Let's tell it like it is.

Tourist Information Centre is an okay name, but Tourism Inspiration Centre is more expressive, more provoking, more rousing.

It's an pledge to arouse your interest, get you excited to visit a destination and to motivate you to see, do and experience more.

That's precisely what the re-designed and re-opened Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre hopes to do.

Photo credits: Thompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationThe re-vamped and re-opened Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre is located at 3960 BC-97C (the Okanagan Connector) above Peachland.

Located just off the eastbound lanes of the Okanagan Connector highway above Peachland it spotlights the point where cars full of people get their first glance of the majestic Okanagan Valley and shimmering Okanagan Lake.

It's also the site of those all important indoor washrooms.

It's the gateway to the Central, North and South Okanagan — the place to inspire tourist to make the most of their holiday.

As an outpost of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the inspiration centre highlights the entire region's four cornerstones: Valleys and Vineyards, The Great Wilderness, Rainforest to Rockies and Nature Heartland.

By the way, motorists leaving the Okanagan and travelling westbound toward Merritt and Vancouver can also access the inspiration centre by taking the Trepanier Creek exit, going under the highway and popping up on the other side.

Visitor counsellors are on site for recommendations on activities, accommodation and events according to your interests.

There are also racks of maps, brochures and leaflets about activities, accommodation and events.

And a store full of snacks, drinks, and souvenirs such as T-shirts, Ogopogo stuffies, mugs, fridge magnets, art, cards, jewelry and sunglasses.

There's plenty of parking for regular vehicles, RVs and buses and those that need an EV charge.

There's also free Wi-Fi.

And, after hours in the car, most importantly, there are indoor, fully-accessible washrooms.

You may be able to get most tourism information online, but you can't get an EV charge or go to the washroom online.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association held a grand re-opening cermony last week to show off the results of the eight-month renovation that took place during its regular closing time in the late fall, winter and early spring.

The fresh design and space were handled by two Kelowna firms: New Town Architects and TKI Construction.

There's a new glass entry pavilion with a living roof and a new art installation by Syilx Okanagan artist Coralee Miller.

Officials made speeches, guests milled around and sampled party treats by West Kelowna winery Niche, Kelowna's Craft 42 (iced coffee!), Sugarbee's Ice Cream and Give Them Brie (cheese to go with the wine!)

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre is open July and August from 10 am to 5 pm Mondays through Saturdays and from 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays.

In the September-October and May-June shoulder seasons it's open from 10 am to 5 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays and 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays.