Dollar Car Hire
in Gaspé

On arrival at Gaspé Airport, you will find the car rental counters conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After collecting your luggage from the baggage reclaim area, simply follow the signs to the rental car desks. The Dollar counter will be there alongside other providers, making it an easy first step to start your journey. The airport’s compact layout means you won’t have far to walk.

The rental process starts inside the Gaspé Airport terminal, where you will complete the paperwork at the Dollar service counter. Once you have your keys and agreement, you’ll be directed to the designated rental car parking area. It’s only a short walk from the terminal exit, so there’s no need for a shuttle. The close proximity of the vehicles makes the transition from counter to driver’s seat quick and seamless.

Gaspé Airport is a small regional facility, which is ideal for getting on the road quickly. From the moment you disembark, it’s a very short walk to baggage reclaim and the main arrivals hall where the rental counters are located. In most cases, you can reach the Dollar counter within just a few minutes of stepping off the aircraft. This efficiency is one of the key benefits of flying into a smaller, more manageable airport like YGP.

A convenient, easy-to-find meeting point at Gaspé Airport is the baggage reclaim area. Since everyone needs to collect their luggage, it’s a natural place to regroup. Alternatively, the main arrivals hall just beyond the baggage carousel offers a bit more open space. You can gather there before sending one or two people to the Dollar counter to sort the rental agreement while others watch the bags.

The most practical place for the rest of your group to wait is the main arrivals area near the terminal exit. It’s usually less congested than right by the baggage carousel and often has seating. Waiting here keeps the luggage together and out of the way of rental counter traffic. Once the driver has the keys, they can easily meet the group and you can all head out to the nearby car park to load up.

For a smooth and efficient pick-up at the Dollar counter, have your key items organised and ready. This includes your reservation confirmation number (on your phone or printed). The main driver should also have a valid driving licence and the credit card they plan to use for the rental. Having these to hand helps the agent process the agreement quickly so you can get on the road to explore Gaspésie sooner.

When making your reservation, it’s always good practice to include your flight number. This allows rental staff to monitor your flight status and anticipate delays. If you experience a significant delay or a cancellation, it’s also wise to call the local Dollar branch at Gaspé Airport as soon as you can. A quick call helps them plan for your new arrival time and ensures your vehicle will be ready, reducing the chance of confusion.

Before leaving the car park at YGP, a thorough walkaround is a smart habit, especially given the varied roads in Gaspésie. Check the tyres for proper inflation and good tread. Inspect the lower body panels and bumpers for any existing scratches or dings, which can be common from gravel. It’s also wise to test the headlights, indicators and windscreen wipers to ensure everything works for changeable coastal weather. Finally, take photos of any existing damage for your records.

After leaving the airport grounds, you’ll find several safe places to pull over within a minute or two. Rather than stopping on the main access road, look for a nearby commercial car park or a quiet side street just off the main route. This lets you get settled without feeling pressured by traffic. Taking a moment to programme your GPS, connect your phone to the car’s Bluetooth and adjust your mirrors will make joining the scenic Route 132 much more relaxed.

Driving from Gaspé Airport to the town centre is very straightforward. As you exit the airport, you’ll be on Route de l’Aéroport. Follow it a short distance until you reach the main road, Route 132. At the junction, turn right to head east towards Gaspé. The signage is clear, and Route 132 takes you along the coast and directly into the heart of town, making for a simple and scenic first drive.

The most direct and scenic route to Percé from the airport is to follow Route 132 East. After leaving the airport, turn right onto Route 132 and follow the signs for Percé. This coastal highway guides you south along the shoreline with beautiful views of the Gulf of St Lawrence. It’s well signed and avoids confusing back roads, making it ideal for a first-time visitor heading to the iconic village of Percé.

For those unfamiliar with coastal driving, Route 132 offers a distinctive experience. While generally well maintained, it can be narrow in places and includes many bends that follow the shoreline. Be prepared for changing speed limits as you pass through small towns, and watch for scenic pull-offs where vehicles may be entering or leaving. Often the biggest adjustment is the stunning (and sometimes distracting) scenery, so the driver should stay focused on the road ahead.

A great first-day plan for the Gaspé Peninsula loop is to head south towards Percé. After picking up your car at YGP, drive east on Route 132 into Gaspé to pick up any initial supplies. Then continue south on Route 132 to Percé, which is about an hour’s drive. This lets you settle into your accommodation, explore the famous rock and village in the afternoon, and enjoy dinner without feeling rushed, setting a relaxed pace for the rest of your trip.

