Planning to visit stunning British Columbia while minimizing your carbon footprint? Good news — absolutely possible! With the proper attitude, some smart decisions, and assistance from a good car rental in Burnaby, you can drive some of Canada’s most beautiful roads without overloading the planet.
At Mr. Rent a Car, we’re pleased to encourage responsible travel. That’s why we provide fuel-efficient rental choices, including hybrid cars (where available). Whether you’re taking a weekend getaway or a complete BC road trip, here’s how you can remain eco-friendly on the road and still have an unforgettable experience.
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Why Begin in Burnaby?
Burnaby is the ideal departure point for environmentally conscious travelers. It’s roughly equidistant from downtown Vancouver and most of nature’s getaway spots, which means less circling back and more time outside.
Rent a car in Burnaby, and you can sidestep heavy traffic areas, save time, and cut down on fuel consumption. That’s already a double win for you — and the earth.
Eco-Driving Tips
Here are some tips on eco-driving before we proceed with road trip suggestions:
- Rent a fuel-efficient or hybrid car. These vehicles use less fuel and emit fewer emissions.
- Drive smoothly and don’t speed. Sudden acceleration and hard braking wastes gas.
- Properly inflate your tires — it saves fuel.
- Map out your route to take less congested areas or avoid unnecessary detours.
- Use cruise control whenever possible on highways to have a constant speed.
- Bonus tip: Lighten up! The heavier your car, the more it has to work, and that requires more fuel.
Top Eco-Friendly Road Trips from Burnaby
1. Burnaby to Bowen Island (Approx. 1.5 hours, including ferry)
This is the ultimate weekend escape. Drive to Horseshoe Bay, park your car rental, and hop on a short BC Ferries trip to Bowen Island — a serene, car-light getaway. Explore on foot, by bike, or on a local e-bike rental on the island. Stroll through Snug Cove, unwind at Crippen Regional Park, or kayak in the tranquil ocean waters.
Why it’s environmentally friendly: Low driving, promotion of public ferry travel, and emphasis on walking and outdoor activities.
2. Burnaby to Golden Ears Provincial Park (1 hour)
Just an hour from Burnaby is the forest paradise of Golden Ears Provincial Park. Pack a picnic lunch, bring refillable containers, and hike or swim at Alouette Lake. Trails such as the Lower Falls Trail are short, scenic, and family-friendly.
Why it’s environmentally friendly: Less driving, low-impact pursuits such as walking, and time to connect with nature.
3. Burnaby to Fort Langley (45 minutes)
An excellent history and culture road trip nearby. Fort Langley National Historic Site is a destination where you can walk through Canada’s fur trade past in a charming, walkable town. Shop local, dine local, and patronize earth-friendly businesses in the village.
Why it’s eco-friendly: Short travel time, walkable town, and encouragement of small, local operations.
4. Burnaby to Harrison Hot Springs (2 hours)
This weekend retreat has relaxation and eco-activities. Soak in hot springs, paddleboard, or take a leisurely lakeside stroll. Lodge or cabin in an eco-aware establishment, and minimize driving by parking and walking.
Why it’s eco-friendly: Perfect for low-emission driving and encourages health-oriented outdoor tourism.
5. Burnaby to Squamish (1.5 hours)
Take the Sea-to-Sky Highway and enjoy breathtaking views on one of Canada’s most scenic drives. Once in Squamish, hike the Smoke Bluffs, visit the Squamish Estuary, or ride the Sea to Sky Gondola — which uses sustainable energy to power its operations.
Why it’s eco-friendly: Minimal stops, sustainable tourism sites, and access to low-impact hiking trails.
Make Your Rental Car Experience Smarter and Greener
If you’re planning to rent a car, Mr. Rent a Car offers a variety of fuel-efficient models. Looking to travel outside regular business hours? No problem! Our Vancouver Airport location is now open 24/7.
But let us be definite: We don’t have clerks waiting in the office at night, but we do provide a self-serve pickup option. You simply have to book ahead online or call us and make arrangements, and we will have everything prepared for you — even if you’re arriving at 2:00 AM. It’s fast, hassle-free, and really convenient.
This system prevents wasteful energy consumption at the office and improves your experience as well. That’s a win-win.
Eco-Travel Begins with Intelligent Decisions
The best thing about beginning your journey in Burnaby is that you don’t have to travel very far to get close to nature. Whether it’s a 45-minute drive or a weekend getaway, every trip can be made greener by the decisions you make along the way.
By choosing a Burnaby car rental and adopting eco-friendly practices, you can minimize your footprint while still having access to all of the lovely spots that BC has to offer.
So — grab your reusable water bottle, lease an environmentally friendly vehicle, and get on the road! Visit Mr. Rent a Car today to get the best rental car for your eco-trip.
