Van Hire
Gaspé

The drive from Gaspé Airport to the town centre waterfront is straightforward and well signed. On leaving the airport you’ll soon join Route 132, the main road that circles the peninsula. Simply follow the signs for "Centre‑Ville" (Downtown) to reach the waterfront. The route is direct with minimal turns, making it an easy drive even for first‑time visitors. Using a sat‑nav for peace of mind is always a good idea, but the clear signage makes navigation relatively stress‑free.

Gaspé Airport is a small, easy‑to‑navigate regional airport, which simplifies meeting up. A practical spot for your group to gather is the main arrivals and baggage claim hall, as everyone will pass through that area. Once all members have arrived and collected their luggage, you can head together to the rental desk. Another straightforward option is to meet just outside the main terminal doors near the passenger pickup area before going to the rental vehicle parking.

Handling oversized items at a regional airport like YGP can sometimes take a little longer than at a major hub. While standard luggage arrives at the main carousel, special items are often brought out separately by airline staff. It’s sensible to build a buffer of at least 30 to 45 minutes into your schedule after your flight lands. This allows for potential delays in retrieving your gear without making you feel rushed as you head to the rental desk to pick up your van.

Route 132 is generally a well‑maintained, two‑lane road offering breathtaking coastal views. When driving a larger passenger van, be mindful of your vehicle’s length when entering and exiting the numerous scenic pull‑offs, or "belvédères." Always signal early and ensure you have enough space to merge back into traffic safely. On winding sections keep a steady speed and be courteous to local drivers by using designated slow‑vehicle pullouts if a line of cars forms behind you.

Many of the main attractions in Forillon National Park are equipped to handle larger vehicles. The car parks at Cap‑Bon‑Ami and the Pen‑ouille peninsula are generally spacious, with areas that can accommodate RVs and coaches, making them suitable for a passenger van. Arriving earlier in the day, especially during the busy summer season, is the best strategy to secure a convenient spot. Less developed trailheads may have smaller lots, so prioritising the major sites is sensible.

The most effective strategy for a stress‑free day in Forillon is to start early and minimise moving the van. Aim to arrive at your primary trailhead, such as Cap‑Gaspé or Mont‑Saint‑Alban, before 09:30 to secure a parking spot. Plan your day around that location, packing a lunch and water so you don’t need to drive to a restaurant mid‑day. By focusing activities in one area of the park at a time you avoid the hassle of finding multiple parking spots during peak hours.

The drive between Gaspé and Percé along Route 132 is dotted with official scenic lookouts designed for tourist stops. These designated "belvédères" are your best option, as they typically have large, paved areas that allow for easy entry, parking and exit, even for a longer van. Look for the official blue signs indicating a viewpoint ahead. These stops provide a safe separation from highway traffic and are built to accommodate vehicles of all sizes for those perfect photo opportunities.

Parking in the heart of Percé can be challenging due to narrow streets and high visitor numbers. The best first step is to check with your hotel or accommodation, as many offer dedicated off‑street parking for guests. If that isn’t an option, the large, centrally located municipal pay car park near the wharf is the most reliable choice. It’s designed to accommodate all vehicle sizes, including vans and motorhomes, and provides a secure place to leave your vehicle overnight.

To avoid congestion, the most efficient method is to use the designated passenger drop‑off zone located near the main wharf and ticket booths. One driver can pull in, let the group out safely on the kerb, and then proceed to the main municipal car park to find a space. This separates the task of parking from the task of getting everyone organised. For pickup, simply coordinate a time to meet back at the same drop‑off area.

While the direct drive from Gaspé to Sainte‑Anne‑des‑Monts along the northern coast can be done in a few hours, it’s best to plan for it as a full‑day journey. With a group in a van you’ll want to make multiple stops at scenic lookouts, small villages, and perhaps for a leisurely lunch. Realistically, budget between five and seven hours to comfortably enjoy the stunning scenery of the Chic‑Choc Mountains meeting the sea without feeling rushed.

Expect inconsistent mobile service, especially within Forillon National Park and on stretches of road between smaller coastal villages. Service is generally reliable in towns like Gaspé and Percé, but patchy elsewhere. The most reliable navigation strategy is to download offline maps of the entire Gaspé region to your smartphone or GPS device before you begin your trip. This ensures you have access to directions regardless of cellular signal.

For a safe and spacious place to reorganise your van, the large car parks of major grocery stores or the Carrefour Gaspé shopping centre are excellent choices. These car parks are located just off the main road and offer plenty of room to open all the doors and sort through luggage without obstructing traffic. They provide a low‑stress environment to get everything situated before you continue your journey along the peninsula.

