Van Hire
Moncton

Most rental desks at Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport are located within the terminal building, so they’re easy to find on arrival. Before you travel, it’s sensible to confirm the specific late‑night opening hours of your chosen rental company to ensure staff will be available. Having your reservation details and driving licence to hand will help speed things up. The rental vehicle lots are usually well lit and close to the terminal, allowing for a straightforward and secure pickup even after dark.

A good approach is to use the airport’s short‑stay car park, which provides plenty of room to park your van and wait comfortably. This avoids circling the arrivals curb, which is intended for active loading only. Alternatively, you can arrange to meet your friends inside the terminal’s arrivals hall after you’ve collected the vehicle. Once everyone has their luggage and is ready, you can proceed to the passenger pickup area for a quick and efficient departure without causing congestion.

For planning purposes, it’s reasonable to allow approximately 60 to 90 minutes from touchdown to driving away. This timeframe accounts for disembarking, walking to baggage claim and waiting for your luggage. It also includes time to complete paperwork at the rental desk and locate your van in the lot. During peak travel periods or if several flights arrive at once, this process could take a little longer, so building in a small buffer is wise.

A low‑stress introductory drive is to head towards Riverview, just across the Petitcodiac River from downtown Moncton. Roads there, such as Coverdale Road (Route 114), tend to be wider and less congested than the city’s main arteries. You can do a simple loop for a few kilometres and then turn back. This lets you get a feel for the van’s size, turning radius and braking in a calmer, more residential environment before tackling busier highways or downtown streets.

The Wheeler Boulevard (Route 15) interchange with Route 2 can be confusing for first‑time visitors, involving multiple lanes and exits in quick succession. Likewise, the roundabout where Main Street, Dieppe Boulevard and Champlain Street meet in Dieppe requires confident lane positioning and awareness. When driving a larger van, approach these areas with caution, get into your intended lane early and signal well in advance. Having a co‑pilot to navigate or using a satnav with lane guidance can make these spots much easier to manage.

For van‑friendly parking in the city centre, focus on the many surface car parks rather than multi‑storey car parks, which may have height restrictions. You’ll often find spacious lots near the Avenir Centre or along Robinson and Queen Streets, a short walk from the main attractions on Main Street. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekdays, gives you the best choice of spots. Always check signage for payment instructions and any posted time limits to ensure a hassle‑free visit.

The best approach is to contact your hotel in advance and ask about their loading/unloading zones or procedures for oversized vehicles. Many hotels have a drop‑in area or can advise the best time to arrive to avoid peak traffic. If there’s no dedicated zone, have one person stay with the van with hazard lights on while others quickly unload luggage onto the pavement. This minimises your time stopped in a traffic lane and helps ensure a smoother, safer check‑in for everyone.

Driving a van over the Gunningsville Bridge or the Causeway between Moncton and Riverview during rush hour can be slow. Peak times are typically from 07:30 to 09:00 and from 16:00 to 17:30 on weekdays. In those periods you can expect heavier congestion and tighter spacing between vehicles, which requires more careful manoeuvring in a larger van. To avoid this, plan your crossings for mid‑day, between 10:00 and 14:00, or after 18:00 for a much more relaxed drive.

On a busy summer day or weekend, it’s a good idea to arrive at the Magnetic Hill area — which includes the zoo and water park — right at opening time or in the mid‑afternoon. The main rush often occurs in the late morning, between about 10:30 and noon. The car parks are generally large, but arriving early ensures you get a space that’s easier to pull into and out of with a van. If you’re just visiting the Magnetic Hill phenomenon itself, turnover is quicker, but avoiding the late‑morning peak is still best.

The key is to check the official tide tables for Hopewell Cape online before you leave Moncton. Plan to arrive about an hour before low tide so you have plenty of time to park, walk down and explore the ocean floor. The main car park at the park is spacious and well equipped to handle larger vehicles like vans. Park admission is often valid for the whole day, so you can leave and return later to see the dramatic difference at high tide without extra parking hassle.

A comfortable plan is to leave Moncton in the morning and take Route 114 south. Your first major stop could be Hopewell Rocks, which is on the way. After exploring, continue on Route 114 to the park entrance near Alma. Inside the park the main roads are well maintained and van‑friendly, with designated parking at major lookouts and trailheads like Dickson Falls. Enjoy a few hours exploring, have lunch in Alma, and then head back to Moncton for a relaxed, scenic day.

The most straightforward and comfortable route for a van is to take Route 114 directly south from Moncton (via Riverview). This road is the main connector to Alma and Fundy National Park and is well maintained for much of the drive. While it is a two‑lane road with some bends, it’s generally wide and avoids the complexities of smaller back roads. This direct path minimises navigational challenges and stop‑and‑go traffic, allowing for a smooth and scenic journey to the park entrance.

For a stress‑free refuel, look for petrol stations on major arterial roads at the edge of town, rather than those in the dense city centre. The retail areas along Trinity Drive or near the Trans‑Canada Highway (Route 2) feature modern, spacious stations. These locations are set up for high traffic volume, including RVs and lorries, and offer plenty of room to manoeuvre your van around the pumps and pull straight out.

