Alamo Car Hire
Gaspé

Upon your arrival at Gaspé Airport, the process for picking up your vehicle is very convenient. After deplaning and collecting your belongings from the baggage reclaim area, you can proceed directly to the car hire counters located within the main terminal building. The airport is compact and easy to navigate, so you will find the Alamo service desk clearly marked. An agent will be there to help you finalise your rental agreement and get you on your way.

The initial part of the hire process takes place inside the Gaspé Airport terminal. You will complete all the necessary paperwork and receive your keys at the Alamo counter located within the building. Once that is finished, the agent will direct you to the designated hire-car parking area. This car park is situated just a short walk from the terminal exit, so you will not need to take a shuttle or travel far to locate your vehicle.

If your flight to Gaspé is delayed, it is always good practice to contact the local Alamo office as soon as you are aware of the situation. Providing your flight number when you book your reservation is also very helpful, as it allows the team to track your arrival status. For after-hours arrivals, be sure to check the location\'s specific policies when you book. Keeping the local branch informed is the most effective way to ensure a smooth pick-up, even if you arrive later than expected.

Gaspé Airport\'s terminal is small and straightforward, making it easy to coordinate with your travel companions. A convenient meeting point is the main arrivals and baggage reclaim area. This space is centrally located and provides enough room for your group to gather with luggage. One person can then approach the nearby Alamo hire counter while the others wait comfortably with the bags, streamlining the process before you head out to the car.

Finding your hire car in the YGP car park is a simple process. When you receive your keys and rental agreement at the counter, the document will have the vehicle\'s details, including its make, model, colour, and registration plate number. The agent will also point you towards the correct section of the car park. The car park is not very large, so using the key fob\'s remote to unlock the doors or sound the alarm can help you spot your specific car quickly.

The best place to get organised is before you even leave the airport car park. After loading your luggage, take a few moments in your allocated parking bay to set up your navigation, connect your phone to the car\'s system, and adjust your mirrors and seat. This allows you to begin your drive fully prepared and without distractions. If you prefer to do this after exiting, there are often safe pull-offs along Route 132 shortly after leaving the airport where you can pause.

Navigating your exit from Gaspé Airport is refreshingly simple. The airport access road leads you directly to Route 132, the main road that circles the entire Gaspé Peninsula. The only major decision you need to make is whether to turn right (east) towards the town of Gaspé and Forillon National Park, or left (west) towards Percé. There are no complex interchanges or confusing multi-lane merges, making for a low-stress start to your journey.

The drive from the airport to downtown Gaspé is very straightforward and scenic. Upon exiting the airport, you will turn right onto Route 132 East. This road will take you directly into the heart of the town. Simply follow the signs for "Gaspé Centre-Ville". The route follows the coastline, offering beautiful views of Gaspé Bay as you approach the town, and the drive typically takes only about 15 to 20 minutes.

To get to Percé from Gaspé Airport, the most direct and scenic route is to follow the main road, Route 132. When you exit the airport, you will turn left onto Route 132 West. This well-maintained coastal road will lead you south all the way to Percé. The drive is clearly signposted and takes approximately one hour, offering stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence along the way without the need for any complex back roads or shortcuts.

For your first day, consider your arrival time and energy levels. A great plan is to head east from the airport towards Forillon National Park, which is a relatively short drive. You could spend the afternoon exploring the park\'s accessible southern sector, such as the Penouille peninsula, before checking into your accommodation in or near the town of Gaspé. This allows for a relaxed start, immersing you in the region\'s natural beauty without a long, demanding drive immediately after your flight.

The Gaspé Peninsula loop along Route 132 is famous for its numerous scenic pull-offs, known as "haltes routières". These are conveniently located right off the main road and require no detours. Look for signs indicating a viewpoint, lighthouse, or picnic area. Many of these stops offer stunning coastal vistas, interpretive panels, and toilet facilities, making them perfect for a quick, stress-free break to stretch your legs and take photos.

While the loop can be driven in either direction, many travellers prefer a clockwise route starting from Gaspé. This means heading south towards Percé first, then continuing west along the Baie des Chaleurs before heading up the northern coast. Driving clockwise keeps the coastal views on your side of the car for much of the journey, making it easier to pull over at scenic lookouts. This direction also saves the dramatic landscapes of Forillon and the northern coast for the latter part of the trip.

Route 132 is generally a well-maintained two-lane road with adequate width for comfortable driving. In more populated areas like Gaspé and Percé, the road is standard, but in some rural coastal sections, it can become narrower with smaller shoulders. It is important to be mindful of your position in the lane, especially on bends. Always be aware of cyclists who also use the route, and drive at a speed that feels safe for the conditions.

While most road signs are internationally recognised, it is helpful to be aware of a few key things in Québec. Speed limits are in kilometres per hour (km/h), not miles per hour. Look for green signs indicating directions for towns and routes like the 132. Also, be aware of signs depicting moose or deer, as these animals are common in the region, especially at dawn and dusk. Finally, signs with a red circle and a white bar mean "Do Not Enter", which is important to recognise.

