Avis Car Hire
Gander

The Avis rental counter at Gander International Airport is conveniently located inside the main terminal building. After you collect your bags from the baggage claim carousel, you will find the rental car desks just a few steps away in the arrivals hall. This close proximity makes the process very smooth, as you won't need to take a shuttle or walk a long distance to reach your vehicle. The set-up is designed for a quick and easy transition from your flight to the start of your Newfoundland road trip.

For a late-night arrival at Gander, it's good practice to check the Avis location's opening hours before your trip. Including your flight number in your reservation is also highly recommended, as this helps the staff anticipate your arrival even if your flight is delayed. Gander airport is relatively small and easy to navigate, so finding the counter is straightforward at any hour. Ensuring your details are in the booking helps facilitate a smoother pickup after a long day of travel.

Navigating Gander's airport with luggage is simple due to its compact layout. The rental car counters are located directly within the terminal, just a short walk from the baggage claim area. You can use one of the airport's luggage trolleys to transport your bags, ski equipment, or pet carriers over to the desk. Once you complete the paperwork, the walk to the vehicle parking area is also minimal, making the entire process manageable and stress-free.

A great place to meet up at Gander International Airport is in the main arrivals area, right by the baggage carousels. This spot is centrally located and easy for everyone to find as they exit their flights. Alternatively, you could gather near the entrance to the rental car counters themselves, which are clearly signed within the terminal. Once your whole party has assembled, you can proceed to the Avis desk together to begin the rental process.

Driving away from Gander airport is a very straightforward experience. You will start on a well-maintained local airport road that quickly connects you to the main roads in Gander. From there, it is a simple and clearly signed drive to get onto the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1). There are no complex junctions or heavy urban traffic to worry about, allowing for a calm transition to higher speeds as you begin your journey.

The drive from Gander to Twillingate typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours without major stops. The most direct route for first-time visitors is to take the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) west for a short distance to Route 330. You'll then follow Route 330 north along the coast before joining Route 340, also known as the 'Road to the Isles.' This scenic two-lane highway will take you across several causeways and bridges into the town of Twillingate.

For a day trip to Terra Nova National Park, plan on an easy one-hour drive east from Gander along the Trans-Canada Highway. Once you enter the park, the main highway continues through it, but you'll want to exit onto the smaller park roads to reach trailheads and viewpoints. Be prepared for driving to get much slower on these routes, such as the road to Newman Sound or the scenic drive to the Ochre Hill Lookout. These roads are narrower, have lower speed limits, and often include wildlife, so a relaxed pace is essential.

The drive from Gander to Gros Morne National Park is a long one, typically taking 4 to 5 hours primarily on the Trans-Canada Highway. While the highway is well-maintained like the roads around Gander, the journey covers vast, sparsely populated areas. Be prepared for long stretches with limited services like petrol stations or restaurants. It's also important to stay alert for wildlife, especially moose, and be ready for weather that can change quickly over the course of the drive.

The drive from Gander to St. John's along the Trans-Canada Highway takes about 3.5 to 4 hours and has several convenient places to stop. The town of Clarenville, about halfway through the drive, is a major service centre with numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and petrol stations. Further along, the town of Whitbourne is another reliable option for a break before you get closer to the city. These towns provide excellent opportunities to refuel both your vehicle and yourself.

While mobile signal is generally reliable in Gander and along the main Trans-Canada Highway, it can become spotty or completely unavailable on more remote secondary roads or within national parks. To avoid navigation issues, it is highly recommended to download maps of the region to your phone for offline use before you start your trip. This ensures you'll have reliable turn-by-turn directions even if you lose your cellular connection in a rural area.

Moose are a serious driving hazard throughout Newfoundland, so it's crucial to be vigilant. They are most active at dawn and dusk and are often found near the sides of highways where vegetation is plentiful. To reduce risk, constantly scan the ditches and tree lines on both sides of the road as you drive. Always obey posted speed limits, especially in designated moose warning zones, and avoid driving at night if possible, as their dark coats make them very difficult to see.

Fog is a common occurrence in Newfoundland, especially in coastal areas. If you encounter dense fog, the safest response is to significantly reduce your speed, switch on your dipped headlights, and increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead. If visibility becomes extremely poor, the best course of action is to find a safe place to pull completely off the road, such as a designated lookout or rest area, and wait for it to clear. A short delay is always better than risking an accident.

To ensure a stress-free trip to a whale-watching tour, it's wise to add a generous buffer to your travel time. First, use a GPS app to estimate the drive time to the specific coastal town, such as Twillingate or Bonavista. Then, add at least 30 to 45 minutes to that estimate. This extra time will account for any unexpected slowdowns, allow you to easily find parking near the harbour, and give you plenty of time to check in with the tour operator without feeling rushed.