A common mistake is relying solely on phone GPS without downloading offline maps. Mobile service can be intermittent or unavailable in more remote areas, particularly in the national parks. Another pitfall is underestimating driving times; the winding nature of Route 132 means distances can take longer than expected. It’s wise to build extra time into your daily plan for spontaneous photo stops and to avoid driving on unfamiliar, unlit roads after dark.

To reach Parc national de la Gaspésie from Gaspé Airport, drive west on Route 132, then turn inland onto Route 299 at Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. Allow roughly two to two-and-a-half hours. The initial coastal section is scenic and relatively flat. Once on Route 299, the road becomes more mountainous and winding as it climbs into the Chic-Choc Mountains. This part requires more attentive driving but rewards you with spectacular forest and mountain scenery.

Getting to Forillon National Park from Gaspé is a simple and beautiful drive. Head east from Gaspé on Route 132, which leads straight to the park entrance. The park has two main sectors: North and South. Many visitors start at the South Area Visitor Information and Discovery Centre (Penouille) to get oriented. From there you can access trails and the Penouille sand spit. Alternatively, continue to the North Area for Cap-Bon-Ami and the Grande-Grave trail.

Cap Bon-Ami is in the North Area of Forillon National Park and is reached via a well-paved road. The descent to the cove is quite steep with sharp bends, so drive slowly and carefully. There’s a dedicated car park at the bottom with direct access to the pebble beach and viewpoints. In peak summer months, it can fill by late morning, so arriving earlier is recommended.

The main Visitor Information and Discovery Centre is in the park’s South Area, right off Route 132 at Penouille. Access is very easy, with clear signs leading into a large dedicated car park. It’s an ideal first stop to pay park fees, pick up a map and use the facilities. While the car park is spacious, it can get busy by midday in July and August. For a quick, low-stress stop, aim to arrive before 11:00 during high season.

Parking in Percé, especially near the waterfront where boat tours depart, can be difficult in peak season. The most realistic plan is to use one of the designated municipal or private paid car parks just off the main street, Rue du Quai. Arriving early in the morning gives you the best chance of finding a convenient spot. Once parked, the waterfront, pier and shops are all easy to explore on foot, so you can leave the car for the day.

When approaching Percé on Route 132 during busy periods, slow down well before you enter the main village area. Watch for parking signs as you approach, as some larger car parks are on the edge of the town centre. Driving straight to the pier often leads to congestion. A good approach is to take the first available space in a designated car park, even if it means a short walk, rather than circling the busiest streets.

Many accommodations in central Percé are historic properties with narrow driveways and limited parking. It’s a good idea to confirm the parking situation with your hotel before you arrive. You may need to stop briefly on the street to unload luggage before moving the car to an overnight space. Expect tight turns and manoeuvre carefully. Staff are usually helpful in directing you to the best place to park.

For a relaxed day trip, leave Gaspé by 09:00 and enjoy the scenic one-hour drive south on Route 132 to Percé, arriving before the biggest crowds. Spend late morning and early afternoon on a boat tour around Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. Afterwards, you’ll have time to stroll the village, browse the shops and have a late lunch with a view. Start your drive back to Gaspé in the late afternoon to avoid driving after dark and to finish a full but unhurried day.

Most whale watching tours in the Gaspé area depart from the marina in downtown Gaspé or from Forillon National Park. For departures from Gaspé, there’s plenty of public parking near the waterfront. If your tour leaves from Grande-Grave in Forillon, drive into the park’s South Area and follow signs to the Grande-Grave parking area, which is set up for tour departures and trail access. In either case, arriving 30 minutes before your tour is advisable.

The drive from Gaspé to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts along the north coast on Route 132 is stunning but includes long, remote stretches. It’s best to start with a full tank. While you’ll find fuel and services in larger towns such as Rivière-au-Renard and Mont-Louis, distances between them can be significant. Plan your fuel stops and don’t let the tank run too low. This route has fewer amenities than the southern loop, so packing snacks and water is also sensible.

Trailheads in Parc national de la Gaspésie, including the one for Mont-Albert, are accessed via Route 299. The main visitor centre has a large car park that serves as the starting point for several popular hikes. For the most sought-after trails, especially summer weekends, these car parks can fill surprisingly early. It’s strongly recommended to arrive before 09:00 to secure a space and start early, giving you plenty of daylight to complete your hike safely.

A helpful rule is to add at least 30–50% to the driving times suggested by navigation apps. This accounts for winding roads and lower speed limits, and builds in time for unplanned stops at lookouts, lighthouses and villages. To avoid driving after dark on unlit rural roads, plan your main travel for the morning and early afternoon. Aim to reach your overnight stop by late afternoon so you can check in and relax before sunset.

