Rental Car Tips For Banff You SHOULD Know

A rental car is the most reliable way for visitors to explore Banff. Most of the Canadian Rockies is untouched wilderness, so public transport is limited. Those without a vehicle are limited to certain destinations and must turn to private tour operators.

Quite a few destinations around Banff are difficult to reach without a car, such as Yoho, Kootenay, and the Icefields Parkway. Car rentals provide flexibility, freedom, and even savings for families or groups. For most trips, we recommend that visitors rent a vehicle. We have a few tips if you plan to rent a car for your trip to the Canadian Rockies.

Should You Rent A Car For Banff?

You do not need a rental car if you visit Banff in the summer and visit popular sights. The core of downtown Banff is very walkable and has many accessible activities, restaurants, and trails. Public transit and tour providers can reach many areas, such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon. You can also rent bikes to explore the immediate vicinity of town. We even have a great post on hikes you can reach without a car.

However, most visitors enjoy the freedom of having a car to explore the Rockies. It allows them to visit popular sites outside peak hours, explore freely, pick quiet trails, and drive the Icefields Parkway on their schedule. Tour operator costs can also increase quickly if you’re a family or group. We could not imagine life without a car here, but we also do not live in the town center and frequent hikes far from the well-trodden.

We rented a car for our first trip to Banff. We were on a Powder Highway road trip and it would have been impossible without transport. It was a great decision, allowing us to visit the destinations independently. However, a trip to Banff, particularly in winter, is possible without a vehicle.

If you plan to ski in Banff, the three local ski resorts run free shuttles from the town center. Plus, driving winter roads in Canada can be treacherous during snowstorms. However, if your plans are not skiing in the winter, you’ll find very limited options for public transit and tours. So, for most trips, we recommend that visitors rent a car to visit Banff.

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How Do You Rent a Car in Banff?

Third-party sites like Kayak, Expedia, and RentalCars.com search car companies and find the best price for you. The Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the most common place to rent a car to travel around Banff. You can also search at off-site locations, which occasionally leads to lower prices, as there is no airport surcharge.

While renting from the airport can be cheaper, it’s often a hassle. I find it easier and simpler to rent from the airport, even if there is a surcharge. You’ll have to plan your itinerary and see if the cost savings outweigh the time you spend doing this.

There are also car rental locations in Banff and Canmore, but they are limited and typically cost more. Plus, getting to Banff or Canmore from Calgary on either the Banff Airporter, a bus service, or public transport will cost quite a bit.

Car Rental at the Calgary Airport

We love the Calgary Airport and almost always have a pleasant experience at the airport for such a large city. Navigating to the car rental section of the arrivals terminal in Calgary is stress-free. The desks are well-staffed, friendly, and seldom yield a line.

What Rental Car Companies Rent Cars at the Calgary International Airport?

Avis, Enterprise, Thrifty, Dollar, Budget, and National are some major car rental companies at the Calgary International Airport. Some smaller companies, like ACE and Routes Car Rental, are often slightly cheaper than established companies.

Car Rentals in Banff and Canmore

Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz offer limited rental pools in Banff. They are all located downtown and are easy to get to once you are in Banff. Enterprise is the only car rental company in Canmore.

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Car Rental Insurance in Banff

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance is always offered at the time of rental for an additional daily charge. Damage Waiver reduces your liability if you damage or lose the rental car. You don’t have to purchase CDW; it is optional and usually costs between $10 and $ 30 CAD per day of the rental.

If you have a US credit card, you may already have CDW insurance and not know it! Check your documentation and call your credit card company to find out. You may even consider signing up for a new credit card that offers this.

If you’re already covered, take a copy of the paperwork as proof, though we have never been asked for this proof. Every time we rent a car in Canada, we decline any extra insurance, knowing our credit card will cover us. The rental car agency never pushes back and sends us on our way!

This brings me to my next point—credit cards with primary rental insurance. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X are our favorite travel credit cards. Primary rental car insurance is one of their best perks, and a Priority Pass membership includes great lounges at the Calgary Airport.

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How Much Does A Rental Car Cost?

The cost of a car rental depends on the season and the type of vehicle you want. Your rental car will likely be higher in the summer than in the shoulder and winter seasons.

We’ve scored great deals, but also paid quite a bit at peak times. Our last rental for a small SUV cost us $50 CAD a day in the winter, but I’ve seen them go above $150 daily in the summer.

Some tips to save on car rental prices in Canada:

• The sooner you book, the better.
• Book a rental car with flexible cancellation.
• Book online for the best rates.
• Stick to one driver. Additional drivers will add cost.
• Return and drop off in the same location.

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Should You Rent a Car in Banff in the Winter?

If you are not experienced with winter conditions, you may want to reconsider renting a car in the winter. Road conditions can change quickly in the mountains, and you don’t want to be caught in a winter storm on your vacation if you are unprepared. If you plan to drive in Banff in the winter, ensure your rental has winter tires or at least all-season tires.

Winter tires are required by law to drive on the Icefields Parkway and the interior of British Columbia in the winter. You should also opt for a 4×4 or all-wheel drive vehicle in the winter. They usually cost more, and there is a chance it is an unnecessary option. However, during winter storms, they are a necessity.

Winter driving presents many challenges, but it is possible for confident drivers. Drivers should be prepared for snow and ice-covered roads from November to April. Additionally, plan for longer travel times between destinations, especially during storms.

We strongly recommend that all driving be done during the day, as winter night driving is dangerous and requires some experience. Regardless, for those prepared, a winter rental can be hugely rewarding. We love the winter in the Canadian Rockies.

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Do You Need Winter Tires to Drive in Banff?

If you visit Banff between November and April, your vehicle should have winter tires or, at the very least, all-weather tires. Just because you rent a car in Calgary in February doesn’t mean the rental agency will provide snow tires. You must request these from the rental agency, and they may carry an additional fee.

The province of Alberta does not require snow tires or equipment during the winter months, but regardless of this, you should be prepared for driving in the mountains. The roads can get gnarly and dangerous as the snow falls, and you’ll want to have tires with improved traction and control.

If you plan to drive into British Columbia, you need to do your research. However, from October 1 to April 30, winter tires or chains are required on most routes.

*Although winter tires are not required in Alberta, snow tires or chains are required by law for travel on Hwy #93N / Icefields Parkway and Hwy #93S / Banff-Windermere Highway between November 1st and March 31st.

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Stay Connected While Driving

We recommend everyone with a rental vehicle have a mobile phone that is connected to the internet. It’s important in emergency situations and in the winter it can quite literally save your life. It’s also practical and makes looking up directions, trail conditions, or restaurants a breeze.

Whenver we rent a car abroad we always make sure we have a data plan before hitting the road. Staying connected is seamless these days thanks to eSIM technology. You can purchase a data plan from companies like Holafly and install to your phone before arriving in Canada. With unlimited data and no roaming fees, Holafly makes it easy to stay online for navigation, music, and travel updates the moment you hit the road.

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What’s It Like Driving In Canada?

As an American who moved to Canada, I would say that driving in Canada is exactly like driving in the United States. Cars drive on the right side of the road, with the steering wheel on the left side of the vehicle.

All traffic laws and rules are almost identical. So, if you are an American visitor, you shouldn’t have trouble driving in Canada. The only difference is that Canada took the big step in adopting the metric system—all signs are in kilometers.

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Reasons Not to Rent a Car for Banff

• You have figured out an alternative way to get from the Calgary Airport to Banff, and have a hotel on Banff Avenue.
• You are visiting in the winter and are not comfortable driving.
• You plan on spending most of your time in Downtown Banff, which is all walkable.
• You plan on doing more tours and fewer individual trips. Most Banff tours include hotel drop-off and pick-up.
• Your main interests are sights like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Johnston Canyon are accessible by public transit in the summer.
• You love to ride your bike! Many sights in Banff (Vermilion Lakes, Bow Valley Parkway, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake) are accessible by bike!

