We planned a trip to the Canadian Rockies for late July, returning by air from Edmonton on August 1. I want to rent a car and return it on August 1. Now I see that it is apparently a "civic" holiday and the rental place (off-airport) is closed that day. Do you consider it safe to leave a rental on a lot in Canada? What about the possibilities of getting a taxi from that point on to the airport on a "civic" holiday. I'm looking at two different places, each is within about ten miles of the airport, one in LeDuc and one between the airport and the city.

I know we could rent from the airport itself, but it costs appreciably more.

Leaving the car is fine. It is really no different that leaving it in a hotel parking lot. You will be responsible for the vehicle until the office opens the next day, but how does that differ from leaving it in any parking lot for the day?

As for taxis, no problem, they will be operating as usual.

That's a good point, Aramis! I hadn't thought of it that way.

I should add - do let the rental company (location, not head office) know you will be dropping it early in case they have any instructions for you on how to do it and to make sure they look for it first thing in the morning when they open.

Yes, we would surely do that, Aramis. We aren't very experienced at this, but we are careful at least.

Just wanted to say we successfully did leave the car. No problem. They called us the next day to assure us that the car was there and fine! We appreciated that call. A lot of worrying for nothing! (It was a great trip also. The Canadian Rockies are so much more wonderful than I had ever realized!)

Beauty, eh?

That's 'Canajan' for "They are magnificent, aren't they?" in case you didn't pick up enough of the lingo while there.