Best Roof Racks & Cargo Boxes for Visiting Family Over the Holidays in Edmonton
The holiday season is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and for many Albertans, that means full vehicles, winter gear, gifts, and long snowy drives to see family. If your car feels cramped heading into December, a roof rack or cargo box can be a practical upgrade that keeps holidays stress-free, safer, and more comfortable for everyone inside.
At Roof Racks Edmonton, we help drivers find the right setup for winter road trips across Alberta, whether you are heading to Jasper, Calgary, Canmore, or picking up family from the airport. Here is what to look for and which products will make the biggest difference in your holiday travel.
Why You Need Extra Space During the Holidays
When visiting family, your vehicle usually carries more than normal:
- Suitcases and duffel bags
- Wrapped gifts and holiday food
- Winter sports gear such as skis, boards, snowshoes, and skates
- Pet supplies for winter trips
- Child seats, strollers, and extra passengers
Filling the interior to the roof can make the drive uncomfortable and can reduce visibility, increase cabin humidity, and compromise safety in sudden braking situations.
A properly fitted roof rack or cargo box frees up 30 to more than 500 litres of interior space, keeps your gear dry, and makes winter travel significantly easier.
Top Cargo Boxes for Holiday Travel
1. Thule Motion 3 Cargo Box Series
Best for: Families needing maximum storage for luggage and gifts.
Why it works for holiday travel:
- Carries multiple suitcases or bulky winter clothing
- Easy to operate even with gloves
- Excellent weather sealing during snowstorms
2. Thule Force 3 Cargo Box Series
Best for: Budget conscious drivers who still want reliable performance.
Benefits for holiday use:
- Spacious and durable
- Good fit for sedans, SUVs, and wagons
- Ideal for oversized items like gifts or winter footwear
3. Thule Pulse Series
Best for: Drivers looking for a durable, affordable cargo box for winter travel.
Benefits for holiday use:
- Rugged, impact resistant construction for cold weather conditions
- Fits well on most sedans, SUVs, and wagons
- Great for carrying luggage, gifts, and everyday winter gear
Best Roof Racks for Holiday Travel in Alberta
A roof rack is the foundation of any winter carrying setup. Whether you are adding a cargo box, ski rack, or simply strapping down bulky gear, the right crossbars make your vehicle winter-ready.
Best Roof Rack Options for Holiday Travel
1. Malone VersaRail
Best for: Budget-focused drivers who need an affordable, secure roof rack solution.
- Great entry-level option for seasonal use
- Installs easily on most vehicles without factory rails
- Ideal for light to moderate holiday travel loads
2. Thule SquareBar
Best for: Durability and price without sacrificing reliability.
- Strong and long-lasting steel bar design
- Excellent value for year-round use
- Compatible with most Roof Rack accessories
3. Thule WingBar Evo
Most popular choice for: Drivers wanting premium performance and versatility.
- Quiet, aerodynamic design for long winter drives
- Wide accessory compatibility
- Top choice for cargo boxes and ski carriers
4. Thule WingBar Edge
Best for: The quietest ride and a sleek, integrated fit.
- Low profile design reduces wind noise
- Blends smoothly with vehicle roofline
- Excellent option for frequent highway travel during the holidays
What Size Cargo Box Do You Need for Holiday Travel
Here is a quick guide.
| Passenger Count | Recommended Box Size | What It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 3 people | 300 to 350 L | Luggage and gifts |
| 3 to 4 people | 350 to 450 L | Luggage and winter clothing |
| 4 to 5 people | 450 to 550 L | Ski gear and suitcases |
| 5 or more people | 500 to 600 L | Family travel and oversized gifts |
Winter Performance Matters
December driving in Alberta often includes
- Temperatures near minus 20
- Snowfall
- Ice buildup
- Strong winds on major highways
Premium roof racks and cargo boxes are engineered to perform in these conditions and maintain seals, locks, and structural integrity. This is a major advantage for holiday travel on mountain routes and open highways.
Roof Racks Make a Practical Holiday Upgrade
If you need a useful gift for an outdoor enthusiast, skier, new parent, or traveller, a roof rack or cargo box is a highly appreciated upgrade. It will be used year-round. Winter for holiday travel and ski trips, summer for camping and biking.
Gift cards are also an easy solution if you are unsure of the recipient's vehicle details.
Get Your Vehicle Ready for Holiday Travel at Roof Racks Edmonton
Whether you are hosting relatives or travelling to visit family, a properly fitted roof rack or cargo box can transform your winter travel experience.
Roof Racks Edmonton offers:
- Vehicle-specific rack fitting
- Ski and snowboard carriers
- Cargo boxes for rent or purchase
- Installation services
- Gift cards for the holiday season
