Hertz Car Rental
Gaspé

Navigating Gaspé Airport is very straightforward due to its small size, making your rental car pickup a low-stress experience. Once you deplane and enter the terminal, you will find the baggage claim area is immediately accessible. The car rental counters are located directly within this main arrivals hall, so you won't have to walk far. Simply look for the prominent signs for "Car Rentals" or "Location de voitures" after you collect your luggage. The process is designed to be quick, getting you on the road to explore the peninsula without delay.

If you have a late arrival planned, it's essential to confirm the operating hours of the rental car location at Gaspé Airport ahead of time. While staff often accommodate scheduled flight arrivals, it's always a good practice to ensure your booking details include your flight number. This helps the rental team anticipate any delays. Also, be aware that services in the town of Gaspé close earlier than in a major city, so have your accommodation address ready to enter into your GPS. This will help you navigate directly to your hotel or rental for a smooth end to your travel day.

For the most scenic and convenient experience, most travelers prefer driving the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. This means heading north from Gaspé on Route 132 towards Forillon National Park first. By traveling this way, the stunning coastline of the St. Lawrence River will be on the passenger side of the car, offering unobstructed views. This orientation also makes it significantly easier and safer to pull into the numerous scenic lookouts and rest areas, as you won't have to cross oncoming traffic. It's the recommended route for photographers and anyone wanting to make frequent stops.

While the direct drive from Gaspé to the village of Percé can be done in about an hour, you should budget at least two to three hours for the journey. This stretch of Route 132 offers some of the most iconic coastal views of the entire peninsula. Giving yourself this extra time allows for unhurried stops at places like Haldimand Beach or any of the numerous unnamed pull-offs that provide breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This approach transforms a simple transit into a memorable part of your Gaspésie adventure.

The most direct and reliable way to reach Forillon National Park is by taking Route 132 North out of Gaspé. This is the main highway that circles the peninsula and is well-maintained and clearly marked with signs for the park. It's best to stick to this route rather than trusting a GPS that might suggest shortcuts, as these can sometimes lead to gravel or slower secondary roads. Route 132 will guide you directly to the park's main entrances for both the North (Cap-des-Rosiers) and South (Penouille) sectors.

Compared to a large metropolitan area, parking and driving in downtown Gaspé are relatively easy to manage. The main waterfront street, Rue de la Reine, can get busy during peak summer months, and on-street parking may be limited during prime dining hours. However, there are several public parking lots just a short walk from the main attractions that usually have available space. Most hotels and motels in the area also provide dedicated parking for their guests, which significantly reduces any potential stress.

Gaspé serves as the primary service hub for the region, making it the ideal place to prepare for your day trips. Before heading out, it's wise to fill up your fuel tank at one of the gas stations along Route 132 in town. You'll also find several large grocery stores, such as IGA or Metro, where you can stock up on water, snacks, and picnic supplies. Services become much more limited once you are inside Forillon National Park or in smaller villages, so preparing in Gaspé ensures you have everything you need for a full day of exploration.

For those accustomed to multi-lane freeways, the main surprise of Route 132 is that it's almost entirely a two-lane coastal road. You should anticipate sharp curves that hug the shoreline, significant changes in speed limits as you pass through small villages, and the occasional slow-moving vehicle. The incredible scenery can also be a major distraction, so it's important for the driver to stay focused on the road. The driving experience is more about enjoying the journey rather than getting to your destination at high speed.

To make the most of a day trip to Percé, plan to leave Gaspé no later than 9:00 AM. This allows you ample time for the scenic one-hour drive and to find parking, which can be challenging in Percé during peak season. An early start ensures you can catch one of the morning boat tours to Bonaventure Island, explore the village's shops and viewpoints, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Heading back to Gaspé in the late afternoon will get you back well before dusk, making for a comfortable and complete day trip.

