Car Rental Vancouver Airport

Navigating around Vancouver is simple to do, as its road network uses a grid system and parking lots can frequently be found. Apart from the main freeways, BC-99 and BC-1, the majority of driving will be done through built-up streets where the speed limit is restricted and signposted.

Thankfully, most routes around the city have wide, multi-lane roads and are controlled with traffic lights, especially in Downtown, which helps break up congestion.

It will typically take you under half an hour to drive into the centre of Vancouver from the airport. If you continue on the BC 99 highway you’ll cross through the green, luscious Stanley Park where pine trees line the freeway. This route follows the west coast of British Columbia up through Squamish to Whistler and beyond into the mountains. Whistler and Blackcomb join to form a fantastic winter resort, with excellent skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking opportunities.

The other major freeway is the Trans-Canada Highway, BC-1. It flows east from the city into Greater Vancouver where towns such as Abbotsford can be explored. The highway then follows the Fraser River into the magnificent Canadian Rockies through Banff National Park to Calgary and beyond.

If you choose to explore the rocky countryside, do make sure you take care when driving through the valleys, as they can bend and turn at short notice. Also ensure that you always check speed limits for the route that you are on.

Vancouver is a deeply cultural city that embraces its maritime heritage, which could be why it’s considered one of the culinary capitals of Canada and North America as a whole.

There are many attractions and things to do locally, and in the surrounding area. Embrace the outdoors no matter what the weather – and zip wire through the trees, go whale watching on a boat cruise, or hike through the otherworldly forests. There are many things you can see and enjoy when you rent a car at Vancouver Airport.

Find adventure in the city

Vancouver is a paradise for adventurous types, and a destination that has year-round activities on both land and see.

Bridging Vancouver and North Vancouver is the sprawling Stanley Park, which dates back to 1888 and is more than four square kilometres in size. Explore the greenery here and see if you can find the small beach and Prospect Point in the northern tip, renowned for its great viewing platform over the seafront.

Visit one of Vancouver's fantastic museums or galleries, such as the Museum of Anthropology. Based in the University of British Columbia, it celebrates the history of indigenous tribes of the western coast.

Vancouver was born from the city’s original settlement, Gastown. Visit this historic neighbourhood to enjoy the wide selection of restaurants, nightlife and entertainment. This area is popular among visitors and locals alike, with its iconic steam clock that whistles on the hour.

Drive into the mountainous countryside

Just over an hour and a half’s drive awaynorththroughSquamish you’ll find the stunning wilderness Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Dominated by Mount Garibaldi – which towers over the landscape around it – the park is brimming with wildlife and nature. It’s a place where delicate alpine meadows bloom and babbling salmon-filled brooks break through the Douglas fir trees.

The area covers almost 2,000 square kilometres and at its centre lies its crowning jewel, the glistening Garibaldi Lake. With such a lush landscape, wildlife thrives. Deer, black bears, squirrels, Canadian Blue Jays and bald eagles all call this stunning park home. Enjoy outdoor sports such as hiking and mountain biking – and skiing in the winter.

Discover true peace on Vancouver Island

For yet more idyllic natural wonders, drive south from Vancouver or the airport to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal – and travel across to Vancouver Island. The landscape here is predominantly made up of wild beaches, mountainous rocks, cascading waterfalls and charming towns. And you can explore by car to discover the full extent of its enchanting nature.

Visit Fisherman's Wharf in Victoria to see the idyllic, colourful houseboats – and to taste the freshest fish dishes. Check out the neo-baroque architecture of the impressive parliament buildings, built in 1898, and head to the Royal British Columbia Museum to learn about the island’s rich heritage through exhibits of Colonial-era settlements and First Nations relics.

As an extra-special highlight, journey to Sooke to spot whales among the waves, and immerse yourself in the peaceful tranquillity of East Sooke Regional Park. With more than 14 square kilometres of protected forests, marshland and rocky coast at your disposal, follow one of 50 hiking trails through the epic landscape. If you choose to extend your trip on Vancouver Island, visit Tofino on the west coast for fantastic fishing and surfing opportunities.

However you wish to spend your time, Hertz car rental at Vancouver Airport will ensure you can explore everything this spectacular region has to offer.