Car Rental Vancouver or Vancouver Island to get to Tofino?
May 1st, 2010, 03:39 PM
#1
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Car Rental Vancouver or Vancouver Island to get to Tofino?
Traveling to Vancouver in September. We want to go to Tofino on Vancouver Island for 4-5 days. I am not sure what the better option is between renting a car in Vancouver city, then driving to ferry terminal and putting car on ferry, or ferry as just passengers then renting the car in Nanaimo? Would there be a significant cost difference? I think the convenience of not dealing with the car until off the ferry and avoiding hassles of lines and loading car is preferable unless the costs difference is huge or car selection and availability of cars is an issue in Nanaimo. Any help would be appreciated.
May 1st, 2010, 04:17 PM
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As long as you're not packing a lot of luggage renting in Nanaimo is easy-most companies pick up from the <u>Departure</u> <u>Bay</u> Ferry Terminal and will drop you off on your return.
Check to see if Island companies offer unlimited meterage or not I've heard conflicting stories on that.
Check to see if Island companies offer unlimited meterage or not I've heard conflicting stories on that.
May 1st, 2010, 06:35 PM
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It would be more covenient to rent the car in Vancouver and drive to Tofino. Throw your luggage in the trunk and away you go. Line-ups at the ferry can be a problem, depending on what day you travel. You can book a reservation- I think it costs 15 dollars or so.
It would probably be cheaper to take the bus to Nanaimo(includes ferry) and rent a car there.
Taking a car on the ferry is not a hassle, especially if you have a reservation. If you are going mid-week, you probably would not need a reservation, but on a Fri.,Sat.,or Sun. I'd get a reservation. The process of loading the car etc. is not an issue-very well organized.
It would probably be cheaper to take the bus to Nanaimo(includes ferry) and rent a car there.
Taking a car on the ferry is not a hassle, especially if you have a reservation. If you are going mid-week, you probably would not need a reservation, but on a Fri.,Sat.,or Sun. I'd get a reservation. The process of loading the car etc. is not an issue-very well organized.
May 1st, 2010, 09:02 PM
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I agree with Sam. When you walk on as a foot passenger you put your luggage on a rack and it is picked up and and driven onto the ferry. You pick it up at the other end so you don't have to worry about carrying it with you. I know Budget has a location very close to the terminal but I would give them a call to check rates etc http://www.bcbudget.com/Locations/Vehicle/nan.htm
May 19th, 2010, 08:31 AM
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I think it is definitely better to rent the car in Vancouver. Anyway you will spend money on the car and ferry and if you try to save some by renting from the island you might end up paying the same amount when you include, bus, wondering arround to get the bus, moving your luggage e.t.c. There are many sites that offer great prices and money back guarantee like this one http://www.holidaycars.com/rental-car/canada/
