Hertz Car Rental
Edmonton

After collecting your luggage at Edmonton International Airport, the most direct way to find the rental car counters is to follow the overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" and "Rental Cars." These signs are prominently displayed throughout the arrivals level and will guide you to the designated area where all the rental agencies are conveniently located together. The counters are situated on the ground level of the parkade, just a short, covered walk from the terminal doors. This centralized setup is designed to be straightforward, ensuring you can quickly locate your rental provider without confusion, even after a long flight.

It's wise to budget a generous amount of time to ensure a relaxed start to your trip. Consider the time it takes to deplane, walk through the terminal, and wait for your luggage at the carousel. From there, you'll proceed to the rental counter, complete the necessary paperwork, and then head to the lot to locate and inspect your vehicle. Factoring in these steps, planning for a buffer of at least 60 to 90 minutes from your flight's arrival time to driving away is a realistic approach, especially during peak travel periods.

For a first-time driver, the most direct path is to take Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2) north from the airport. This is a major, multi-lane highway that leads you directly toward the city. As you approach the city center, your navigation app will be your best guide for the final few turns to your specific hotel or destination. The highway is well-signed for exits leading to downtown, such as Gateway Boulevard. Relying on GPS will help you navigate the surface streets with confidence once you exit the main highway.

If your accommodation lacks dedicated parking, neighborhoods slightly outside the immediate downtown core often offer more manageable street parking. Areas like Oliver, Glenora, or parts of Strathcona may have sections with fewer restrictions, but it's crucial to read all posted signs carefully. Many residential streets have permit-only zones or time limits that are strictly enforced. Using a public parkade for overnight stays is often the most secure and hassle-free option, providing peace of mind without the need to search for a spot.

The first snowfall often makes road surfaces slick, so the key is to adjust your driving style significantly. Reduce your speed, leave at least three to four times the normal following distance between you and the car ahead, and apply your brakes gently and early. Avoid any sudden turns, accelerations, or stops, as these can cause you to skid. While rental vehicles are typically equipped with appropriate all-season or winter tires, your own cautious and smooth driving habits are the most important factor for staying safe.

During an extreme cold snap, you might find the car's engine turns over more slowly than you're used to when you start it. It's also common for tire pressure to decrease in the cold, which can sometimes trigger a dashboard warning light. Allow the vehicle a few minutes to warm up before you start driving to help the engine and fluids circulate. Be patient with electronic systems or displays, as they can also be sluggish until the cabin warms up. These are normal occurrences in frigid temperatures and typically resolve as the car runs.

Before heading east to Elk Island, it's a smart strategy to fill up your fuel tank within Edmonton's city limits. Gas stations become much less frequent once you are on the highway heading toward the park. This is also a good time to stop at a grocery store to pick up water, snacks, and any other provisions for your day. Planning these stops before you leave the city ensures you are fully prepared for a day of exploring without worrying about finding services in the more rural park area.

During peak season, especially on sunny weekends and holidays, parking at popular Elk Island spots like the Astotin Lake area can fill up surprisingly fast. To secure a spot without stress, plan to arrive in the morning, ideally before 10 a.m. An early start not only guarantees parking but also allows you to enjoy the trails and wildlife viewing when animal activity is often at its highest. If you arrive later in the day, be prepared with a backup plan to visit a less crowded trailhead.

The drive from Edmonton to Jasper is quite straightforward and ideal for those new to mountain driving. The route primarily follows Highway 16 (the Yellowhead Highway) west, which is a well-maintained, divided highway for most of the journey. The terrain is mostly flat prairie and foothills until you get closer to the park entrance near Hinton. The gradual incline and gentle curves make it a comfortable drive, lacking the steep grades or tight switchbacks found on more challenging mountain passes, allowing you to enjoy the increasingly dramatic scenery.

