Truck stops or rest stops in Northern Ontario or Northern Quebec?
Hello!
Does anyone know if rest stops can you can catch a nap for a few hours are common in Northern Ontario/Quebec? I know it already snows up there, so I am not sure how fast/far I would be able to go when coming back to Toronto, which puts me anywhere between Macamic, QC and New Liskeard, ON. Therefore I am looking for rest stops somewhere along 101/65. How common and how safe are they? I do know in Quebec rest stops are called "haltes routières".
Also, should I just leave the car idling for the time I'll be sleeping since it will be ~0-5C at night? I guess can also put the heat on max for 15 minutes before I get to the rest stop I will decide to stay at, just have to listen to loud music at that time to stay awake.
P.S. I am not sure if rest stops are listed on my GPS, will check that, but feedback from people who used rest stops up there would be great.
Also do you suggest renting a bigger car or will I be ok with compact? This is for Toronto to Chisasibi trip.
Any other tips will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
James Bay Road info/truck stops
I don't know about Ontario, but besides the cold temperatures, I'm pretty sure you won't have any trouble sleeping in your car in virtually any rest stop in Quebec...That is if you are able to find anything that resembles a truck stop in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the James Bay Region. I highly doubt it since the regular haltes routières are located on major interstates. However, you can stop at any dépanneur (convenience store) and ask them if you can sleep in their parking lot. People in those remote areas are typically friendly and will most likely be surprised you'd even asked. Cops know there aren't a lot of sleeping places for truck drivers anyway so most of the time they just let them be. They are also used to have hunters and fishermen sleeping in their pick-up trucks or pitching a tent by the side of the road. As for safety, I wouldn't be worried if I were you. I'd sleep in a rest stop in that area by myself any time. I've done it in the North Shore area between Baie-Comeau and Fermont, which is pretty similar to the James Bay road but even more remote. Lock the doors of your vehicle and don't leave any valuables in plain sight. Use common sense. Don't stay in a location where you don't feel safe. BTW, if you are interested in motels as well, take note that as you reach the James Bay Region, motel rooms become more expensive and less luxurious.:oP
I believe temperatures at this time of the year more or less oscillate between 5 C and -5 C so be sure to bring warm clothing including a hat, gloves, scarf and a winter coat. Bring an ice scraper, traction aids, a communication device, winter windshield washer, put winter tires on your car, etc.
Are you going to see the hydroelectric facilities?:) Take a look at this helpful website to get you started and to get some tips.
Have fun!
Discount companies ALWAYS CHARGE extra fees
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Originally Posted by
raven
... companies like Enterprise, Dollar, etc. may and often do charge for extra mileage outside of province. Hertz and Alamo do not.
Excellent point -- sorry I should have addressed that too. Companies like Enterprise and Dollar which advertise on average, a lower per day cost, seem to ALWAYS add additional fees. I generally rent from National -- I have driven their rental cars in all sorts of places and conditions that were never intended or described in the rental contract -- I have never been charged an extra fee for anything.
Quote:
I do know they have different rates for km/day in their system
In addition to the geographic differences I have seen differences in rental rate based upon the country of origin of the renter. One time in Italy, I rented a rental car for pick-up in Germany and received the "Italian" price -- when I arrived with a USA passport the desk nearly refused to deliver the car unless I paid the going USA rate -- I "negotiated" a compromise....
Mark
