Dollar Car Rental
Gaspé

Upon your arrival at Gaspé Airport, you will find the car rental counters conveniently located within the main terminal building. After collecting your luggage from the baggage claim area, simply look for the signs directing you to the rental car desks. The Dollar counter will be situated there alongside other providers, making it a straightforward and easy-to-find first step for your journey. The airport's compact layout ensures you won't have a long walk to get started.

The entire rental process begins inside the Gaspé Airport terminal, where you will complete your paperwork at the Dollar service counter. Once you have your keys and agreement, you will be directed to the designated rental car parking area. This lot is located just a short walk from the terminal exit, so you won't need to take a shuttle. The close proximity of the vehicles makes for a quick and seamless transition from the counter to the driver's seat.

Gaspé Airport is a small regional facility, which is a great advantage for travelers looking to get on the road quickly. From the moment you deplane, you can expect a very short walk to the baggage claim and the main arrivals hall where the rental counters are located. In most cases, you can be at 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 and easy-to-find meeting spot for your group at Gaspé Airport is the baggage claim area. Since everyone will need to collect their luggage, it serves as a natural regrouping point. Alternatively, the main arrivals hall, just past the baggage carousel, offers a bit more open space. You can gather there before sending one or two people from your party to the Dollar counter to handle the rental agreement while others watch the bags.

The most practical place for the rest of your party to wait is in the main arrivals area, near the terminal exit. This space is typically less congested than the immediate baggage claim carousel and offers seating. Waiting here keeps the luggage consolidated and out of the way of the rental counter traffic. Once the driver has the keys, they can easily find the group and you can all head out to the nearby parking lot together to load the vehicle.

To ensure a smooth and efficient pickup experience at the Dollar counter, it's best to have all your key items organized and ready. This includes having your reservation confirmation number easily accessible, either on your phone or as a printout. The primary driver should also have their valid driver's license and the credit card they plan to use for the rental on hand. Being prepared with these items allows the agent to process your rental agreement quickly, getting you on your way to explore Gaspésie sooner.

When you make your reservation, it is always a good practice to include your flight number. This allows the rental staff to track your flight's status and anticipate delays. If you experience a significant delay or a flight cancellation, it is also wise to call the local Dollar branch at Gaspé Airport directly as soon as you can. A quick phone call helps them prepare for your new arrival time and ensures your vehicle will be ready for you, minimizing any potential confusion.

Before leaving the lot at YGP, a thorough walkaround is a smart habit, especially for the varied roads of Gaspésie. Pay close attention to the tires, checking for proper inflation and good tread depth. Inspect the lower body panels and bumpers for any pre-existing scratches or dings, which are common from gravel kick-up. It's also wise to test the headlights, turn signals, and windshield wipers to ensure they are all functioning correctly for changing coastal weather conditions. Finally, document any existing damage with photos on your phone for your records.

After exiting the airport grounds, you'll find several safe places to pull over within a minute or two of driving. Instead of stopping on the main airport access road, look for a nearby commercial parking lot or a quiet side street just off the main route. This allows you to get situated without feeling rushed by traffic. Taking a few moments here to program your GPS, connect your phone to the car's Bluetooth, and adjust your mirrors will make your transition onto the scenic Route 132 much more relaxed.

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

The most direct and scenic route to Percé from the airport is by following Route 132 East. After leaving the airport, turn right onto Route 132 and simply continue following the signs for Percé. This coastal highway will guide you south along the shoreline, offering beautiful views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The drive is well-marked and avoids any confusing backroads, making it the ideal path for a first-time visitor heading to the iconic village of Percé.

For those unfamiliar with coastal driving, Route 132 offers a unique experience. While generally well-maintained, the road can be narrow in sections and features many curves that follow the shoreline's contours. You should be prepared for changing speed limits as you pass through small towns and be mindful of scenic pull-offs where cars may be entering or exiting. The biggest adjustment is often the stunning, and sometimes distracting, scenery, so it's important for the driver to remain focused on the road ahead.

A great first-day plan for the Gaspé Peninsula loop is to head south from the airport towards Percé. After picking up your car at YGP, drive east on Route 132 to the town of Gaspé for any initial supplies. From there, continue south on Route 132 to Percé, which is about an hour's drive. This allows you to settle into your accommodations, explore the famous rock and village in the afternoon, and enjoy dinner without feeling rushed. This sets a relaxed pace for the rest of your scenic journey around the peninsula.

A common mistake is relying exclusively on a phone's GPS without downloading offline maps. Cell service can be intermittent or non-existent in the peninsula's more remote areas, particularly within the national parks. Another pitfall is underestimating driving times; the winding nature of Route 132 means that distances can take longer to cover than expected. It's always wise to build extra time into your daily itinerary for spontaneous photo stops and to avoid driving on unfamiliar, unlit roads after dark.

