By Jay Kana | Published March 21st, 2026

Photos by Jay Kana except the on of me, taken by Sean of Golden Snowmobile Rentals

I put nearly 2,000 km on this 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid going from Vancouver to explore Golden and back.

I kinda like road trips. Kinda a lot. Perhaps it’s professional travel writer in me. Perhaps it’s the professional automotive journalist in me and owning Modern Motoring. Well, it’s both, with wanting to experience as much of Canada as possible and in this jaunt, it was a wonderful winter road trip to Golden, BC.

I set out from Vancouver and by the time I did the round trip, I’d racked up nearly 2,000 km on the refreshed 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, complete with up to 72 km of electric range.

I’ve used a hybrid model here to show how Golden, BC is versatile for cool things to do in this mountain town in winter. Whether you want a leisurely pace or to go faster in this place, there’s something for you. Or like me, you can have both!

Tucked away in British Columbia’s southeast corner, Golden shines brightly as a splendid year-round destination and since I’d only been here in summer, I was overdue for my inaugural winter adventure.

So get comfortable, buckle up and let’s hit the road to and through Golden, British Columbia.

Cedar House Chalets, specifically the Adventure Chalet.

First Gear: Cedar House Chalets

You’ll need to be relaxed as you start adventuring and a great place to stay in Golden, BC, is Cedar House Chalets. Only a few minutes drive from downtown Golden, this collection of eight chalets on a private mountainside delivers sweet serenity.
You’re far enough away to soak in the silence of the mountains but close enough to enjoy the amenities of the town.
I was in the Adventure Chalet, complete with a private hot tub, wood burning fireplace and a kitchenette. This chalet has a six-step ladder to reach the bed in the loft, which is the adventurous part!

Gazing upon the mountains and mist in the morning with a hot drink is a special piece of heaven as you start your day.

Second Gear: Golden Stroll

The start of the Golden Stroll as seen from the Golden Pedestrian Bridge.

As you slightly gain speed, enjoy the Golden Stroll, which consists of two educational walking trails, complete with QR codes to scan along the way. You’ll learn about Golden’s history, community and people, all while getting your steps in.
Enjoy the Columbia River views as you opt for either the six-stop Confluence Walk or the 15-stop Reflection Loop, which takes you to Reflection Lake Ridge.

Make sure your phone is fully charged, the Golden app downloaded and a hot drink from one of the lovely locally owned coffee shops in town.

Third Gear: Scenic Drives

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid.

Expand your excursion by going for a scenic drive along one of Golden’s many routes and roads.
The routes I drove and recommend include Reflection Lake Road, Bowle-Evans Drive, Kicking Horse Trail and Dogtooth Forest Service Road.
Yes, the drive is relaxing with a few fun twists and turns but it’s the breathtaking views that makes this a wonderful way to see the area.

Fourth Gear: Delightful Dining

As you get ready for two more big upshifts, make sure you’re well fed. If you’re new to the area and looking for the best places to eat in Golden, BC, I’ve got you covered!
Let’s go in reverse alphabetical order, shall we?

Wolf’s Den: Overflowing with a fun vibe, complete with dollar bills stapled to the walls and pillars, they’ve got excellent wings and are famous for their burgers.

Whitetooth Mountain Bistro: Upscale and approachable, their elevated menu items are great for sharing and the team is splendid.

Turning Point: Family owned and operated for nearly 40 years, their pizzas have pizzaz, the wings are delicious and there’s enough selection in the menu without being overwhelming.

Rockwater Grill & Bar: Home to a plethora of live music, this classic bar has all your bar favourites, from burgers to wings, steaks, pizza and more.

Reposados: This marvellous Mexican spot delivers mouthwatering and authentic dishes and while I’m sure everything is good, the tacos are terrific.

Golden Bakery & Deli: A constant in the community, get your fresh baked sweet treats, splendid sandwiches and more here. The restraint I showed in not buying one of everything should be studied…

Ethos: A local hotspot with yummy breakfast sandwiches, fresh coffee and an energetic vibe, don’t be weary of the morning’s long-ish lines. The staff are friendly and efficient and you’ll find yourself at the counter much sooner than you expect.

Eagle Eye Restaurant, 7,700 feet up at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

Eagle Eye Restaurant: Want a panoramic view of the mountains from 7,700 feet up? Of course you do! I took my lunch break during skiing (see fifth gear) here and it’s at the top of the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort gondola. Classic pub fare and an open concept dining room await you as you gaze upon the mountain tops.

Fifth Gear: Skiing

Accessible skiing at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

To bookend your meal at Eagle Eye Restaurant, skiing at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the ticket. Accessibility is a focus here with over 20 of the easiest “green” runs available. Impressively, one of the “green” runs starts where the gondola ends, 7,700 feet up. There are “Easiest Way Down” signs peppered throughout the “green” run, the descent is gradual and good on Kicking Horse for giving “green” run skiers this opportunity.

Want more? There’s plenty of “blue” intermediate runs and “black diamond” and “double back diamond” runs for the thrill seekers.
Want less? There’s a chairlift that’ll take you approximately 30-ish percent of the way up the hill with green runs aplenty to enjoy the hill and surrounding views without going to the top.

The rental process is silky smooth and this majestic mountain is designed to be enjoyed and appreciated by all.

Sixth Gear: Snowmobiling

Playing in the snow with Golden Snowmobile Rentals at Quartz Creek.

Enjoy full out fun here with the freedom and openness of snowy meadows through Golden Snowmobile Rentals.
It was my first time on one and my instructor/guide, Sean, focussed on weight distribution as the best way to control and navigate the machine.
It’s a 30-ish minute drive from town to Quartz Creek, where there are groomed trails and large meadows to play in. I lucked out with 30 cm of snow falling the night before making for perfect conditions for a newbie with soft, fresh flakes. I wasn’t carving like a pro but I did hold my own and was able to safely, securely and successfully get the machine to do what I wanted.
The exhilaration factor was high, fellow snowmobilers were friendly and welcoming and it’s something I recommend anyone do at least once.
(I’ll be doing it again…)

To continue learning about this Canadian gem, visit tourismgolden.com

To learn more about Canada’s best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle from 2023 to to 2025, with hopes of continuing into 2026, here’s a review of the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:

Changing Gears in Golden, British Columbia