Wheels on the Road: How to Rent a Car and Drive Like a Local in Toronto

Renting a car in Toronto is one of the best ways to explore the city and its surrounding areas. On my recent trip to this vibrant metropolis, I decided to ditch public transportation and experience the freedom of the open road. Having lived in cities where driving can be stressful, I was curious about what it would be like to navigate Toronto’s streets. This guide covers everything from renting a car, local driving habits, and tips for getting around the city like a local—all based on my firsthand experience.

Why Rent a Car in Toronto?

Toronto is known for its excellent public transportation system, including subways, buses, and streetcars. However, if you’re like me and enjoy the flexibility of exploring at your own pace, renting a car is a fantastic option. The city’s vibrant neighborhoods, sprawling parks, and nearby attractions like Niagara Falls or Algonquin Provincial Park are much easier to access by car.

Here are a few reasons why I chose to rent a car during my stay:

• Flexibility: Public transport is great for the city center, but having a car allowed me to visit places further out, such as the scenic drives along Lake Ontario or Toronto’s incredible ravines.
• Day Trips: Having a car made it possible to take spontaneous day trips to nearby destinations like Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Toronto Islands.
• Convenience: With a car, I could travel on my own schedule, skip crowded transit systems, and avoid waiting for buses or trains.

Choosing the Right Rental Company

The first step in my car rental journey was to pick a company. Toronto has many international and local rental agencies to choose from, each offering a range of vehicles and prices. I was looking for something that would be both budget-friendly and reliable, so I spent some time comparing options.

Here are a few of the rental agencies I considered:

• Enterprise: Known for its excellent customer service, Enterprise has multiple locations across Toronto, including at Pearson International Airport. They offer a wide variety of vehicles, from compact cars to SUVs.
• Hertz: Another well-established company, Hertz has several branches around the city. They also have options for electric and hybrid vehicles, which was appealing to me as I wanted to explore in an eco-friendly way.
• Budget: True to its name, Budget offers affordable rental options and deals. I found their prices competitive, especially for a week-long rental.

Ultimately, I chose Enterprise due to their convenient pick-up and drop-off locations near my hotel and competitive pricing. I booked a compact car online about a week before my trip, which gave me time to compare deals and read reviews. The booking process was smooth, and I was able to reserve a vehicle with full insurance coverage, which gave me peace of mind.

Picking Up the Car: A Smooth Process

Upon arriving in Toronto, I took a short ride from Pearson International Airport to Enterprise’s downtown branch. The staff was friendly and helpful, which set the tone for a positive rental experience. After presenting my driver’s license, credit card, and rental confirmation, I was quickly given the keys to a fuel-efficient compact car—a perfect fit for navigating Toronto’s busy streets.

• Required Documents: Make sure to bring a valid driver’s license (international travelers should check if an International Driver’s Permit is required), credit card, and rental confirmation.
• Insurance: I opted for full coverage to avoid any potential headaches. While some credit cards offer rental car insurance, I didn’t want to take any chances, especially since I was unfamiliar with Toronto’s driving conditions.
• Inspection: Before leaving, I did a quick inspection of the car with the Enterprise agent, noting any existing scratches or dents. It’s important to document any damage to avoid being held responsible later.

Driving Like a Local: Navigating Toronto’s Streets

Once I hit the road, I quickly realized that driving in Toronto is much like driving in any other major city—busy but manageable. The roads are well-marked, and with GPS on hand, I felt confident about navigating the city.

Here’s what I learned about driving in Toronto:

1. Know the Speed Limits

Toronto’s speed limits are similar to other North American cities, but it’s crucial to follow them closely. Speed limits are usually posted clearly, with residential areas being around 40-50 km/h and main roads at 60 km/h. On highways like the Gardiner Expressway, the limit is typically 90-100 km/h. I found that locals tend to follow the speed limits fairly strictly, especially since Toronto has automated speed cameras set up in many locations.

2. Rush Hour Traffic

Toronto is infamous for its rush hour traffic, particularly on major highways and downtown streets. Morning rush hour typically starts around 7:00 AM and lasts until 9:30 AM, while the evening rush picks up around 4:00 PM and continues until 6:30 PM. To avoid sitting in traffic, I planned my drives outside of these peak times whenever possible.

