Dollar Car Hire
Quebec

After collecting your luggage at YQB, follow the prominent overhead signs for "Rental Cars" or "Location de voitures." These will direct you to the car hire counters, which are located within the main terminal on the ground floor. Once you have completed the paperwork at the Dollar counter, staff will point you to the vehicle pickup area. This is usually a short walk away in a designated section of the airport's main car park, easily accessible from the terminal.

For a late-night drive from YQB to Old Québec, the major Autoroutes are your most straightforward option. Autoroute 40 (Autoroute Félix-Leclerc) is well lit and clearly signed, making it the easiest part of the journey after dark. As you approach the city, switching onto Boulevard Charest or Grande Allée is also relatively simple with modern GPS guidance. The trickiest section is the final approach into the narrow, historic streets of Old Québec, so it's wise to have your hotel's exact address pre-loaded and to review the last few turns before you leave the airport.

The most direct route from the airport to Old Québec typically involves taking Autoroute 540 to Autoroute 40 East (Autoroute Félix-Leclerc). Continue on Autoroute 40 as it becomes Autoroute 440 East, which leads you toward the city centre. To avoid confusion near the bridges, pay attention to signs for "Centre-Ville" (Downtown) and "Vieux-Québec" (Old Québec). Using a sat nav is highly recommended, as it will help you navigate the final city streets and exits and keep you away from bridge approach routes to the south shore.

Driving in Old Québec for the first time requires patience — many streets are narrow, steep and may have unexpected restrictions. Streets such as Rue Saint-Louis and Rue des Remparts can be very tight, especially with pedestrian traffic. The area around Rue du Petit Champlain is often pedestrian-only or has extremely limited access, so it's best to park and walk. Be prepared for one-way streets that can change direction and be mindful of horse-drawn carriages. Approach slowly and be ready to give way to others.

Many hotels within the walls of Old Québec have a designated short-term loading zone directly in front of their entrance. It's advisable to contact your hotel in advance to confirm arrival procedures. They can provide the best directions and advise where you can safely pull in for 10–15 minutes to unload your bags. After dropping off your luggage, the hotel staff can direct you to the most convenient long-term public or private car park to leave your vehicle.

To avoid the tightest streets, consider using one of the large, well-signposted public car parks located on the edge of or just outside the main historic area. The car park at City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and the one at Place D'Youville are excellent options that provide easy pedestrian access to Old Québec. These multi-storey facilities allow you to leave your car securely for an extended period and explore the city without the stress of searching for on-street parking. They are generally easy to access from the main boulevards into the city centre.

Driving directly in the Place Royale and Petit-Champlain districts is extremely challenging and often restricted, as these areas are designed for pedestrians. The streets are narrow and cobbled and can be closed to traffic entirely, especially during peak tourist seasons, at weekends and in the afternoons. It is strongly recommended to avoid driving into this lower-town area altogether. Park in the upper town or near the Old Port and explore this neighbourhood on foot; the funicular is handy for moving between levels.

Québec City, particularly the older parts, has an extensive network of one-way streets that can be confusing for first-time visitors. Relying on a real-time GPS navigation app is essential for a smooth arrival from the airport. These systems are updated with current traffic patterns and will route you correctly through the one-way system. Pay attention to the blue arrow signs indicating traffic direction, and don't be surprised if your route seems indirect — it is often the only legal way to reach your destination.

If your destination is Sainte-Foy or the university, the drive from the airport is very straightforward, even during rush hour. The simplest route is to take Avenue 6e de l'Aéroport to Autoroute 40 East (Félix-Leclerc). You will only be on this highway for a short distance before taking an exit for either Boulevard Laurier or Boulevard Hochelaga. These major local routes run directly through Sainte-Foy and provide easy access to the university campus and nearby hotels, avoiding most downtown-bound congestion.

A common point of confusion is the interchange where Autoroute 40 (Félix-Leclerc) and Autoroute 73 (Henri‑IV) merge and split. When heading east toward the city, it's crucial to be in the correct lanes for your intended direction — whether that's downtown, the bridges to the south shore, or continuing north. A frequent mistake is being in the wrong lane too late, forcing abrupt or unsafe manoeuvres. Use a sat nav and watch the overhead signs well in advance of the interchange to ensure you follow the correct path.

