Nanaimo Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Nanaimo

Renting a car in Nanaimo provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Whether you are travelling with family or carrying luggage, having a rental vehicle makes managing your belongings easy and allows you to create your own travel itinerary. You can visit key attractions such as Departure Bay Beach, known for its beautiful shoreline, and Long Lake, which offers scenic views and outdoor activities. For those interested in culture, the historic Bastion is also conveniently accessible by car.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture to nearby destinations like Gabriola Island, located 10 km away, where you can explore the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve and enjoy the tranquil community parks. The neighborhoods of Departure Bay and Stephenson Point are also within easy reach, featuring the same beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces. With a rental car, you can enjoy a family trip filled with beach experiences and outdoor adventures, all while having the convenience of travelling on your own 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 boasts 4 rental locations in the Nanaimo area, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Known for its friendly service, Budget has an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10. Customers appreciate the clean vehicles and short wait times, enhancing the overall rental experience. The most booked cars from Budget are Midsize and Compact, catering to various travel needs and preferences.
• Enterprise: With 1 rental location in Nanaimo, Enterprise is well-regarded for its exceptional customer service. This supplier is noted for its friendly staff who are eager to assist renters. The most popular vehicles booked through Enterprise include Midsize and Compact SUVs, making it an excellent choice for those needing a bit more space during their travels.
• National Car Rental: National Car Rental has 1 rental location in the Nanaimo area and is recognized for providing reliable service. Customers frequently choose Midsize and Compact vehicles from this supplier, which are ideal for both solo travellers and small groups. National's commitment to quality makes it a solid option for those looking to explore Nanaimo and its surroundings.

Where to stay around Nanaimo

• North Oyster: Located 17 km away from Nanaimo, North Oyster is ideal for those seeking an outdoor and beach experience. Popular attractions include Yellow Point Park, perfect for eco-friendly adventures, and Blue Heron Park, which offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the beach and marina, while local dining options feature a selection of wineries and breweries.
• Gabriola Island: Just 10 km from Nanaimo, Gabriola Island is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. With highlights such as the Elder Cedar Nature Reserve and Departure Bay Beach, it’s a great spot for exploring nature. The island also boasts local wineries and pubs, making it a charming retreat for those looking to relax and enjoy scenic views.
• Cassidy: Located 13 km away from Nanaimo, Cassidy offers a blend of outdoor experiences and scenic beauty. Key attractions include Roberts Memorial Provincial Park, ideal for adventure seekers, and the Quennell Lake Car Top Boat Launch, perfect for family outings. Visitors can indulge in local breweries and pubs, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of this quaint community.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to locate the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, making it wise to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to enjoy lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre and park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before finalising your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most convenient option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which can also work. Just ensure that you return the car with an empty tank in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unforeseen expenses and provides peace of mind if something unexpected occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Nanaimo

The best value period to rent a car in Nanaimo is November, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. October also offers similar pricing and demand characteristics. For those looking at mid-range value months, September and December have average prices with steady demand. However, July stands out as the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and moderately high demand, making it a busier time for rentals. June through August also see increased demand and pricing during the summer months.

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