Nanaimo Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Nanaimo

Renting a car in Nanaimo offers you the freedom and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently visit key attractions like Departure Bay Beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the water, and Long Lake, which provides beautiful scenery and outdoor opportunities. Culture enthusiasts will appreciate a trip to the historic Bastion, located within the city. Additionally, a short drive of 10 km will take you to Gabriola Island, where you can explore the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve and community parks. The neighbourhoods of Departure Bay and Stephenson Point also offer easy access to beaches and picturesque views. Renting a car makes it simple to manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed, whether you are a family seeking adventure or a couple looking for a romantic getaway. By having your own transportation, you can easily navigate between attractions and create a personalized itinerary that suits your interests and schedule.

Most popular car rentals in Nanaimo

• Midsize: The Midsize car is a popular choice for those travelling in and around Nanaimo, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases. This option is ideal for couples or families looking for a balance of comfort and practicality. With the Midsize car, you have the flexibility to explore the stunning attractions of Nanaimo at your own pace, making it a convenient option for your journey.
• Compact: If you are travelling solo or with a partner or family, the Compact car is an excellent option. It comfortably seats up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases. This type offers a great mix of efficiency and manoeuvrability, making it perfect for navigating the streets of Nanaimo while still providing enough space for your luggage. The Compact car allows you to enjoy your trip without feeling cramped.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car stands out as a versatile choice, accommodating 5 travellers with the option for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it particularly suitable for families or groups who require extra space for their belongings. By choosing a Fullsize car, you can ensure everyone has room to travel comfortably while taking in the scenic views around Nanaimo, making your road trip experience that much more enjoyable.

Top rated car suppliers in Nanaimo

• Budget: Budget is a popular choice among travellers in Nanaimo, boasting 4 rental locations throughout the area. With an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10, this supplier is well-regarded for its friendly service, clean vehicles, and short wait times. Most booked cars with Budget include Midsize and Compact options, making it an excellent choice for those seeking flexibility and convenience while exploring the beautiful surroundings of Nanaimo.
• Enterprise: Enterprise operates 1 rental location in Nanaimo and is known for its exceptional customer service. Travellers appreciate the friendly staff and the ease of the rental process. The most popular vehicles booked through Enterprise are Midsize and Compact SUVs, ideal for families or groups looking to explore the area comfortably. With a reputation for reliability and a focus on customer satisfaction, Enterprise is a solid option for car rentals in Nanaimo.
• National Car Rental: National Car Rental also has 1 rental location in Nanaimo, providing a convenient option for visitors. Known for its quality service, National primarily offers Midsize and Compact vehicles, catering to those who prefer practicality and efficiency. With a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, National Car Rental is a great choice for travellers looking to experience the attractions in and around Nanaimo at their own pace.

Where to stay around Nanaimo

• North Oyster: Located 17 km from Nanaimo, North Oyster offers a scenic getaway perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and recreational areas, making it ideal for a family or adventure holiday. Explore highlights like Yellow Point Park and Blue Heron Park, both great for eco-friendly activities. With local wineries and breweries nearby, enjoy a taste of the region while soaking in the stunning natural surroundings.
• Gabriola Island: Situated 10 km from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is a picturesque destination for those seeking adventure and tranquillity. The island features beautiful beaches and the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve, perfect for eco-friendly exploration. Visitors can enjoy Departure Bay Beach and local dining options, including pubs and wineries. Gabriola Island's natural beauty makes it a refreshing retreat for outdoor activities and relaxation alike.
• Cassidy: At a distance of 13 km from Nanaimo, Cassidy is another charming spot for nature lovers. This area boasts stunning scenery and access to beaches and parks. Key attractions include Roberts Memorial Provincial Park and WildPlay Element Parks Nanaimo, which cater to those looking for adventure. Local breweries and pubs offer a chance to unwind after a day of exploration, making Cassidy a well-rounded destination for your stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Nanaimo

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra room, a convertible for sunny days, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often allows you to obtain lower rates and ensures better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best choice. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may be worth the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case anything unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Nanaimo

The best time to rent a car in and around Nanaimo is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. January and February also offer good value, with slightly low prices and moderately low demand. As summer approaches, June through August see a rise in prices and demand, making July the most expensive month. While June and August can be busy with slightly high demand, September and October return to average levels, providing a more balanced rental environment.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	38.3°F (3.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Average
March	41.2°F (5.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
April	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	64.4°F (18.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	64.8°F (18.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	58.5°F (14.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	50.2°F (10.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
December	37.2°F (2.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low