Before starting a winter drive to Jasper, your most important step is to check the official road reports. The Alberta 511 website and app provide real-time information on road conditions, closures, and weather advisories for Highway 16. It's also wise to check the weather forecast for both Edmonton and Jasper, as conditions can differ dramatically. This proactive check allows you to make an informed decision about whether it's safe to travel and helps you avoid unexpected delays or hazardous situations.

The towns of Edson and Hinton, located directly on Highway 16, are the most popular and convenient stopping points on the drive to Jasper. Both offer a full range of services, including numerous gas stations, fast-food chains, and local restaurants, all easily accessible from the highway. These towns are well-spaced along the route, making them perfect for a planned break to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and use the restrooms. Planning a stop in one of these communities helps break up the four-hour drive comfortably.

For a first-time visit to Jasper, it's best to plan your departure from Edmonton to ensure you arrive well before sunset. Aim to leave in the morning, which will have you arriving in the early to mid-afternoon, even with a stop along the way. This gives you plenty of daylight to navigate the town, find your accommodation, and get settled in without the stress of trying to find your way in the dark. Arriving in daylight also allows you to appreciate the stunning mountain scenery as you enter the park.

To simplify your exit from West Edmonton Mall, consider parking in one of the lots that is slightly further from the main entrances, like those on the north or west sides. While it may be a longer walk into the mall, these areas tend to be less congested when it's time to leave. Another strategy is to make a note of which major road your parking section exits onto. This can help you choose a spot that points you directly toward your intended departure route, avoiding the busiest intersections around the property.

For a smooth drop-off at Rogers Place, plan your route in advance and use the designated passenger drop-off zones. Approaching the arena from a less congested side street rather than the main thoroughfares can save time. Aim to arrive a little earlier than the peak rush, which typically occurs in the 30 minutes just before the event starts. Having your passengers ready to exit the vehicle quickly will help ensure a seamless drop-off that keeps traffic flowing for everyone.

During major festival weekends, driving and parking in downtown Edmonton, particularly around Churchill Square and the Arts District, becomes extremely challenging. Expect numerous road closures, significant detours, and a high volume of pedestrian traffic that can cause major delays. Parking is exceptionally scarce, and lots fill up very early in the day. The best strategy is to park your vehicle at a location further from the festival grounds, such as a parkade several blocks away or at a transit station, and then walk or use public transportation to reach the event.

For straightforward parking when exploring the River Valley, consider larger, well-established parks like Hawrelak Park or Buena Vista Park. These locations feature large, dedicated parking lots designed to accommodate many vehicles, making it easy to find a spot. They serve as excellent starting points for accessing the trail systems without the challenge of navigating restricted residential street parking. Arriving earlier in the day on weekends will further improve your chances of finding a convenient spot.

In winter, bridge decks in Edmonton can become icy before the adjacent roads do, so it's essential to reduce your speed and avoid sudden maneuvers when crossing them. Higher-elevation bridges, like the High Level Bridge, can also be exposed to strong crosswinds, which you may feel affecting the car's handling. Maintaining a firm grip on the steering wheel and driving cautiously is the best approach. City crews are diligent about sanding and salting, but conditions can change quickly, so always drive with extra care.

To run errands efficiently after leaving the airport, plan your stops in a logical sequence that follows your route into the city. For example, large shopping centers like South Edmonton Common are located just off the main highway from the airport, making them a perfect place for an initial stop. Use a mapping app to plot all your destinations beforehand to create a route that flows in one direction. This prevents you from having to backtrack across town, saving you significant time and fuel.

Whyte Avenue is a vibrant entertainment district, which means parking is in high demand, especially on evenings and weekends. Most street parking is metered and has strict time limits during the day, so be sure to read all signs carefully. The area experiences significant vehicle and pedestrian congestion at night, which can make finding a spot challenging. If your hotel doesn't offer parking, your best bet is to use one of the nearby public parkades or paid lots for a more reliable and less stressful experience.

