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The 5 Best Car Rental Companies in Canada
When you hop off the plane in Canada, your options for getting around aren’t exactly overflowing. In fact, more often than not, renting a car is your golden ticket to all those places Canada is so famous for — like the ones with the best pictures with the Northern Lights as their background.
While you can use different commutes to get around cities and towns, here’s the real kicker: when it’s time to explore Canada’s jaw-dropping remote beauty, nothing beats having your own wheels.
But given the demand for this service, there are a lot of companies out there to choose from. Luckily, we’ll go through which car rental company is the best in Canada in this article, so read on!
1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Services: Car rentals, car shares, truck or van reservations
Website: https://www.enterprise.ca/en/home.html
Contact details: 1-844-307-8008
Locations: https://www.enterprise.ca/en/car-rental/locations/canada.html
Pricing: Economy rates for 2-5 seater: $33 – $96
Kayak reviews score | 4.3/5 |
Momondo reviews score | 4.2/5 |
Allreviews reviews score | 4.3/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.3/5 |
Quality of service | 4.5/5 |
Transportation and capacity | 5/5 |
Safety and maintenance | 4.5/5 |
Availability | 4/5 |
Convenience and punctuality | 5/5 |
Qualifications | 5/5 |
Customer service | 4.5/5 |
Price (A higher score means better value) | 5/5 |
Pros
- Has a mobile app
- Has over 7,600 locations in Canada
- Offers a loyalty program
Cons
- Some reports of availability issues
- Can improve inspections
What we like most about Enterprise Rent-A-Car is that it has over 7,600 locations all across Canada. So, chances are you’ll find an Enterprise spot at the airport or in the city you’re headed to.
We find that booking with them is a piece of cake, too. Their website is user-friendly, and the booking system is quick and responsive — you won’t get redirected to 50 different sites before pressing OK.
It’s also a plus in our books that they have this handy mobile app that makes renting a car on the go a total breeze. Picture this: no long lines, no fuss, just convenience in your hand.
And a friendly tip: think about extra coverage or insurance if you need them. Get that sorted out upfront, and you won’t have to break a sweat when it’s time to hit the road.
However, we’ve come across some reports that have us concerned. There have been cases where clients thought they had a car all booked and confirmed, but then, surprise, it’s unavailable when they show up.
So, just a heads-up to double-check the availability situation when you book or call again the day or night before you arrive to pick it up.
Lastly, they have a loyalty program called Enterprise Plus with perks like free rental days, faster check-ins, and even a dedicated customer service line for members. If you’re a road warrior, this could be a deal worth diving into.
2. Avis Car Rental
Services: Car rentals, business rentals
Website: https://www.avis.ca/en/home
Contact details/Address: Depends on location
Pricing: Economy rates for 2-5 seater: $61 – $84
Rentalcars reviews score | 4.4/5 |
Kayak reviews score | 3.8/5 |
QEEQ reviews score | 4.2/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.6/5 |
Quality of service | 4.5/5 |
Transportation and capacity | 4.5/5 |
Safety and maintenance | 4.5/5 |
Availability | 4.5/5 |
Convenience and punctuality | 4.5/5 |
Qualifications | 4.5/5 |
Customer service | 4/5 |
Price (A higher score means better value) | 5/5 |
Pros
- Free cancellations on most bookings
- Offers car rental deals
- Straightforward process and transaction
- Has a free loyalty program for returning customers
Cons
- Can improve communication
- Some reports of long wait times
Avis Canada has you covered with a variety of vehicles in their fleet. Whether you’re looking for something compact for city cruising or need the space of an SUV or minivan for your Canadian journey, they have options to suit your needs.
What’s really handy with Avis is that renting a car is a piece of cake. Their website is straightforward and user-friendly. Plus, if you prefer, you can even book through third-party sites.
And here’s the scoop from surveys and clients who used Avis: the pick-up and drop-off process is a breeze. Quick and straightforward, just the way you want it when you’re itching to hit the road!
On the contrary, some clients also shared their experiences about longer wait times, especially with last-minute inspections.
Our pro tip here is to contact them if you’re on your way to have your car all prepped and ready to roll when you arrive. You can also dodge any unnecessary delays.
Besides that, the cool part is that they usually don’t charge for cancellations on most bookings. So, go ahead and keep those hopes high, and if plans change, you won’t have to worry about shelling out extra for cancellations.
Finally, we like that Avis offers a free loyalty program for their returning customers. It’s a fantastic perk that adds an extra sweetness to your rental experience.
3. Alamo Rent a Car
Services: Car rentals
Website: https://www.alamo.ca/en/home.html
Address: https://www.alamo.ca/en/car-rental-locations/ca.html
Contact details: (844) 307-8011
Pricing: Economy rates for 2-5 seater: $73 – $161
Rentalcars reviews score | 4.3/5 |
Kayak Reviews score | 4.3/5 |
Yelp reviews score | 3/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 3.9/5 |
Quality of service | 4.5/5 |
Transportation and capacity | 5/5 |
Safety and maintenance | 4.5/5 |
Availability | 4.5/5 |
Convenience and punctuality | 4/5 |
Qualifications | 4.5/5 |
Customer service | 4.5/5 |
Price (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
Pros
- Fast processing
- Flexible with sudden changes
- Maintains cleanliness
- Offers deals and discounts
Cons
- Slightly pricier rates
- Some reports of long wait times
Alamo is part of the same family as National and Enterprise. While it might not have as many locations, it’s still a solid option for your Canadian adventure.
