British Columbia is a province known for its jaw-dropping landscapes, offering everything from towering mountains to lush forests and pristine coastlines. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a group retreat, or an adventure with friends, renting a passenger van provides the space, comfort, and flexibility needed to explore BC’s natural beauty together. Here are five scenic road trips that are perfect for those renting passenger vans in British Columbia—ideal for large groups looking to discover some of the most beautiful areas the province has to offer.

1. The Sea-to-Sky Highway: Vancouver to Whistler

One of the most iconic road trips in British Columbia, the Sea-to-Sky Highway offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, towering cliffs, and snow-capped mountains. This scenic drive from Vancouver to Whistler is a must-do for groups who want to experience the best of BC’s coast and mountains in one trip.

Highlights:

● Shannon Falls Provincial Park: Stop to admire the dramatic waterfall that cascades down into a beautiful forested setting.

● Sea-to-Sky Gondola: Take a ride up the gondola for panoramic views of the Howe Sound fjord and surrounding mountains.

● Whistler: Known for world-class skiing, Whistler also offers plenty to do year-round, from hiking and mountain biking to exploring the charming village.

Why It’s Perfect for a Van Rental:

● With plenty of opportunities for group stops and sightseeing, a van rental ensures that your group can enjoy the journey together, without worrying about cramped spaces or the need for multiple vehicles.

● The route includes both city and mountain terrain, so a van offers the comfort and stability needed to navigate diverse conditions.

2. The Okanagan Valley: Kelowna to Penticton

The Okanagan Valley is known for its stunning vineyards, beautiful lakes, and warm climate. This road trip is perfect for groups looking to explore BC’s wine country, enjoy lakeside views, and indulge in some of the best food and wine the province has to offer.

Highlights:

● Kelowna: Start your trip in this vibrant city, known for its wineries, beaches, and lively downtown area.

● Lake Okanagan: Enjoy views of the sparkling lake while visiting several of the valley’s top vineyards, or take a boat tour for an unforgettable experience.

● Penticton: Known for its warm climate and access to both Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, Penticton is a great place to relax, swim, or explore the local wine scene.

Why It’s Perfect for a Van Rental:

● The Okanagan Valley offers lots of stops for wine tastings, lakeside relaxation, and outdoor activities, so a van rental makes it easy for your group to visit multiple destinations in one trip.

● With plenty of room for luggage and outdoor gear, you can pack everything you need for a fun and relaxing getaway.

3. The Columbia Icefield Parkway: Jasper to Banff

For those seeking the ultimate scenic adventure, the Columbia Icefield Parkway is one of the most breathtaking road trips in the world. Connecting the towns of Jasper and Banff, this route offers unparalleled views of glaciers, mountain peaks, turquoise lakes, and wildlife.

Highlights:

● Athabasca Glacier: Visit this incredible glacier as part of a guided tour and marvel at the immense ice field.

● Peyto Lake: Famous for its unique wolf-head shape, this lake offers a postcard-perfect view from the observation deck.

● Bow Lake: Stop to enjoy the serene beauty of Bow Lake and its surrounding mountains, a perfect spot for group photos.

Why It’s Perfect for a Van Rental:

● The long, winding drive along the Icefield Parkway is best enjoyed in a comfortable van, allowing your group to relax and take in the views while traveling between key destinations.

● The route spans both Jasper and Banff National Parks, so having a spacious van to accommodate your group makes exploring these vast parks much more manageable.

4. Vancouver Island: Victoria to Tofino

Vancouver Island is a diverse and beautiful destination, offering everything from charming coastal towns to rugged wilderness. This scenic road trip from Victoria to Tofino is perfect for groups looking to experience both the culture and natural beauty of the island.

Highlights:

● Victoria: Start your trip in the capital of British Columbia, known for its beautiful gardens, historic buildings, and waterfront views.

● Cathedral Grove: Stop to explore the ancient, towering trees in this famous park, which is home to some of the largest and oldest trees in Canada.

● Tofino: Known for its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and thriving surf culture, Tofino is a great destination for outdoor adventure and relaxation.

Why It’s Perfect for a Van Rental:

● The winding roads and variety of landscapes on Vancouver Island are best explored in a comfortable van with plenty of space for everyone.

● Your group can easily stop at beaches, parks, and towns along the way without the hassle of finding parking for multiple vehicles.

5. Kootenay Rockies: Nelson to Fernie

If your group enjoys outdoor activities, the Kootenay Rockies offer a fantastic road trip filled with stunning mountain views, charming towns, and endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and more. This route from Nelson to Fernie showcases the best of the rugged Kootenay region.

