Car Hire Alberta

Guide

Spanning 750 miles from north to south, this western province has something for everyone, from the Canadian Rockies to gorgeous mountain towns and strikingly scenic national parks. Whether you come for the Badlands wildlife or the superb skiing and hiking, or even the cosmopolitan capital of Edmonton or the cowboy town that is Calgary, Alberta offers a diverse experience. Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff are unmissable, but just about anywhere in this oil-rich province makes for a worthy driving tour.

Hiring a Vehicle

Being as vast as most other Canadian territories, the province is best traversed with car hire in Alberta. Leading international suppliers such as Budget, Avis and Dollar operate in the two largest cities, Edmonton and Calgary, and at their airports, as well as at tourist spots like Banff and Jasper. Compare car hire before you get here for the most competitive rates.

Transport Options

Calgary features Canada’s third-busiest airport, while Edmonton’s airport is the fastest growing in the nation and the second busiest in the province. Connections with Europe, the Caribbean and other places in North America are possible at both airports. Likewise, Calgary and Edmonton act as key bus depots, with bus connections to most major centres, including Jasper and Banff, possible. Trains run to Edmonton from Saskatoon and Vancouver. Highway 16 crosses the province from east to west, passing through Jasper and Edmonton, while Highway 1 is the key route for accessing Banff, Calgary and Medicine Hat.

Car Hire Driving Tips in Alberta

Drivers should watch out for wildlife such as deer and moose in rural areas. Local drivers, for the most part, heed local driving regulations, but drink driving can be a problem in rural areas. Even large, mostly grid-like cities like Edmonton are easily navigable by car.

Not to be Missed!

The Canadian Rockies are best appreciated from mountain towns like Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise, with the Icefields Parkway the most recommended drive with car rental in Alberta. Those needing a taste of urban comfort can hit Edmonton’s West Edmonton Mall, the biggest mall on the planet, while Calgary offers world class attractions such as Calgary Zoo and the annual Calgary Stampede in July. Skiers and hikers won’t want to miss the slopes and trails of Jasper and Banff.

Weather & Tourist Seasons

Cold winters and warm, relatively dry summers with frequent thunderstorms are characteristic of Alberta’s continental climate. The north sees temperatures plummet to below -50°C in winter, but summer highs of 30°C are also common. Snow settles in the ski resorts annually, while cities like Edmonton and Calgary only see snow over Christmas around 55 and 85 per cent of the time. Come in winter (November to late March) for skiing or in summer (mid-May to mid-September) for hiking and wildlife spotting.