ONroute

A trip on the 401 can be long, monotonous, and weary, but at least there are some very good rest stops. One employee was continuously cleaning the bathroom. There are urinal dividers (a clear sign of modernity), and there is free wifi. Besides the few fast food options, there is a handy little convenience store. Well done, Ontario.

This was a great stop that had everything you need. They have a little Market where you can buy some quick things to go and fresh fruit. They have a great selection of fast foods. They also have a gas station right next door. The entire rest stop is incredibly clean, including the bathrooms with the really fast hand dryers (Dyson Airblade where you stick you hands inside a slot). They should have more rest stops like this!

This rest stop was absolutely lovely. Very clean. Picnic tables outside. Many food stands to choose from (A&W, Taco Bell, KFC, Tim Hortons, gift shop). The rest rooms were very clean. Easy access from the high way. The only negative I encountered was the taco bell ran out of meat. So they said it was a thirty minute wait for food! Not sure how that happens… they should be more aware of their food stock. I was really craving a cheesey gordita crunch, but the food at A&W made up for Taco Bell slacking. Regardless, this is the perfect place to stop on the 401.

This was my second ‘Onroute’ experience: this one was not quite as great as the first, but still good. These are pretty nice rest stops! They seem to offer a few food options, as well as a little store. They also have very clean bathrooms! Much nicer than what I’m used to out in Chicago!

coffee + bathroom stop. essentials on the highway.

Driving Westbound pass London, Ontario on Highway 401 was a mind-​numbing snore-​fest as the vision becomes repetitive. I’m saying that not as a passenger but a Driver. The one that had to listen to my passenger’s wish although I offered my advice to stop along the side of the Highway and respond to the call-​of-​nature by simply going in the Nature itself. It’s a bit chilly in February but it’s only a temporary stop.
Noticing one of the more visually appealing Service Centre/​Rest Stop signs along the way, I decided that this West Lorne ONroute is worth risking my Friend’s exploding bladder. 30 minutes passed and we arrived to this relatively stunning structure that surpasses quite a few others of it’s kind. This is Ontario’s tax money at work and it does give it’s visitors a welcome feeling to our province.
Inside is your A&W, Tim Hortons (24hrs), Market (Convenience), Taco Bell and KFC. There was plenty of seating and the beauty of this structure is allowing Natural Lighting indoors. As with any good Rest-​Stop should, they have Free Wi-​Fi for the techno-​savvy.
Free Wi-​Fi is obviously not the most important element. It’s not about consumption at these places, it’s all about the EXPULSION. Absolutely clean and modern restroom, at least inside the Men’s. This should be the standard to which other Rest Stop washrooms should compare. If they had showers, I wouldn’t even need to book a Hotel.
Canadian Tire Gas Station is their choice partner for Fuel. Check out their website for an ONroute coming near you.
Features: Picnic Area, Outdoor Seating, Pet Area, Free Wifi, Transport Parking, LEED Certified Silver Building, Water Efficient Landscaping, Waterless Urinals, Energy Efficient Equipment, RV Dumping Station