If you’re planning on exploring the Canadian Rockies, one of the best ways to do it is by car. This way, you can take your time and explore all the different towns and sights at your own pace. Plus, there’s nothing quite like hitting the open road and taking in all the natural beauty of this part of the world.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in the Canadian Rockies. We’ll give you some tips on what to look for in a rental car, as well as some advice on navigating the different roads and conditions that you might encounter. So whether you’re a seasoned driver or a complete novice, read on for everything you need to know about exploring the Canadian Rockies by car.
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History (brief) of Rental Car Companies
Although the first cars were invented in the late 1800s, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that rental car companies began to spring up. The first such company was started in 1918 by Walter Jacobs, who had the idea to rent out Model T Ford cars by the hour. His business quickly took off, and by 1925, Jacobs had expanded to include a fleet of over 600 cars. In the years that followed, other rental car companies began to pop up all over the country.
The first rental car company in Alberta was founded in Calgary in 1945. The company, called Avis, quickly became popular with both business and leisure travelers. In the early years, most rental cars were small sedans or coupes. However, as the number of visitors to Alberta increased, so did the demand for larger vehicles. Today, nearly all major rental car companies have a presence in Alberta. They offer a wide variety of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs and vans.
Choosing the Right Rental Car for Your Needs
There are a few things to take into consideration when hiring a car. If you plan on doing any off-roading or driving in winter conditions, it is worth paying the little bit extra for a 4WD vehicle. This will give you the peace of mind knowing that you can handle any terrain or weather conditions that you may encounter. Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the vehicle. If you are travelling with family or a group of friends, it might be worth getting a van or SUV so that everyone can travel together comfortably.
5 Tips To Make Sure You Choose The Right Company
- Ask if you will be charged extra after going over a certain amount of km’s.
- Ask if insurance is included in the price and if so to what extent is the car and yourself covered.
- Always fill the petrol yourself otherwise the company can try to charge you $100 for a half tank of gas. (Yes it happened!)
- If you are going to be travelling on icy roads, make sure to get a suitable vehicle.
- Banff is a touristy town. Shop around at all the car rental places and ask what the total price will be. Depending on what kind of trip you are taking and for how long, you will be stunned at the difference in prices.
Each company has its own policy on things like age limits, so it is worth doing some research to see which one best suits your needs. Once you have found the perfect rental car, all that’s left to do is hit the open road and explore all that the Canadian Rockies has to offer!
The Best Car Rental Companies in Banff
Once you have decided on the type of vehicle that you need, there are several different rental companies to choose from. Remember, it is important to make a reservation as soon as possible due to the car rental shortages throughout Canada. A quick search online will reveal plenty of options, but here are a few of the most popular:
National Car Rental
National Car Rental is an international car rental company that has locations all over the world, including in Banff, Alberta. National offers a wide range of vehicles to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a compact car for city driving or a SUV for exploring the Canadian Rockies, National has you covered. And with their convenient online booking system, it’s easy to reserve a car in just a few clicks.
Address: 521 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1H8, Canada
Located in: Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Phone: +1 403-762-2688
Hertz
Hertz serves Banff and the surrounding area. They offer a wide selection of quality rental cars to choose from, so you can find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a compact car for city driving or a SUV for exploring the Canadian Rockies, they have you covered. They also offer a variety of discounts and offers to help you save even more on your rental.
Address: 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T0L 0C0, Canada
Located in: Fairmont Banff Springs
Phone: +1 403-762-2027
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is the largest car rental company in North America, with more than 7,000 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in 1957, Enterprise has a long history of serving the needs of businesses and leisure travelers. The company offers a wide range of vehicles to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers, and its friendly staff is always available to help customers choose the right car for their needs. In addition to its large fleet of vehicles, Enterprise Rent-A-Car also offers a number of additional services to make renting a car as easy and convenient as possible. These services include online reservations, roadside assistance, and discounts for AAA members.
Address: 521 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1H8, Canada
Located in: Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Phone: +1 403-762-2688
Avis Car Rental
Avis Car Rental is the perfect place to rent a car while visiting Banff National Park. They offer a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Their rates are very competitive, and they offer a variety of discounts and specials. They also have a convenient location in the heart of downtown Banff, so you can easily get to all of the sights and attractions.
Address: 317 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A2, Canada
Located in: Cascade Shops
Phone: +1 403-762-3222
Alamo Rent A Car
Alamo Rent A Car is one of the most popular car rental companies in Banff Alberta. They offer a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, and their rates are very competitive. Alamo also has a good reputation for customer service, so you can be sure that you’ll be able to get help if you need it.
Address: 521 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1H8, Canada
Located in: Banff Caribou Lodge & Spa
Phone: +1 403-760-3236
Budget Rent A Car
Budget Rent A Car offers a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a compact car for a city break or a bigger car for a road trip. Their team of friendly staff are on hand to help you choose the right car for your journey, and they offer competitive rates that make hiring a car more affordable than ever.
Address: 317 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1A2, Canada
Located in: Cascade Shops
Phone: +1 403-762-3222
3 Most Frequently Asked Questions Traveling the Canadian Rockies by Car
How long does it take to drive the Canadian Rockies?
The Canadian Rockies are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada. Stretching from British Columbia to Alberta, the Rockies offer a wide variety of scenery, from snow-capped peaks to crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can enjoy a number of activities, including hiking, camping, and whitewater rafting. The drive from Vancouver to Calgary typically takes about 10 hours, but visitors should allow for additional time to stop and enjoy the sights along the way. The trip can be broken up into a number of shorter segments, with each segment offering its own unique experiences. For example, the drive from Vancouver to Banff National Park takes about 5 hours and offers a variety of scenic vistas. Likewise, the drive from Banff to Jasper National Park takes about 3 hours and includes a number of glaciers and waterfalls. No matter how you choose to experience the Canadian Rockies, you’re sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Can you drive through the Canadian Rockies?
The Canadian Rockies are a popular tourist destination, offering majestic scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities. While many people choose to hike or take the scenic train through the Rockies, it is also possible to drive through this stunning region. The most popular route is the Trans-Canada Highway, which winds its way through the Rocky Mountains for over 1,000 miles. Along the way, drivers can enjoy sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, azure lakes, and pristine forests. There are also plenty of opportunities to stop and explore, with numerous national parks and recreation areas located along the route.
There are a few things to keep in mind. First, the roads can be very winding and narrow, making it important to stay focused and drive slowly. Second, the weather can change quickly in the mountains, so it is important to be prepared for all conditions. Finally, wildlife is abundant in the Rockies, so drivers need to be on the lookout for animals crossing the road.
How many days do you need to see the Canadian Rockies?
Ideally, you should plan to spend at least 3-4 days in the Canadian Rockies. This will give you enough time to explore some of the most popular attractions, such as Banff National Park and Lake Louise. In addition, 3-4 days is usually enough time to go on a few day hikes or even embark on a longer backpacking trip. Of course, if you want to packed every day with activities, you could easily spend a week or more in the Canadian Rockies and still not see everything. So, how many days you need to see the Canadian Rockies really depends on your interests and how much time you have to explore.
So there you have it, everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in the Canadian Rockies. Just remember to do your research before hiring a car, and to drive safely on the different roads and conditions that you might encounter. With a little planning and preparation, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring the Canadian Rockies by car.