Highlights:

● Nelson: A quirky and artsy town known for its historical architecture, artisan shops, and stunning lakeside views.

● Kootenay National Park: Explore pristine wilderness, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain scenery.

● Fernie: A popular ski town, Fernie also offers great hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor adventures in the summer months.

Why It’s Perfect for a Van Rental:

● The winding roads through the Kootenay region are ideal for a spacious van rental, offering comfort for both long drives and short trips between outdoor activities.

● A van provides plenty of room for hiking gear, camping equipment, and other outdoor necessities your group may need during your adventure.

Maxx Car Rental: Your Road Trip Companion

At Maxx Car Rental, we understand that the journey is just as important as the destination. Renting a passenger van ensures that your group can travel in comfort while experiencing the best of British Columbia’s scenic routes. Our fleet of well-maintained vans is perfect for family trips, group vacations, or corporate retreats.

Whether you're headed to the coast, the mountains, or the valleys, we’ve got the perfect vehicle to accommodate your needs. Book your van rental today and start planning your next adventure in beautiful British Columbia!

In today’s world, sustainable travel is more important than ever. As travelers become more environmentally conscious, finding ways to reduce our carbon footprint is a key consideration. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip, heading to a family reunion, or attending a special event, renting a passenger van from Maxx Car Rental offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional travel options. Here's how renting a van can help reduce your environmental impact while still allowing you to travel comfortably and efficiently.

1. Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Multiple Vehicles 

One of the biggest environmental advantages of renting a passenger van is that it helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road. When you rent a van for a group of people, you eliminate the need for multiple cars to travel the same route. This is especially beneficial for family vacations, group road trips, weddings, reunions, or any event where several people need to be transported to the same destination.

Fewer vehicles on the road means less traffic congestion and reduced emissions, ultimately decreasing your overall carbon footprint . Instead of having multiple cars driving to the same location, a single 9-passenger van or 12-passenger van can transport everyone in one vehicle, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By consolidating travel into one vehicle, you're contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable journey.

2. Fuel Efficiency of Modern Vans 

Modern passenger vans are designed with better fuel efficiency compared to older vehicles. When you rent a newer model van, you're benefiting from advancements in engine technology, aerodynamics, and fuel-saving features that minimize fuel consumption and maximize miles per gallon. Renting a fuel-efficient van for your group travel means you’ll use less gas, helping to conserve natural resources and reduce the pollution associated with excessive fuel use.

In addition, most rental companies, including Maxx Car Rental, offer a fleet of well-maintained, energy-efficient vehicles that meet high environmental standards. Choosing to rent one of these vans over multiple smaller cars helps to reduce your collective energy consumption, making your trip more eco-friendly.

3. Lowering Individual Carbon Footprints 

When traveling as a group, many individuals may not consider the environmental impact of driving multiple cars. However, when each person drives their own vehicle, the total carbon emissions increase significantly. On the other hand, by renting a 16-passenger van or 12-passenger van , the overall carbon footprint per person is drastically reduced. Since the emissions are shared across all the passengers, each person contributes less to the pollution caused by travel.

For example, if a group of 12 people each drove their own car, the environmental impact would be much higher than if they all traveled together in a single van. By reducing the number of vehicles and passengers on the road, renting a passenger van allows you to travel in a more eco-conscious manner.

4. Sustainability of Shared Transportation 

Sharing a vehicle with others is inherently more sustainable than traveling alone. Carpooling in a passenger van is an efficient way to reduce both energy consumption and emissions, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to travel. When you share a van with friends, family, or colleagues, you not only cut down on individual carbon footprints but also contribute to a shared, more sustainable form of transportation.

As shared transportation continues to gain popularity, van rentals provide an accessible way to enjoy the benefits of carpooling without needing to rely on personal vehicles or public transportation, both of which may not always be as convenient or direct.

5. Eco-Friendly Choices for Eco-Conscious Travelers 

Many modern passenger vans are equipped with eco-friendly features, such as hybrid engines or electric powertrains. By renting a vehicle that offers such sustainable technologies, you’re directly contributing to a reduction in emissions and supporting the shift towards greener travel options. These types of vans provide the same level of comfort and performance but with a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

When booking your rental, consider asking Maxx Car Rental if any of their eco-friendly or hybrid vehicles are available. Opting for one of these models gives you the added benefit of knowing you’re driving a vehicle designed with the planet in mind.