After picking up your rental car, a good strategy is to drive to a nearby large retail car park before joining the main road. A few minutes from the airport you’ll find several shopping centres in Sainte-Foy with ample, low-traffic parking spaces. This gives you a calm environment to organise luggage in the boot, adjust mirrors and seat, and securely fit your phone mount and navigation. It's a much more relaxed way to start your journey than trying to do everything in the busy rental garage.

During major events like the Winter Carnival (Carnaval de Québec) or the Summer Festival (Festival d'été de Québec), expect significant road closures and traffic diversions, especially in and around Old Québec and the Plains of Abraham. Grande Allée is often partially or fully closed to vehicles, and many smaller streets become pedestrian-only zones. Check the official festival websites for detailed traffic advisories before you travel. The best plan is to park at your hotel or a car park on the city's periphery and rely on walking or public transport to reach event sites.

Visiting both Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orléans in a single day trip is very realistic and makes for a great outing. For the smoothest experience, visit Montmorency Falls first in the morning when it's typically less crowded. The falls are located right off the route to the island. After spending time at the falls, continue a few minutes further to the bridge leading onto Île d’Orléans. This order lets you enjoy a leisurely drive around the island in the afternoon, stopping at farms and chocolatiers before returning to the city.

Driving on Île d’Orléans is scenic and generally relaxed, but requires attentiveness. The main road, Chemin Royal, is two lanes and can be narrow in places, so maintain a moderate speed. Be mindful of the many cyclists who share the road, especially at weekends, and give them plenty of space when passing. The island has numerous designated lookouts, farm stands and wineries with proper parking areas, making it easy to pull over safely to enjoy views or sample local products. Avoid stopping on the shoulder unless it's a clearly marked pull-off.

For a day trip to the Charlevoix region, the key to not feeling rushed is an early start and a clear destination in mind, such as Baie‑Saint‑Paul. The drive along Route 138 is a major part of the experience, offering spectacular St Lawrence River views. Plan for at least a 90‑minute drive each way without stops. Decide beforehand whether you want to explore a single town thoroughly or make brief stops in several places. Allow time for a leisurely lunch and one or two scenic pull‑offs to make the day feel like an exploration rather than a race.

The drive along Route 138 from Québec City to Baie‑Saint‑Paul offers several convenient stopping points without complex detours. The town of Sainte‑Anne‑de‑Beaupré is a natural early stop with large car parks near the basilica and riverside parks. Further along are several designated scenic lookouts (belvédères) with safe pull‑offs directly on the highway, ideal for stretching legs and taking photos. As you approach Baie‑Saint‑Paul, there are service areas and visitor information centres that provide easy access for a comfortable break before exploring the town.

A day trip to Tadoussac for whale watching is ambitious but rewarding and requires careful planning. You must start very early as the drive is about three hours each way. The route follows Route 138 and includes a free ferry crossing over the Saguenay River that runs frequently. Book your whale‑watching tour in advance and plan your departure from Québec City to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before your boat departs. Take snacks and drinks for the car, as services can be sparse in the final stretch.

The drive from Québec City to Saguenay (Chicoutimi) primarily follows Route 175, a modern, well‑maintained road that cuts through the scenic Laurentian Wildlife Reserve. The journey takes about two and a half hours and is known for hilly, forested scenery. Be aware that for a long stretch through the reserve, services like petrol stations and restaurants are scarce, so fill your tank and take supplies before leaving the Québec City area. The road is generally in excellent condition, but always check weather forecasts, especially in winter.

To minimise stress when visiting Mont‑Sainte‑Anne or the Sainte‑Anne‑de‑Beaupré Basilica, arriving early in the day is the best strategy, especially at weekends or on holidays. Both destinations have large, dedicated car parks that are easy to find, but they can fill during peak hours. For the basilica, follow clear signage from the motorway that leads directly to visitor parking. At Mont‑Sainte‑Anne, arriving before 10:00 usually ensures a convenient spot, letting you avoid the main traffic rush and enjoy your day.