• Pro Tip: Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to get real-time traffic updates and avoid congested areas. These apps were lifesavers when I needed to detour around accidents or road closures.

3. Parking

One of the biggest challenges I encountered was parking in downtown Toronto. Street parking is limited and often requires payment through meters or parking apps. Many streets also have time restrictions, so it’s important to read the signs carefully to avoid fines. I found that parking garages were the most convenient option, especially near busy areas like Queen Street West and the Distillery District.

• Tip: Download the Green P Parking App, which made it easy to find available parking spaces, pay for parking, and extend time from my phone.

4. Tolls and Highways

Toronto’s major highways include the Gardiner Expressway, Don Valley Parkway (DVP), and Highway 401, one of the busiest highways in North America. While most highways are toll-free, the 407 ETR (Express Toll Route) is a private toll highway that runs north of the city. It’s useful for avoiding traffic on Highway 401, but the tolls can add up quickly. Fortunately, Enterprise had a toll payment system, and I was billed automatically for any tolls I incurred during my trip.

Exploring Toronto’s Neighborhoods by Car

With my rental car, I was able to explore several neighborhoods and attractions that might have been harder to reach using public transit. Here are some highlights from my driving adventures:

1. The Beaches

Located in the east end of the city, The Beaches is a laid-back neighborhood with a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline along Lake Ontario. Parking was relatively easy to find near the beaches, and I spent an afternoon strolling along the boardwalk, enjoying the views of the lake. The car made it easy to visit multiple beaches in the area, including Woodbine Beach and Kew Beach.

2. High Park

Toronto’s largest public park, High Park, is a must-visit for nature lovers. The park is located west of downtown, and I was able to find parking near one of the entrances. Inside, I explored the hiking trails, gardens, and even visited the zoo, all at my own pace. Driving to High Park gave me the flexibility to spend as much time as I wanted and leave when I was ready.

3. Distillery District

This historic district, known for its cobblestone streets and restored Victorian-era buildings, is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. While parking in the area was a bit of a challenge, I found a parking garage nearby and spent the afternoon browsing art galleries, shops, and enjoying a meal at one of the local restaurants. Having a car made it easy to explore the area without worrying about catching the last bus or streetcar.

4. Day Trip to Niagara Falls

One of the biggest perks of renting a car in Toronto is the ability to take day trips. I couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls, located about an hour and a half from Toronto. The drive along the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) was scenic, and having a car allowed me to explore not only the falls but also the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. I spent the day walking along the falls, enjoying the mist, and even took a boat ride up close to the waterfalls.

Tips for Renting a Car in Toronto

Now that I’ve shared my experience, here are a few tips that might help you if you plan to rent a car in Toronto:

1. Book Early

Toronto is a popular destination, and rental car prices can increase during peak tourist seasons, such as summer and holidays. Booking early not only gives you a wider selection of vehicles but also better prices.

2. Check for Hidden Fees

When renting a car, always check for hidden fees like insurance, additional drivers, or mileage limits. I made sure to ask about these upfront to avoid any surprises later.

3. Know the Local Rules

Make sure you’re familiar with Canadian driving laws, including right-of-way rules, seatbelt requirements, and cell phone use while driving. In Ontario, it’s illegal to use a handheld device while driving, so I relied on my car’s Bluetooth system for navigation and calls.

4. Be Prepared for Winter Driving

If you’re visiting Toronto during the winter months, be prepared for icy and snowy conditions. Many rental companies equip their vehicles with winter tires, but it’s important to drive cautiously and be familiar with winter driving techniques.

Returning the Car

At the end of my trip, returning the car was a breeze. I dropped it off at the same downtown Enterprise location where I picked it up. After a quick inspection to ensure there was no new damage, I was on my way. The entire process was efficient, and I appreciated how easy it was to extend my rental by a day when I needed a little more time to explore.

Renting a car in Toronto gave me the freedom to explore the city and its surrounding areas in a way that wouldn’t have been possible with public transportation alone. From navigating downtown streets to taking scenic drives along Lake Ontario, having a car made my trip both convenient and enjoyable. If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, I highly recommend considering a rental car, especially if you want to experience everything the city and its nearby attractions have to offer.