Hertz Car Rental
Winnipeg

Hertz offers several convenient locations throughout Winnipeg in addition to the airport branch, making it easy to find one near your accommodations. To select the best option, use the location finder on the Hertz website and compare the addresses to your hotel's neighborhood. Consider factors like operating hours and proximity to major routes you plan to use. A downtown location might be ideal for exploring the city center, while a branch in a commercial district could offer a quicker start for day trips outside the city.

Picking up your rental at Winnipeg Airport is designed to be manageable, even with family gear. The rental car counters are located on the main level of the parkade, directly across from the terminal's arrivals hall. You can use a complimentary airport luggage cart to transport your stroller and bags from the baggage claim area all the way to the Hertz counter. Once your rental agreement is complete, your vehicle will be parked just steps away in the same facility, minimizing the distance you need to move your belongings.

If your arrival coincides with a Winnipeg Jets or Blue Bombers game, you can expect heavier than usual traffic on the main roads leading away from the airport. Key routes like Wellington Avenue, Route 90 (Kenaston Boulevard), and Portage Avenue will be particularly congested as fans head toward the Canada Life Centre or IG Field. It's wise to check a real-time traffic app before leaving the rental lot. Allowing for an extra 20-30 minutes to reach your destination is a good strategy to avoid feeling rushed.

The drive from YWG to downtown Winnipeg is generally quite direct for a first-time visitor. The most common route involves taking Wellington Avenue east to Route 90 south, then turning onto Portage Avenue eastbound, which leads directly into the city center. A key spot to watch for is the transition from Route 90 to Portage Avenue, as it requires a dedicated left turn. Additionally, be aware that downtown features several one-way streets, so having a GPS active is highly recommended for navigating the final blocks to your hotel.

For a direct drive from the airport to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, take Wellington Avenue to Route 90 south, then connect to Portage Avenue eastbound toward downtown. As you approach The Forks, follow the signs directing you to this historic site, where the museum is located. The most convenient parking is available in the surface lots and parkades managed by The Forks, situated just a short walk from the museum's entrance. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure a closer spot, especially on weekends.

When staying near The Forks, managing weekend parking is all about planning ahead. Most hotels in the area offer guest parking, which is the most convenient and secure option for overnight stays. For daytime exploring, The Forks has several large paid parking lots, but they can fill up quickly during festivals or sunny weekends. Consider arriving early in the morning to secure a spot or utilizing your hotel's parking and exploring the immediate area on foot, as The Forks is very pedestrian-friendly.

Construction is a common feature of Winnipeg's warmer months, often affecting major thoroughfares like the Perimeter Highway, Kenaston Boulevard, and Pembina Highway. The city's bridges and overpasses are also frequent sites for repair work, leading to lane closures and delays. To plan effectively for meetings, it's essential to use a GPS app with real-time traffic updates, such as Google Maps or Waze. Checking your route about 30 minutes before you depart will provide the most accurate picture of slowdowns and suggest alternate routes.

Visitors driving in Winnipeg should be aware that the city uses an automated enforcement system, including red-light and speed cameras, at many major intersections and in school zones. These systems operate 24/7 and are designed to enhance road safety. The best practice is to drive defensively, adhere strictly to posted speed limits, and be prepared to stop for yellow lights. As the renter of the vehicle, you are responsible for any violations incurred, so mindful driving is key to a smooth and uneventful trip.

The Perimeter Highway (PTH 100/101) is a ring road that encircles Winnipeg, offering a way to bypass city traffic. Compared to city streets, it feels much more like a rural highway, with higher speed limits and fewer intersections. Most of the route is a four-lane divided highway, but some sections are still two lanes, requiring extra caution when passing. Exits are well-marked but can be spaced far apart, so it's important to know your exit number in advance rather than relying on last-minute signs.

The drive from Winnipeg to Kenora, Ontario, is a scenic journey of about two and a half hours, primarily on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). The road is well-paved and travels through the beautiful Canadian Shield landscape. While there are some stretches without immediate services, you'll find reliable rest stops, gas stations, and small towns like Falcon Lake in Whiteshell Provincial Park. This makes it easy to plan for breaks, fuel, and snacks without worrying about being too isolated.

A trip to Riding Mountain National Park from Winnipeg is a fantastic excursion, with a drive time of approximately three to three and a half hours. The most common route is taking the Trans-Canada Highway west before heading north on Highway 10. The roads are well-maintained highways suitable for any rental vehicle. Most visitors enter the park through the south gate, which leads directly into the main townsite of Wasagaming, home to shops, restaurants, and the picturesque Clear Lake.