When it comes to booking, it’s a breeze if you’re already familiar with Enterprise. What’s even better is that there’s not a ton of fuss or hassle when they handle your rental and details — wouldn’t want to deal with all that if you’re in a hurry, eh?
We also like to give props to the management at most Canadian Alamo locations. They provide swift action when it comes to tackling sudden changes or issues to ensure you have a smooth experience.
For instance, a client faced a 12-hour flight delay, but when they touched down, Alamo had their back with a replacement car ready to roll out.
Now, let’s talk dollars and cents; Alamo’s rates can be on the pricier side. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re watching your budget.
But don’t be too quick to judge; you can try to snag their wallet-friendly deals and discounts that can work magic on your total, making it much more budget-friendly.
Nonetheless, Alamo is a reliable pick for those who want a quick response and solution when life throws unexpected curveballs your way. And bonus points for their commitment to keeping those rental cars spick and span.
4. Routes Car Rental
Services: Car rentals, truck or van rentals
Website: https://routes.ca/en/
Contact details/Address: Depends on location
Pricing: Economy rates for 2-5 seater: $43 – $70
Rentalcars reviews score | 3.9/5 |
Rental24H reviews score | 4.6/5 |
Total reviews | 4/5 |
Score consistency | 4.3/5 |
Quality of service | 4/5 |
Transportation and capacity | 5/5 |
Safety and maintenance | 5/5 |
Availability | 4/5 |
Convenience and punctuality | 3/5 |
Qualifications | 5/5 |
Customer service | 4/5 |
Price (A higher score means better value) | 5/5 |
Pros
- Located at major airports and downtown areas
- Has affordable rates
- Has a diverse fleet
Cons
- Some reports of long wait times
- Some complaints of availability issues
Now, let’s shift our gears to Routes Car Rental; they have your back with ten locations strategically placed at major airports and downtown spots all over Canada.
So, whether you’re exploring the western shores of British Columbia or diving into vibrant cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Vancouver, Routes is ready to serve you.
Now, let’s talk about their vehicle fleet. It’s pretty modern and diverse, which means they’ve got the perfect set of wheels for whatever your adventure requires.
Just to give you the lowdown, they’ve got a lineup that covers everything from compact economy cars to Chryslers and Jeeps. So, no matter what you’re in the market for, chances are they’ve got it, and they’re usually on point with competitive prices.
We also like that they have high-end SUVs, minivans and trucks, ideal for those family road trips in style.
However, some clients have grumbled about waiting a tad too long at the pickup counter, which isn’t the best way to start your trip.
And while they’ve got variety, the availability of specific vehicles can be hit or miss, depending on where and when you book. It’s best to call them directly when your pickup is nearing the corner.
Regardless, If you’re after choice, competitive pricing, and convenience in urban areas, they’ve got you covered. And with a little planning, Routes could be your ticket to a fantastic and affordable Canadian adventure.
5. Hertz
Services: Car rentals
Website: https://www.hertz.ca/rentacar/reservation/
Contact details/ Address: Depends on location
Pricing: Economy rates for 2-5 seater: $42 – $226
Rentalcars reviews score | 4.2/5 |
Kayak reviews score | 3.5/5 |
Discover Cars reviews score | 4.4/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 4.6/5 |
Quality of service | 4/5 |
Transportation and capacity | 4.5/5 |
Safety and maintenance | 4/5 |
Availability | 3/5 |
Convenience and punctuality | 4/5 |
Qualifications | 5/5 |
Customer service | 4/5 |
Price (A higher score means better value) | 4/5 |
Pros
- Seamless drop-offs
- No membership fees for rewards program
- Has a decent selection of luxury and electric vehicles
- Provides AAA members discounts
Cons
- Can improve cleanliness
- Some booking and availability issues
- Some reports of long wait times
Hertz has gained the privilege of being a household name in the car rental world and has a substantial presence in Canada.
With over 200 locations across Canada, they cover major airports, downtown spots, and even some off-the-beaten-path gems.
We also like that Hertz has a wide range of car options. From economy cars for business trips to family-friendly high-capacity vehicles, eco-friendly Teslas, and the luxury of Mercedes and BMW, they can suit every taste and need.
But here’s the catch – sometimes, they get a bit mixed up with the vehicle availability, leading to clients cancelling or swapping cars on the spot.
From what we’ve seen, it looks like they sell more reservations than they have cars for, and that can lead to some pretty lengthy wait times.
And just a heads up, a few clients have mentioned wait times at pickup counters when things get hectic.
On a positive note, Hertz is known for their 24/7 roadside assistance, which is handy for any unexpected hiccups. Plus, if you’re an AAA member, exclusive discounts are waiting for you.
Hertz comes through with reliable services and a wide range of choices. If you decide to go with them, we highly recommend signing up for their rewards program – it’s free and packed with perks that can sweeten the deal.