Forillon's roads are well-maintained, but they are narrow and winding within the park, so it's important to drive with caution. For sunrise or sunset missions, be especially vigilant for wildlife like moose and deer, which are most active during these times. Before you go, confirm the park's gate access hours, as they can vary by season. Viewpoints like Cap-Bon-Ami are popular for sunrise, so know your route in advance and give yourself extra time to navigate the park roads in the low light.

If your goal is to explore various parts of the peninsula, Gaspé is the more strategic and practical base. As a larger town, it offers a wider range of services, including gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, making it easier to prepare for daily excursions. Its central location provides more efficient access to Forillon National Park and the northern coast. Percé is a stunning destination in itself, but it's better suited for a stay focused primarily on Rocher Percé and Bonaventure Island rather than as a hub for wider exploration.

During peak season, parking lots at popular Forillon trailheads like Cap-Bon-Ami and Grande-Grave can fill up by late morning. The best strategy is to arrive early, ideally before 10 AM, to secure a spot in the primary lot. If you find a lot is full, some areas may have designated overflow parking along the roadside, but this can mean a longer walk to your starting point. Always park in marked areas and be prepared to be flexible with your plans if your first-choice destination is at capacity.

Visiting the Cap-des-Rosiers Lighthouse is very straightforward and doesn't involve any difficult driving. The lighthouse is located just off the main Route 132 near the northern entrance to Forillon National Park, and the turn-off is clearly signed. The final approach is a short, paved road that leads directly to a dedicated parking lot at the base of the historic site. Access is simple for any type of vehicle, making it an easy and highly recommended stop on your tour of the peninsula.

This is an ambitious but rewarding day trip that requires an early start and a focused plan. Leave Gaspé early and drive directly to Percé to catch a morning boat tour to Bonaventure Island, as this is the most time-consuming activity. After the tour, have a quick lunch in Percé before continuing your drive south along the scenic coast toward the town of Bonaventure. To avoid feeling rushed, prioritize the boat tour and treat the drive itself as the main sightseeing activity, limiting other stops along the way.

The drive along the northern coast of the peninsula is packed with captivating scenery that can easily extend your travel time. Travelers often underestimate how long they'll spend at the various lighthouses, such as the one at La Martre, which has a small museum. The many small, picturesque fishing villages and coves invite spontaneous stops for photos. Additionally, the viewpoints looking out towards the Chic-Choc Mountains can turn a quick pause into a 30-minute break, so it's best to build plenty of buffer time into your schedule.

For travelers who love to make frequent stops at scenic lookouts, the counter-clockwise direction is overwhelmingly recommended. By starting from Gaspé and heading north towards Forillon, the coastline will consistently be on your right-hand side. This allows you to easily and safely pull into viewpoints and parking areas without ever needing to cross the lane of oncoming traffic. This simple choice makes the entire driving experience more relaxed, safer, and better for capturing those perfect coastal photos.

Wildlife encounters are a common and memorable part of visiting the Gaspé Peninsula, but they require cautious driving. Moose, deer, and porcupines are frequently seen along roadways, particularly in the hours around sunrise and sunset. It is crucial to obey posted speed limits and be especially vigilant when driving through forested areas or near Forillon National Park. Be prepared to brake suddenly, as these animals can appear with little warning, and always maintain a safe distance if you stop to observe them.

The stretch of Route 132 between Gaspé and Percé is ideal for photographers seeking easy and safe photo opportunities. This section of the highway features numerous designated scenic pull-offs, or "haltes routières," that are paved and provide ample space to park without any complex maneuvering. The road through Forillon National Park's southern sector toward Penouille also offers several well-placed lots with beautiful views. These routes are designed for tourism, ensuring you can capture the stunning landscapes with minimal hassle.

The town of Gaspé itself is the perfect place to get comfortable with your rental car. The local streets and main boulevards have relatively light traffic, especially outside of peak hours. A short, relaxed drive along Boulevard de Gaspé or out to the nearby Haldimand Beach provides a great opportunity to get a feel for the vehicle's handling. This allows you to adjust your mirrors and seating and get used to the car's size before venturing onto the more winding and dynamic Route 132.