A day trip to Grand Beach is a classic Winnipeg summer activity and is very practical with a rental car. The drive takes about an hour and a half via Highway 59 north. During peak summer weekends, especially on hot, sunny days, the parking lots can fill up very quickly. To ensure you get a spot, it's highly recommended to arrive early, ideally before 10 a.m. A provincial park pass is required for vehicle entry, which can typically be purchased at the park gate upon arrival.

When planning a cross-border trip into the United States, it's crucial to be well-prepared. All travelers in the vehicle will need their required personal identification, such as a valid passport. It is also essential that you notify the Hertz staff at the rental counter of your intention to drive into the U.S. when you pick up your car. They will confirm that your rental vehicle is permitted for cross-border travel and provide you with the necessary information regarding the vehicle's documentation for a smooth border crossing experience.

For visitors, suburban neighborhoods like Tuxedo, River Heights, and St. Vital are generally easy to navigate, with grid-like street patterns and clear signage. These areas offer a more relaxed driving experience. The most challenging area is the Exchange District, just north of the famous Portage and Main intersection. This historic neighborhood is known for its high concentration of one-way streets and narrow lanes, making a reliable GPS an essential tool for anyone unfamiliar with the layout.

Driving in downtown Winnipeg during weekday rush hours, typically from 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m., can be challenging. The area around the iconic Portage and Main intersection becomes particularly congested, with heavy traffic flow and synchronized lights that require patience. Major arteries like Portage Avenue, Main Street, and Donald Street experience significant slowdowns. If possible, it's best to plan your travel into or out of the downtown core outside of these peak times for a much smoother and less stressful drive.

For a hassle-free experience attending an event at Canada Life Centre, the key is to arrive downtown early. There are numerous parkades and surface lots within a few blocks of the arena, but they fill up fast. A smooth plan is to pre-book a parking spot online through a service like Park-King, which guarantees you a space. Aim to park at least 45-60 minutes before your event starts, giving you ample time to walk to the venue and avoid the last-minute traffic rush right around the building.

Driving to Assiniboine Park and the zoo during school holidays or sunny summer weekends means planning for crowds. The park has multiple free parking lots, but the ones closest to the zoo entrance and The Leaf conservatory fill up very quickly. It's wise to arrive early in the day to secure a convenient spot. If you arrive later, be prepared to park in a more distant lot and enjoy a pleasant walk through the park to get to your destination. Patience is key, as traffic within the park can also be slow.

To navigate between neighborhoods like St. Vital and St. James efficiently, it's best to familiarize yourself with Winnipeg's main arterial roads. Using major routes like Bishop Grandin Boulevard, Kenaston Boulevard (Route 90), and the Perimeter Highway can be much faster than cutting through residential streets. These roads are designed to handle higher traffic volumes and have fewer stops. Using a GPS will help you stay on these primary routes and avoid the constant rerouting that can happen on smaller, less direct streets.

Winnipeg is a major rail hub, and train crossings can significantly impact drive times, especially along routes like Logan Avenue, Marion Street, and Plessis Road. Visitors often get caught off guard by the length and frequency of trains, which can cause delays of 10-15 minutes or more during peak hours. The most confusing area is the series of tracks crossing Route 90 (Kenaston Boulevard) near IKEA. It's always a good idea to factor in potential train delays when planning your travel across the city.

For a simple and safe curbside pickup at Winnipeg Airport, the best method is to use the cell phone waiting lot. This free lot allows you to wait until your party has collected their luggage and is standing outside the arrivals doors. Once they call you, it's a short, two-minute drive to the designated passenger pickup curb on the arrivals level. This avoids circling the terminal roads and ensures you are not stopping in a no-parking zone, making the process stress-free.

Using a rental car for a culinary tour of Winnipeg can be quite convenient, especially for reaching spots in neighborhoods like the Exchange District or Osborne Village. The key is to plan your stops strategically. Many areas have paid street parking or nearby surface lots. A great approach is to park once in a central location within a walkable neighborhood, explore several breweries or restaurants on foot, and then drive to your next cluster of destinations. This minimizes the time spent searching for a new parking spot at every stop.

To enjoy Winnipeg's vibrant summer festivals without traffic headaches, planning is essential. Before you head out, check the official festival website and local news outlets for information on planned road closures, especially for events like the Fringe Festival or Folklorama. The best strategy is often to park your rental car on the periphery of the festival area in a designated lot or parkade and walk the final few blocks. This allows you to avoid the most congested streets and enjoy the event atmosphere without worrying about navigating detours.

Driving from the Polo Park area to downtown Winnipeg is very straightforward. The simplest route is to take Portage Avenue directly eastbound. This major artery leads straight into the heart of the city with minimal complex merges or interchanges. The lanes are well-marked, and traffic signals control the flow, making it a much less stressful drive than a major freeway. For the return trip, simply follow Portage Avenue westbound back toward your accommodation, making for an easy and direct commute.

