Enterprise Car Hire
Quebec

The Enterprise hire desk at Québec City's airport is conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your luggage from the baggage reclaim area, simply follow the overhead signs for "Car Rentals" or "Location de voitures." All hire companies are grouped together in a dedicated hall on the ground floor, so it’s a very short and easy walk. Once you've completed the paperwork at the desk, the staff will direct you to the designated vehicle collection area in the adjacent car park.

Picking up your hire car after a late flight at YQB is generally straightforward. The airport is well signed and less busy at night, which makes navigation simpler. The car hire desks are located directly in the main terminal on the ground floor, just a short walk from baggage reclaim. To ensure a smooth experience, it's a good idea to include your flight number in your booking. That helps the hire staff anticipate your arrival time if your flight is delayed and be ready to assist you.

During peak travel times it's sensible to allow roughly 60 to 90 minutes from touchdown to driving away. This allows for disembarking, walking to baggage reclaim, waiting for luggage and then going to the hire desk. The hire process itself can vary depending on how many others are collecting cars. Building this buffer into your schedule reduces stress and ensures you aren't rushed, especially if you need to fit in a child seat or set up a sat-nav.

The most direct route from YQB to Old Québec is well signed and fairly straightforward for first-time visitors. From the airport follow signs for Autoroute 40 Est (East) towards Québec. That motorway then links with Autoroute 440 Est, also known as Autoroute Charest. Continue on Autoroute 440 which will take you towards the city centre and Old Québec. Using a GPS navigation app on your phone is highly recommended as it provides turn-by-turn directions and helps you navigate the final city streets to your specific destination.

Driving within the walls of Old Québec requires patience and careful attention because the streets are often narrow, cobbled and can be quite steep. Many roads are one-way and pedestrian traffic is heavy, particularly in tourist season. It's a good idea to study your hotel's location on a map before you arrive and have a clear plan for unloading luggage. Some hotels have short-term loading zones, but it’s best to check with them directly for arrival and parking recommendations.

Yes, parking just outside the walls of Old Québec is often more convenient and far less stressful. There are several large public car parks and lots around the perimeter, such as the one by City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) or near the Parliament Building. These facilities let you leave the car for the day and explore the historic district entirely on foot. This approach avoids navigating the tight, congested streets inside the walls while keeping your vehicle handy for day trips out of the city.

Winter driving in Québec City can be a new experience for visitors from warmer climates, but it is very manageable. The city is well equipped for snow and main roads are cleared efficiently. The key is to adjust your driving: reduce speed, allow much longer braking distances and make gentle turns. Be especially cautious on bridges and overpasses which can freeze sooner than other road surfaces. Rental vehicles will be fitted with winter tyres as required by provincial law, which significantly improves traction and safety.

While many signs use universal symbols, knowing a few key French words is very helpful. "ARRÊT" is the word for STOP and appears on stop signs. "SORTIE" means EXIT on motorways, and "EST" and "OUEST" mean East and West respectively. Other useful terms include "RUE BARRÉE" (Street Closed) and "DÉTOUR" (Detour). Speed limit signs are straightforward, showing "MAXIMUM" followed by the speed in kilometres per hour. Noting these common terms will make navigation much easier.

The biggest difference for U.S. drivers is that all speeds and distances are shown in the metric system—kilometres per hour (km/h) and kilometres (km). Another key point is that turning right on a red light is generally permitted across Québec, except on the island of Montréal and where signs clearly prohibit it. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers and using a handheld mobile phone while driving is strictly forbidden. Also note that traffic lights are often positioned on the near side of the junction rather than across it, as common in the U.S.

For a scenic and straightforward day trip, take Autoroute 40 Est from the airport area. This motorway becomes Autoroute 440 Est as you approach the city. Continue past downtown where the route becomes Route 138 Est, also known as Boulevard Sainte-Anne. That road runs parallel to the St Lawrence River and will take you directly to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. To reach Canyon Sainte-Anne, continue a few minutes further on Route 138. The whole drive is well signed and offers pleasant views along the way.