6. Conserving Resources with Efficient Use of Space 

Another eco-friendly benefit of renting a passenger van is the efficient use of space. By transporting multiple passengers in one vehicle, you maximize the use of available resources such as fuel, tires, and other vehicle components. This helps reduce overall resource consumption compared to the use of several smaller vehicles, all of which would need their own set of resources.

Additionally, when fewer cars are needed, fewer vehicles are manufactured, which means less energy is spent in production and less waste is generated from manufacturing processes. Traveling in a passenger van helps minimize these resource-heavy aspects of personal transportation.

7. Maximizing Your Road Trip Efficiency 

Conclusion

Choosing to rent a passenger van from Maxx Car Rental is a smart and sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact while traveling. Whether you're planning a road trip, a family vacation, or a group event, renting a van not only makes transportation easier and more comfortable but also helps lower your carbon footprint and conserve resources. By reducing the number of vehicles on the road, choosing a fuel-efficient model, and taking advantage of shared transportation, you can travel with a clear conscience knowing that you’re making eco-friendly choices.

When planning group travel, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is choosing the right vehicle for your trip. Whether you're organizing a family vacation, corporate event, sports team outing, or even a wedding shuttle, the vehicle you choose can significantly impact the overall experience. While there are a variety of options available, renting a passenger van offers distinct advantages over other types of vehicles. In this post, we’ll highlight the top benefits of choosing a passenger van for your group travel.

1. Spacious and Comfortable

One of the biggest advantages of renting a passenger van is the sheer amount of space it offers. With seating for 8, 10, or even 12 people, passenger vans are designed to provide plenty of legroom and headspace, making long trips much more comfortable for everyone involved. Unlike standard cars or SUVs, where passengers may feel cramped, a van ensures that everyone has enough space to stretch out and relax during the ride. Plus, there’s ample room for luggage, sports gear, or any other items you need to bring along, which can be a huge benefit when traveling as a group.

2. Cost-Effective for Group Travel

When you're traveling with a large group, taking multiple smaller vehicles can quickly become expensive, not to mention logistically challenging. Renting a passenger van can help you save money by consolidating everyone into one vehicle. This means you can split the rental cost, fuel expenses, and tolls, making it far more economical than renting multiple cars or relying on public transportation. The convenience of one van for the whole group also eliminates the hassle of coordinating several vehicles or dealing with parking at crowded locations.

3. Convenient and Flexible

Passenger vans are incredibly versatile when it comes to different types of trips. Whether you're heading to a theme park, on a business trip, attending a wedding, or going to a sports competition, a passenger van can meet all your needs. With multiple seating configurations, you have the flexibility to adjust the interior to accommodate passengers and luggage. Additionally, many rental companies offer flexible rental terms, allowing you to book a van for just a day, a weekend, or even longer, depending on your travel plans.

4. Safety Features and Reliability

Passenger vans are built with safety in mind, often equipped with advanced safety features such as airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, and rearview cameras to ensure the safety of all passengers. Additionally, renting from a reputable van rental company means you’re getting a well-maintained and reliable vehicle that has undergone routine inspections to guarantee smooth and safe operation during your trip. This peace of mind is priceless, especially when traveling with a large group.

5. Stress-Free Travel Experience

When you rent a passenger van, you eliminate many of the common travel headaches. Everyone can travel together, which means no one will have to follow another car, get lost, or deal with confusing carpooling logistics. Plus, with one driver handling the vehicle, the group can focus on enjoying the trip, chatting, or even working while on the road. Whether you’re traveling for a few hours or several days, you can rely on the van to get everyone to their destination comfortably and efficiently.

6. Eco-Friendly Option

In comparison to driving multiple cars, renting a passenger van can actually help reduce your group’s overall carbon footprint. Instead of each person driving their own vehicle and contributing to additional emissions, one van consolidates your travel and ensures that fewer vehicles are on the road, reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

7. Perfect for Special Events and Large Groups

Passenger vans aren’t just practical for everyday trips—they’re also the perfect solution for weddings, family reunions, corporate events, and school trips. If you're planning a special event, renting a van ensures that your guests can travel together, making the experience more cohesive and enjoyable. Additionally, the vans are often equipped with large windows, offering scenic views along the journey, so everyone can take in the sights together.

Conclusion

Whether you're planning a road trip, a family vacation, or an event with a large group, renting a passenger van offers a range of benefits that make travel easier, more affordable, and enjoyable. With plenty of space, cost savings, and top-notch safety features, passenger vans are an excellent choice for any group travel. So, the next time you're organizing a trip with a

crowd, consider renting a passenger van for a hassle-free and memorable experience.