Driving at dawn and dusk in Gaspésie requires extra caution because wildlife encounters are more likely. Moose, deer and other animals are most active at these times and often cross roads, especially in forested and park areas. Slow down, scan the verges continuously and be ready to brake suddenly. On unlit roads, full beam can help you spot animals sooner, but dip your lights for oncoming traffic.

Autumn in Gaspésie brings beautiful colours but also more changeable weather. Coastal fog can roll in quickly, sharply reducing visibility, particularly in the mornings. Be prepared for rain as well, which can make roads slippery. Drive at a speed suitable for conditions, use your headlights to stay visible and leave extra following distance. Weather can change fast, so checking the forecast before setting out each day is an important part of safe trip planning.

In winter, the most challenging segments are usually higher-elevation and more remote routes. Route 299 through Parc national de la Gaspésie can be particularly difficult due to heavy snowfall and mountainous terrain. Sections of Route 132 along the north coast can also be exposed to strong winds and blowing snow, creating icy patches and poor visibility. It’s crucial to have a vehicle equipped for winter conditions and to drive with extreme care, checking road reports before longer journeys.

Strong coastal winds are common in the Gaspé region and can be especially noticeable on exposed sections of Route 132. You may feel the vehicle being pushed, particularly in higher-profile vehicles such as SUVs or vans. When choosing a vehicle, a saloon car or smaller crossover can feel more stable. Whatever you drive, the best response is to reduce speed, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, and take extra care on bridges and open stretches.

When you reach your assigned vehicle, take a moment to assess the boot space for your gear. For bulky items like coolers and boxes, look for a wide, flat load floor and a large boot opening. If you have long items such as hiking poles, check whether the rear seats fold down fully or in a split configuration to accommodate them. Confirming the layout works before you load everything will save you having to repack later.

The rental car area at Gaspé Airport is a good place to get organised before you set off. After loading luggage, focus on settling the children first. Fit any child seats and make sure everyone is safely buckled in. It’s also a great time to hand out snacks, drinks and activities for the drive. Taking a few extra minutes in the car park helps ensure a safer and calmer start to your family’s Gaspésie trip.

The most practical and safest place to install a child seat is in the bay where you collect your hire vehicle. The rental car area at YGP is low-traffic, so you can take your time without feeling rushed. You can fully open the doors, check the child seat and vehicle manuals, and ensure the seat is fitted securely and correctly before starting the engine. It’s best to complete this important step before loading your luggage.

If you expect to drive on gravel or unpaved roads, pay close attention to the tyres during your initial inspection. Check they have good tread and appear in good condition, including the spare in the boot. It’s also worth noting the vehicle’s ground clearance. A slightly higher ride height can provide extra peace of mind on uneven surfaces at scenic pull-offs or when heading to a more remote trailhead.

Mobile service is generally reliable in towns such as Gaspé and Percé, but it can be weak or unavailable in more remote areas, especially in national parks and along the north coast. It’s highly advisable to download offline maps of the entire Gaspé Peninsula to your phone before leaving the airport. That way, navigation will keep working without a signal, helping you avoid getting lost and travel with confidence.

After leaving the airport, the town of Gaspé is the most convenient place to stock up. As you drive towards the town centre on Route 132, you’ll find several major supermarkets with large, easy-access car parks. These shops offer everything you might need, from snacks and drinks to picnic supplies. Stopping here first helps ensure you’re prepared before heading to more remote destinations like Forillon or Percé.

You’ll find several convenient, easy-to-access fuel stations along Route 132 in the town of Gaspé. When driving back towards the airport from either direction, you’ll pass multiple options directly on the main road. Refuelling in town is straightforward and helps ensure you return the car with the required amount of fuel. These stations are only a few minutes’ drive from the airport, making them a quick final stop.

As you approach Gaspé Airport on Route de l’Aéroport, slow down and look for signs that specifically indicate "Rental Car Return" or "Location de voitures". The return entrance is typically separate from the main passenger drop-off loop. These signs will guide you into the correct lane or turn-off leading to the designated rental return area. Paying close attention as you near the terminal will help you make the turn smoothly.

The smoothest sequence is to follow the signs for "Departures" first and pull up to the terminal kerb so passengers can unload with all luggage. Once they are safely at the kerb, continue by following the loop road signs back around towards the "Rental Car Return" area. This avoids carrying bags across the car park and keeps the drop-off and return steps separate and orderly.

The rental return area at Gaspé Airport is very close to the terminal building. After parking and collecting your belongings, you’ll see clear pedestrian walkways and signs pointing to the terminal entrance. It’s a short, straightforward walk of a minute or two back inside. Once inside, the check-in and airline counters are immediately visible in the main hall.