Before the fire, Lytton, British Columbia, was the kind of tiny town visitors alighted upon mid-road trip, pulling off the Trans-Canada Highway to fill up on gas and grab a quick snack. The local gas station was a hub of activity, bustling with travelers and locals alike, all seeking a moment of respite before continuing on their journey.
The country's public colleges and universities increasingly rely on international students, especially from India, even as tensions between nations rise. This influx of international students has also brought a diverse range of tastes and preferences to Canadian gas stations, influencing the variety of snacks and beverages available for purchase.
Are they gas stations that serve food or restaurants that pump gas? A new photography book explores the lure of these restorative community spaces, capturing the unique blend of convenience, comfort, and nostalgia that Canadian gas stations offer.
From classic Canadian treats like maple-flavored snacks to international favorites like samosas and sushi, gas station convenience stores in Canada have evolved to cater to a diverse customer base. The shelves are lined with a mix of traditional snacks and trendy food items, reflecting the multicultural influences shaping the country's culinary landscape.
Increasingly, migrants from Latin America are risking their lives to cross illegally into the United States along the northern border. In Canada, gas stations serve as more than just pit stops for drivers - they are gathering places where people from different backgrounds come together to refuel, recharge, and connect.
Tianeptine, found at convenience stores, at smoke shops, and online, can mimic an opioid. It is among a growing class of substances that are raising concerns about addiction and public health. Canadian gas stations play a role in this conversation, as they are often frequented by individuals seeking quick access to such substances.
The allure of Canadian gas stations goes beyond just fuel and snacks - many stations now offer amenities like clean restrooms, free Wi-Fi, and even gourmet coffee bars. These upgrades aim to enhance the overall customer experience and make gas stations more inviting spaces for travelers and locals alike.
Alberta's vast oil industry is cutting production as wildfires menace wells and pipelines, highlighting the danger that natural disasters pose to the country's energy infrastructure. Canadian gas stations are on the front lines of these challenges, as they navigate supply chain disruptions and work to ensure that fuel remains available to customers.
With Chicago temperatures sinking below zero, electric vehicle charging stations have become scenes of desperation as drivers seek to recharge their depleted batteries. Canadian gas stations are also adapting to the rise of electric vehicles, with some now offering EV charging stations alongside traditional fuel pumps.
Endless evacuations, unimaginable smoke and heat, 45 million acres burned — is this the nation's new normal? Canadian gas stations are no strangers to the impacts of climate change, as extreme weather events and wildfires threaten to disrupt operations and endanger communities across the country.