When driving a van through the charming coastal villages of Gaspésie, it’s essential to reduce your speed and heighten your awareness. The roads can feel narrow, and you’ll often share the space with pedestrians, cyclists and parked cars. Proceed slowly and cautiously, giving plenty of room to others. Local residents are accustomed to tourist traffic, but a defensive and respectful driving approach ensures a safe and pleasant experience for everyone.

For the best experience most drivers recommend a counterclockwise loop, heading from Gaspé towards Percé first and then continuing around. This orientation keeps your van on the sea side of Route 132 for the majority of the drive. It gives the passenger side unobstructed coastal views and makes pulling into the numerous right‑hand scenic lookouts much easier and safer. You won’t have to cross oncoming traffic to stop for a photo.

It’s wise to plan your main stops around the towns themselves, as Gaspé, Percé and Chandler have reliable public toilets, grocery stores and restaurants. Between these hubs many petrol stations and designated tourist information centres ("Bureau d'accueil touristique") also offer facilities. To avoid getting caught unprepared, encourage everyone to use the toilet at each planned stop, even if they don’t feel an urgent need at the moment.

Trying to cover both Forillon National Park and Percé in a single day from a base in Gaspé is very ambitious and would involve a lot of driving. A more realistic and enjoyable approach is to dedicate one full day to exploring the different areas of Forillon. On a separate day make the scenic drive to Percé, where you can spend several hours enjoying the famous rock, the town and nearby beaches before driving back or staying overnight.

First‑time drivers on the Gaspé Peninsula should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Sudden, dense fog can roll in from the sea, drastically reducing visibility, while strong crosswinds can be particularly noticeable in a taller vehicle like a van on exposed coastal sections. Additionally, be aware of the potential for moose on the road, especially at dawn and dusk. Always drive at a speed appropriate for the current conditions.

Yes, parking for the Cap‑des‑Rosiers Lighthouse is generally straightforward and accommodating for larger vehicles. The site has a dedicated car park designed to handle tourist traffic, including coaches and RVs, so a passenger van will fit comfortably. From the lot it’s a short and easy walk to the lighthouse and surrounding grounds, making it an accessible and convenient stop for groups.

If you have a boat tour booked in Percé, treat the departure time as a firm deadline and plan accordingly. It’s crucial to leave Gaspé with a generous time buffer. Add at least 45 minutes to the estimated sat‑nav driving time to account for potential traffic, time to find parking in Percé’s busy lots, and the walk from your van to the wharf. Arriving early is far less stressful than rushing to catch your boat.

To simplify moving between accommodations, pack strategically using a "core luggage" system. Keep smaller overnight bags for each person easily accessible near the van door, containing just the essentials for one or two nights. Your larger main suitcases can be packed more deeply in the rear cargo area. This approach prevents you from having to completely unpack and repack the entire vehicle at every stop, saving time and effort.

When planning a whale‑watching excursion, first confirm the exact address of the departure point, as several operators exist in the region. Plan to arrive at the location at least 45 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure. This provides a comfortable buffer to navigate the local area, find suitable parking for your van, use the restrooms, and check in with the tour company without feeling rushed. Don’t hesitate to ask the operator for parking recommendations when you book.

Clear communication is key to keeping your group together during quick stops. Before anyone exits the van the driver should announce a specific time limit for the stop, for instance, "We’re stopping for 10 minutes for photos." Designating one person as the timekeeper or using a group text to send a reminder can also be very effective. A quick headcount before pulling back onto the highway is always a final, foolproof check.

The primary wildlife risk when driving in Gaspésie, particularly during dawn and dusk, is moose. These large animals can be difficult to see and can cause serious accidents if struck. It’s crucial to reduce your speed in wooded areas and actively scan the sides of the road. Be especially cautious in areas with moose warning signs, as they are placed in known crossing zones.

In Gaspé, the most convenient places for van‑friendly parking are the large shopping plazas located along Route 132. The lots for major grocery stores like Maxi and IGA, as well as the Carrefour Gaspé shopping centre, are spacious and designed for easy manoeuvring. These locations provide ample room to park, load and unload supplies without the stress of navigating the tighter streets of the town centre.

Accessing the Gaspé marina, also known as the waterfront promenade, is quite simple. The main access road, Rue de la Marina, connects directly and easily from Route 132. This route is wide and designed to handle all types of traffic. While the area is popular with pedestrians and cyclists, the road itself is straightforward, allowing you to reach the parking areas near the water without navigating any complex or narrow side streets.

