Best Stop Before Entering Canada

Ah, the great American road trip. Few experiences rival the open road, where the hum of tires, the scent of fast food, and the search for a good bathroom define your adventure. For those venturing toward the border of Canada and the U.S., specifically en route to Quebec City, there’s one stop that rises above the rest: Maplefield’s Travel Center. Located at 3 Spiegel Dr, Champlain, NY 12919, it’s not just another pit stop—it’s an oasis in the desert of gas station mediocrity.

First off, let’s talk about the staff. Now, I’ve been to my fair share of truck stops where employees look like they’d rather wrestle a bear than help a customer. But Maplefield’s? These folks deserve medals. The staff here? Top-notch. They’re friendly, polite, and actually look like they want to be there. If every truck stop had staff like this, the world would be a much happier place.

But let’s not gloss over the second, equally important lesson other truck stops could learn from Maplefield’s: cleanliness. This place is spotless. I’m talking about a trucker’s lounge so clean, it feels like you’re lounging in a fancy hotel lobby. Four showers, washers, dryers, and a TV section that rivals your living room setup. Cleanliness is a team effort, though, so drivers: for the love of all things good, stop tossing your urine bottles like you’re playing a twisted version of lawn darts. Respect the place, and it’ll respect you back.

The deli? Well, it’s nothing short of glorious. Fresh sandwiches, salads, and pizza that’ll make you forget you’re at a truck stop and not your favorite local diner. Plus, a coffee bar that offers everything from a standard cup of joe to fancy espresso concoctions. And don’t even get me started on the baked goods. Muffins, cakes, and more sweets than you can shake a stick at—it’s a sugar lover’s paradise. I may or may not have grabbed an embarrassing number of treats, but hey, who’s counting?

Maplefield’s also boasts some pretty solid trucker accommodations. Great showers, spacious trucker lounges, and clean restrooms. Did I mention clean? Because they deserve all the praise here. There’s something about a pristine shower after hours on the road that feels like finding water in the desert. Shout out to Rylee, Martin, and Eslee, who keep the place in tip-top shape. These folks are running around like they’re auditioning for a “Best in Customer Service” award, and I’m here for it.

For my fellow car haulers (yes, we’re a different breed from truckers), this is your new home away from home. I stumbled upon Maplefield’s after a long haul from Canada and, let me tell you, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with a travel center. But here we are. The showers? Clean enough to make you think twice about your own bathroom standards. The staff? A+ all around. This place has earned its spot as my go-to stop.

And how could I forget the wildlife? While wandering the lot, you might even encounter the occasional furry friend, like a lost kitty scrounging for scraps near the big rigs. It’s like a scene out of a quirky road trip movie. I couldn’t help but donate half my sandwich to the little guy. Road trip rule number one: always share with the locals, even if they’re four-legged.

For those heading home from the U.S. or making their way south, Maplefield’s Travel Center should be on your list. Clean bathrooms (complete with fresh flowers in the ladies’ room, mind you), friendly service, and everything a traveler could need. Parking might be a bit limited, but trust me, this place is worth the stop. You’ll walk away refreshed, caffeinated, and—if you’re anything like me—struggling to choose between all the sugary delights.