Van Rental
Moncton

Most rental counters at Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport are located directly within the terminal building, making them easy to find upon arrival. Before your trip, it's wise to confirm the specific late-night hours of your chosen rental agency to ensure staff will be available. Having your reservation details and driver's license ready will help expedite the process. The rental vehicle lots are typically well-lit and situated close to the terminal, allowing for a straightforward and secure pickup experience even after dark.

A great strategy is to use the airport's short-term parking lot, which offers ample space 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 your 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 allocate approximately 60 to 90 minutes from the time your flight lands to when you're driving away. This timeframe accounts for deplaning, walking to the baggage claim area, and waiting for your luggage to arrive. It also includes the time needed to complete paperwork at the rental counter and locate your van in the lot. During peak travel times or if multiple flights arrive simultaneously, this process could take a bit longer, so building in a small buffer is always a good idea.

A great option for a low-stress introductory drive is to head towards Riverview, just across the Petitcodiac River from downtown Moncton. The roads there, like Coverdale Road (Route 114), are generally wide and less congested than the main city arteries. You can make a simple loop by following this route for a few kilometers and then turning back. This allows you to 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 complex for first-time visitors, involving multiple lanes and exits in quick succession. Similarly, the traffic circle where Main Street, Dieppe Boulevard, and Champlain Street meet in Dieppe requires confident lane positioning and awareness. When driving a larger van, it's best to approach these areas with caution, stay in your intended lane early, and use your signals well in advance. Having a co-pilot navigate or using a GPS with lane guidance can make these spots much easier to manage.

For van-friendly parking downtown, focus on the numerous surface parking lots rather than multi-level parkades, which may have height restrictions. You can often find spacious lots near the Avenir Centre or along Robinson and Queen Streets, just a short walk from the main attractions on Main Street. Arriving earlier in the day, especially on weekdays, will give you the best selection of spots. Always check the signage for payment instructions and any posted time limits to ensure a hassle-free visit.

The best approach is to contact your hotel ahead of time and ask about their specific loading and unloading zones or procedures for oversized vehicles. Many hotels have a designated pull-in area or can advise on the best time to arrive to avoid peak traffic. If there's no dedicated zone, have one person stay with the van with the hazard lights on while others quickly unload luggage onto the sidewalk. This minimizes your time stopped in a travel lane and ensures a smoother, safer check-in experience for everyone.

Driving a van on the Gunningsville Bridge or the Causeway between Moncton and Riverview during rush hour can be slow-going. Peak traffic times are typically from 7:30 to 9:00 AM and from 4:00 to 5:30 PM on weekdays. During these periods, you can expect heavier congestion and tighter spacing between vehicles, which requires more careful maneuvering in a larger van. To avoid this, plan your crossings for mid-day, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, or after 6:00 PM for a much more relaxed and open drive.

On a busy summer day or weekend, it's a good strategy to arrive at the Magnetic Hill area, which includes the zoo and water park, either right at opening time or in the mid-afternoon. The main rush often occurs in the late morning, between 10:30 AM and noon. The parking lots are generally large, but arriving early ensures you get a spot that is easier to pull into and out of with a van. If you're only visiting the Magnetic Hill phenomenon itself, the turnover is quicker, but avoiding that peak late-morning window is still your best bet.

The key is to check the official tide tables for Hopewell Cape online before you even leave Moncton. Plan your drive to arrive about an hour before low tide, which gives you plenty of time to park, walk down, and explore the ocean floor. The main parking lot at the park is spacious and well-equipped to handle larger vehicles like vans. Your park admission is often valid for the entire day, so you can leave and return later to see the dramatic difference at high tide without any additional 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, giving yourself a full day for a relaxed and scenic journey.

The most straightforward and comfortable route for a van is taking Route 114 directly south from Moncton (via Riverview). This highway is the primary connector to Alma and Fundy National Park and is well-maintained for the majority of the drive. While it is a two-lane road with some curves, it's generally wide and avoids the complexities of smaller back roads. This direct path minimizes navigational challenges and stop-and-go traffic, allowing for a smooth and scenic journey right to the park's entrance.

For a stress-free refueling stop, look for gas stations located along major arteries on the outskirts of the city, rather than those in the dense downtown core. The retail areas along Trinity Drive or near the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) feature modern, spacious stations. These locations are designed for high traffic volume, including RVs and trucks, so they offer plenty of room to maneuver your van around the pumps and pull in and out easily.

Cell service 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 along the way. It is highly recommended to download offline maps for the entire region using your preferred navigation app before you leave Moncton. This ensures you have uninterrupted access to your route, even if you temporarily lose your connection, providing peace of mind for your journey.

When driving a taller van in the dense fog common to the Bay of Fundy area, the most critical adjustments are to significantly reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use your low-beam headlights, as high beams will reflect off the fog and worsen visibility. A van's higher seating position can sometimes offer a slightly better view over low-lying fog patches, but your primary focus should be on 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 always wise to be vigilant. Pay close attention to any posted clearance signs, especially for railway underpasses or entrances to older parking structures. When in doubt, sticking to the primary, well-traveled routes is the safest strategy.

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

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

A great plan is to take the scenic Route 134 north from Moncton, which offers a pleasant drive along the coast. Your main destination, the Irving Eco-Centre: La Dune de Bouctouche, has a large, well-marked parking lot that is perfectly suited for vans and other large vehicles. After walking the beautiful boardwalk over the dunes, you can drive into the charming town of Bouctouche itself. Consider parking at Le Pays de la Sagouine, which also has ample space, and exploring the waterfront from there on foot.

