What Kind Of Car To Rent
4x4 or no?
Meghan and Patrick Mitchell
Banff and Canadian Rockies Uncovered, Canada
Depending on the season a 4x4 or AWD can be necessary and is totally worth the extra money. In all seasons except summer AWD is highly recommended. Hopefully you will not have to use your 4x4 but we saw countless people stuck in parking lots last winter even just around Banff area.
Many areas do not have reception so you can't always count on being able to call for help!
The icefields parkway road to Jasper can have unpaved sections and substantial snow and ice.
Many of the roads in the area to get to hikes or lookouts are gravel. Even though they are well maintained and 2wd is no problem in summer rock chips are common and having a higher clearance car can save your windshield.
If you have the option picking a rental car that includes windshield ding coverage is a great idea.