This is an important consideration, as many private rentals and cabins can have challenging access for larger vehicles. Before finalising your booking it’s a good idea to talk to the property owner or host about your vehicle. Ask specifically about the driveway’s steepness, surface (paved or gravel) and the amount of space available for parking and turning. This simple step can prevent a difficult situation on arrival.

For frequent stops with little ones, efficiency is key. Create an "essentials station" in a bin or bag placed right inside the sliding door. This should contain everything you need for a quick stop: nappies, wipes, snacks, drinks and a change of clothes. This system prevents you having to dig through larger luggage in the back of the van every time you pull over, making each break smoother and faster.

A great rainy‑day strategy is to focus on one or two major indoor attractions that have large, convenient car parks. For example, you could spend a few hours at the Musée de la Gaspésie in Gaspé or drive to the Exploramer science museum in Sainte‑Anne‑des‑Monts. This approach minimises the number of times you have to park and get the group in and out of the van in the rain, while still providing an engaging cultural experience.

The safest approach is to scout your chosen viewpoint during daylight hours first. This allows you to become familiar with the route, the condition of the road and the layout of the parking area. For a first attempt stick to well‑known and easily accessible spots like Cap‑Bon‑Ami in Forillon or Haldimand Beach. This preparation ensures you can navigate confidently and safely when driving in the low‑light conditions of dawn or dusk.

When planning your visit consult the official Parks Canada website for Forillon, which provides detailed information on accessibility. Key locations like the Pen‑ouille Visitor Centre and the Cap‑Bon‑Ami lookout are excellent choices, as they typically offer designated accessible parking spots near paved paths and viewpoints with minimal walking required. It’s also helpful to call the park’s information centre ahead of your visit to confirm the current condition of specific trails or facilities.

A simple organisational system can make a huge difference. Designate the rear cargo area as the "gear zone." Use large, collapsible laundry hampers or plastic storage bins to contain muddy hiking boots and another for wet rain jackets. This keeps dirt and moisture confined to one area. Encourage everyone to keep their personal daypacks in a specific row of seats so they are always easy to find and grab.

For the most popular trailheads in Forillon National Park, such as the Les Graves trail to Cap‑Gaspé, an early start is essential during peak season. To secure a parking spot for a larger vehicle like a van, plan to arrive at the trailhead before 09:00, especially on a sunny day. The lots are not very large and fill up quickly with hikers aiming to spend the better part of the day on the trails.

After picking up your van a great place to get accustomed to its size is a large, open car park. The lot at Gaspé Airport itself or at one of the nearby large shopping centres provides a low‑stress environment. Here you can practise turning, reversing and getting a feel for the vehicle’s blind spots before you head out onto the main road, ensuring a more confident start to your road trip.

The most reliable strategy is to adopt the "half‑tank rule." Whenever your fuel gauge approaches the halfway mark start looking for a filling station. Fuel is readily available in the larger towns like Gaspé, Percé, Chandler and Sainte‑Anne‑des‑Monts, but stations can be few and far between on the long stretches connecting them. Topping up your tank proactively prevents any anxiety about running low in a remote area.

Strong coastal crosswinds can have a significant effect on a taller vehicle like a passenger van. On exposed sections of the road it’s important to keep both hands firmly on the wheel and be prepared for sudden gusts that can push the vehicle. Reducing your speed will increase stability and give you more time to react. Also, be sure to provide extra space when passing cyclists or motorcyclists.

Combining these two destinations requires careful logistical planning, as the ferry to the Îles de la Madeleine departs from Souris, Prince Edward Island, a full day’s drive from Gaspé. Most travellers find it impractical to take a rental van on the ferry. A more common approach is to complete your Gaspé Peninsula tour, return the rental van, and then arrange separate travel to PEI to catch the ferry as a foot passenger.

While road signs will be in French, they use standard international symbols that are easy to understand. Key terms to know are "Sortie" for exit, "Est" for East and "Ouest" for West. Your sat‑nav will pronounce place names with a French accent, so it’s helpful to have a co‑pilot watch the map to visually confirm turns. Overall, navigating is straightforward, but being familiar with a few key words makes the experience smoother.

To ensure a smooth return build extra time into your final day’s schedule. Plan to arrive in the Gaspé area at least an hour or two before you need to be at the airport. This buffer allows you to refuel the van according to your rental agreement, do a final thorough check for any personal belongings, and repack luggage if needed. Arriving at the rental return location calm and unhurried is the best way to end your trip.

A systematic final sweep is the best way to ensure nothing is left behind. Start from the front and work your way back, checking the glovebox, centre console and all door pockets. Look under every seat and in all the seatback pouches. Don’t forget to check any USB or charging ports for forgotten cables. Finally, do a complete check of the rear cargo area before closing the doors for the last time.