It is a wise strategy to refuel your vehicle in the larger towns you pass through, such as Gaspé, Percé, Chandler, and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. While petrol stations are available along Route 132, there can be long stretches between them, particularly on the northern side of the peninsula and through the interior parks. A good practice is to top off your tank when it gets to about half-full if you have the opportunity. This ensures you can explore without any concern about running out of fuel.

Mobile signal is generally reliable in towns and villages along the coast of the Gaspé Peninsula. However, you should anticipate intermittent or no service in more remote areas, especially within Forillon and Gaspésie national parks and on certain stretches of the northern coast. For this reason, it is highly recommended to download maps of the region for offline use on your navigation app before you start your trip. This ensures you will have reliable directions even when you are outside of mobile coverage.

The most common mistake is not realising that you cannot drive directly to Percé Rock itself. The iconic landmark is viewed from the village of Percé. Navigation should be set for "Percé" or the "Percé Geopark". Once you arrive in the village, you will need to park your car in one of the designated public or private car parks and then walk to the waterfront for the best views. Trying to find a road that leads to the rock will only lead to confusion in the small village streets.

The village of Percé has several well-marked paid car parks specifically for visitors. The most convenient car parks are located just off Route 132 as you enter the main commercial area. From these car parks, it is a short and pleasant walk down to the wharf where the boat tours for Bonaventure Island depart. It is best to park for the day, as finding on-street parking can be very difficult, especially during peak season. Arriving a little early ensures you have ample time to park and get to your tour.

Most hotels, motels, and inns in Percé provide on-site parking for their guests, which is a significant convenience. However, given the village\'s historic nature and hillside setting, some properties may have narrow driveways or compact parking areas. It is always a good idea to check your accommodation\'s parking situation ahead of time. When manoeuvring in these car parks, take your time, especially with a larger vehicle, to navigate the tight spaces safely.

A wonderful day trip involves leaving Gaspé in the morning and taking the scenic one-hour drive south on Route 132 to Percé. Plan to arrive in Percé by mid-morning to secure parking and walk along the waterfront to admire the famous rock. Enjoy lunch at one of the village\'s many cafés or restaurants with a view. On your return drive in the afternoon, make a stop at several of the coastal lookouts you may have passed on the way down, allowing you to see the landscape in different light before arriving back in Gaspé for the evening.

Reaching Forillon National Park from Gaspé is very easy. Simply drive north from the town of Gaspé, following the signs for Route 132 East, which leads directly to the park\'s south entrance. For first-time visitors, a great place to start is the Penouille Visitor Information and Discovery Centre. This area offers easy walking trails on a beautiful sand spit, great views, and helpful park staff who can provide maps and recommendations for the rest of your visit.

Cap Bon-Ami is one of the most popular and stunning spots in Forillon National Park, located in the north sector. There is a dedicated car park right at the site, but it can fill up quickly, especially on sunny days during the peak summer season. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to secure a space. From the car park, it is just a very short walk down a path and some steps to reach the pebble beach and the breathtaking cliffside views.

Forillon National Park offers several spectacular viewpoints that are very accessible. Cap Bon-Ami, in the north sector, provides dramatic cliff and sea views just a short walk from its car park. In the south sector, the observation tower on the La Chute trail offers a panoramic vista after a relatively short, easy walk. Additionally, the drive to the end of the road at L\'Anse-aux-Amérindiens offers incredible scenery right from your car and the adjacent picnic area.

Whale watching tours typically depart from the marinas in either Gaspé or Percé. Both locations offer a straightforward drive-and-park experience. In Gaspé, you will drive to the waterfront area, where there is ample public parking near the marina where the tour boats are docked. Similarly, in Percé, you would use the main village car parks and then take a short walk to the wharf. It is always best to book your tour in advance and confirm the exact departure location and parking recommendations.

The drive from Gaspé to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts along the northern coast of the peninsula is exceptionally scenic but also more remote than the southern shore. Services like petrol stations and restaurants are clustered in the small villages you will pass through, so it is wise to plan your stops accordingly. The route is dotted with numerous "haltes routières" (roadside rest stops) that offer fantastic views and a place to stretch. Be sure to have snacks and water with you, as options can be limited between towns.

To reach Parc national de la Gaspésie from the Gaspé area, you will first drive west along Route 132 to the town of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. This coastal drive takes several hours. In Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, you will turn south onto Route 299. This road takes you directly into the heart of the park and up to the Mont-Albert Discovery and Visitors Centre. The entire route is well paved and clearly signed, making for a beautiful and manageable drive.

Parking at popular trailheads in Parc national de la Gaspésie, especially for iconic hikes like Mont-Albert and Mont-Jacques-Cartier, can be limited. It is highly recommended to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 9 a.m. during the peak season, to secure a parking space. This is particularly true at weekends and on public holidays. Arriving early not only guarantees parking but also gives you a full day to complete your hike in daylight and often provides better weather conditions.

