide a much more comfortable and hassle-free parking experience.

For a low-stress return with family, use a two-step approach. First, drive to the airport's departures level and drop off all passengers and luggage at the curb for your airline. This allows them to head inside and get organized while you handle the vehicle. Then, as the sole occupant, follow the signs for 'Rental Car Return' without the pressure of managing everyone at once. This simple strategy divides the task and makes the entire process smoother.

Airport road systems can be confusing, and missing a turn is a common mistake. If you miss the rental return entrance, do not make a sudden stop or an unsafe lane change. The safest action is to simply continue following the airport road signs, which will almost always loop you back around to the main terminal area. Stay calm, follow the flow of traffic, and look for the rental return signs on your second pass.

If a warning light appears or you suspect a tire problem on a remote road, your safety is the first priority. Find a safe place to pull over, such as a designated rest area or a wide shoulder, well away from traffic. Once stopped, consult the vehicle's manual to understand the warning light. Your rental agreement will contain information for 24/7 roadside assistance, which is the best resource to contact for guidance and support in this situation.

To make the most of a fall foliage trip, plan your driving days around the shorter daylight hours. Aim to reach your destination each day by late afternoon, around 4 or 5 p.m., which gives you a buffer before sunset. This ensures you are driving during optimal light to see the vibrant colors and reduces the risks of driving on unfamiliar rural roads after dark. Book your accommodations in advance so you have a clear destination each day and aren't searching for a place to stay at dusk.

Shoulder seasons like spring and fall in Canada are known for unpredictable weather. You might experience sunny skies in a city like Calgary, but encounter a snowstorm just an hour away in the higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains. The key is to be prepared for anything by packing layers of clothing, including a waterproof jacket, and checking mountain-specific weather forecasts before you head out. Always assume that conditions in the mountains can be colder and change more rapidly than in the city.

For reliable navigation across Canada, especially in areas with spotty cell service like national parks or northern regions, downloading maps for offline use is essential. Use your preferred navigation app to save the maps for your entire planned route before you leave your hotel. This ensures your GPS will continue to work without a data connection. Be mindful of time zone changes, particularly when driving across provinces like Saskatchewan or into the Atlantic region, and adjust your schedule accordingly.

For a shopping-focused day trip, renting from a suburban Hertz location can be more convenient than starting from a downtown core. These branches often provide immediate access to major highways, helping you avoid city traffic. Outlet malls are typically located outside of urban centers and are designed with vast, easy-to-navigate parking lots. This strategy allows you to get on the road quickly, enjoy a hassle-free parking experience, and easily store your purchases in the vehicle throughout the day.

When renting a car before or after a cruise, consider using a Hertz location slightly away from the cruise port itself. A downtown or airport branch, reachable by a short taxi ride, can help you avoid the intense traffic congestion that occurs during ship embarkation and disembarkation. If returning a car on the day of your cruise, allow significant extra time. Drop your luggage and fellow travelers at the port first, then have one person return the vehicle to avoid navigating the crowded port area with all your bags.