Driving in Winnipeg after dark is generally manageable for visitors. Major roads and highways are well-lit, and signage is typically reflective and easy to see. However, some older residential neighborhoods may have dimmer lighting, so it's wise to drive more cautiously in unfamiliar areas. The Exchange District can be slightly more challenging to navigate at night due to its network of one-way streets. Using a GPS with a night-mode display is highly recommended to help you stay on track and confident behind the wheel.

Winnipeg drivers adapt their habits significantly in winter, and visitors should follow suit. Locals leave a much larger following distance to allow for longer stopping times on icy roads—aim for at least four to five seconds behind the car in front. When merging, be patient and give others ample space. On unplowed side streets, drive slowly and be prepared for deep snow or ruts. The unwritten rule is to be courteous and predictable, as sudden movements can easily lead to a loss of traction.

When changing hotels in the Exchange District, the simplest approach is to call your hotel ahead of time to ask about their specific loading zone policies. Most establishments have a designated short-term area near the entrance for check-in and luggage handling. Utilize this space efficiently by having your bags ready to go before you pull up. For any additional short-term needs, look for metered street parking, but be sure to read the signs carefully for time limits and restrictions, as they are strictly enforced in this busy area.

Most major attractions in Winnipeg, such as the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Assiniboine Park, and The Forks, are highly accessible by car for travelers with mobility needs. These venues provide designated accessible parking stalls located conveniently close to the main entrances. It's always a good practice to check the attraction's website beforehand for specific details on parking locations and accessible routes. Displaying your valid accessible parking permit is required to use these designated spaces throughout the city.

Planning a drive to Indigenous cultural sites near Winnipeg, such as the Peguis Treaty Site or Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail, is a rewarding experience. These locations are typically accessible via well-maintained provincial highways. Before you go, check the site's official website for operating hours, directions, and any specific visitor guidelines. It's also wise to ensure your rental car has a full tank of gas before leaving the city, as services can be more spread out in rural areas. Pack water and snacks for the journey to ensure a comfortable trip.

The drive from Winnipeg Airport (YWG) to the University of Manitoba campus in the south end of the city typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes in normal traffic. The slowest times for this route are during the weekday morning and afternoon rush hours, from roughly 7:30-9:00 a.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m. During these periods, traffic on major north-south arteries like Pembina Highway and Kenaston Boulevard can be very heavy, potentially extending the drive time to an hour or more.

When leaving Winnipeg on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), there are convenient towns for a first break in either direction. Heading west, the town of Portage la Prairie, about an hour away, offers numerous gas stations, fast-food chains, and restaurants right off the highway. If you're traveling east, the town of Steinbach is a great first stop, located a short drive south of the highway. It provides a full range of services and is a perfect place to stretch your legs before continuing your journey into Ontario.

A common navigation mistake for visitors in Winnipeg is underestimating the complexity of the interchange between Route 90 (Kenaston) and the Perimeter Highway. To avoid stressful, last-second lane changes, set your GPS to provide voice guidance well in advance of turns. It's also helpful to review your route on the map before you start driving to get a mental picture of the key interchanges. Keeping your focus on the overhead signs, which are generally clear, will help confirm the instructions from your navigation app.

For easy driving breaks with kids, several spots around Winnipeg are conveniently located near major routes. Assiniboine Park, just off Portage Avenue, is a perfect option with playgrounds, open green space, and washroom facilities. If you're on the Perimeter Highway, Kildonan Park in the north and St. Vital Park in the south are both just a short detour away and offer excellent play structures and picnic areas. These parks provide a great opportunity for children to run around and burn off energy before getting back in the car.

When driving to Manitoba's lake and cabin regions, it is crucial to be extra vigilant for wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. Deer are very common on highways like PTH 59 (to Grand Beach) and the Trans-Canada Highway. Reduce your speed during these twilight hours and actively scan the ditches and tree lines on both sides of the road. Using your high beams on unlit highways can help you spot animals sooner, but be sure to dim them for oncoming traffic.

For a seamless group return at Winnipeg Airport, the most efficient method is to first drop off all passengers and luggage at the Departures curb. One person can stay with the bags while the driver proceeds alone to the Hertz rental return area, which is clearly marked as you approach the terminal. This prevents the hassle of managing everyone's luggage in the return lot. After completing the vehicle return process, the driver can quickly walk back into the terminal to rejoin the group for check-in.

During a Winnipeg snowstorm or periods of extreme cold, it is essential to allow significant extra time for your drive back to the airport. A good rule of thumb is to double your usual estimated travel time. Roads will be slippery, visibility may be poor, and traffic will move much slower than normal. Extreme cold can also affect vehicle performance, so starting your car a few minutes early is wise. Checking the provincial highway conditions report before you leave is a critical step to ensure you are prepared for the journey.