A day trip to Baie-Saint-Paul in the Charlevoix region is a fantastic experience but it does take a full day. The drive itself is about 90 minutes each way without stops along the scenic Route 138. To enjoy it properly you should plan for at least 6 to 8 hours in total. This gives ample time to explore galleries and shops in Baie-Saint-Paul, have a leisurely lunch and take a few photo stops at viewpoints along the St Lawrence. Leaving early ensures you have plenty of daylight to appreciate the landscapes.

Driving from Québec City to Tadoussac for whale watching is a substantial but rewarding day trip. The drive is roughly three hours each way, so plan on at least six hours round-trip. To make it manageable, leave very early in the morning. The route follows Route 138 Est and includes a free ferry crossing over the Saguenay Fjord to reach Tadoussac. Allowing for a coffee or snack stop, possible ferry wait time and the drive, you should allocate about 3.5 to 4 hours for the one-way journey.

The most direct route to the Saguenay region is to take Route 175 North from Québec City. This road, also known as the Route des Laurentides, is modern and well maintained and cuts directly through the Laurentian Mountains. The drive to the city of Saguenay (Chicoutimi sector) takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. The route is scenic and efficient, offering pleasant forest and mountain landscapes, and is the primary artery connecting the two regions—making it the easiest option for starting your trip.

The best approach depends on the places you plan to visit. For nearby attractions like Montmorency Falls, Île d'Orléans and even Baie-Saint-Paul, using Québec City as a base is very convenient and avoids frequent packing and unpacking. However, if you intend to explore more distant destinations such as Tadoussac, the Saguenay Fjord or Gaspésie, it’s more practical to book accommodation in those regions. That reduces daily driving time, prevents fatigue and allows you to immerse yourself more fully in each area.

For travellers between Québec City and Montréal both Autoroute 40 and Autoroute 20 are excellent options. Autoroute 40 runs along the north shore of the St Lawrence and is generally considered more scenic, passing through smaller towns. Autoroute 20 on the south shore is often seen as a more direct, functional motorway with more services such as petrol stations and restaurants. Around Québec City both routes have standard merges and junctions that are well signed, so choosing often comes down to a preference for scenery versus directness.

Québec City experiences typical rush-hour traffic which can noticeably slow travel between the suburban area of Sainte-Foy and the city centre. Morning rush hour, roughly from 07:00 to 09:00, brings heavy inbound traffic towards downtown. The evening peak, from about 15:30 to 17:30, is congested outbound towards Sainte-Foy and the bridges. If your plans are flexible it’s best to avoid driving between these areas during peak times to save time and reduce frustration.

Driving from Sainte-Foy to Old Québec is quite straightforward outside rush hour, typically taking around 15–20 minutes via main boulevards like Boulevard Laurier or Boulevard Charest. Once you get near the historic district, parking becomes the main consideration. Rather than hunting for scarce on-street spaces, it’s much more efficient to head straight for one of the large, well signed public car parks (stationnements) located just outside or beneath the city walls. That lets you park once and explore on foot.

Managing luggage drop-off in Old Québec takes a bit of planning. The best approach is to contact your hotel in advance and ask for their specific instructions. Many hotels have a small designated loading zone where you can stop for a few minutes to unload bags. A practical strategy is for one person to stay with the car while the other checks in and unloads the luggage. Afterwards you can move the car to a nearby long‑stay car park without the stress of blocking narrow, busy streets.

The most challenging area for tourist drivers is undoubtedly within the walls of Old Québec (Vieux‑Québec). This historic district features very narrow cobbled streets, a complex network of one‑way roads, steep inclines and sharp, blind corners. Charming to walk through, it can be stressful to navigate by car, especially with heavy pedestrian traffic. Areas just outside the walls, like the Petit Champlain quarter, are also best explored on foot. For a lower‑stress experience it’s highly recommended to park your car and walk.

Using a GPS is essential for navigating Québec City, but be prepared for a mix of English and French. Most navigation apps cope well, but it helps to be familiar with both versions of key landmarks, such as "Old Québec" and "Vieux‑Québec." Sometimes a GPS’s pronunciation of French street names can be hard to follow, so it’s useful to also watch the map display. Entering the exact address rather than just the place name can help avoid confusion and ensure you’re routed correctly.

