Vancouver is a beautiful, modern city on the stunning west coast of Canada, where forest-covered mountains run all the way down to the sea. The city of Vancouver has culture, museums, shopping and a multitude of independent bars and restaurants. Rent a car in Vancouver to make the most of your holiday, and enjoy the freedom to travel up into the mountains or down to the coast. A rental car in Vancouver will give you access to all the local attractions and will allow you to follow your own timetable.
Car rental Vancouver: the most important rental sites
Car rental in Vancouver will give you the freedom to see everything you want to see on your holiday, whether you're planning a long term stay in the city or a one way journey to other parts of Canada or the USA. To get the best deals make sure you compare car companies in advance. You can then collect your vehicle from the following locations upon arrival:
Rental Site | Address | Main Opening Times* |
Vancouver Airport | 3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4, Canada | 12.00 a.m. - 11.59 p.m. |
City Office | 501 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Z5, Canada | 08:00 a.m. - 06:00 p.m. |
*The opening times may differ and vary depending on the rental site. Precise information on your car rental can be found in the listing details. At some car rental sites, pick-up and returns are possible outside of opening times, although this service may cost extra.
Rent a car: Vancouver and its sights
Gastown & Granville Island: In Gastown there is a famous steam clock and lots of great restaurants and bars. On Granville Island there are markets selling fresh produce so have a stroll around and grab a bite to eat. The Museum of Anthropology is fascinating and Stanley Park, where you can rent bikes, take a walk or visit the aquarium, is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.
The Capilano River Regional Park: This park is known for its ancient giant trees and several pleasant walking trails.
Kitsilano Beach: The best beach in town is Kitsilano beach, where you can relax, hire a kayak or head to one of the restaurants.
The Rocky Mountains: Hire a car in Vancouver and drive to the Rocky Mountains with their dramatic scenery and year-round activities. Take a few days to visit Squamish or Whistler to make the most of it. When you holiday in Vancouver, car rental is a great option which allows you to get out and explore these extraordinary mountains.
Grouse Mountain: To get active in the city, head to Grouse Mountain. You can hike the famously steep Grouse Grind – the record ascent time is 25 minutes, but allow up to an hour to enjoy the journey! At the top is a restaurant and often outdoor family entertainment. If you are lucky, you might see the two rescued bears in their enclosure. There is also a cable car if you don't want to hike back down.
Getting around Vancouver
Route 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, runs through the city. With a car rental in Vancouver you can go anywhere; take Route 1 east through the mountains towards Calgary (10 hours away), or take it north on Highway 99 into the mountains along the coast. It's an hour's drive from Vancouver to Squamish, then another hour to Whistler. Both towns offer activities including hiking and kayaking. To get to Vancouver Island, head west out of Vancouver, and take the car ferry from Tsawwassen, or you can get a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale to head west along the broken mainland towards Powell River.
Getting around Vancouver is easy. Other drivers are very relaxed and considerate and the roads are wide and easy to navigate. There is plenty of cheap and convenient parking all over the city so you won't have to worry about finding a space. Congestion is minimal for a city of its size but avoid travelling at rush hour if you can.