Mobile coverage is generally reliable along the main Route 114 corridor from Moncton towards Hopewell Cape. However, you may encounter intermittent or weak signals in some of the more rural valleys and dips. It’s highly recommended to download offline maps for the whole area using your preferred navigation app before you leave Moncton. That way you’ll have uninterrupted access to your route even if you temporarily lose signal.

When driving a taller van in dense fog common to the Bay of Fundy, the most important adjustments are to reduce your speed considerably and increase your following distance. Use low‑beam headlights, as high beams will reflect off the fog and worsen visibility. A van’s higher seating position can sometimes give a slightly better view over low patches of fog, but your primary focus should be cautious, defensive driving. Be especially vigilant for wildlife or slow‑moving vehicles that can appear with little warning.

The main highways and arterial roads in and around Moncton are designed to accommodate commercial traffic and are generally free of low clearance issues for standard passenger vans. However, if you venture onto older, smaller rural roads or into historic downtown side streets, it’s wise to be vigilant. Watch for posted clearance signs, especially at rail underpasses or entrances to older parking structures. When in doubt, sticking to primary, well‑travelled routes is the safest strategy.

For a hassle‑free stop in Shediac, head straight to the large car park by the Giant Lobster Statue and visitor information centre. This lot is designed for tourists and can easily accommodate vans and RVs. From there it’s a very short, pleasant walk to the statue for photos. If you’re continuing to Parlee Beach, the provincial park has its own expansive car park, making it a simple and convenient destination without navigating the tighter streets of the town centre.

Parlee Beach Provincial Park has a very large, dedicated car park designed to cope with big summer crowds, making it ideal for families arriving in a van. The lot is situated a short walk from the main beach, canteen and toilet facilities. It’s best to arrive before late morning on a sunny weekend to secure a spot nearer the beach access paths. The open layout provides plenty of room for manoeuvring your van and unloading all your beach gear and kids without feeling cramped.

A good plan is to take the scenic Route 134 north from Moncton, which offers a pleasant coastal drive. Your main destination, the Irving Eco‑Centre: La Dune de Bouctouche, has a large, well‑signed car park that’s perfectly suited to vans and other large vehicles. After walking the beautiful boardwalk over the dunes, you can drive into the charming town of Bouctouche. Consider parking at Le Pays de la Sagouine, which also has ample space, and explore the waterfront on foot from there.

To make a PEI day trip manageable, start early from Moncton, aiming to be on the road by 07:00. The drive to the Confederation Bridge takes about 90 minutes. Once on the island, focus your exploration on a central area — the Green Gables Shore or Charlottetown — rather than trying to see the whole island. Plan to leave PEI by late afternoon, around 17:00–18:00, to ensure you’re back in Moncton at a reasonable hour. This gives you a solid six to seven hours for sightseeing without spending the whole day driving.

The Confederation Bridge itself rarely has major traffic jams, but the approach roads can get busy in peak tourist season. To avoid stress, try to cross into PEI mid‑morning on a weekday, after the initial morning rush. When returning to New Brunswick, avoid the late‑afternoon Sunday rush, when many weekend visitors head home. Driving a van on the bridge is straightforward, but being in lighter traffic helps you feel more comfortable, especially if it’s windy.

A sensible approach is to start the day in downtown Moncton, exploring Main Street and attractions such as Resurgo Place. Park your van in a central surface lot and enjoy the area on foot. In the afternoon, take Vaughan Harvey Boulevard to Main Street and head east, which flows directly onto Champlain Street in Dieppe. This eastbound progression prevents unnecessary backtracking and follows a natural geographic flow.

The Marché Dieppe Market has its own dedicated car park, which is a convenient and practical choice for your van. Additionally, the adjacent Place 1604 and the Dieppe City Hall complex offer extensive parking areas that are spacious and rarely full outside major events. Parking in one of these lots allows easy access to the market, waterfront trails and nearby shops and cafés, all within a comfortable walking distance.

Magnetic Hill is an excellent choice, as you can experience the main phenomenon directly from your van. Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is also manageable, with a shuttle service available to take visitors from the interpretive centre down to the viewing decks, minimising walking. For an indoor option, Resurgo Place offers accessible parking close to the entrance and a fascinating, easy‑to‑navigate museum experience. These attractions allow convenient drop‑offs right near the main points of interest.

After a freeze‑thaw cycle in Moncton, be extremely cautious of black ice, which forms in the evening and early morning on seemingly clear roads. Bridges, overpasses and shaded sections are particularly hazardous. In a van it’s crucial to allow for much longer braking distances and to make all steering and speed adjustments smoothly and gradually. Always check road condition reports before heading out and consider delaying travel if significant refreezing is expected after daytime thawing.

Strong crosswinds, especially on open roads like Route 15 towards Shediac or Route 2, can noticeably affect a taller vehicle such as a van. You may feel the vehicle being pushed sideways, requiring constant, gentle steering corrections to stay centred in your lane. Keep both hands firmly on the wheel and reduce your speed. Be particularly prepared for sudden gusts when passing open fields, bridges or when a large lorry passes you.

