How to find a cheap car hire deal in Nanaimo
Need a cheap rental car in Nanaimo? With prices averaging $163 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're wanting a compact ride, a family sedan, or something in between, we compare all the best deals to get you more for your money.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Nanaimo is $73.
Planning an extended stay and want to go further than the usual stops? $508 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your insider tip for booking at the right time. Around three weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Nanaimo car hire.
National, Budget and Enterprise are some of the most popular providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
The coverage National or another company includes with your Nanaimo car hire can differ, so always go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking a one-way car hire can be the key to finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes need to move vehicles between branches, which means you can lock in some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Nanaimo.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Pack more into your journey by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average $101 a day.
Coming in second is [this provider](this provider), which offers daily rates of around $170.
The third option also keeps costs reasonable. Expect to pay roughly $126 a day for one of their rentals.
Need a car that covers most travel plans? The Economy rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting Nanaimo.
Flying to Nanaimo? Think about an airport pick-up
Or make a speedy getaway with a car hire from Nanaimo Airport. Once those keys are in your hand, it'll take roughly 20 minutes to drive the 11 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Nanaimo
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or just planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Nanaimo car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country backroads alike.
Van: Select this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Nanaimo that makes light work of heavy loads. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different Nanaimo car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Make travel easier when you rent a car in Nanaimo by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't always the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could face extra fees or restrictions. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your rental in Canada.
Travel plans include the kids? Child car seat laws differ from place to place, and the correct setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Nanaimo car hire booking.
Come prepared to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) plus another photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in Canada may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 45kph in urban areas and around 95kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Canada is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Best hotels in Nanaimo for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time settling into the comfort of Courtyard by Marriott Nanaimo. Around 0.32 kilometres from central Nanaimo, it comes with parking, a fitness centre and car hire options.
Or make use of the parking at Coast Bastion Hotel. The city centre is roughly 0.32 kilometres from this option, which also features a beauty salon and express check-in.
Browse through the range of hotels in Nanaimo for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Nanaimo and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Newcastle Island Park, The Parkway Trail and Mt. Benson Regional Park are a classic introduction to the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Nanaimo
Navigate your way to Vancouver. Around 64 kilometres east of central Nanaimo, it's home to must-do sights like Stanley Park Seawall and Stanley Park.
Quality Inn & Suites and Hyatt Regency Vancouver are reliable accommodation options with parking in Vancouver.
Add Surrey to your travels too. Grab your cheap car hire in Nanaimo and drive around 88 kilometres east to take in hot spots like Green Timbers Urban Forest and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
Ramada by Wyndham Surrey/Langley and Best Western King George Inn Suites are comfy places to stay in Surrey if you're planning to stick around. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Got a little fuel left in the tank? Motor on to Maple Ridge, around 105 kilometres east of Nanaimo. From Golden Ears Provincial Park to Maple Ridge Trail, it's the perfect finale to your trip.