Gander's central location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring a significant portion of the island. A realistic and popular multi-day loop involves driving east to visit Terra Nova National Park and the Bonavista Peninsula for a couple of days. From there, you can loop north to explore the coastal communities around Twillingate before heading back south to Gander. This route offers a fantastic mix of national parks, historic towns, and stunning coastline without excessive driving each day.

For a day trip focused on iceberg viewing, the towns along the Kittiwake Coast and the area around Twillingate are your best destinations from Gander. The drive to communities like Twillingate or Fogo Island (via ferry) is manageable for a day trip, taking a couple of hours each way. This allows ample time to drive along the coastline, stop at various viewpoints to look for icebergs, and enjoy the local scenery before returning to Gander in the evening.

In early summer, you'll benefit from very long daylight hours, allowing for more time to explore. However, the weather can be unpredictable, with a higher chance of rain, fog, and cool temperatures. In the autumn, the weather is often more stable and the fall colours are spectacular, but the days are significantly shorter. Road conditions are generally excellent in both seasons, but you should always be prepared for rapid weather changes no matter when you visit.

During winter, driving conditions can be challenging. After a snowfall, major arteries like the Trans-Canada Highway are the top priority for snowploughs, but it can still take time to clear them fully. You should expect reduced visibility from blowing snow and potentially icy patches, especially on secondary roads. It is essential to drive slowly, leave significant space between vehicles, and always check the provincial road reports before heading out for the most current conditions.

A common point of confusion for visitors is choosing the correct direction on the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) after leaving the airport. Before you start driving, confirm whether your first destination is east towards St. John's or west towards Deer Lake and Corner Brook. The signage is clear, but knowing your direction beforehand prevents a simple mistake that could require a lengthy detour to correct. Having your sat-nav set up before you leave the car park is the easiest way to avoid this.

Gander offers several fascinating attractions that are just a few minutes' drive from the airport. The North Atlantic Aviation Museum provides a deep dive into the town's unique aviation history. You can also visit the Gander Heritage Memorial Park and the Silent Witness Memorial, which honours those lost in the 1985 Arrow Air crash. These sites are all located close to the town centre and can easily be visited in just a couple of hours.

Stocking up on supplies after landing at YQX is very convenient. The main commercial district of Gander is located just a five-minute drive from the airport. You will find major grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers situated along Roe Avenue and near the Trans-Canada Highway. This makes it incredibly easy to pick up your rental car and immediately head to a store for all the food and supplies you need for your trip.

The hotels in Gander, particularly those situated near the airport and along the Trans-Canada Highway, are well-equipped for travellers with vehicles. Driving to them is simple, with clear signage and direct routes from the airport. You can expect to find ample, free surface parking at these establishments, making it easy to park your rental car and unload your luggage without any hassle.

Finding parking in downtown Gander is significantly easier than in larger centres like St. John's. The town is less congested, and there is generally plenty of on-street parking available near local businesses and restaurants. You will also find small public car parks that are convenient and often free. This stress-free parking situation makes it simple to explore the town's shops and attractions at your own pace.

Exploring Gander's key historical sites by car in a half day is very achievable. The main attractions are all located within a small radius. You can easily drive from the North Atlantic Aviation Museum to the Gander Heritage Memorial Park in the centre of town. From there, it's just a short drive out to the Silent Witness Memorial near Gander Lake. The close proximity of these powerful sites makes for an efficient and moving historical tour.

Driving etiquette in Newfoundland is known for being polite and considerate. On two-lane highways, it is a common and appreciated courtesy for slower drivers to pull over onto the paved shoulder to let faster vehicles pass. A friendly wave is often exchanged as a thank you. As in the rest of Canada, drivers are expected to be mindful of speed limits and yield appropriately at junctions, contributing to a safe and pleasant driving experience.

When your route takes you onto gravel roads, it's important to adjust your driving style. Reduce your speed to maintain better traction and control, and to prevent kicking up stones that could damage your vehicle. Be watchful for potholes or soft shoulders, especially after heavy rain. When you arrive, be sure to park in designated areas or on stable, level ground to avoid getting stuck or damaging the natural landscape.

While the area immediately around Gander is mostly inland, routes leading to coastal communities can feel exposed. For example, the 'Road to the Isles' (Route 340) towards Twillingate involves crossing several long causeways that can be subject to strong crosswinds. While perfectly safe, drivers who are nervous about heights or open spaces may want to be prepared to slow down and concentrate while crossing these scenic but exposed stretches.

