To the 49th Parallel . . . and Beyond

Cross over into Canada and you’ll find a relationship between c-stores and the road trip that mirrors our own country’s.

Our border with Canada runs uninterrupted for 5,525 miles along the 49th parallel.

Turns out that’s just one of the parallels between the two countries.

First, there’s the way the c-store industry developed in Canada. It may have started in the 1960’s, about 40 years later than its United States counterpart, but aside from its smaller scale, its evolution in the Canadian market is as good as the same. It started with small gas stations, corner shops and neighborhood grocery stores looking to compete and grow, with the American industry a big influence; a few U.S. brands expanded upward across the border, too.

It wasn’t long until Canadian entrepreneurs began transitioning to the clean, identifiable customer experience they saw succeeding elsewhere. One of the most influential operators above the 49th parallel, Alain Bouchard, opened a single store in Montreal in 1980, and grew his chain into a regional powerhouse under the Couche-Tard brand, which today owns Circle K.

Our second Canadian-American parallel is the road trip. Canadians love them, just like we do, even as rugged as they sometimes get in the Great White North. The payoff is a lot of spectacular natural attractions, sprinkled with quirky tourist destinations.

The Trans-Canada Highway ties the country together, coast to coast, but it’s far from the only road in Canada. Let’s look at some other trips worth getting behind the wheel for—and the c-stores that serve them.

Kootenay Rockies, British Columbia. Here’s another parallel between countries: they both share the Rocky Mountains, which means the drive along Highway 3A offers plenty of shimmering lakes and towering peaks. There’s also Ainsworth Hot Springs, where visitors immerse themselves in natural thermal waters, and the Radium Hot Springs trail where you’ll encounter the Paint Pots: mineral-rich waters that create vibrant colors in the landscape.
C-Store of Note: Petro-Canada’s c-store in the heart of Radium Hot Springs is in a rustic part of the mountains with scattered retail, so it serves as a town hub. In addition to a c-store, it has a car wash, essential for rugged driving conditions, as well as a Subway, selected retail shopping, and a laundromat.

Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec. This road trip starts in Montreal, and runs down the banks of the St. Lawrence River. Major stops include Matane, which has a solid reputation for quality seafood dining, and the Parc National de la Gaspésie, where outdoor enthusiasts can hike in the mountains and maybe catch a glimpse of a caribou. The whole thing ends up at the Atlantic Ocean, more specifically, the Cape Gaspé Lighthouse.
C-Store of Note: The drive out to the Lighthouse, which at the end of an elongated peninsula, is remote and scarce of retailers. Therefore, you might want to fill up at one of the few c-stores on the isthmus, the interestingly named, Gaz-O-Bar, before venturing out. This petroleum retailer still offers automotive service. And it’s right next to North Atlantic Shrimp, Inc., if you’re interested in buying wholesale.

Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, British Columbia. Go north on Highway 99 and you’ll drive by the renowned ski resort, Whistler, on your way to this park, which features journeys past three striking lakes, each distinct in color, ranging from vibrant turquoise to deep blue. The hike to Joffre Lakes goes through lush forests, providing stunning views of glaciers and towering peaks along the way. Black bears, deer, and a variety of bird species populate the park.
 C-store of Note: The Otter CO-OP® has several convenience stores across Western Canada. The organization also operates agro centers (nurseries), home centers, liquor stores, pharmacies, and, in the case of the Whistler site, a feed store.

Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia. For Canada, Nova Scotia is about as far east as it gets, right on the Atlantic Ocean. This scenic route, starts in Baddeck, and winds around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, showcasing the raw beauty of the Atlantic coastline and Cape Breton Highlands. The town of Cheticamp is a hub of Acadian culture. Top rated is the view from the Skyline Trail, with panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
C-Store of Note: Cape Breton Island has no shortage of convenience stores, but one of the most unique is the Wreck Cove General Store. In addition to featuring local favorite lobster sandwiches and rolls, and local fudge from the Cape Breton Fudge Company, you can stay in one of the Ravens’ Rock Country Cottages right on the property!