3 Things I Learned About Myself in Golden, BC
By Jay Kana | Published March 23rd, 2026
Photos by Jay Kana
PAID PARTNERSHIP WITH TOURISM GOLDEN
My 40’s have been a decade of reflection and as I strolling toward 50, there are elements that I strive for. One being learning more about myself. And that includes “Was I wrong about brussel sprouts and should I give them a chance?” “What if I talked myself out of a spontaneous Christmas road trip? “ “Learning to rest when my body speaks.”
During a recent nearly 2,000 km solo road trip from Vancouver to Golden, British Columbia and back over five days, I learned three things about myself. Well, technically two and a renewed one. Re-learning counts, right? Right.
However the math works, travel has allowed me to learn about myself and embrace my quirks.
I’m pretty not that bad at riding a snowmobile
I’d never been on or near a snowmobile in my 48 fine years. It had always looked fun and was in my “maybe one day” opposed to a “must, must, must do!” pile.
That said, I was quite excited when it was part of my adventures in Golden.
I’ve been an automotive journalist via Modern Motoring, reviewing approximately 100 new cars annually for nearly 15 years, so I have a decent understanding of how machines work.
I was slightly, let’s generously say 10 percent, unsure due to the unknown-to-me experience. (I’d known for weeks that I’d be doing this but it was still new.)
Plus, as adventurous as I am, it’s been a couple of years since I did something for the first time on a travel media trip.
I was scheduled to spend a few hours snowmobiling at Quartz Creek, slightly north of downtown Golden courtesy of Golden Snowmobile Rentals and Tours.
I climbed into a blue snowsuit, black helmet, put my goggles on and a beige machine was my assigned chariot. I sat on the machine and thought “well, time to add another item to my list of adventures!”
A thorough intro lesson from my tour guide, Sean, and I felt confident and comfortable before firing up the machine. My timidness was obvious as I became familiar with the machine. Slow and steady acceleration and gentle turns dominated the first few kilometres. Sean was oh-so patient and shared techniques for making my experience enjoyable. From proper weight distribution, how to turn tighter and what to do in moments of uncertainty, my inaugural snowmobile adventure was a success.
I wasn’t carving up a storm by the end but I could certainly handle myself and the machine solo next time. And yes, there’ll be a next time.
I really like getting high
Previously, the highest I got was almost 3,000 feet up skiing at Mont Tremblant.
At Golden’s Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, life is certainly different at 7,700 feet. The weather is different. The world is quieter. The views are elevated.
Why did I get so high?
As an act of inclusion, the top of the gondola features a “green” ski run, designed for beginners and the lightly experienced. I’m a good skier but my infrequent participation has my first run of the day see me as a beginner.
I looked at the trail run, starting from more than twice as high as I’d ever been and kinda-sorta similar to the snowmobile example, I was unsure only due to the unknown.
I found my ski legs in a couple of minutes and the rest of descent reminded me of how much I enjoy skiing and did three more trips from 7,700 feet that day.
The mountain is renowned for it’s’ challenging terrain and I’m happy to report that it’s also very “green” run friendly, with 21 of these approachable runs.
So yeah, I did another thing not quite “scared” but new-ish to me. And doubling the height of descent gave my little legs and one ab muscle quite the workout.
If my math is right, if I do this five more times, I’ll have a six-pack of abs and tree trunks for legs!
A renewed love of solo travel
I quite like solo travel for a multitude of reasons, a prominent one being that I can embrace my silence. Being an only child for seven years probably had a bit to do with it…
As an entrepreneur who owns three media outlets, I talk a lot. So when the opportunity for solo travel arises, the change of pace makes me happy. I’m the introvert-ish but kinda extrovert where I can talk to anyone but really value and cherish my alone time introvert.
In Golden, I stayed at Cedar House Chalets, a remote but not isolated series of chalets on a private mountainside. I could see the neighbouring chalet but couldn’t hear anything from them. The mornings were serene with mountain views and evenings were enchanting beneath the silent stars. Inside, gazing upon a crackling wood burning fireplace is calming, as is soaking in a private hot tub.
Nearly all my meals were solo in Golden and where I used to be on my phone for the entire meal, now I take my pictures and video, put the phone down and enjoy my meal. From tacos at Reposados, the electric atmosphere at Wolf’s Den, the panoramic mountain views at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant and more, each had a unique appeal.
There was a good balance, however, having two meals with a colleague, learning about the area and what makes it so special.
From riding the chair lift at Kicking Horse alone to doing the eight-hour drive from Vancouver to Golden solo to walking the Golden Stroll on my own, I rediscovered the joy of being with myself in Golden.
Solo travel is a good way to reflect and further learn about yourself. It doesn’t have to be life altering, although it certainly can be. It’s a way to move at your own pace and enjoy where you are through your own lens.
It’s more of a reaffirmation that it’s ok to do things alone and enjoy it.
To continue learning about Golden, British Columbia, there’s a video below and when you’ve finished watching it, visit tourismgolden.com