A great destination for seeing puffins from Gander is the Bonavista Peninsula, specifically the town of Elliston. This is a longer day trip, requiring about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive each way. To make it work, plan to leave Gander early in the morning. This will get you to the coast with plenty of time to either view the puffins from the popular land-based site or to catch an afternoon boat tour, which you should book in advance.

After picking up your car at YQX, the easiest place to get organised is in the car park of one of the large retail stores in Gander, just minutes from the airport. The car parks of the major grocery stores or a local coffee shop offer a safe and spacious environment to pull over. Here, you can take your time to properly install a child seat, organise your changing bag, and make sure the baby is comfortable before you begin the main leg of your journey.

For two adults travelling with several pieces of luggage, a mid-size or full-size saloon provides a comfortable experience for long drives. These vehicles offer ample boot space to keep your suitcases securely out of the way, leaving the cabin free for personal items. If you prefer more interior room and a higher driving position, a compact or mid-size SUV would also be an excellent and comfortable choice for exploring Newfoundland's highways.

When travelling with bulky items like hiking packs, boots, and a cooler, renting an SUV is highly recommended. The flexible cargo area, especially with the rear seats folded down, provides plenty of room to store your gear without encroaching on passenger space. This setup makes it much easier to access your equipment for daily excursions and keeps the cabin comfortable and uncluttered during long drives between destinations.

Yes, Newfoundland's highways and scenic routes are very accommodating for photographers. You will find numerous designated lookouts and pull-offs along the Trans-Canada Highway and especially within national parks like Terra Nova. These spots are specifically designed to allow you to pull completely off the road safely. They often provide the best vantage points for capturing the dramatic landscapes, so you can focus on your photos without worrying about traffic.

When you venture off the main highways to visit smaller outport communities, be prepared for a different driving experience. The roads often become narrower, windier, and may have steeper grades. It's also important to be extra vigilant for wildlife, as animals can appear suddenly on these less-travelled routes. Services like petrol stations, restaurants, and mobile reception are often scarce, so it's wise to fuel up and grab any needed supplies in a larger town before you head out.

Gander is very easy to navigate, even late at night. The main roads are well-lit and the layout is simple. Reaching any of the hotels, especially those located along the Trans-Canada Highway or near the airport, is extremely straightforward. You won't have to deal with complex junctions or confusing one-way streets, making for a low-stress drive to your accommodation after a late arrival.

During the summer construction season, it's a good idea to build some flexibility into your driving schedule. For longer drives on the Trans-Canada Highway, adding an extra 20 to 30 minutes to your estimated travel time is a safe buffer. While you may not always encounter delays, this accounts for potential lane closures or reduced speeds through construction zones. Checking the provincial 511 road report website before you depart can also give you a heads-up on any major projects along your route.

The most efficient method is to first drive to the departures curb at the front of the terminal building. Here, your family can unload their luggage while you stay with the vehicle. Once they are situated, you can then drive the short distance to the designated rental car return lot. After you've parked the car and completed the return process, it's just a quick walk back to the terminal to rejoin your family at the check-in desks.

As you drive toward Gander International Airport, follow the primary signs for the airport terminal. Once you are on airport property, the signage becomes more specific. Look for signs that explicitly say 'Rental Car Return.' These signs will guide you away from the main public parking and drop-off lanes and direct you to the dedicated area where Avis and other rental agencies have their return stalls.

For an early morning flight, a good rule of thumb is to arrive at the airport site at least two hours before your departure time. From there, budget around 15 minutes for the entire car return process, which includes parking, gathering your belongings, and dropping off the keys. The walk from the rental return lot to the airline check-in desks inside the terminal is very short, ensuring you have plenty of time to get through security.

If you see that bad weather like heavy rain, fog, or snow is in the forecast for your travel day, the smartest plan is to adjust your schedule and leave for Gander much earlier than you originally intended. Monitor the weather and official road condition reports closely. Giving yourself several extra hours of travel time allows you to drive slowly and safely, ensuring you can navigate the challenging conditions and still arrive at YQX with plenty of time before your flight.

While it is technically possible to drive to both Twillingate and Terra Nova in a single day from Gander, it would be an extremely rushed and long day of driving. A more enjoyable approach is to dedicate a separate day to each region. This allows you to fully appreciate the scenery, stop at viewpoints, and explore the communities without feeling pressured by time. Using Gander as your central base, you can take a day trip north to Twillingate and another day trip east to Terra Nova.

Deciding between a loop and a one-way trip depends on your itinerary and flight plans. A loop trip returning to Gander is often more economical and is perfect for thoroughly exploring central and eastern Newfoundland, including the Bonavista and Kittiwake coasts. A one-way rental to another airport like St. John's or Deer Lake makes sense if you want to cover the entire island from east to west without having to backtrack, but be sure to compare rental options for this type of journey.