Irving Big Stop locations, such as the one in Salisbury just west of Moncton or the one in Aulac at the New Brunswick/Nova Scotia border, are ideal for van travellers. These large service centres are designed for commercial trucks and RVs, offering expansive lots with easy pull‑through parking spaces. They provide fuel, clean toilets and restaurants all in one place, eliminating the need to navigate tight car parks. That makes for a quick, efficient and stress‑free break on your journey to Halifax.

On your first full day, focus on the Bay of Fundy. Check tide times and drive to Hopewell Rocks in the morning to explore at low tide. Afterwards, you might visit Cape Enrage or Fundy National Park before returning to Moncton. On the second day, enjoy a more relaxed local itinerary by heading to Shediac and Parlee Beach in the morning. In the afternoon you can explore downtown Moncton or Magnetic Hill. This plan groups destinations by direction, minimising driving time and maximising enjoyment.

Before leaving Moncton, it’s essential to do a thorough shop for groceries and supplies, as services can be sparse near some campsites. Find a large supermarket with an easy‑access car park to stock up on food, water and other necessities like firewood or ice. It’s also a good time to ensure your satnav or offline maps are set for the campsite location. Finally, do a quick walk‑round of the van to familiarise yourself with features such as lights and locks while you’re still in a well‑lit urban area.

For the easiest supermarket experience with a van, head to the large stores located in suburban retail hubs. The outlets along Trinity Drive or in the commercial area of Dieppe near Champlain Mall are excellent choices. These locations feature expansive car parks with wide lanes and ample space between bays. By parking slightly further from the main entrance you’ll find it much easier to manoeuvre your van and load your groceries without pressure from other vehicles.

A smart strategy is to pack with a 'last in, first out' mindset for your daily essentials. Keep a smaller bag or cooler with snacks, water, jackets and navigation aids near the side or rear door for easy access. Place larger luggage, sports equipment and items you won’t need until you reach your hotel or campsite deeper inside the van. This prevents you having to unpack and repack the whole vehicle at every stop, making your day trips much smoother.

The most stress‑free method is to find a single, centrally located public car park and use that as your base for dining. Park the van once, then walk to your chosen restaurant. This works especially well in the city centre, where many good eateries are clustered within a few blocks. It removes the repeated frustration of searching for scarce kerbside parking for a large vehicle and allows your group to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city.

For an evening downtown, the safest and most convenient option is to park your van in one of the paid surface car parks near Main Street, such as those around the Avenir Centre or off Assumption Boulevard. These lots are generally well lit and offer flat‑rate evening parking. Parking here lets your group leave the vehicle for several hours and easily walk between the pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues concentrated in the downtown core.

To capture photos safely, base your itinerary on designated provincial parks, official scenic lookouts and small coastal villages. Places like Hopewell Rocks, Cape Enrage and Fundy National Park have dedicated, safe car parks at their key viewpoints. The villages of Alma and St. Martins also offer waterfront parking where you can leave your van and explore on foot for the best shots. This approach is far safer than attempting to stop on narrow highway shoulders.

The best strategy is to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 10:00, to secure a spot before the crowds. If the car park is already full, do not try to park on the roadside, as this can be unsafe and may result in a fine. Instead, have a backup plan: move on to your next stop and try returning later in the afternoon when visitor numbers often start to decrease as people head home for the day.

On day trips, the most reliable options are visitor information centres and provincial parks, which consistently have clean public toilets and space to walk around. For example, the centres in Shediac and Hopewell Cape are excellent stops. Along the main roads, large petrol station chains and fast‑food restaurants are also dependable for quick breaks. Planning your route to pass through small towns like Alma or Hillsborough can also provide opportunities to use public facilities at a local park or café.

For a smooth early‑morning return, find a 24‑hour petrol station near the airport the night before to top up the tank. On the morning of your flight, allow at least an extra 30 minutes beyond your usual airport arrival time for the vehicle return process. Follow the airport signs for 'Rental Car Return' carefully, as the entrance can be easy to miss in the dark. Finally, do a thorough sweep of the van’s cabin, glovebox and boot to ensure you haven’t left any personal belongings behind.

The easiest final stops are places with large, accessible car parks away from downtown congestion. Consider a visit to a suburban coffee shop, a quick souvenir stop at a large retailer on Trinity Drive, or a final walk in a spacious park like Centennial Park. These locations let you park the van easily, enjoy a brief activity and then get back on the road to the airport without navigating complex city traffic or tight parking situations.

After landing and picking up your van, first check the tide schedule for Hopewell Rocks. If low tide is later in the afternoon, you have a perfect window. Grab a quick lunch and some snacks near the airport before heading south on Route 114. This direct route takes about 40 minutes, getting you there efficiently and allowing you to time your arrival with the best viewing period without feeling rushed.

The drive north from Moncton on routes like the 11 and 15 is generally smooth and straightforward, with well‑maintained two‑lane roads. As you head further north, services such as fuel and restaurants become more spread out, so it’s wise to start with a full tank. Towns like Bouctouche and Kouchibouguac National Park are excellent, van‑friendly places to pause — they offer large car parks, toilets and pleasant scenery, breaking the trip nicely on your way to the Acadian Coast.