Car hire in Canada

[icowden]

Anyone with Canada knowledge on here?

We are heading to Toronto in July / August on a fly/drive type holiday. By we, I mean my family of 4 (me, my wife, the 18 year old and the 16 year old) and my mother and father in law. So 6 adults with 6 big suitcases and 6 carry on plus handbags and medical bag.

Now, the issue I face is that we really only want to have to hire one car. My father in law is getting a bit old for being trusted with driving on the wrong side of the road, my mother in law and wife aren't keen on driving and the 18 year old would be expensive on a hire.

So - I'm trying to work out what car we would need to hire to fit all of us in. Most of the time the luggage is going to be in a hotel or airbnb, but we will need the ability to get it all in the car and not be too squashed on a 2 to 4 hour drive.

The largest car I've found is something called the GMC Yukon XL which I think *might* be ok, but i'm not that famiilar with US cars. I can't fin anywhere that has a minivan type car yet.

So - any suggestions hive mind?

 

[PK99]

https://www.kayak.co.uk/Toronto-8-S...y2dJvhJALsh1Bv5nWs-gKOYLaqRdFLOBoCVQcQAvD_BwE

We are canada regulars, never used this search firm (we always book though trailfinders and delegate car hire finding to our tame agent)

 

[YMFB]

We have hired a Yukon twice and have another booked for this years skiing trip, pick up and drop off at Calgary airport. We like it because we can fit four adults including skis in. It’s probably not as big as my range rover but longer. Car park bays, roads, driveways are all larger than in the U.K. it’s my hire car of choice partly because my friend in the US has one.

 

[Shadow]

I know some parts of The Great White North really well, some quite well and the far north not at all. I used to live in TO.

I am not familiar with the Yukon XL yet having had a quick look at its spec, travelling around with 6 of you should be fine. Although as a tall person, I would not want to sit in row 3. Your difficulty is your luggage. I do not think you will fit 6 adults with 6 loads of luggage at the same time. Have a look at the 'passenger van' options at various car hire sites.

Where are you planning to go? What are you planning to do? Will all of 6 you be travelling together all the time? And possibly most importantly, where are you staying on your first and last nights? Because another option could be, if you are staying in or near Toronto, is to go with the Yukon but have 2 or 3 adults travel to your first accommodation in a different vehicle, e.g. taxi (aka airport limo) or train (UP Express if going downtown or connecting to the clean and efficient underground aka subway or TTC) . Both are efficient and even the taxi option is reasonable, under the circumstances.

 

[icowden]

I am not familiar with the Yukon XL yet having had a quick look at its spec, travelling around with 6 of you should be fine. Although as a tall person, I would not want to sit in row 3. Your difficulty is your luggage. I do not think you will fit 6 adults with 6 loads of luggage at the same time. Have a look at the 'passenger van' options at various car hire sites.

I've been trying to but they are tricky to find.

Where are you planning to go? What are you planning to do?

Day 1 is probably stay in Toronto, then drive down to St Catherines / Niagra falls and stay for a night, possibly two there. Then a drive up to the Algonquin where we are staying for 7 nights. then a few days of not sure yet. Yes we'll all be travelling together.

 

[Shadow]

I've been trying to but they are tricky to find.

How about something like these?
-https://reservations.holidaycarrentals.ca/rates?action=vehicle_details
-https://reservations.maxxcarrental.com/rates?action=vehicle_details
-https://www.carrentalexpress.com/revolution/city-car-and-truck-rental-toronto/rates?action=customer_information&sid=1rgm9n3epmdvt6dfr05djhv0k4

Day 1 is probably stay in Toronto, then drive down to St Catherines / Niagra falls and stay for a night, possibly two there. Then a drive up to the Algonquin where we are staying for 7 nights. then a few days of not sure yet

St Catharines is a good option for an overnight stay and access to the Falls. Niagara itself is mostly hi-rise hotels and likely to be expensive. Niagara-on-the Lake is a quaint town maybe worth a visit. Touristy and quaint like Stratford on Avon. Likely to be expensive to stay overnight.

Niagara Falls will be heaving with tourists at height of summer. I was last there 6 years ago (early july) and thought it would be cool to look at the Falls at night - it was still heaving. Because unknown to me there were fireworks every night during summer months. Unless you want to take a boat ride to the Falls - you WILL get wet in spite of 'waterproof' gear provided, but that is all part of the fun - I would recommend that you get up early and go first thing. I was there about 06:00 with maybe 10 other folk there, perfect. And unless you like the most commercial and tacky aspects of Blackpool/Skegness, avoid Niagara Falls town; like Skeggy multiplied by ten!

I am guessing you mean Algonquin Park. If so, a great place to experience the 'wilderness'. About the size of Hampshire with one road running across the southern part. You could quite easily go for a walk/canoe without seeing a soul for an entire day. With in-laws I am guessing you are not camping. Do you have roofed accommodation booked? Highly recommend hiring/borrowing canoes. And do take sunscreen and importantly, mosquito repellent. It is highly likely that at least one of your family will be eaten by them, especially at dusk and/or near the water.

Do any of you enjoy beer and/or wine?

 

[icowden]

How about something like these?

