Best value car hire from top brands
Vancouver car hire tips
Where to pick up your car
The most popular car hire location is Vancouver International Airport (YVR), just over 20 mins’ drive from the centre (about 15km).
Top car rental brands
The most popular car rental brands in Vancouver are Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz, Alamo and Budget.
Local currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Average temperatures
Warmest month: August (18°C)
Coldest month: January (4°C)
Side of road
Right
Hire a car in Vancouver
Vancouver is a scenic city, alive with an energizing spirit of natural wonder.
Its glistening downtown buildings are framed by the blue waters of the Pacific and a stunning mountainous backdrop. Hovering above the border of the United States, Vancouver appeals to both the outdoor enthusiast and urbanite.
It’s rich in culture, dotted with excellent museums and galleries as well as Asian-fusion culinary surprises. And like its southern West Coast neighbours, Vancouver offers spectacular road trips in both directions.
Epic drives
Sea to Sky Highway
This route is filled with astonishing scenery, both on land and out to sea. You can trace the rugged coastal terrain and drive to Whistler’s soaring mountainous peaks. Formally known as Highway 99, this road trip has an expanse of breathtaking vistas.
Without any breaks, the total route only takes around two hours, but you’d be hard-pressed to not pull over for photos. Plus, stopping at cultural sites, outdoor destinations and any points along the way that capture your attention, are what will make this journey vividly memorable.
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a popular pit-stop to make if you’re hoping for some stunning views from above.
Keep note that because the highway cuts through the wilderness, there are deers, bears and eagles to look out for. Animal crossing signs are posted to remind you while driving.
The ultimate Vancouver road trip
Vancouver International Airport YVR
A minor international airport.
Car hire pick up point
Most car rental counters are located in the Main Terminal on the ground floor.
Victoria
BC’s capital city is a showcase of history with Victorian architecture and heritage sites.
Nanaimo
This harbour city is home to a bustling waterfront and fast-growing urban core.
Comox
A laid back town with an abundance of sea life and varied landscape.
Fast facts
Weather and what to wear
Thanks to the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific breeze, Vancouver doesn’t experience the stereotypical cold Canadian climate. More commonly, the climate is wet and foggy. From December till March, Vancouver enjoys mild winters with very little snow, though rain is frequent. Always have a jacket and umbrella on hand. The summer months, July to September, are warm (but never hot) and sunny. Evenings can be cool, however, so it’s best to bring a few layers.
Exploring by car
Sunshine Coast Highway
Considering Vancouver’s weather, it may be surprising to discover British Columbia has any sunny destinations. The region that Highway 101 winds its way through, however, receives about 2,400 hours of sun a year. So the title of Sunshine Coast is a pleasantly accurate description.
Lesser visited than other road trip routes from Vancouver, it still provides a beautiful journey with quiet beaches, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking and other outdoor activities. Unlike the Sea-to-Sky highway, it’s an easier all-year-round route to drive.
Although the road is part of BC’s mainland, you cannot drive directly to Langdale – the start of the coastal highway – from Vancouver. You’ll first have to take a 40 minute car-friendly ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale. A regular passenger car over on the ferry costs around 54 CND.
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