Enterprise Car Hire
Gaspé

Gaspé Airport is a compact and easy-to-navigate regional airport, making the car rental process very straightforward. Upon entering the main terminal after your flight, you will find the car rental counters clearly visible. Simply look for the overhead signs directing you toward "Car Rentals" or "Location de voitures." The Enterprise desk is located within this area, typically just a short walk from the baggage reclaim. The small size of the airport ensures you can quickly and easily locate the pickup area without any confusion.

The most effective way to ensure a smooth late-night pickup is to include your flight number in your car rental reservation. This allows the local Enterprise team to track your flight's status and anticipate any delays. If you experience significant last-minute changes to your travel plans, it is also good practice to call the branch directly. Providing this information helps the location plan accordingly and ensures staff will be available to assist you upon your arrival, even if it's after regular hours.

The drive from Gaspé Airport into the town centre is exceptionally simple and ideal for a tired traveller. Upon exiting the airport, you will make a single turn onto Route 132, also known as Boulevard de Grande-Grève. This main coastal highway leads you directly into the heart of Gaspé without any complex intersections or turns. The route is well marked and follows the scenic shoreline, offering a relaxing introduction to the region. It's a direct and intuitive drive that requires minimal navigation.

While exact times can vary, the process at a smaller regional airport like Gaspé is generally efficient. After collecting your checked luggage, the car rental counters are just a few steps away inside the terminal. The total time will depend on factors like the number of other passengers picking up vehicles at the same time. To help expedite the process, have your driving licence and reservation details ready to present to the agent. This preparation will help ensure you get on the road as quickly as possible.

A full day is the minimum needed to get a satisfying overview of Forillon National Park's main highlights. This allows enough time to drive to both the North Sector for views from Cap-Bon-Ami and the South Sector to explore the Grande-Grave historical trail. However, to truly appreciate the park's walking trails and diverse landscapes without feeling rushed, a two-day itinerary is ideal. Having a rental car gives you the flexibility to move between different trailheads and viewpoints at your own pace.

The drive from Gaspé to Percé is incredibly straightforward, as it follows a single main road. You will simply take Route 132 East, which is the primary coastal highway connecting the two towns. The route is well paved, clearly signed, and offers continuous, stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Because it's a direct path with no major turns, you can relax and enjoy the scenery rather than worrying about navigation. It's one of the easiest and most scenic drives in the region.

To catch the sunrise at Cap Bon-Ami, you should plan to leave Gaspé well before dawn. The drive to this part of Forillon National Park typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes. It is best to check the exact sunrise time for your travel date and give yourself a generous buffer. Plan to depart from Gaspé at least 90 minutes before the scheduled sunrise to account for the drive, finding a parking spot, and the short walk to the viewing platform.

Upon arriving in the village of Percé, you will find several well marked public and private paid car parks. These are conveniently located throughout the main village area, providing access to the wharf, shops, and viewing areas. If you arrive midday during the peak summer season, you should expect parking to be more competitive and car parks to be quite full. It's a good idea to take the first available space you find and be prepared for a short, pleasant walk to the waterfront.

Absolutely, a day trip from Gaspé to Percé and back is a very popular and comfortable excursion. The drive itself is only about an hour each way, leaving you with a full day for activities. A relaxed pace would involve leaving Gaspé in the morning to spend several hours in Percé, perhaps taking a boat tour to Bonaventure Island and enjoying lunch. You can then enjoy a leisurely drive back in the late afternoon, stopping at any scenic lookouts that catch your eye along Route 132.

Driving Route 132 is a spectacular experience, though some sections are more remote than others. While towns and services are frequent along the southern coast near Gaspé and Percé, the northern shore can feel more isolated. The stretch through the Chic-Choc Mountains, in particular, has longer distances between villages and amenities. It's a wise practice to keep your fuel tank over half full and carry snacks and water, especially when venturing away from the larger towns.

For travellers sensitive to motion sickness, the drive south from Gaspé to Percé along Route 132 is generally the calmest option. This section features gentle curves and open coastal views that are less likely to cause discomfort. In contrast, the northern loop of Route 132, especially through the mountains and into Forillon National Park, contains more winding sections and elevation changes. Sticking to the southern coast or planning for frequent breaks on the northern route would be a good strategy.

When driving the scenic north shore from Gaspé, it's best to adopt a proactive refuelling strategy. Start your journey with a full tank of fuel from a station in Gaspé. Along the way, you will find petrol stations in larger villages like Rivière-au-Renard, but they become less frequent in the more remote, mountainous areas. A good rule of thumb is to top off your tank whenever you pass a station and your gauge is at or below the halfway mark, ensuring you never have to worry.

Yes, the area in and around Forillon National Park is very well designed for scenic driving. You will find numerous designated lookouts, known as "belvédères" or "haltes routières," that are clearly marked along Route 132 and the park roads. These pull-offs provide safe, dedicated parking areas completely separate from the flow of traffic. Many are equipped with picnic tables or interpretive signs, allowing you to comfortably and safely enjoy the stunning coastal landscapes.

