ONroute is a network of 17 travel plazas located along Highway 401 in Ontario. These plazas offer a range of services to travelers, including gas stations, convenience stores, food courts, and rest areas.
Picture by abdallahh
The development of ONroute is closely tied to the construction of these major highways in the 1950s and 1960s. As the backbone of Ontario’s transportation network, these highways were designed to accommodate increasing traffic from growing cities and expanding suburban areas. Highway 401, in particular, would become one of the busiest highways in North America. The need for rest stops and service areas quickly became apparent. In the early days, stops primarily offered basic amenities like restrooms and gas stations. However, the demand for more comprehensive services grew as highway traffic increased.
In response to this growing demand, many rest stops transitioned from basic facilities to full-service restaurants. These restaurants offered various dining options, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. However, over time, the trend shifted towards franchised fast-food outlets. Several factors drove this shift, including the increasing popularity of fast food, the desire for consistent quality and service, and the efficiency of franchise operations.
The transformation into what is now known as ONroute began in the early 2000s when the provincial government decided to modernize the aging network of rest stops. These centres, called ONroute, offer a much wider range of amenities than traditional rest stops. In addition to gas stations and food courts, many ONroute locations now include convenience stores, EV charging stations, Wi-Fi, and even pet areas. The facilities are designed to accommodate large traffic volumes, with ample parking for cars, trucks, and buses.
What to expect
Eating at an On Route
For the basic fast food grub, you’ll find familiar franchises like Tim Hortons, A&W, and Burger King. Some locations also have Starbucks, Subways, Wendy’s, and/or Popeyes Chicken. Some ONroute locations offer 24-hour service at select dining options, making it convenient for travellers arriving at any time of day or night. If everything is closed, your best bet is the Gas+ convenience store or the ONmarket convenience for snacks, beverages, and travel stuff.
Picture by Esther Wetherveld
Gassing at an On Route
Strategically located along Ontario’s Highways 400 and 401, the Gas+ Canadian Tire stations make the most of a full gas tank. There is usually no waiting for a bay, and the pumps are fast. Remember that you must often (always?) prepay and that gas here is 5 to 20 cents expensive than elsewhere. Check out our Gas category for clean, convenient gas stations within 5 minutes of a 401 exit. Most Gas+ stations at ONroute locations have amenities such as windshield cleaning stations and air pumps. Some even allow gassers to collect or spend Canadian Tire money.
What else?
Free Wi-Fi: Sponsored by CIBC, free Wi-Fi access is available at all locations.
Pet Areas: Many locations offer designated pet areas, providing a safe space for fur babies to stretch their legs.
EV Charging Stations: In response to the growing popularity of electric vehicles, ONroute has introduced EV charging stations at select locations, making it easier for EV drivers to travel along the highways.
Picture by haljacky
ONRoute Locations
Often referred to as the “Main Street of Ontario,” Highway 401 is one of the busiest highways in North America, stretching over 800 kilometres and connecting major cities such as Windsor, London, Toronto, and Kingston. The placement of ON route centers along this crucial artery ensures that drivers and passengers have convenient access to service centres that reduce the stress of long-distance travel and make Ontario’s highways more user-friendly.
ONroute plazas are designed to be accessible to all; ramps, automatic doors, spacious restrooms ensure that travelers with disabilities can comfortably use the facilities.
Sun & Fri: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Mon – Thurs & Sat: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ingleside
Tim Hortons
Open 24 Hours
Burger King
Sun & Fri: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Mon – Thurs & Sat: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Bainsville
Tim Hortons
Open 24 Hours
Burger King
Sun & Fri: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Mon – Thurs: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sat: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Cambridge South
Tim Hortons
Open 24 Hours
A&W
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
New York Fries
Sun – Thurs: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri & Sat: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Starbucks
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cambridge North
Tim Hortons
Open 24 Hours (Drive-Thru: 24 Hours)
Burger King
Thurs – Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Mon – Wed: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Popeyes
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Starbucks
7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Subway
Sun: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Mon – Thurs: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sat: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Woodstock
Tim Hortons
Open 24 Hours (Drive-Thru: 24 Hours)
Starbucks
Sun: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Mon – Sat: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Burger King
Mon – Thurs: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Fri: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sat & Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
New York Fries
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Popeyes
Sun & Fri: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Mon – Thurs & Sat: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Dutton
Tim Hortons
Open 24 Hours
Popeyes
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
A&W
7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tilbury South
Tim Hortons
Open 24 Hours
Burger King
Mon – Thurs: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tilbury North
Tim Hortons
Open 24 Hours
Burger King
Mon – Thurs: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri – Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
ONroute FAQ
What is correct, en route or ONroute?
ONroute is the proper branding. It is a play on “en route” (lowercase and two words), a French phrase meaning “on the way” or “on the road” that is used in English to describe being in transit or on a journey. ONroute is also a clever nod to the fact that Ontario’s two-letter abbreviation is ON.
Do ONroutes have a microwave?
While some locations may have microwaves, it’s not a standard amenity at all ONroute locations.
Are ONroutes open 24/7?
Yes, all ONroute locations are open 24/7 with drive-thru or takeout food options available.