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

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

Cap Bon-Ami is located in the North Area of Forillon National Park and is accessible via a well-paved road. The drive down to the cove is quite steep with sharp turns, so it's best to drive slowly and cautiously. There is a dedicated parking lot right at the bottom, providing direct access to the pebble beach and lookout points. During the peak summer months, this lot can fill up by late morning, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a spot without difficulty.

The main Visitor Information and Discovery Centre is in the South Area of the park, right off Route 132 at Penouille. Access is extremely easy, with clear signage directing you into a large, dedicated parking lot. This is an ideal first stop to pay park fees, grab a map, and use the facilities. While the lot is spacious, it can become quite busy by midday during July and August. For a quick and stress-free stop, aim to arrive before 11 a.m. during the high season.

Parking in Percé, especially near the waterfront where boat tours depart, can be challenging during peak season. The most realistic plan is to look for one of the designated municipal or private paid parking lots located just off the main street, Rue du Quai. Arriving in town early in the morning gives you the best chance of finding a convenient spot. Once parked, the entire waterfront area, including the pier and shops, is easily explorable on foot, so you can leave your car for the day.

When approaching Percé on Route 132 during a busy period, it's helpful to slow down well before you enter the main village area. Keep an eye out for parking signs as you approach, as some of the larger lots are located on the edge of the town center. Driving directly to the pier will likely lead to congestion. A good strategy is to take the first available spot you see in a designated lot, even if it requires a short walk, rather than circling the busiest streets hoping for a closer space to open up.

Many accommodations in the heart of Percé are historic properties and can feature narrow driveways and limited parking spaces. It's a good idea to confirm your hotel's parking situation before you arrive. You may need to temporarily park on the street to unload your luggage before moving your car to a designated overnight spot. Be prepared to navigate tight turns and maneuver carefully. The staff at your lodging are usually very helpful in guiding you to the best place to park your vehicle.

For a relaxed day trip, plan to leave Gaspé by 9 a.m. and enjoy the scenic one-hour drive south on Route 132 to Percé. This gets you there before the biggest crowds. Spend the late morning and early afternoon taking a boat tour around Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island. After the tour, you'll have time to walk through the village, browse the shops, and have a late lunch with a view. Aim to start your drive back to Gaspé by late afternoon to avoid driving in the dark and to cap off a full but unhurried day.

Most whale watching tours departing from the Gaspé area leave from the marina in downtown Gaspé or from Forillon National Park. For departures from Gaspé, there is ample public parking near the waterfront, making it a convenient option. If your tour leaves from Grande-Grave in Forillon, you'll drive into the park's South Area. Follow the signs to the Grande-Grave parking area, which is specifically set up for tour departures and trail access. In either location, arriving 30 minutes before your tour is advisable.

The drive from Gaspé to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts along the northern coast on Route 132 is stunning but has some long, remote stretches. It's wise to start with a full tank of gas. While there are fuel stations and services in the larger towns like Rivière-au-Renard and Mont-Louis, the distances between them can be significant. Plan your fuel stops accordingly and don't let your tank get too low. This route offers fewer amenities than the southern part of the loop, so packing snacks and water is also a good idea.

Accessing trailheads in Parc national de la Gaspésie, such as the one for Mont-Albert, is done via Route 299. The main visitor center has a large parking lot, which is the starting point for several popular hikes. For the most sought-after trails, especially on weekends in the summer, these lots can fill up surprisingly early. It is highly recommended to arrive before 9 a.m. to secure a parking spot and get an early start on your hike, allowing you plenty of daylight to complete your trek safely.

A good rule of thumb is to add at least 30-50% more time to the driving estimates provided by navigation apps. This accounts for the winding roads and lower speed limits, and more importantly, it builds in flexibility for unplanned stops at scenic lookouts, lighthouses, and charming villages. To avoid driving after dark on unlit rural roads, plan your main travel for the morning and early afternoon. Aim to arrive at your overnight destination by late afternoon, giving you time to check in and relax before sunset.

Driving during dawn and dusk requires extra vigilance in the Gaspésie region due to the high likelihood of encountering wildlife. Moose, deer, and other animals are most active during these times and frequently cross roadways, especially in forested and park areas. Reduce your speed, scan the sides of the road continuously, and be prepared to brake suddenly. Using your high beams on unlit roads can help you spot animals sooner, but be sure to dim them for oncoming traffic.

