This will be our first time flying into Calgary, so I don't know how car rental is set up. Any reason to rent from one company over another-- or should I simply go with whoever offers best rates? (Related question: this will be pick up in the afternoon on Labor Day Weekend Sunday. We'll be heading to Banff. I'm hoping the traffic won't be especially miserable at that time-- but I wonder if one route is better than another?) Thank you!!

Last summer in Calgary I found the rates at Enterprise to be substantially lower than Avis and Hertz. Enterprise is off airport, but the shuttle van is very convenient. I really don't think you are delayed by using Enterprise because you will be driving right by the Enterprise lot anyhow on your way out.

From the Calgary airport to Banff, the quickest and most direct route is to take the Trans Canada. In getting to the Trans Canada, I follow a route that you can pick out on a map of Calgary.

If you will call the good people at Travel Alberta they will be happy to send you a very good road map of the Province of Alberta. On the back it has a map of Calgary. I think you can see the route I use if you figure on going south from the airport on the Barlow Trail, turning west on McKnight Boulevard and following McKnight until it turns into John Laurie.

Stay on John Laurie until it intersects with the Shaganapi Trail where you turn south to the Trans Canada Highway. At that point, turn west to Canmore and Banff.

Otherwise, go south on the Barlow Trail to the Trans Canada Highway (16th ave NE) and turn west. Easier that way, but probably slower.

Thanks, Brookwood. In fact, I've been on the phone a bit and for sure Enterprise rates are considerably lower. I suspect that has something to do with their not being at the airport. I've never been crazy abt the waiting around for the shuttle thing, even tho I agree that it doesn't usually take very long. I'll continue to look for specials, etc. Rental rates seem really high. (Entertainment will work at Enterprise.)

Franklh I waited a lot longer at the Hertz and the Avis counter on other trips than I did with Enterprise.

When we turned the car in, we dropped the key, signed the papers, and got right on the shuttle bus which dropped us at the right entrance. I don't think it took us any more time than a Hertz or an Avis return. I have been in and out of Calgary about 5 times now, and the Enterprise experience was the equal of the others.

In fact, the big counters often have a backlog of customers because that is where people go and the line can be a wait of 30 to 40 minutes.

I don't call that expeditious.

i've had good luck with enterprise rates. i've also done budget the last couple of times cause they beat enterprise.

Taffic -- I think the traffic coming back from Banff, of people there for the day, will be worse than the traffic going there, in the afternoon.

To me, the route question is whetheryou want the superhighway, or you want a slower two lane highlway running through a small town, and closer to more interesting hills and valleys. But it takes longer.

BAK