When you’re on the road in a rental van, whether it's for a family vacation, a business trip, or a road adventure, safety should always be your top priority. A rental van offers comfort and plenty of space for passengers, but it also requires a little extra attention to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely. Here are some essential safety tips for traveling in a rental van, so you can focus on enjoying the journey and creating memories with peace of mind.

1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Before hitting the road, it’s crucial to inspect the tires of your rental van. Low tire pressure can affect your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and overall safety. Most rental companies will ensure the vehicle is in good condition, but it’s always a good idea to double-check. Ensure all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level.

2. Ensure Seat Belts Are in Good Condition

Seat belts save lives, and they should be worn by everyone in the van at all times. Make sure that all the seat belts are functioning properly. If you’re traveling with multiple passengers in a 10-passenger van or any size vehicle, ensure everyone is secured before the vehicle starts moving.

3. Familiarize Yourself with Vehicle Features

Rental vans may have features you're not used to, such as cruise control, parking sensors, or advanced driver-assistance systems. Take some time to understand how these systems work before you hit the road. Knowing how to operate them will ensure you're comfortable driving and can handle any situation that arises.

4. Drive with Caution on Unknown Roads

Whether you're in a 12-passenger van or a smaller rental vehicle, it’s always wise to drive cautiously when navigating unfamiliar roads. Pay attention to road signs, especially those that indicate sharp turns or steep inclines. Adjust your driving based on the conditions, whether it's heavy traffic or winding mountain roads.

5. Don’t Overload the Van

While it’s tempting to maximize the space of a rental van, it's important not to exceed the vehicle's weight limit. Overloading can cause the van to be harder to control, particularly in emergency situations. Whether you're traveling in a 9-passenger van or a larger model, check the weight capacity, and avoid cramming too much into the vehicle.

6. Take Breaks During Long Drives

Driving for long stretches can cause fatigue, which can lead to poor decision-making and slow reaction times. Plan for regular breaks, stretch your legs, and stay hydrated. If you're traveling with family or friends, consider sharing driving duties to ensure that everyone remains alert.

7. Keep Your Phone Charged and Accessible

Having a charged phone is essential in case of an emergency. Ensure that your phone is easily accessible for navigation or emergency contact. If you plan on using your phone for GPS, consider mounting it on the dashboard so you don’t get distracted while driving.

8. Know the Van’s Emergency Procedures

Before you start your trip, familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures for your rental van. This includes understanding how to use the emergency brake, what to do in case of a flat tire, and knowing the location of the first aid kit and fire extinguisher, if available.

9. Avoid Distractions

Keep distractions to a minimum. While it can be tempting to have the radio blaring or to chat with fellow passengers in the back of the van, staying focused on the road is crucial for safety. Avoid using your phone while driving unless it’s hands-free, and keep conversations light and minimal when driving.

10. Be Aware of Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can drastically affect driving conditions, especially if you’re traveling in a larger van. Whether it’s rain, snow, or fog, always adjust your driving speed and techniques accordingly. Ensure your rental van’s windshield wipers and defroster are working before driving in bad weather.

11. Understand Your Rental Agreement

Read through your rental agreement carefully to understand the insurance coverage, roadside assistance options, and other important details. Knowing what’s included in your rental will save you time and potential stress if something goes wrong.

12. Use Parking and Turn Signals Properly

Many accidents occur while parking or changing lanes. Always use your turn signals and check your mirrors before making any turns or lane changes. Also, take your time when parking to avoid hitting anything nearby, especially in crowded areas.

13. Stay Within the Speed Limit

Speed limits are set for a reason, and exceeding them can result in accidents or legal consequences. When driving a 10-passenger van, keep in mind that it may handle differently than a smaller vehicle, and take turns slowly. Stick to speed limits and adjust your driving to match road conditions.

14. Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving means anticipating and reacting to potential hazards, such as other drivers who may not be paying attention. Stay in your lane, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, and always be ready to react to unexpected changes in traffic.

15. Prepare for Roadside Emergencies

In case of a flat tire, breakdown, or any other emergency, it’s always wise to have an emergency kit in the vehicle. Check if the rental van provides roadside assistance, or know the contact information to call for help if needed.

Conclusion

Safety should always come first, especially when traveling in a rental van. Whether you’re driving a 10-passenger van or a 12-passenger van, following these safety tips will ensure that you and your passengers have a safe and enjoyable journey. Remember to check the vehicle before your trip, drive cautiously, and always be prepared for unexpected situations on the road.

By keeping these safety tips in mind, you'll have peace of mind throughout your trip, knowing you're driving responsibly and safely.