An efficient strategy for seeing Forillon's different sectors is to drive to the furthest point first and explore your way back. For example, start your day by driving from Gaspé all the way to the North Sector to visit Cap-Bon-Ami. After spending time there, you can then drive back toward the park entrance and visit the South Sector attractions like Grande-Grave in the afternoon. This linear approach prevents you from driving the same stretch of road multiple times and creates a logical flow for your day.

Staying in a smaller village like Rivière-au-Renard or L'Anse-au-Griffon offers a quieter, more rural driving experience. You'll be much closer to the entrance of Forillon National Park, which is a major advantage for walkers and nature lovers. Your daily drives will involve less town traffic but may require a longer trip to reach larger supermarkets or a wider variety of restaurants in Gaspé. The experience is generally more immersed in the coastal landscape, with scenic byways right at your doorstep.

Nighttime driving in the Gaspé region can be challenging for those not accustomed to it, primarily due to the lack of streetlights outside of town centres. The roads can be very dark, which increases the risk of encountering wildlife like moose or deer crossing the highway. It is highly recommended to drive with caution, use your high beams when no other cars are present, and reduce your speed. For maximum comfort and safety, many visitors prefer to complete their driving during daylight hours.

Dawn and dusk are beautiful times to drive in Gaspé, but they require heightened awareness from the driver. This is the most active period for wildlife, so you should be especially vigilant for moose, deer, and other animals on or near the road. The low, changing light can also create glare and long shadows, making it harder to see potential hazards. Reducing your speed and actively scanning the roadsides are the best ways to ensure a safe journey during these hours.

Coastal fog is a common occurrence in Gaspé and can dramatically impact driving conditions by severely reducing visibility. When you encounter fog, it is essential to slow down significantly, turn on your low-beam headlights, and increase the distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. This will naturally add time to your journey, so it's wise to have a flexible schedule. On days with dense fog, be prepared to alter your plans or delay your drive until conditions improve for safety.

A rainy day provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the cultural side of the Gaspé region. You can plan a driving itinerary focused on indoor attractions, such as visiting the Musée de la Gaspésie in Gaspé or exploring the unique shops and art galleries in Percé. A drive along the coast can be especially dramatic and beautiful in the rain, with moody clouds hanging over the sea. Pairing these scenic drives with stops at cosy local cafés or restaurants makes for a memorable and enjoyable day.

Yes, summer is the peak season for road maintenance on Route 132, so travellers should anticipate the possibility of construction zones. These can lead to slowdowns, single-lane alternating traffic, or brief delays. A practical way to manage this is by checking the Québec 511 website for road conditions before you depart. It's also wise to build an extra 30 to 60 minutes of buffer time into your schedule for any long drives, ensuring that unexpected delays don't add stress to your trip.

The drive itself between Gaspé and Percé is usually smooth, with the main bottleneck occurring as you arrive in the village of Percé. Traffic tends to slow down considerably on the approach to the town centre as drivers search for parking. The area around the main wharf and commercial street becomes congested with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. To avoid the worst of it, a good strategy is to plan your arrival in Percé for earlier in the morning, before the largest crowds descend.

For Forillon's most popular trails, such as Les Graves or Mont-Saint-Alban, arriving early is key to securing a parking spot during the busy summer season. On a typical weekday, aim to be at the trailhead parking lot before 10:00 AM. On weekends or holidays, it's even better to arrive by 9:00 AM. An alternative strategy is to visit in the later afternoon, as parking often becomes available again once the morning walkers have finished their treks.

The most secure and practical way to handle your luggage is to store it out of sight in the boot of your rental car. Before leaving the vehicle to go on a walk or a boat tour, do a quick check to ensure all bags and valuables are concealed. This common-sense approach allows you to begin exploring immediately after your flight with peace of mind. You can then proceed to your accommodation to check in later in the day after your activities.

A simple and highly effective trick is to come prepared with a few large plastic bags or a collapsible laundry bin. After a hike, you can place muddy boots inside one bag to protect the car's floor mats and interior. A separate bag can be used for any damp rain gear or wet clothing. This small amount of planning makes a huge difference in keeping your rental vehicle clean and organised throughout your outdoor adventures in the Gaspé region.

A great way to balance a whale-watching tour with driving is to schedule the boat excursion for the morning. You'll be more refreshed and have the rest of the day for less strenuous activities. After the tour, plan a shorter, more relaxed drive, perhaps exploring the immediate area around the harbour or visiting a nearby beach. Avoid scheduling a multi-hour road trip for the same afternoon, as this will help prevent you from feeling overly tired.

The key to a stress-free boat tour day in Percé is to build in a generous time buffer. Plan to arrive in the village at least 60 to 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. This allows ample time to find a parking spot, which can be challenging during peak season, and walk to the wharf to check in. Booking your boat tickets in advance online can also streamline the process, ensuring you're not rushing at the last minute.

