Last updated: 29 July 2026
Why Rent a Car in Toronto
The city itself is well served by transit and parking downtown is expensive, so a car earns its keep on what lies outside it: Niagara Falls and wine country an hour and a half southwest, Muskoka cottage country two hours north, and Prince Edward County east along the lake. The 401 runs 540 km east to Montreal if you want to make a trip of it.
Driving Tips for Toronto
Highway 401 splits into express and collector lanes through the city — the express lanes skip local exits, so pick the collectors if you are leaving within a few junctions. The Gardiner Expressway along the waterfront is the main east-west route downtown and is frequently under repair. Ontario's Highway Traffic Act requires headlights from sunset to sunrise, and handheld phone use while driving is an offence.
Winter tyres are not legally required in Ontario, but insurers are obliged to offer a premium discount for them, which tells you what the industry thinks of the risk. If you are visiting between December and March, ask the supplier whether the car has them.
Best Time to Visit and Drive
May to October is the comfortable window. July and August are warm and busy, with rates rising alongside the Muskoka traffic. Late September and early October bring autumn colour north of the city and the best combination of weather and price. January and February are cold and grey, and lake-effect snow can close secondary roads with little warning.
Compare Car Rental Providers in Toronto
| Provider | Coverage | Best For | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
 Economybookings.com | Covers Canada among 150+ countries — 800+ rental companies, 20,000+ pickup points | Seeing the widest range of offers in Canada in one search | Check Prices |
 QEEQ | Covers Canada among ~200 countries — 1,000+ rental partners | Price Drop Protector — automatic rebooking if the rate falls before pickup | Check Prices |
 AutoEurope | Books Canada through its broker network — ~190 countries, 28,000 pickup points | One-way routes and major-brand counters in Canada | Check Prices |
 Europcar (US & Canada) | Own airport desks in Canada — direct supplier, not a broker | A car guaranteed by the supplier itself at Canada airport desks | Check Prices |
Car Hire at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
Most visitors collect the car on arrival. See our guide to car hire at Toronto Pearson Airport for counter locations, deposits and the drive into the city.