It's all in the name.
'Tourism inspiration centre' simply sounds better, and, well, more inspiring, than 'visitor centre' or 'tourist information centre.'
As such, the new-name Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre is now open for the season on Highway 97C -- the Okanagan Connector -- above Peachland.
The inspiration centre in the past has been called The Connector Visitor Centre and Route 97 Visitor Inspiration Centre.
Regardless of what it's name is, it's the place to take a break and wow in the first glimpse of the breathtaking view of the Okanagan Valley and Okanagan Lake after travelling the Coquihalla Highway from Vancouver and the Connector from Merritt.
The centre is in the same location and in the same building as before, so it essentially has the same look and feel as any other visitor centre or tourist info centre.
But, how it becomes inspiring is the service from the enthusiastic visitor counsellors and the fact that it represents the Okanagan -- a pristine, awe-inspiring tourist destination.
It's centre as the gateway to the Central, South and North Okanagan, the stop to use the indoor washrooms, charge your electric car, get information about activities, accommodations and events from trained visitor counsellors and shop for clothing, art, snacks and souvenirs, including a wide selection of Indigenous products.
The inspiration centre is easy to access when travelling the Connector east from Merritt into the Okanagan.
Simply pull off the highway and into the centre's big parking lot before the highway exit that goes to either Peachland or West Kelowna.
It's a little more difficult to access when travelling west from West Kelowna or Peachland to Merritt.
To do so, you start heading west toward Merritt and quickly take the Trepanier Creek exit under the highway.
Then take the on-ramp to get back on the highway heading east back toward Peachland and then turn right into the Tourism Inspiration Centre.
The actual address is 3960 BC-97C, Peachland if you're plugging it into Google Maps.
From now through June the centre's hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays, 10 am to 4 pm.
And then through the summer, July and August, Mondays through Saturdays, 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays, 10 am to 4 pm.
Check out this link or call 250-767-6679.
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