To avoid the frustration of circling for a street spot in Old Strathcona, head directly for one of the public parkades or paid surface lots located just off Whyte Avenue. You can often find lots on the side streets north or south of the main strip. While street parking is available, these lots typically have more consistent availability and allow you to park for longer periods without worrying about time limits. This approach saves time and lets you start enjoying the neighborhood's shops and restaurants right away.

The University of Alberta campus offers a variety of parking options tailored to different visit lengths. For short visits of an hour or two, look for metered street parking or designated visitor lots where you can pay by the hour. If you plan to be on campus for most of the day, it is more economical and convenient to use one of the large parkades, such as the Windsor Car Park or Stadium Car Park. These offer a daily maximum rate and ensure you won't have to move your car.

Anthony Henday Drive is Edmonton's primary ring road, and traffic generally flows at a steady pace. As a general rule, it's best to stay in the center or right-hand lanes, leaving the far-left lane for passing. Interchanges can approach quickly, so pay close attention to overhead signs to ensure you are in the correct lane for your exit well in advance. Drivers are typically accustomed to merging, but it's always wise to be cautious and signal your intentions early.

Navigating Edmonton's construction zones is best done with the help of a real-time GPS navigation app on your phone. These apps provide up-to-the-minute information on lane closures and detours, automatically rerouting you as needed. When you do encounter construction, reduce your speed significantly, pay close attention to temporary signs, and be prepared for sudden stops or lane shifts. Allowing extra travel time for your journey is always a good idea, especially during the busy summer construction season.

A great strategy is to have one adult take the children and luggage to a safe spot on the sidewalk while the other retrieves the car from the lot. Once the car is brought to the passenger pickup area, you can focus on installing the car seats correctly without the pressure of other waiting vehicles. Take your time to ensure the seats are secure before loading the luggage. Airport rental facilities are accustomed to this process, so don't feel rushed to get it done.

To make changes to your rental agreement, such as adding another driver or swapping vehicles, you will typically need to visit one of the rental company's non-airport locations. It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm the process and find the branch most convenient to your location. Both the primary renter and the additional driver will usually need to be present with their documentation. Planning this visit during a less busy part of your day can make the process quick and efficient.

When traveling with bulky sports equipment, vehicle size is a critical factor for a comfortable trip. A standard sedan's trunk may not be large enough for multiple hockey bags or a ski bag. It's highly recommended to book a mid-size or full-size SUV, or even a minivan, to ensure you have ample cargo space. This provides enough room for both your gear and luggage without encroaching on passenger space, making for a much more pleasant journey to and from your destinations.

When driving on highways outside the city, particularly toward park areas like Elk Island or Jasper, it's crucial to be extra vigilant for wildlife. The hours around dawn and dusk are when animals like deer and moose are most active and likely to be near the road. Scan the ditches and tree lines as you drive and be prepared to slow down immediately if you spot an animal. Using your high beams on unlit roads when there is no oncoming traffic can also help you see them sooner.

The most reliable navigation strategy is to download offline maps of the Edmonton area and any planned destinations onto your smartphone before you begin your trip. This ensures your GPS will continue to function perfectly even if you lose cell service, which can happen in more remote areas or national parks. Cold weather can also drain phone batteries quickly, so keeping your phone plugged into the car's charger while navigating is essential to ensure it's always ready when you need it.

A practical plan for a day trip to Drumheller is to drive directly to the Royal Tyrrell Museum first thing in the morning to enjoy it before the largest crowds arrive. After your museum visit, you can explore the surrounding area by driving the scenic Dinosaur Trail loop. This route will naturally take you past other key sites like the Midland Provincial Park and the Orkney Viewpoint. Finish your day with a stop at the Hoodoos Trail on your way back toward the main highway to return to Edmonton.

The drive to Drumheller consists mainly of two-lane rural highways through open prairie landscapes. Be prepared for a quieter drive with fewer services between towns, so it's wise to have fuel and snacks before you leave a major center. Pay close attention to changing speed limits as you pass through small communities. You should also be mindful of potential hazards like slow-moving farm machinery or wildlife on the road, which are more common in these agricultural areas.

