If your trip to Gatineau is all organized but your travel itinerary is looking a bit empty, we can give you a few hints and tips.Think of Gatineau and then say the first thing that comes into your head. Bet you said “National Gallery of Canada,” right? Being such a famous attraction, you just can’t miss it. Hurl your bags into the trunk and check it off your bucket list.You’ll need to rise and shine if you want to see all the interesting sights this place has to offer. University of Ottawa and Canadian Museum of History are must-sees. Supreme Court of Canada and Canadian War Museum shouldn’t be overlooked either.Plan a stop at Canada Aviation and Space Museum. It’s one sight you’ll find on many visitors’ to-do lists. If you still have room on your travel itinerary, Rideau Hall and Les Promenades Gatineau will keep you occupied too.

The beauty of having a car is that you can travel anywhere, anytime. Make full use of your newfound freedom by experiencing all there is to do in Smiths Falls. It’s just 45 miles away. Among the first stops you make here ought to be Smiths Falls Bascule Bridge, Rideau Canal Visitor Information Center and Lombard Glen Golf and Country Club. Locals will also likely point you toward South Stormont, 45 miles away. If you can only see one thing here, let it be McMaze. (But we’re also huge fans of Lost Villages Museum and Mille Roches Island Beach.)

Hang out with some locals while you’re in Gatineau by cruising off to an event at one of the great convention centers. There are some exciting things on, so check out the schedule and set aside a day. Recommended places include:

• Shaw Centre (4 miles away).
• Ernst & Young Centre (10 miles away).

Gatineau has loads on offer. You could chill out for a week or more in this place and not run out of things to see. If you’d like to soak up as much as possible in this bustling metropolis, a rental car is a must. Bear in mind that driving in the city often goes hand in hand with tight streets and even tighter parking spots. Don’t stress though, because a compact or mini car can make this a lot easier to navigate. If you can’t wait to leave the city behind and enjoy some of the bays that Gatineau is known for, you’ll probably prefer a car with more room to move. A full-size or mid-size SUV will get you around comfortably.

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to renting a car in Gatineau. From spacious SUVs with plenty of trunk space to economy rides that are a snap to park, you’ll find it all here. Choosing your ride of course depends on your budget and what activities you plan on doing. There are some road trips that are just begging you to splurge on your dream ride, whereas others don’t need more than four wheels and a gas pedal. Which car will you be sliding behind the wheel of this time?

From its one-way streets to its high-speed highways, discovering Gatineau is a cinch with your own wheels. But before you get into the fast lane, here’s what you need to know about motoring around this city:

You’ll have to keep to the right when driving in Gatineau. In addition to that, take some extra care if it’s your first time in the driver’s seat here. Once you’re familiar with the roads, you can relax and enjoy the scenery!

The majority of the time, parking in the heart of Gatineau is a breeze. There’s plenty of on and off-street parking. As in any city, you’ll need to follow the parking rules and regulations. Make sure you’re parked legally and you don’t overstay any time limits.

One of the advantages of escaping to a smaller city is less traffic, so don’t stress too much about rush-hour gridlock. With a population of around 242,100, you can look forward to a smooth Gatineau driving experience.

Generally, one of two things will happen. Your rental company may bill the fined amount to your credit card. This is the usual approach. Or it may forward your contact information to the relevant local authority so the fine is issued directly to you.