Autumn in Gaspésie brings beautiful foliage but also more variable weather. Coastal fog can roll in quickly, dramatically reducing visibility, particularly in the mornings. You should also be prepared for periods of rain, which can make roads slick. It's essential to drive at a speed appropriate for the conditions, use your headlights to remain visible to others, and allow for extra following distance. The weather can change rapidly, so checking the forecast before you set out each day is a crucial part of safe trip planning.

During the winter, the most challenging road segments are typically those in higher elevations and more remote areas. Route 299 through Parc national de la Gaspésie can be particularly difficult due to heavy snowfall and mountainous terrain. Additionally, sections of Route 132 along the northern coast can be exposed to high winds and blowing snow, creating icy patches and poor visibility. It is crucial to have a vehicle equipped for winter conditions and to drive with extreme caution, checking road reports before any long-distance travel.

Strong coastal winds are a common occurrence in the Gaspé region and can be particularly noticeable when driving along exposed sections of Route 132. You may feel the car being pushed, especially in higher-profile vehicles like SUVs or vans. When choosing a vehicle, a sedan or a smaller crossover might feel more stable in these conditions. Regardless of your vehicle choice, the best response to high winds is to reduce your speed, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, and be especially cautious on bridges and open stretches.

When you get to your assigned vehicle, take a moment to assess the cargo space for your specific gear. For bulky items like coolers and bins, look for a wide, flat floor and a large trunk opening. If you have long items like hiking poles, check if the rear seats can be folded down, either entirely or in a split configuration, to accommodate them. Ensuring the layout works for your equipment before you load everything in will save you the hassle of having to repack later on.

The rental car lot at Gaspé Airport is the perfect place to get your family organized before hitting the road. After loading the luggage, focus on getting the children settled first. Install any car seats and make sure everyone is buckled in safely. This is also a great time to hand out snacks, drinks, and activities for the drive. Taking these few extra minutes in the parking lot ensures a safer and more peaceful start to your family's Gaspésie adventure.

The most practical and safest place to install a child car seat is in the parking spot where you pick up your rental vehicle. The rental car lot at YGP provides a low-traffic environment where you can take your time without feeling rushed. This allows you to open the car doors fully, read the car seat and vehicle manuals, and ensure the seat is installed securely and correctly before you even start the engine. It's best to complete this important task before loading your luggage.

If you anticipate driving on gravel or unpaved roads, pay special attention to the vehicle's tires during your initial inspection. Check that they have ample tread and appear to be in good condition, including the spare tire in the trunk. It's also a good idea to note the vehicle's ground clearance. A car with slightly higher clearance can provide extra peace of mind when navigating uneven surfaces at scenic pull-offs or on the way to a more remote trailhead.

While cell service is generally reliable in towns like Gaspé and Percé, it can become weak or completely unavailable in more remote areas, especially within the national parks and along the northern coastline. It is highly advisable to download offline maps of the entire Gaspé Peninsula to your phone before you leave the airport. This ensures your navigation will continue to work even without a cellular signal, preventing you from getting lost and allowing you to travel with confidence.

After leaving the airport, the town of Gaspé is your best and most convenient option for stocking up on supplies. As you drive from the airport toward the town center on Route 132, you will find several major grocery stores with large, accessible parking lots. These supermarkets offer everything you might need for your trip, from snacks and drinks to picnic supplies. Stopping here first ensures you are well-prepared before heading to more remote destinations like Forillon or Percé.

You will find several convenient and easily accessible fuel stations along Route 132 in the town of Gaspé. As you drive back towards the airport from either the north or south, you will pass multiple options right on the main highway. Refueling in town is a simple process and ensures you can return the car with the required amount of gas. These stations are just a few minutes' drive from the airport, making it a quick final stop before your flight.

As you approach Gaspé Airport on Route de l'Aéroport, slow down and look for signs specifically indicating "Rental Car Return" or "Location de voitures." The entrance for returns is typically separate from the main passenger drop-off loop. These signs will direct you to the correct lane or turn-off that leads to the designated parking area for rental vehicles. Paying close attention as you near the terminal will ensure you make the correct turn smoothly.

The smoothest sequence is to first follow the signs for "Departures" to pull up to the curb at the terminal building. Here, your passengers can unload with all the luggage. After they are safely on the curb, you can proceed by following the road signs that loop you back around toward the "Rental Car Return" area. This process avoids having to carry bags across the parking lot and keeps the drop-off and return steps separate and organized.

The rental car return lot at Gaspé Airport is situated very close to the terminal building. After you have parked the car and gathered your remaining personal belongings, you will see clear pedestrian walkways and signs pointing you toward the terminal entrance. It is just a short, straightforward walk of a minute or two to get back inside the building. Once inside, the check-in and airline counters are immediately visible in the main hall.