Hire Car Calgary Tips, Experiences & Comparison

Discover Calgary by Hire Car

Located in the Alberta region of Canada, Calgary is one of the strongest cities economically in all of Canada.

Founded by European settlers about 180 years ago, the metropolitan area is now home to nearly one million people.

Because of the region’s oil wealth, Calgary is also one of the richest cities in all of Canada.

Numerous attractions make Calgary an experience. And there’s plenty to see in the surrounding countryside, too. Completely uncomplicated all interesting destinations can be reached by hire car. For rental and travel we have put together a few tips.

Receiving the hire car

The hire car center is located across the street from the arrivals area. However, there are also hire car companies whose station is just near the terminal. In this case, you will have to wait for a shuttle to take you there. And that can take time and cost you valuable vacation time. Better find out if your rental company is located right at the airport before you rent.

Choosing the right hire car

In Canada, you will spend many hours traveling in your hire car on well-maintained roads. You better choose a large and comfortable vehicle to enjoy the ride in a relaxed manner.

Hire car prices

The hire car prices in Calgary are in the upper level. But the price differences between small vehicles and large sedans are relatively small. You can usually get the cheapest deal if you reserve the car well in advance and use our handy price comparison.

hire car price comparison Calgary

Tank control

There are rental companies where you have to buy the first tank of gas for a service fee. You then return the car with an empty tank. However, since you will never succeed in driving the car empty to the last drop, you always pay on this variant. It is better to rent from a rental company where you take the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank.

Insurance

Even though there is relatively little traffic in Canada, an accident can happen quickly due to deer crossing. Protect yourself and book a comprehensive insurance without deductible. The amount of coverage plays a decisive role in liability insurance. It should be at least one million euros.

If your rental company’s coverage seems too low, you can take out a so-called traveller policy for additional protection. Talk to your insurance company. For more tips on insurance, check out our special.

age limit

Often hire car companies only lend their cars to drivers who are at least 23 years old. And drivers under 25 are often charged an additional fee. And even seniors can’t easily get a vehicle from every provider. Often the maximum age is 75.

Accessories

In the Canadian winter, you may need snow chains. If children are on board, a child seat is mandatory. Before renting the car, find out if your rental company has the accessories you need in stock and make your reservation well in advance.

Free kilometers

Make sure you hire car with free mileage. This way, you can enjoy the vastness of Canada without having to constantly squint anxiously at the odometer.

Customer Review Hire Car

There are always complaints because rental companies try to talk customers into additional insurance on the spot. It also happens that a car of the booked category is not in stock and the customer has to make do with a smaller hire car.

To avoid getting a black sheep among the rental companies, you should read the customer reviews on this portal before booking.

Safety hire car

It also happens that customers complain about old and poorly maintained vehicles. This is certainly the exception, but you should still check the lights and brakes before your first trip and have dents and scratches confirmed in writing in a fault log.

Bail

Make sure to rent from a rental company that only blocks the deposit on your credit card and does not charge it. This way, you avoid having to wait longer for the money to be returned after you return the vehicle.

Sights in Calgary

Calgary Tower: Best View
The Calgary Tower is a good place to start a stroll around town. 192 metres high, the tower features an observation deck and revolving restaurant. From the top, you can get an overview of the city and often see all the way to the Rocky Mountains.

Glenbow Museum: Experience the time of the Indians
The next stop is the Glenbow Museum. There you can learn about what life was like in Canada when the first settlers arrived in the country. And you will also get excellent information about the aboriginal people at the Glenbow Museum.

The Glenbow Museum is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Friday, you can visit the exhibit from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm. On Saturday, the gates open at 09:00 and close at 17:00. And on Sunday, you can delve into Canada’s past from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Admission is 15 Canadian dollars.

Calgary Zoo: animals and dinosaurs
To finish off your first stroll through the city, you can visit Calgary’s pretty zoo, where you can see over 1,000 animals. The zoo also has a Prehistoric Park with impressive replicas of dinosaurs that look deceptively real. The zoo is open except for December 25. Admission costs $23 Canadian.

Suggestion of a round trip

Edmonton: In a modern metropolis on the trail of the past
A first round trip with the hire car could start in Edmonton. In about three hours you will be there. In Edmonton, a lively city with an impressive skyline awaits you. But even in modern Edmonton you can still explore the Canadian past.

At Fort Edmonton Park and Trading Post, you can expect to see a replica of the fort that ultimately became the city. Staff are dressed in period garb and a historic steam locomotive puffs through the grounds. Admission times can change from month to month, so check the fort’s website before visiting. Admission costs $18.15 Canadian for adults.

Jasper: Discover the rugged mountain country
The next destination on your trip is Jasper. From Edmonton, it will take you about four hours in your hire car. Since quiet Jasper itself has few attractions to offer. But you can spend a good night there and set off on hikes into the grandiose mountains that surround the town.

Banff: Lively town in untouched nature
Before you drive back to Calgary with your hire car, you should stop off in Banff. With your hire car you will be there in just under four hours. In addition to unspoiled nature in Banff National Park, the small town also offers other amenities thanks to many tourists.

In numerous shops you can stock up on souvenirs and in the restaurants of the small town you have the opportunity to taste authentic Canadian cuisine. From Banff, it’s then just an hour and a half drive to Calgary, where you can plan your next hire car trip.

Conclusion

Few countries are better suited for a round trip hire car than Canada. And Calgary is an exciting starting point to discover the country. With our handy price comparison, you’ll always find a great deal and a car that suits you.