Winter CarRentals: Top Destinations for Road Trips and the Best Cars to Rent
Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge offers an incredible variety of winter road trip destinations, from cozy small towns to spectacular natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking a snowy retreat in the wilderness, a scenic drive along frozen lakes, or a cultural getaway in a winter wonderland, Ontario has something for every winter traveler. To make sure you’re ready for the season’s challenges, we’ve compiled a list of top winter road trip destinations in Ontario and the best carrental for these winter adventures.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Best Car to Rent: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) SUV or 4WD Vehicle
Why: Algonquin Park is a beautiful winter destination, but it can also be remote and prone to heavy snowfalls. AWD or 4WD vehicles are essential for navigating the park’s forested roads, especially when snow accumulation is heavy, and conditions can change quickly. So its always better to rent a car according to your needs and enjoy the trip.
Suggested Vehicles:
- Toyota Rav4 (4WD, rugged and spacious for snow)
- Honda CR-V (AWD, reliable and great for winter conditions)
- Honda HR-V (AWD, compact yet equipped for winter roads)
Why Visit: Algonquin Provincial Park is a stunning year-round destination, but it’s especially magical in the winter. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are popular activities. The park’s backcountry is peaceful, and the frozen lakes offer opportunities for winter camping or ice fishing.
Niagara Falls
Cheapest CarRental: Compact AWD or Mid-Size Sedan
Why: While Niagara Falls is a year-round attraction, it looks especially mesmerizing in winter, with ice formations and snow covering the surrounding landscape. Roads around the falls are well-maintained, but a compact AWD or a sedan car with winter tires offers the best combination of comfort, handling, and fuel efficiency. A car rental in Kitchener is known for their rental fleet, as they provide all types of rental vehicle considering the requirements.
Suggested Vehicles:
- Hyundai Elantra (perfect for city driving and snowy conditions)
- Toyota Camry AWD (reliable sedan with AWD capabilities)
- Honda Civic (compact, great for winter driving)
Why Visit: The iconic Niagara Falls are transformed into a winter wonderland with snow-covered trees and the mist of the falls creating magical ice formations. You can enjoy winter walks along the scenic trails, visit the indoor attractions, or take a heated boat tour (weather permitting). Nearby towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake offer charming winter festivals and wineries
Blue Mountain Resort
Rent a car: SUV with AWD or 4WD
Why: Blue Mountain Resort is Ontario’s premier ski destination, and a visit here requires navigating snowy and icy mountain roads. An SUV with AWD or 4WD is ideal for dealing with slippery conditions, especially if you’re traveling from Toronto or other southern Ontario locations. A car rental company can provide you with all types of large SUV, compact SUV and other 4WD options.
Suggested Vehicles:
- Chevrolet Equinox (AWD, reliable for winter conditions)
- Toyota RAV4 (AWD, compact and fuel-efficient)
- Honda CR-V (4WD, larger option for families)
Why Visit: Located along the shores of Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain Resort is a top choice for skiers and snowboarders. The resort also offers hiking, tobogganing, and snowshoeing. The area’s charming village is perfect for après-ski activities, including dining, shopping, and cozying up by the fire.
Muskoka Region
Rental Vehicles: AWD SUV or 4WD Truck
Why: Muskoka is known for its pristine lakes and forested landscapes. In the winter, roads can be slippery, especially when you’re driving through forested areas with icy patches. A 4WD or AWD vehicle will give you more confidence navigating rural and cottage country roads. So once you plan for a road trip to Muskoka, do not forget to explore car rental places for various vehicle options you can rent for a road trip in winters.
Suggested Vehicles:
- Dodge Ram 1500 (4WD, rugged and ideal for rural roads)
- Tundra (4WD truck, perfect for rugged conditions)
- Ford F-150 (AWD, spacious and safe for winter driving)
Why Visit: Muskoka is a favorite winter getaway for those seeking peace and tranquility in nature. You can enjoy a variety of activities, including snowshoeing, ice fishing, and skating on the region’s frozen lakes. The charming towns of Bracebridge, Huntsville, and Gravenhurst offer cozy accommodations and quaint winter markets
Ottawa
Rental Cars: Compact or Mid-Size Sedan with Winter Tires
Why: Ottawa, Ontario’s capital, has its fair share of snow and ice in the winter. The city’s well-maintained roads make driving relatively easy, but winter tires are a must for extra safety, especially on icy stretches. A compact or mid-size sedan is ideal for city driving and offers good fuel efficiency. A car rental in Kitchener, Xtreme Car Rentals has many options from compact to mid-size and full size sedan cars. They also have hybrid cars which are fuel efficient and comfortable to drive.
