On my way into Whitecourt AB, along Highway 43 I came across this giant poster on a Kanata Travel Centre / Esso Super Store:

This is absolutely brilliant marketing.  This is my number one reason for stopping while travelling! My number two reason is usually fuel – whether for my vehicle or snacks, lunch and a drink for myself.  Number three is to stretch my legs.

So, when I stop for a toilet break, I typically use the opportunity to purchase a snack and or drink.  Rarely do I find really well-cared for and clean bathrooms while travelling, so you can imagine how excited I was to check these ones out.

I knew their award-winning banner wasn’t a cheap ploy when I saw their awards proudly posted on the wall entrance to the bathrooms.

According to Roger Brooks of Roger Brooks International: Public washrooms are the number one reason passers-by stop and once visitors get out of the car there is a four-times greater chance of getting them to spend money. So it’s not just me.

I was delighted by what a wonderful travel centre this proved to be. They had more than your typical confectionary items; they had unique gift shop items, nicely packaged fresh foods for the traveller, a full deli with Wane Cut Pizza, and home-made meals – plus a place to sit and eat!!! There was ample parking for tractor-trailer units and recreational vehicles. As someone who has worked in the long-haul transportation industry, it’s obvious to me, that these folks understand travellers and their motivations for stopping.

Fresh sandwiches and salads

Friendly service with a smile