Perfect. I did do some youtubing to see what a Yukon XL looks like in terms of space. I understand it's terrible in terms of fuel consumption. I do find the car hire sites baffling. For example CRX lists "12 passenger full size van". But when you look at the detail it's a 7 seat Chrysler Grand Caravan which I think is a similar size to the Yukon XL.

St Catharines is a good option for an overnight stay and access to the Falls. Niagara-on-the Lake is a quaint town maybe worth a visit. Touristy and quaint like Stratford on Avon. Likely to be expensive to stay overnight.

I think we were considering St Catharines or Niagra on the Lake and to heck with the cost!

I would recommend that you get up early and go first thing. I was there about 06:00 with maybe 10 other folk there, perfect. And unless you like the most commercial and tacky aspects of Blackpool/Skegness, avoid Niagara Falls town; like Skeggy multiplied by ten!

Thanks - we'll be in that early morning group I suspect.

I am guessing you mean Algonquin Park. If so, a great place to experience the 'wilderness'. About the size of Hampshire with one road running across the southern part. You could quite easily go for a walk/canoe without seeing a soul for an entire day. With in-laws I am guessing you are not camping. Do you have roofed accommodation booked?

Yes, a very nice AirBnB in Huntsville facing the Deerhurst Golf Course. One of the challenges is working out what we can do that is compatible with the age and fitness of the in-laws. Canoeing may be an adventure for us while they go for a walk or some such. After Algonquin park I'm not sure what the plan is. Possibly to travel towards Quebec before heading back to Toronto.

Highly recommend hiring/borrowing canoes. And do take sunscreen and importantly, mosquito repellent. It is highly likely that at least one of your family will be eaten by them, especially at dusk and/or near the water.

Do any of you enjoy beer and/or wine?

 

[Shadow]

I understand it's terrible in terms of fuel consumption

Indeed; all large vehicles will be. But this is north america, so fuel is cheap, relative to the UK.

Huntsville facing the Deerhurst Golf Course. One of the challenges is working out what we can do that is compatible with the age and fitness of the in-laws.

Great location. You should be able to find plenty to do for all members of the family. With plenty of chill time too! Does your AirBnB property sit on a lake or riverside? Anyone planning on cycling?!

After Algonquin park I'm not sure what the plan is. Possibly to travel towards Quebec before heading back to Toronto.

How long do you have after Huntsville? Quebec (QC) could be an option. Just remember, even Ontario (ON) is vast, so the drive from Montreal back to TO is 5 hours. When on the highways e.g. QEW, 400 and 401, the HOV lane is for you = High Occupancy Vehicle.

 

[icowden]

Great location. You should be able to find plenty to do for all members of the family. With plenty of chill time too! Does your AirBnB property sit on a lake or riverside? Anyone planning on cycling?!

Well, I would but I might be on my own :-(. The property looks like it's on St Andrews Cir(?cus?) and pictures show a large pond or small lake at the end of the back garden.

How long do you have after Huntsville?

5 days (the flight being on day 5)

Quebec (QC) could be an option. Just remember, even Ontario (ON) is vast, so the drive from Montreal back to TO is 5 hours. When on the highways e.g. QEW, 400 and 401, the HOV lane is for you = High Occupancy Vehicle.

Thanks for that tip.

 

[Shadow]

a large pond or small lake at the end of the back garden.

A difference between the 2! A large pond is not much use except for sitting around looking pretty while having a drink & BBQ; a small lake might be able to swim, canoe or fish in! I admit that the large pond is still better than nothing.

Ok, options after Huntsville. I would not go north! I am guessing you would like to aim for one place and take day trips, not going to one place and then move on after a day or two to somewhere else, loading and unloading the van with 6 could be stressful. So, some options:
a) Quebec - this could mean the cities of Quebec or Montreal or somewhere in the province. Both cities offer much to tourists, with the edge to Quebec City, possibly. The downside is you will have a huge drive on your last day. If you do get this far, it may be worth stopping at Montmorency Falls, a short distance east of Montreal. Taller than Niagara, just not as spectacular.
b) Ottawa - by this I mean near the city. It has some tourist interests e.g. Rideau Canal, Art Gallery of Canada etc. However, it is not hugely exciting BUT if you pop over the border into Gatineau/Hull it is like another country! I am unable to recommend anything specific as I do not know the area. It would be easy to get to after Huntsville.
c) Either Kingston area or Prince Edward County (PEC). Right on Lake Ontario with all its attendant attractions e.g boat cruises, beaches etc. Kingston is close enough for a day trip to Montreal and you could explore the Thousand Islands area. My biased choice would be PEC. Parks, beaches, probably no foreign tourists, good food and superb wine. And close enough to explore the Thousand Islands.
If you go for this option, I would highly recommend a detour off Hwy 401 to Peterborough, to visit the Canoe Museum. Sounds boring however it is hugely fascinating, entwining indigenous crafts, history, geography and more.
d) Look at a map and see if there is any place you might prefer!

considering St Catharines or Niagra on the Lake

In and around NOTL is also a great place to find local breweries and plenty of excellent wineries.

In general:
- remember there will be discounts for seniors and students at many places, ask!
- do not try and see/do too much stuff, (especially if you need to drive for a couple of hours)
- some places might benefit from planning/booking ahead
- be open to boat trips/tours, some can be very good
- have fun!