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Seven Reasons Renting a Car in Banff is Awesome

• Travel on your own schedule and see sunrise and sunset at some of the most epic spots in Banff.
• You can stop when you see something beautiful.
• Drive the Icefields Parkway and get out for a hike when you fancy.
• Easy access to the trailhead for hiking in Banff.
• So you can get up at 2am and chase the Northern Lights if they are out.
• So you can drive the Bow Valley Parkway and stop at Morant’s Curve.
• So you can go car camping in Banff!

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Top Tips for Driving in Banff

• Always obey the speed limits posted. The speed limit on the Trans Canada when driving through Banff is 90 km per hour, but people speed all the time.
• Be prepared. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
• Cell phone service is unreliable in the mountains and often unavailable, especially on the Icefields Parkway.
• If you see wildlife on the side of the road, please reconsider stopping, especially if you are on the Trans Canada. Stopping for wildlife can back up traffic, cause accidents, and interfere with wildlife’s natural movements. If you are in a safe spot away from traffic, pull over to the shoulder, remain in your car, stay only a few minutes, and then move on.
• It’s best to book a car in advance to get lower prices and to ensure that what you want is available.
• If you need a larger car for a family, then it’s important to book in advance, especially in the summer.
• Inspect your rental car before taking it and note any damage with photos.
• A US license will let you rent a car easily in Canada, as will an Australian license, an EU license, and almost any license in English or French. For other nationalities, you may need a translation for your license. It’s best to check with your car rental agency.

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More on Renting a Car in Banff in the Winter

• Canadian winters can be extremely harsh and dangerous for driving. If you are not an experienced winter driver and are planning on a magical Canadian winter trip you should take caution.
• It’s important to get the right kind of vehicle for winter travel. A four-wheel-drive truck or SUV might seem excessive, but there is a reason everyone has them here! If you don’t feel comfortable renting a larger car, at least make sure your vehicle has winter tires.
• Pay attention to road closures in the winter. Avalanches and high mountain passes pose a serious threat, and if a road is closed, there is always a reason. 5.11 Alberta is the best source of up-to-date traffic and road information.
• If conditions are poor, don’t tailgate cars in front of you. Maintain a safe distance and only drive as fast as you are comfortable with. We’ve seen way too many accidents in the winter here.
• If it is snowing too heavily and you don’t feel comfortable driving, pull over and wait out the storm. Better yet, don’t leave your hotel! Getting in an accident is not worth your life, so it’s better to bundle up by the fire with a hot chocolate instead!

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Drinking and Driving in Canada

This should go without saying, but drinking and driving is a grave offense in Canada. In Canada, the maximum legal BAC is 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood (.08).

If you get caught driving with a BAC over this limit, you will likely be charged with a DUI and hauled off to jail, which will certainly ruin your vacation. Uber does not operate in the small towns of Alberta and B.C.. If you need a taxi in Canmore, call Three Sisters Taxi. If you need one in Banff, call Banff Taxi.

If you have a DUI in another country, you may be refused entry into Canada.

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Public Transportation Options

Roam Transit

Roam Transit is the public transport servicing Banff and Canmore and is ideal for those visiting Banff without a car. In the summer, they have many routes to Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, and Lake Minnewanka. Fares are affordable and a great way to get around to the popular sights in the park and between Banff and Canmore.

Private Tour

Many private tour options offer free hotel pick-up and drop-off. Some reputable companies in Banff are Discover Banff Tours and Radventures. You can also book tours with sites like Get Your Guide and Viator. Check out some of the tours here.

Rideshare

Poparide is a great rideshare option that allows you to connect with others. You can search for locations that you want to go to. Typically, they are moved to more popular places like Lake Louise. Poparide prices vary, but it is charged by seat, and we’ve seen rates go as low as $10.

Bike

While biking has limitations, it is a nice way to get around Banff and Canmore. Our favorite cycling routes are the Bow Valley Parkway and Lake Minnewanka Loop Road. If you are into mountain biking, there are some fantastic mountain bike trails, some of which even connect Banff to Canmore! Banff Adventures and Snowtips Bactrax both offer bike rentals in Banff.

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Hopefully, this helped you with your Banff rental car questions and concerns. If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.

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