To have the most relaxed drive on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway between Edmonton and Calgary, plan your travel for the middle of the day on a weekday. By leaving after the morning rush hour (around 9:30 a.m.) and aiming to arrive before the afternoon rush (around 3:30 p.m.), you will miss the heaviest commuter traffic at both ends of your journey. This mid-day window typically offers the smoothest traffic flow and makes the roughly three-hour drive much more pleasant.

A common challenge for first-time visitors is navigating the airport exit roads to get into the correct lane for their intended highway, either north or south on the QEII. It's helpful to review the route on a map before you start driving so you know which direction you need to go. When merging onto the highway, be sure to use the full length of the acceleration lane to get up to speed with traffic. Avoid merging too slowly or hesitating, and use your signals early to indicate your intentions clearly.

Staying near South Edmonton Common gives you excellent access to major roadways. For heading to West Edmonton Mall or destinations in the west end, use the nearby Anthony Henday Drive to bypass most of the city's internal traffic. To get downtown, taking Gateway Boulevard north is the most direct route, but it's best to travel outside of peak morning and evening commute times. This strategic use of the ring road and main arteries allows you to access different parts of the city efficiently.

The easiest way to make a grocery stop is to choose a supermarket in a suburban area between the airport and your final destination. There are several large grocery stores with spacious parking lots in south Edmonton, just a short drive from the QEII Highway. Stopping here allows you to stock up on supplies with minimal hassle before you head into more congested areas like downtown or Whyte Avenue. This approach is far less stressful than trying to navigate a smaller urban grocery store with limited parking.

For an early-morning flight, it's wise to add an extra 30 minutes to your usual airport arrival time to account for the car return process. This buffer gives you plenty of time to find the rental return area, complete the vehicle check-in, gather your luggage, and take the shuttle to the terminal if necessary. Arriving with this extra time ensures that potential delays with traffic or the return process itself won't create a stressful rush to catch your flight, allowing you to proceed to airline check-in and security calmly.

When returning a car during a snowstorm, your top priority should be allowing a significant amount of extra travel time to get to the airport safely. Roads will be slick and traffic will be much slower than usual. Once at the airport, drive with extreme caution in the parkades and return lanes, as these areas can be slippery. Check the Edmonton International Airport website before you leave for any weather-related advisories or changes to road access on the airport grounds.

In Edmonton, school and playground zones have strictly enforced, reduced speed limits to ensure safety. These zones are clearly marked with bright yellow signs indicating the lower speed limit and the hours they are in effect. It's crucial to be vigilant and slow down accordingly, as the times can vary. Playground zone limits are typically in effect from early morning until one hour after sunset, every day, so it's best to assume the lower speed is required whenever you see the signs.

A common strategy is to enjoy the walkable downtown or Old Strathcona areas for the first part of your trip without a car. Then, when you're ready for a day trip to Elk Island or the mountains, you can pick up a rental from a convenient city branch location for just the day or two you need it. This approach saves you the cost and hassle of overnight parking in the city center. You can then return the vehicle to a city or airport location before you depart.

A great photo loop starts by driving along Saskatchewan Drive, which offers panoramic views of the downtown skyline across the river. From there, you can cross the iconic High Level Bridge heading north into downtown. To complete the loop, navigate toward the river valley again and take Groat Road south, which will take you across the Groat Bridge and offer different but equally beautiful parkland scenery. This route provides multiple opportunities to stop at designated viewpoints and capture stunning photos of the city and valley.

For an efficient hotel arrival, the driver should pull into the designated passenger loading zone. Have the passengers exit immediately and move all the luggage onto the sidewalk, clear of the vehicle's doors and away from the main entrance traffic. Once the car is empty, the driver can proceed to the hotel's parkade or find parking. This allows the rest of the group to begin the check-in process while the driver handles the car, minimizing curbside congestion and creating a smoother experience for everyone.