Car Rental in Edmonton

Top ways to enter Edmonton

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is the main gateway both to Edmonton and northern Alberta. It is not as large as Calgary’s airport but does have flights to and from many destinations in Canada and abroad. The airport also serves as a hub for flights to the Canadian Territories. The airport is located roughly 30km (19 miles) south of downtown, a drive of about 30 minutes. Rental cars can be found from the major suppliers in the main parking garage of the airport and from other suppliers via a five to ten-minute shuttle ride. 

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the other major airport in the province of Alberta. It is about a three-hour drive to the south. Calgary International is a larger airport with about twice as many yearly passengers. Just like with Edmonton Airport, at Calgary’s airport, the largest rental companies have desks inside the Domestic Terminal, while other companies can be found just outside the airport. 

VIA Rail’s Great Western Way passes through Edmonton on its way from Toronto to Vancouver (and vice-versa). The scenery on the route to Vancouver is amazing as the train passes through Jasper National Park.  The train station for VIA Rail in Edmonton is located just northwest of downtown. Though there are no car rental facilities either at the station or immediately nearby, many rental companies have locations in downtown which would be only a short taxi ride away. 

Top sights and activities

• Alberta Legislature Building -  The building that house Alberta’s legislature was built in 1911 after Edmonton became the capital of the province. Tours are offered every day of the week in summer and every weekday during the rest of the year. They are free of charge. 

• Golfing - One wouldn’t expect a city so far north would be a golf destination, but in a way, it is. There are several golf courses both in the city itself and in the surrounding area. The sport is popular among local residents, particularly due to the sunny (but not necessarily hot or even warm) weather the city receives. 

• Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village - This attraction is actually just outside of the city along Highway 16 on the other side of Elk Island National Park. It is a reconstructed village showing what life was like for Ukrainian immigrants to Alberta around the turn of the 20th century. The village functions as a village then would have with historical interpreters playing village residents. 

• Northern Lights - Edmonton is located at a latitude of 53°N and is therefore in the area where it is possible to see the Aurora Borealis. Of course, you have much better chances if you go to the northern territories.  If you can not make it there, though, the Northern Lights can be seen about 90 days out of the year around Edmonton, with a higher chance of seeing them in winter, from outside of the city limits.

• West Edmonton Mall - While Edmonton may not be known as a chic destination, shopaholics will still find North America’s largest mall of great interest. The mall has recently added Louis Vitton, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, and other upscale boutiques. The West Edmonton Mall has something to offer everyone. There are a plethora of dining options, including both fast food and full-service restaurants. There is even an indoor waterpark in the mall with slides and a wave pool. This mall is a destination in and of itself. 

• Skiing - Edmonton has a few skiing clubs in the city. These ski centers are particularly good for beginners. Snow Valley is located in the southwestern portion of the city, the Rabbit Hill Snow Resort is further to the southwest just outside of the city, and the Sunridge Ski Area is east of downtown. 

• Fort Edmonton Park - Located on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River southwest of downtown, Fort Edmonton Park is a historical park complete with recreated historical streets and buildings. Like the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Park, it has interpreters playing villagers from the turn of the 20th century and the mid-19th century pioneer days. In addition to a streetcar and a train that visitors can ride, younger guests will love the midway (fair) and its antique carousel.

• Royal Alberta Museum - Formerly known as the Provincial Museum of Alberta, this centrally located cultural institution is among the most interesting in Edmonton. The museum has a strong biology and natural history focus, showcasing several fascinating fossils that have been found across the province; there are also collections on humanitarian sciences and conservation, as well as sections curated specifically for children. You can visit the RAM’s official website to learn more.

• Elk Island National Park - While not as famous as Alberta’s two jewels, Banff and Jasper, Elk Island is a lovely place to visit. Located just a 40 minute drive west of the city, its best known inhabitants are actually not elk (although they are there, too), but Plains bisons, the park having been an important refuge and conservation space for the iconic species. 

Traffic and parking

Parking is readily available in downtown Edmonton, though most spaces are metered. You can pay via a phone app, coins, or a credit card (though not Visa). You must return to get more time. Garages can be found and parking is not a problem outside of downtown. 

More than dealing with the traffic, in Edmonton, you will have to deal with the winter weather if traveling in the area from November to April. Rental cars will generally have all-season tires installed on them. While these are sufficient for driving under normal winter conditions, they are inferior to proper snow tires during heavy snowfall and in the mountains. Some roads through the Rocky Mountains may additionally require snow chains, though rental companies do not allow them to be installed on their calls. Therefore, if you plan to transit through the mountains with a rental car in winter, be sure to check your planned route and leave extra days in case you are not able to transit due to heavy snowfall. The main roads will be cleared when the storm subsides, of course. 

If you are from an area that doesn’t see snow or that makes use of salt, you will be surprised at the city roads in Alberta. They attempt to use as little salt as possible. The snow is generally packed down and sand put on top to help with traction. Expect only the highways to be completely clear of snow. 

Those from further south may also be surprised to see electric cables hanging out of the front of many cars. These are connected to heaters on the engine block of the car. Residents heat the engine before attempting to crank it when it is extremely cold. Most rental companies do not use them and do not tell their customers to use them. Your rental car may have an engine block heater with the cable hidden. Rental companies don’t want you to use it because people that are not used to using them tend to drive away forgetting to unplug it beforehand. 

If your rental car does not have a snow brush, stop at a gas station and purchase one. They are cheap and essential if it snows. All considered, driving in Edmonton in winter should not worry any driver that has had prior winter driving experience. If you have never driven in a  northerly location in winter, you may want to get some tips beforehand and don’t plan to drive to the Rocky Mountains. 

Toll roads

There are no toll roads in Alberta. Neither are there toll roads in neighboring Saskatchewan or British Columbia. You may find some outdated information online indicating that the Coquihalla Highway (Highway 5) in British Columbia has toll booth, but since 2008, it has been toll-free. 

The closest thing to tolls in Alberta are the roads in the national parks which require paying the entrance fees to the parks to use. 

If you are planning a cross-Canada road trip, be aware that there are a few toll roads in the eastern part of the country.  

Most popular cars

The most popular type of rental car in Edmonton is the Economy class of which the Kia Rio is a great example. Many renters prefer SUVs, both full size and smaller intermediate versions, due to the winter weather and for going on long road trips. The Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Rogue are great examples of these and are both very popular. 

Car rental prices in Edmonton

• Small cars - from $65 per day
• Large cars - from $49 per day
• SUVs - from $49 per day
• Premium cars - from $143 per day
• Medium cars - from $46 per day
• Vans - from $97 per day