In winter, the drive from YQB to Old Québec requires extra caution, although main routes are well maintained. Expect potential snow‑covered or icy patches, especially on ramps and bridges, which freeze quicker than road surfaces. In Old Québec, the main challenge is the steep, narrow streets that can be slippery. Drive slowly, leave ample space to the vehicle ahead and brake gently and early. Most rental vehicles in Québec are fitted with winter tyres, which significantly improves traction and safety.

Starting a winter morning in Québec City means allowing extra time to prepare your vehicle. Rental cars should include a snow brush and ice scraper, typically in the boot or glovebox. Start the engine and switch on the front and rear demisters to begin melting ice on the windows. While the car warms up, use the brush to clear snow from the entire vehicle, including the roof, bonnet, boot and lights. Finally, use the scraper to remove any remaining ice from the windows for full visibility before driving.

During the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, be prepared for unpredictable conditions. Rapid temperature changes can create black ice, especially in the early morning or evening on bridges and overpasses, even when other roads look clear. Fog is also common near the St Lawrence River, which can suddenly reduce visibility. Additionally, spring is pothole season due to the freeze–thaw cycle, so be vigilant and watch the road surface ahead to avoid jarring impacts.

For those nervous about bridges, the Pierre‑Laporte Bridge is generally the more comfortable option as it is a modern, multi‑lane highway bridge with wide lanes. The historic Québec Bridge is narrower and can feel more confined. In high winds you may feel the car move slightly on either bridge, but it is generally safe; maintain a firm grip on the wheel and a steady speed. To reduce stress, try to cross during off‑peak times, stay in one lane and focus on the road ahead rather than the height or the water below.

If you’re staying in Lévis and driving into Québec City, be prepared for significant traffic on the bridges during morning and evening commute times. To avoid the worst of it, plan to cross before 07:00 or after 09:00 on weekdays. Once in Québec City, finding parking near the Old City can be difficult. A good strategy is to head straight to one of the large public car parks, such as Place D'Youville or City Hall, rather than hunting for limited on‑street spaces.

Visiting Parc national de la Jacques‑Cartier by car is straightforward. The main entrance is directly off Route 175 North, about a 30–45 minute drive from downtown Québec City. The route is a simple, modern highway. Before you get on the road, a convenient place to stop for supplies like water, snacks or picnic items is in the suburban areas north of the city, such as Stoneham. There are supermarkets and convenience stores just off the main road that are easy to access without a big detour.

To secure parking at popular trailheads near Québec City, especially at weekends, the key is to arrive early, ideally before 10:00. For major sites like Parc national de la Jacques‑Cartier, the lots at the most famous trailheads fill first, so consider a slightly less‑trafficked trail as a backup. Visiting midweek also helps, as parking is far more available. Research the park’s website beforehand for information on alternative parking areas or less‑crowded access points.

A rental car is ideal for a food‑focused tour around Québec City, especially for visiting sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre) and cideries on Île d’Orléans or in the surrounding countryside. Plan your route in advance to create an efficient loop and check opening hours, as many are seasonal. Make sure you have enough boot space for purchases like maple syrup or cider. If your itinerary includes tastings, have a designated driver or arrange an alternative if you intend to sample alcoholic products.

When exploring Old Québec with passengers who have limited mobility, a drop‑off strategy works best. Drive as close as you can to the destination — for example the entrance to the Château Frontenac or a restaurant on Rue Saint‑Louis — and find a safe short‑term spot to pull in. Let the passengers out while another adult waits with them, then drive to park in a nearby car park. Arrange a clear pickup time and location and collect the car first before returning to meet your party.

Navigating Québec City without speaking French is very manageable for most drivers. The majority of road signs use internationally recognisable symbols, and key signs like "Arrêt" (Stop) are easily understood. Highway and major route signs are clear and often include pictograms. Parking signs with time limits and restrictions can be complex, but a translation app on your phone will quickly clarify the rules. In general, with a reliable GPS you should have little trouble getting around the city and surrounding areas.

The most common mistake is misreading the specific days and times restrictions are in force. Signs can be layered with multiple conditions, such as different rules for weekdays and weekends, or specific hours when parking is prohibited for street cleaning. Pay attention to symbols, like a red circle with a crossed "P", which means no parking. Always double‑check the listed times and be aware that some zones are reserved for residents with permits (look for mentions of "Vignette").