A good strategy is to plan your main driving segments for the morning and early afternoon. This leaves your late afternoon for exploring your destination. Check the distance and estimated driving time between your overnight stops and add at least an hour or two for spontaneous photo stops and breaks. Be aware of sunset times, which vary significantly by season, and aim to be checked into your accommodation well before dusk. This approach avoids the stress of navigating winding, unlit rural roads after dark.

Driving in the Gaspé region, particularly during the early morning and evening hours, requires extra vigilance for wildlife. Moose are the largest and most significant concern, and they can appear on the road unexpectedly, especially in forested areas and within national parks. You should also be watchful for deer, foxes, and porcupines. Heeding wildlife crossing signs and reducing your speed in marked areas is the best way to ensure both your safety and that of the local animals.

Coastal weather on the Gaspé Peninsula can change quickly, and driving in dense fog or heavy rain requires caution. Visibility can be significantly reduced, especially on higher-elevation sections or those directly along the shoreline. The northern coast, between Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and Gaspé, can feel particularly challenging in these conditions due to its winding nature and cliffs. It is essential to reduce your speed, use your headlights, and maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.

Strong winds are a common feature of the Gaspé coast and can affect driving, particularly on exposed stretches of Route 132. You may feel the car being pushed by crosswinds, which requires you to be attentive and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel. This effect is more noticeable in larger vehicles like SUVs or vans. Driving at a moderate speed will help you maintain better control and ensure a more comfortable and secure driving experience during windy conditions.

Before you leave the Alamo car park, it is always a good idea to do a quick visual inspection of your hire car\'s tyres. Check to ensure they appear properly inflated and have good tread. While most main roads and major viewpoints are paved, some smaller pull-offs can be gravel or dirt. Knowing you are starting with tyres in good condition provides peace of mind for the entirety of your road trip, allowing you to confidently explore the peninsula\'s beautiful sights.

A compact or mid-size SUV often strikes the perfect balance for a Gaspé road trip. These vehicles offer good visibility and comfort for the long, scenic drives along Route 132. At the same time, they are generally manoeuvrable enough to handle the tight parking spaces found in popular, historic villages like Percé. This combination of motorway comfort and in-town practicality makes them a very popular and sensible choice for exploring all that the region has to offer.

When you get to your allocated vehicle, take a moment to assess the boot or cargo area to ensure it meets your needs. Open the rear hatch or boot to see if it will comfortably accommodate your luggage, hiking rucksacks, and coolers without obstructing your rear view. If you find the space is insufficient, you can always speak with an Alamo agent at the counter before you leave the car park. They can assist you in finding a vehicle that better suits your storage requirements.

The most relaxed and safest place to install a child car seat is in your allocated parking bay at the Alamo hire car park. This allows you to take your time and ensure the seat is installed correctly without the pressure of holding up traffic. The parking area is generally calm, giving you the space and focus needed to secure the seat properly. Doing this before you load your luggage can also make it easier to manoeuvre inside the vehicle.

After leaving the airport, the town of Gaspé is your best and closest option for stocking up on supplies. As you drive into town on Route 132, you will find several major supermarkets with large, easy-to-access car parks. These supermarkets offer everything you might need for your road trip, from snacks and drinks to picnic supplies. Stopping here at the beginning of your trip is a convenient way to get provisioned for your adventures around the peninsula.

On your way back to the airport, you will find several petrol stations conveniently located along Route 132 in the town of Gaspé. These stations are situated on the main thoroughfare and have large, clearly marked entrances and exits, making them easy to pull into. Refuelling in town before you make the final short drive to the airport is the most efficient plan. This ensures you can return the car with the correct amount of fuel without any last-minute stress.

As you approach Gaspé Airport on Route 132, look for the standard blue airport signs indicating the turn-off. Once you are on the main airport access road, you will see clear signage directing you towards "Car Rental Return" or "Retour des locations". These signs will guide you to a specific lane or entrance for the hire-car lot, which is separate from the general departures and arrivals area. Following these dedicated signs will ensure you make the correct turn.

The process is very simple at Gaspé Airport. First, follow the signs for "Departures" to pull up to the terminal kerb. Here, your passengers can unload their luggage while you stay with the vehicle. After they are safely on the kerb, you can simply loop back around the airport\'s one-way road system and follow the signs for "Car Rental Return". The entrance to the return lot is just a short drive from the departures kerb, making for a quick and efficient drop-off sequence.

The path from the hire-car return lot to the terminal is very short and direct. After you have parked the car and gathered your remaining belongings, you will walk back towards the main terminal building, which will be clearly visible from the lot. You will enter through the main doors, and the airline check-in counters will be immediately in front of you. The airport\'s compact size means that check-in and the security screening area are just steps away from each other, making for a very easy and stress-free departure.