A modern rest area has opened between Merritt and Kelowna on Highway 97C at the Loon Lake Interchange.

This rest area will be one of eight throughout the province to be wired for free Wi-Fi this year, designed to make the traveling experience better for British Columbians and visitors to the province.

“It is important for travellers to stay fresh and alert on long trips, and Loon Lake’s new rest area provides an option on the Okanagan Connector,” said Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Claire Trevena. “Commercial truck drivers and travellers alike have told us they want more highway rest areas and improvements to the existing stops, and this one has amenities for all to benefit from when they need a break from the road.”

The $4.2-million Loon Lake rest area, approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Merritt, is a modern “Class A” facility with running water and flush toilets. It features a contemporary design, separate parking locations for passenger, commercial and recreational vehicles, and a landscaped outdoor area with picnic tables.

Electric car charging stations will be installed this spring, and Loon Lake is one of eight B.C. rest areas designated to get free Wi-Fi this year, as well as the following stops:

• Hunter Creek on Highway 1 – 11 kilometres west of Hope
• Bradner on Highway 1 – 53 kilometres east of Vancouver
• Cole Road on Highway 1 – 73 kilometres east of Vancouver
• The Last Spike on Highway 1 – 24 kilometres east of Sicamous
• Slim Creek on Highway 16 – 120 kilometres east of Prince George
• Mount Terry Fox on Highway 16 – six kilometres east of Tête Jaune
• Boulder Creek on Highway 16 – 53 kilometres west of Hazelton

Funding for the Loon Lake rest area and free Wi-Fi was provided by the ministry’s Rest Area Improvement Program. Since 2015, almost $10 million has been invested in rest-area enhancements throughout B.C.

An interactive map, which features all provincial rest area locations, along with webcams and current road and weather conditions, can be found using the map tab at: DriveBC.ca

Learn More:

Follow the work of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure online: http://www.tranbc.ca