During a busy weekend, the best approach is to park for the day and explore on foot. Choose a large, centrally located public car park, such as the one under City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) or at Place D'Youville. These offer direct access to the heart of Old Québec. From there you can easily walk to major attractions including the Château Frontenac, the Citadel, the Plains of Abraham and the shops of Petit‑Champlain. This saves the stress of trying to find multiple parking spots in crowded, narrow streets.

The most convenient place to stop for groceries after leaving the airport is in the suburb of Sainte‑Foy, which you will drive through en route to the city centre. Major thoroughfares like Boulevard Laurier and Boulevard Hochelaga are lined with large, easily accessible supermarkets with ample parking. This lets you stock up shortly after picking up your car without having to navigate the more complex and congested streets of downtown Québec City. You can then proceed to your accommodation with everything you need.

For a split trip between Québec City and Montréal, consider whether you need a car in both cities. Both have walkable downtown cores, so you might not need a car for the whole trip. A common strategy is to take the train between the two cities and only rent a car for the days you plan to explore surrounding regions, like Charlevoix from Québec City or the Eastern Townships from Montréal. This can save you the hassle and expense of overnight parking in dense urban areas where a car can be more of a liability than an asset.

The drive between Québec City and Montréal along Autoroute 20 is well served by large, convenient service centres known as "haltes routières." These official rest areas are located directly off the motorway and offer petrol stations, clean toilets and a variety of fast‑food options in one place. Look for the large blue signs indicating an upcoming service area. The stop in Drummondville is a popular halfway point with a wide selection of services, making it an ideal place for a quick and easy break without detouring into a town.

For an early flight, allow at least 30–40 extra minutes for the car return process. First, locate a petrol station just outside the airport perimeter to refuel. Then follow the airport signs for "Rental Car Returns" or "Retours de voitures de location," which will guide you to the designated drop‑off lanes in the car park. After a quick vehicle inspection you can head directly into the terminal. Building this buffer into your schedule ensures you have ample time to check in and clear security without feeling rushed.

To refuel before your return without getting lost in airport traffic, look for petrol stations on Route de l'Aéroport, the main road leading to YQB. There are several major brand stations located just a minute or two from the airport entrance. Filling up here is very convenient and allows you to proceed directly to the well‑marked rental car return area without complicated turns. This avoids the stress of searching for fuel at the last minute and possibly missing the correct entrance for the drop‑off lanes.

The best place to regroup at YQB is the public arrivals area on the ground floor of the terminal, near the baggage carousels. This area has seating and coffee shops, making it a comfortable place to wait. The driver can wait in the short‑term cell phone lot until everyone has collected their luggage and is ready to be picked up. Once the group is assembled, they can call the driver, who can then proceed to the passenger pickup kerb just outside the arrivals doors.

You cannot drive directly onto Terrasse Dufferin as it's a pedestrian boardwalk, but you can park very close by. The most convenient option is to use the underground car park at City Hall or the one near the Château Frontenac. For the Plains of Abraham there is paid on‑street parking along Avenue George VI, which runs through the park; this is the easiest way to park right at the site. Arriving earlier in the day increases your chances of finding a spot quickly without having to circle the area.

The Aquarium du Québec is conveniently located just off Boulevard Laurier in Sainte‑Foy, near the bridges. To ensure a smooth drive, try to visit on a weekday or, if at the weekend, arrive at opening time to avoid peak shopping traffic from nearby malls. On leaving, use a sat nav with live traffic updates to help you avoid congestion. The aquarium has its own large car park, so finding a space on site is typically not an issue once you arrive.

A sensible plan is to use your rental car for day trips outside the city and leave it parked on days devoted to exploring Old Québec. Secure the car in a long‑stay car park near your hotel and take advantage of the city's excellent walkability. The historic core is compact and best seen on foot. For destinations slightly further afield, such as the Musée national des beaux‑arts du Québec, use the local bus network (RTC) or ride‑hailing services. This hybrid approach gives you freedom for regional travel and a stress‑free urban experience.