To make this busy day feel more manageable, it's best to visit Forillon National Park in the morning. This allows you to tackle any hikes or longer walks when you have the most energy. After a few hours in the park, you can then enjoy the scenic drive south to Percé in the afternoon. Arriving in Percé later in the day is perfect for seeing the iconic Rocher Percé in the beautiful afternoon light, followed by dinner in the village before your return drive to Gaspé.

GPS navigation is generally very reliable on the main highways like Route 132 that circle the peninsula. However, you should anticipate losing cell signal in more remote areas, particularly within the interior of Forillon National Park and along certain stretches of the northern coast between small villages. Because of this, it is highly recommended to download offline maps of the region to your phone before you set out. Having a physical map as a backup is also a wise precaution for stress-free navigation.

Planning breaks is easy if you aim for the towns and designated park areas. The villages of Gaspé and Percé both have public restrooms, cafes, and shops perfect for a stop. Within Forillon National Park, the visitor centers at both the north and south entrances are equipped with facilities. Many of the small communities along Route 132 also have local parks or convenience stores (dépanneurs) that serve as convenient and low-stress places to take a break.

To avoid the biggest crowds and find parking more easily, plan your driving for the early morning or late afternoon. The busiest time on the roads and at major attractions like Percé and Forillon is typically from 10 AM to 4 PM. An early start not only means quieter roads but also better light for photography and a higher chance of securing a spot at popular trailheads. Similarly, exploring in the late afternoon as day-trippers begin to head home can provide a more relaxed experience.

While the main roads are well-maintained, access to some seaside inns, cottages, or B&Bs can be challenging. It's not uncommon for these properties to have steep, narrow, or gravel driveways, especially if they are built on a hillside to maximize views. If you are driving a larger vehicle or are not comfortable with tight maneuvers, it's a good idea to look at online reviews or use a satellite map view to check the access beforehand. Always approach such driveways slowly and cautiously.

The most common issue for first-time visitors is understanding where it's appropriate to park. While major beaches like Penouille in Forillon have large, designated lots, many smaller coves rely on informal shoulder parking along Route 132. The key is to ensure your vehicle is pulled completely off the pavement and not blocking any private driveways or local access roads. Always be on the lookout for "Stationnement Interdit" (No Parking) signs to avoid any issues.

The most important thing to remember is that all signs are in French and speed limits are in kilometers per hour (km/h). An "Arrêt" sign is a stop sign. Be particularly mindful of speed limit changes, as they drop significantly when you enter any town or village. Also, watch for yellow diamond-shaped signs depicting a moose ("orignal"), which indicate common wildlife crossing areas and require extra caution, especially at dusk and dawn.

The simplest rule is to always start your day with a full tank of gas. Fill up in the town of Gaspé before you head out, as it has the most service stations. While you can find gas in other larger villages like Percé or Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, stations become very infrequent in the stretches between them and are virtually non-existent within national parks. Never let your tank fall below one-quarter full when exploring, as this provides a safe buffer to reach the next town.

Driving a larger SUV or van in Gaspé is generally manageable, but a few spots can be tricky. On-street parking on the main commercial street, Rue de la Reine, can be tight, making parallel parking a challenge. The parking lots of some smaller grocery stores and businesses can also have narrow lanes and tight corners. However, the main boulevards are wide, and using the larger public lots just off the main street will help you avoid most stressful situations.

A great weather backup plan involves shifting your focus from outdoor exposure to indoor attractions or more sheltered activities. If a boat tour in Percé is cancelled, you can explore the fascinating Musée Le Chafaud or the town's unique shops and art galleries. If hiking in Forillon is too wet, the drive through the park remains beautiful, and you can visit the Site d’interprétation de la culture Micmac de Gespeg in Gaspé. Having a few indoor or low-intensity alternatives in mind ensures that a rainy day doesn't spoil your trip.

