5 fun solo road trips from Vancouver for when you need to get away

Jul 21 2016, 3:26 pm

Travel doesn’t always include friends or loved ones. Spending time alone on the road is among the most rewarding travel experiences there is, but where do you go when you really want to escape and soul search on your ownsome?

Here are five appealing solo road trips from Vancouver.

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Pender Island, BC

This oft-overlooked Southern Gulf island seduces peace-seeking travellers with quiet wilderness, 35 ocean access points, and Ace Hotel-style accommodation at Woods on Pender, where you can unabashedly dine solo on seasonal menus and toast yourself with potent cocktails before crashing in a luxuriously hip airstream trailer.

Distance: 73 kilometres
Drive time: 2 hours and 52 minutes with ferry
Where to stay: Woods on Pender

Seattle, Washington

Hello #Seattle

A photo posted by David Meier (@davvemeier) on

When Vancouver feels claustrophobic, try an alternate Pacific Northwest (PNW) urban experience where nobody knows you. The birthplace of grunge rock, base camp for Microsoft, and home to 13 James Beard award winning chefs, Seattle has it all, and on a larger scale. Hang out and enjoy the culture, live music and splurge-worthy meals.

Distance: 229 kilometres
Drive time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Where to stay: Use Airbnb to experience a dynamic Seattle neighbourhood like a local

Desolation Sound, Sunshine Coast, BC

#beautifulbritishcolumbia #desolationsound #explorebc #savedesolationsound #sailing

A photo posted by Seth Johnson (@sethisaacjohnson) on

As the name suggests, Desolation Sound lures travellers away from the mainstream destinations on the Sunshine Coast with eerily quiet kayaking and hiking options against a backdrop of spectacular fjord scenery. Accommodation ranges from backcountry camping to oceanfront resorts with kayak lessons and boat rentals.

Distance: 498 kilometres including ferry
Drive time: 5 hours
Where to stay: Desolation Sound Wilderness Resort

Lillooet Lake, Pemberton, BC

When you need a quick wilderness getaway from Vancouver with consistently good weather, head to Lillooet Lake. Just an hour north of Whistler, this stunning, 25-kilometre long, jade beauty is the place to pitch a tent and think it out under the stars.

Distance: 250 kilometres
Drive time: 3 hours
Where to stay: Lillooet Lake campgrounds

Whistler, BC

Whistler is an easy getaway for solo travelers, whether you’re looking to play outside or relax and treat yourself in the many spas and restaurants. From hiking, biking, and ziplining to outdoor yoga and Scandinavian-style spas, Whistler is the place to wear yourself out and then luxuriously replenish at a myriad of health and wellness centres.

Distance: 121 kilometres
Drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Where to stay: Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa

See also

volkswagen golf

The Volkswagen Golf’s turbocharged 170hp engine and tight handling make driving fun, no matter what road you’re on. With an estimated fuel consumption of as low as 6.4L/100 kms, this engine doesn’t suck no matter how you look at it.

With Apple CarPlay, available adaptive cruise control, and a versatile euro hatchback design, the adaptable interior will adjust to your needs whether you’re loading hockey equipment, or loading up for a solo road trip.

Well-equipped starting at $18,995 and with 0% financing up to 84 months, it’s time you treated yourself to an upgrade.

Taraneh JervenTaraneh Jerven

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