A common mistake when leaving YQB is not getting into the correct lane early enough for the motorway you intend to take. The airport exit quickly leads to choices for Autoroute 40 or Autoroute 540 (Duplessis). It’s crucial to know whether you need to head "Est" (East) towards downtown Québec City or "Ouest" (West) towards Montréal. Pay close attention to the overhead signs as you leave the airport grounds and use your GPS to anticipate which lane you’ll need. A moment’s hesitation can put you on the wrong ramp.

Roundabouts, or "carrefours giratoires", are increasingly common in and around Québec City, particularly in newer suburbs and at some motorway interchanges. The rules are standard: give way to traffic already in the circle, enter when there’s a safe gap and signal as you exit. You’ll encounter them in areas like Sainte‑Foy or when leaving certain motorways. They are designed to improve traffic flow, so approach calmly and yield to circulating traffic to navigate them smoothly.

Visiting Île d’Orléans is a lovely and easy day trip. From Québec City take Autoroute 440 Est towards Sainte‑Anne‑de‑Beaupré and use the exit for the "Île d'Orléans Bridge." Once you cross the bridge you can follow the island’s perimeter road, Route 368 (Chemin Royal). A simple plan is to turn right after the bridge and drive the loop anti‑clockwise. This route takes you through charming villages and past farms, chocolate shops and wineries, with numerous viewpoints to stop and admire the St Lawrence River and Montmorency Falls.

A good low‑stress plan is to drive to a central spot and explore from there. For example, drive to the Plains of Abraham where parking is generally available and spend the morning exploring the park and the nearby Musée national des beaux‑arts du Québec. From there it’s a pleasant walk to the Citadel and the entrance to Old Québec. Another option is to park near the Parliament Building for the day. This strategy lets you use the car for a single trip into the city and then enjoy main attractions on foot without moving the car repeatedly.

After collecting your vehicle at YQB the most comfortable place to fit a car seat is usually in the rental car area of the car park. The space is covered and sheltered from the elements, giving you time and protection to ensure the seat is fitted correctly without feeling rushed. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the installation process for your particular seat before you travel. Allowing an extra 15–20 minutes for this after completing the hire paperwork helps the family start the trip calmly and safely.

When travelling with bulky kit such as skis, it helps to organise the loading process at the YQB hire pickup area. Most travellers find it easiest to load the largest items, like ski bags, first. If the rear seats fold down you can often pass skis through from the boot. Place suitcases and larger bags around them and keep smaller bags or items you’ll need during the drive accessible in the passenger cabin. Taking a few moments to plan your packing in the car park will save you from having to rearrange everything later.

The drive to Le Massif de Charlevoix is very scenic but requires caution, especially in winter. The route follows Route 138 which is generally well maintained but can be challenging during and after snowstorms. The final approach to the resort involves a steep, winding road. It’s crucial to drive slowly, keep a safe following distance and be prepared for icy patches. The province’s mandatory winter tyre law ensures your hire car is properly equipped, but defensive driving is your best tool for a safe journey.

While major routes like Autoroute 40 and Route 138 are kept open except in the most extreme blizzards, some smaller rural or scenic roads can be temporarily closed during heavy snowfall. The road through Jacques‑Cartier National Park (Route 175) can sometimes have closures or advisories in severe weather. Before heading out on a day trip, especially to mountainous areas like Charlevoix or national parks, it’s a good idea to check the Québec 511 website or app for real‑time road conditions and closure information.

There are several petrol stations conveniently located just a few minutes’ drive from the airport, making it easy to refuel before returning the car. You’ll find major brands along Route de l'Aéroport and Boulevard Wilfrid‑Hamel, the main roads leading to YQB. These stations are easily accessible and used to serving travellers heading to the airport. Planning to refuel at one of these nearby locations before entering the airport grounds is the most efficient way to complete the return process smoothly.