The Gaspé region offers many spectacular sights that are very accessible for those with limited mobility. The main viewing area for Percé Rock in the village of Percé is a very short and level walk from adjacent parking lots. In Forillon National Park, the breathtaking view from Cap-Bon-Ami is just steps away from its dedicated parking area. Additionally, numerous roadside lookouts along Route 132 allow you to enjoy world-class scenery without ever leaving the car.

To keep children happy on a long drive, the best strategy is to plan for frequent and engaging stops. Aim to pull over every 60 to 90 minutes to let everyone stretch their legs. Look for public beaches where kids can skip stones, playgrounds in small towns, or scenic picnic areas for a snack break. Turning the drive into a series of small adventures, like stopping for ice cream or exploring a cove, makes the journey as fun as the destination.

Visiting in October means you'll have fewer daylight hours, which requires adjusting your daily driving schedule. It's important to start your excursions earlier in the morning to maximise the available light. Plan to complete the majority of your driving and sightseeing by mid-afternoon. Aim to arrive at your overnight destination before sunset, as rural roads become very dark and wildlife is more active at dusk, making daytime travel the safer and more enjoyable option.

Winter driving in the Gaspé region demands careful attention to weather and road conditions. While major highways like Route 132 are regularly ploughed, they can still be covered in snow or ice during and after a storm. It is essential to drive at a reduced speed, allow for much longer braking distances, and make all manoeuvres smoothly. Rental cars are typically equipped with appropriate tyres for the season, but always check the forecast before embarking on a long drive.

During icy conditions, local drivers prioritise safety by sticking to the main, well-serviced highways like Route 132. They tend to avoid smaller, secondary roads which may be less frequently ploughed and could have steep, challenging hills. The key is to slow down, increase following distance, and favour the flatter coastal routes over more rugged inland roads. Allowing significant extra time for any journey is also a standard and wise practice in winter.

Cell service is generally strong in towns like Gaspé and Percé, but it can be unreliable or completely unavailable in more remote areas. You may lose your signal inside Forillon National Park or along certain stretches of the northern coastline. The best backup plan is to download offline maps of the Gaspé Peninsula to your smartphone before you begin your trip. This ensures you'll have access to reliable GPS navigation regardless of your cellular connection.

To make navigation with offline maps seamless, it's smart to pin several key locations in advance. Start with your accommodation, Gaspé Airport (YGP), and the town centres of Gaspé and Percé. For Forillon National Park, be sure to save the North Sector entrance near Cap-des-Rosiers and the South Sector entrance near Penouille. Pinning specific points of interest like the Cap-Bon-Ami lookout and the Grande-Grave trailhead will also help you navigate within the park with ease.

For a stress-free morning departure, pack your car the night before. In the morning, drive into the town of Gaspé first to grab breakfast at a local bakery or café. The airport is only a very short drive from the town centre, so you won't need to rush your meal. After eating, you can proceed directly to the airport, return your vehicle at the designated drop-off area, and head to your gate with plenty of time to spare.

For a one-way road trip starting in Gaspé, a popular plan is to drive the entire scenic loop of the peninsula. Common end points for returning a vehicle are often in Mont-Joli or Rimouski, as these towns have airports and other transport connections. This allows travellers to experience the full diversity of the coastline, from Percé to the Chic-Choc Mountains. Some continue even further west, ending their journey in major hubs like Québec City or Montréal.

Navigating with French signs is usually quite manageable for first-time visitors. Most critical road signs, like stop signs and speed limits, use universal symbols that are instantly recognisable. While place names will be in French, they will match what is displayed on your GPS or map application. Familiarising yourself with a few key words like "Est" (East), "Ouest" (West), and "Sortie" (Exit) can be helpful, but overall, modern navigation tools make the process very straightforward.

The town of Gaspé is the best place to stock up on supplies, as it has several large, full-service supermarkets. A practical strategy is to make a grocery run your final stop in town before you drive out towards more remote areas like Forillon or the north coast. This ensures you have the widest selection and the freshest items for picnics, snacks, and meals at your accommodation. While smaller villages have convenience stores, their offerings are much more limited.

Before arriving, it's a great idea to ask your host a few questions about parking. Confirm that a parking spot is guaranteed and enquire if it is on a steep incline, which can be a factor in winter weather. For a winter stay, it's also wise to ask about their schedule for clearing snow from the driveway and parking area. Getting these details in advance helps ensure you'll have a smooth, hassle-free arrival in your rental car, regardless of the conditions.

The most relaxing and efficient way to structure a three-day trip is to use the town of Gaspé as your central home base. On your first day, you can explore the local area and the southern sector of Forillon National Park. Dedicate your second day to a classic day trip down the coast to visit the famous Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. On the third day, you can venture into the northern sector of Forillon before returning to Gaspé, avoiding the hassle of checking in and out of different hotels.