To maximize your 48 hours, dedicate one day to the north and one to the south. On day one, drive north from Gaspé to explore the dramatic cliffs and trails of Forillon National Park. On day two, head south to experience the iconic Rocher Percé, take a boat tour around Bonaventure Island, and enjoy the charming village of Percé. This north-south split allows you to see the region's two main highlights efficiently and ensures each day's drive is a one-way scenic journey from your base in Gaspé.

Like much of Quebec, the short summer season is the primary time for road construction on the Gaspé Peninsula. You should anticipate the possibility of encountering construction zones, lane reductions, or even detours on Route 132. These can add significant time to your planned drives. Before heading out for a long day trip, it's a smart idea to check the Quebec 511 website or app for the latest information on road conditions, which can help you adjust your schedule accordingly.

Efficient organization can make your trip much smoother. Keep a small daypack in the passenger cabin with your immediate essentials: water, snacks, a map, and a rain jacket. Pack your bulkier gear, like hiking boots, trekking poles, and extra layers, in a duffel bag or bin in the trunk. This system allows you to make quick scenic stops without digging through all your equipment, and when you arrive at a trailhead, you can simply grab your boots and daypack and go.

When traveling to the airport on your departure day, it's crucial to build in a generous time buffer. From Percé, allow at least 1.5 hours for the drive, and from the northern tip of Forillon, plan for about one hour. To that driving time, add the standard 1.5 to 2 hours you'd want for checking in, dropping off your car, and going through security at the airport. An extra 30-minute cushion for unexpected road construction or traffic is also highly recommended for a stress-free departure.

For a seamless return process, use a two-step drop-off approach. First, drive to the main terminal's departures curb and unload all your passengers and luggage. While your party begins the check-in process, the driver can then proceed alone to the rental car return area, which is typically located nearby. This prevents the hassle of dragging bags across the parking lot and allows the driver to focus solely on the vehicle return procedure without any rush.

The most strategic and stress-reducing choice is to book your final night's accommodation in or very close to the town of Gaspé. While it might be tempting to stay in a scenic village farther down the coast, being near the airport eliminates the risk of long drives on your departure day. This protects you from potential delays caused by traffic or construction and allows for a more relaxed morning before your flight home. It provides peace of mind and a smooth conclusion to your trip.

It's common for local drivers, who are familiar with the roads, to travel at a faster pace than visitors enjoying the scenery. If you find that a line of cars is forming behind you, the courteous and safe thing to do is to use the next available scenic pull-off or slow vehicle lane to let them pass. This simple gesture is appreciated by locals and allows you to continue your drive at a comfortable pace without feeling pressured from behind. It contributes to a safer and more pleasant experience for everyone on the road.

The two biggest changes when driving in the shoulder seasons (late spring or fall) are the reduced daylight hours and the closure of many seasonal services. You'll have less time each day for sightseeing, so planning is key. Many restaurants, shops, and tour operators outside of the main towns may be closed for the season. While road traction is generally good, be aware of the potential for morning frost or wet leaves on the road, especially in shaded, winding sections.

You don't have to drive for hours to experience the region's beauty. A fantastic short day trip is the drive south along Route 132 towards Coin-du-Banc and the outskirts of Percé, which offers stunning bay views and beach access in under an hour. Another excellent option is a quick trip north to the Penouille peninsula in the southern sector of Forillon National Park. This provides a beautiful sandy spit with calm waters and easy walking trails, all within a 30-minute drive from Gaspé.

When making a spontaneous stop, safety is the top priority. The best option is to use the officially marked scenic lookouts, known as "haltes routières," which are designed for this purpose. If you must pull over elsewhere, make sure you have a long, clear line of sight for traffic in both directions and that there is a wide, stable shoulder. Your vehicle should be pulled completely off the paved roadway to ensure you are not obstructing traffic. Avoid stopping on blind curves or the crests of hills.