For a morning flight in winter it’s important to allow significantly more time. While the drive from Old Québec to YQB might only take 25–30 minutes in clear conditions, you should budget at least 60–90 minutes during or after snowfall. This allows for slower traffic, the need to drive carefully on uncleared city streets and the car return process. Checking the morning weather forecast and road conditions before you set off will help you gauge the best departure time and ensure a stress‑free trip to the airport.

Finding the rental car return at YQB is straightforward if you follow the signs. As you approach the airport on the main access road move into the lane marked "Rental Car Return" or "Retour des voitures de location" as soon as you see the signs. That lane will separate you from the main departures and arrivals traffic. Following these dedicated signs will lead you directly to the correct entrance of the car park where you’ll find clear markings for the Enterprise return bays.

The drive to Montréal is straightforward and takes about three hours. From YQB get on Autoroute 40 Ouest (West). This motorway will take you directly to Montréal. For a more service‑rich route you can also opt for Autoroute 20 Ouest on the south side of the river. A great halfway stopping point is Trois‑Rivières, which has a pleasant historic centre on the riverfront ideal for a short break and a coffee. This divides the drive nicely before you continue to Montréal.

A same‑day road trip to Ottawa is possible but ambitious and makes for a very long day. The drive is about 4.5 to 5 hours each way, so you’d spend 9–10 hours in the car. You’d follow Autoroute 40 Ouest towards Montréal and then Autoroute 417 Ouest to Ottawa. For such a long drive, plan regular breaks to avoid fatigue and be mindful of rush‑hour traffic around Montréal which can add significant delays. An overnight stay in Ottawa is generally a more relaxed option.

For a smooth border crossing into the U.S. the most important preparation is having all travel documents readily accessible. This includes passports for all passengers and any other required ID. It’s also wise to check border wait times online before you depart to choose the least congested crossing point. Be prepared to answer routine questions from the border officer about your trip and any goods you are bringing. Keeping the hire car paperwork in the glove compartment is also good practice.

When driving on rural roads outside Québec City, especially at dawn, dusk or at night, be vigilant for wildlife. Deer and moose are common in the region and can cross the road unexpectedly. Reduce your speed in forested areas and use your high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic to improve visibility. Be particularly cautious on scenic routes such as Route 138 through Charlevoix or Route 175 through the Laurentian Wildlife Reserve. Staying alert is the best way to avoid a collision.

Speed limits in Québec are posted in kilometres per hour and are enforced, particularly on major autoroutes. The typical limit on motorways is 100 km/h (about 62 mph), while in urban areas it’s often 50 km/h (about 31 mph). Visitors generally find traffic flows at or slightly above the posted limit, but it’s always safest to stick to the legal speed. Be especially mindful of limit changes when entering towns or construction zones as these are common spots for enforcement.

For a beautiful and easy scenic drive follow Route 138, also known as the "Route du Fleuve" (River Route), east from Québec City towards the Charlevoix region. This well‑maintained road offers continuous views of the St Lawrence and runs through picturesque towns like Baie‑Saint‑Paul. Another excellent option is to drive the loop around Île d'Orléans on Chemin Royal (Route 368). Both routes are main roads that are simple to navigate while providing classic Québec riverside scenery.

Driving and parking in and around Old Québec become significantly more challenging during the Carnaval de Québec. Many streets near main event sites such as the Plains of Abraham and the Parliament Building will be closed to traffic or have restricted access. Parking is extremely limited and traffic is heavy. The best strategy is to park at your hotel or in a garage further from the festival sites and use public transport or walk to the events. Planning ahead and avoiding driving into the festival zone will save time and frustration.

A great way to explore both cities is to drive to Lévis for its spectacular views of the Québec City skyline. You can drive across the Pont Pierre‑Laporte bridge and follow signs for the Lévis ferry terminal area. There is public parking near the terminal allowing you to park and walk along the waterfront for excellent photo opportunities. Alternatively you can park and take the ferry across to Québec City’s Old Port as a foot passenger, which is a scenic and enjoyable option and avoids the need to find parking in the Lower Town.