Suggested Vehicles:
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- Toyota Corolla AWD (fuel-efficient and safe in winter conditions)
- Hyundai Elantra AWD (compact, comfortable, and ideal for city driving)
- Mazda 3 AWD (stylish, efficient, and reliable)
Why Visit: Ottawa is a beautiful destination in winter, with the famous Rideau Canal transforming into the world’s largest skating rink. The Winterlude festival celebrates winter with ice sculptures, outdoor skating, and cultural activities. The city also offers fantastic museums and historical landmarks to explore.
Prince Edward County
Car Rental Kitchener: Compact AWD or 4WD SUV
Why: Prince Edward County, known for its wineries and charming countryside, is an excellent winter getaway with a quieter pace. While the main roads are typically clear, rural routes can become slippery, so a compact AWD or 4WD SUV will ensure a smooth journey.
Suggested Vehicles:
- Nissan Rogue (AWD, compact but capable in winter)
- Chevrolet Trax (AWD, ideal for countryside roads)
- Toyota Highlander (AWD, great for winter roads and comfortable for longer drives)
Why Visit: Prince Edward County is known for its boutique wineries, art galleries, and beautiful beaches (though frozen in the winter). Visit during the winter months for a quiet retreat, with the added bonus of fewer crowds and special winter wine tours and events. Winter hiking and snowshoeing are also popular activities.
The Kawartha Lakes
Car Rental: 4WD SUV or AWD
Why: The Kawartha Lakes area, northeast of Toronto, is full of beautiful scenery and winter adventures. As a region with winding country roads and frozen lakes, a 4WD SUV or AWD vehicle is essential for navigating the terrain during snow and ice storms.
Suggested Vehicles:
- Ford Escape (AWD, compact and reliable)
- Jeep Wrangler (4WD, rugged and fun)
- Chevrolet Traverse (AWD, spacious for families or groups)
Why Visit: Kawartha Lakes is a peaceful retreat during the winter months, offering activities like snowmobiling, ice fishing, and skating. Explore the quiet townships and enjoy cozy accommodations with beautiful lake views.
Tobermory & Bruce Peninsula
Best Car to Rent: AWD or 4WD SUV
Why: Tobermory, located at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, is accessible year-round, but winter weather can make some of the roads more challenging. AWD or 4WD vehicles will ensure you’re prepared for icy roads and hilly terrain, especially if you plan to explore the more remote parts of the region.
Suggested Vehicles:
- Toyota RAV4 (AWD, compact and efficient)
- Chevrolet Equinox (AWD, comfortable and reliable)
- Subaru Outback (AWD, great for winter roads)
Why Visit: Tobermory offers some of the best winter hiking and scenic drives in Ontario. Explore the Bruce Peninsula National Park, which has trails that lead to stunning views of snow-covered cliffs and frozen shorelines. Winter is also the perfect time to spot wildlife in the park, such as deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species.
Final Tips for Winter Road Trips in Ontario:
- Check Road Conditions: Ontario’s winter roads can be tricky, so always check road conditions before you head out. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation provides updates on snowplowing and road closures.
- Pack Winter Essentials: Be sure to have winter essentials in your car, including an emergency kit, blanket, ice scraper, and snacks. A fully charged phone is a must in case you need roadside assistance.
- Rent for Winter: Ensure the car you’re renting is equipped with winter tires or request them if not automatically included. Winter tires make a significant difference in snowy and icy conditions.
By selecting the right car for your winter road trip and heading to one of these top destinations, you’ll be able to enjoy Ontario’s winter beauty safely and comfortably. If you need more help choosing the right car or have any other questions, feel free to ask!