To make a PEI day trip feel manageable, start early from Moncton, aiming to be on the road by 7:00 AM. The drive to the Confederation Bridge takes about 90 minutes. Once on the island, focus your exploration on the central Green Gables Shore or the Charlottetown area rather than trying to see the entire island. Plan to leave PEI by late afternoon, around 5:00 or 6:00 PM, to ensure you're back in Moncton at a reasonable hour. This structure gives you a solid six to seven hours for sightseeing without spending the whole day just driving.

The Confederation Bridge itself rarely has significant traffic jams, but the approach can get busy during 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 rush on Sundays, when many weekend visitors are heading home. Driving a van on the bridge is straightforward, but being in lighter traffic allows you to feel more comfortable, especially if it's windy.

A logical approach is to start your day in downtown Moncton, exploring Main Street and its attractions like Resurgo Place. You can 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 will lead you straight to the Dieppe waterfront and its walking trails. This east-bound progression prevents unnecessary backtracking and follows a natural geographic flow.

The Marché Dieppe Market has its own dedicated parking lot, 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 of major events. Parking in one of these lots allows for easy access to the market, the waterfront trails, and the nearby shops and cafes, all within a comfortable walking distance.

Magnetic Hill is an excellent choice, as you can experience the main phenomenon directly from your van. The Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park is also manageable, with a shuttle service available to take visitors from the interpretive center down to the viewing decks, minimizing 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 for 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 pavement. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded sections of road 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 a significant freeze is expected after a daytime melt.

Strong crosswinds, especially on open highways like Route 15 towards Shediac or Route 2, can have a noticeable effect on a taller vehicle like a van. You may feel the vehicle being pushed sideways, which requires constant, gentle steering corrections to stay centered in your lane. The most important technique is to keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel and reduce your speed. Be particularly prepared for sudden gusts when passing open fields, bridges, or when a large truck passes you.

The 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 travelers. These large service centers are designed for commercial trucks and RVs, offering expansive lots with easy pull-through parking spaces. They provide fuel, clean restrooms, and restaurants all in one place, eliminating the need to navigate tight parking lots. This 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 the tide times and drive to Hopewell Rocks in the morning to explore at low tide. Afterwards, you can 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, minimizing driving time and maximizing your enjoyment.

Before leaving Moncton, it's essential to do a thorough grocery and supplies run, as services can be sparse near some campgrounds. Locate a large supermarket with an easy-access parking lot to stock up on food, water, and other necessities like firewood or ice. It's also a great time to make sure your navigation system or offline maps are set for the campground's location. Finally, do a quick walk-around of the van to familiarize yourself with all its features, like lights and locks, while you're still in a well-lit urban area.

For the easiest grocery shopping experience with a van, head to the large supermarkets located in suburban retail hubs. The stores along Trinity Drive or in the commercial area of Dieppe near Champlain Mall are excellent choices. These locations feature expansive parking lots with wide lanes and ample space between parking spots. By parking a little further from the main entrance, you'll find it much easier to maneuver your van and load your groceries without any pressure from other vehicles.

A smart strategy is to pack with a 'last in, first out' mentality 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 campground deeper inside the van. This prevents you from having to unpack and repack the entire vehicle at every scenic stop, making your day trips much smoother and more enjoyable.

The most stress-free method is to find a single, centrally located public parking lot and use that as your home base for dining. Park the van once, and then walk to your chosen restaurant. This is especially effective in the downtown area, where many great eateries are clustered within a few blocks of each other. It eliminates the repeated frustration of searching for scarce curbside 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 lots located 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 allows your group to safely leave the vehicle for several hours and easily walk between the various pubs, restaurants, and entertainment venues concentrated in the downtown core.

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

The best strategy is to arrive early in the morning, ideally before 10 AM, to secure a spot before the crowds arrive. If you find a lot is already full, do not attempt to park creatively along the roadside, as this can be unsafe and may lead to a ticket. Instead, have a backup plan. Move on to your next planned stop and try returning to the popular spot later in the afternoon when visitor numbers often begin to decrease as people head home for the day.

On day trips, your most reliable options are the visitor information centers and provincial parks, which consistently have clean public restrooms and space to walk around. For example, the centers in Shediac and Hopewell Cape are excellent stops. Along the main highways, large gas station chains and fast-food restaurants are also dependable choices 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 cafe.

For a smooth early-morning return, locate a 24-hour gas station near the airport the night before to top off the fuel tank. On the morning of your flight, allow at least 30 extra 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, glove box, and trunk to ensure you haven't left any personal belongings behind.

The easiest final stops are places with large, accessible parking lots located 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 at a spacious park like Centennial Park. These locations allow you to 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.

Upon landing and picking up your van, first check the tide schedule for Hopewell Rocks. If low tide is in the late 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. This plan allows you to align your arrival with the best viewing time without feeling rushed, turning your travel day into an immediate sightseeing adventure.

The drive north from Moncton on routes like the 11 and 15 is generally smooth and straightforward, with well-maintained two-lane highways. As you get further north, services like gas stations and restaurants become more spread out, so it's wise to start with a full tank. The towns of Bouctouche and Kouchibouguac National Park are excellent, van-friendly places to pause. They offer large parking areas, restrooms, and beautiful scenery, breaking up the drive nicely on your way to the Acadian Coast.