Exploring the great outdoors at your own pace is a dream shared by many nature lovers. After nearly 50 years of camping in a tent and backpacking on his own, Lou Lamontagne decided to continue his adventures in a Vanpackers-converted minivan.
In this interview, she shares her road trip experience, travel habits, and thoughts on the gear that makes her adventures possible.
Who is Lou?
Lou has always been passionate about the outdoors. A former sea kayaking guide, she's spent years exploring mountains, backcountry skiing, and hiking across North America and abroad, including Nepal and Mongolia.
"When I retired, [equipping my vehicle] was my dream, [...]. I jumped into this adventure with both feet, and for the past four years, I've never stopped traveling with my van." — Lou Lamontagne
Her travel style is all about self-sufficiency and boondocking (camping off-grid in legal locations). Before buying her minivan, she traveled in a small car she converted herself or simply camped in a tent.
Why a Minivan Instead of a Camper Van?
For Lou, choosing a minivan with a removable conversion kit came down to four main reasons.
Minimalism and Stealth: A smaller vehicle blends in, something she especially appreciates as a woman who often travels alone.
Affordability: Fully converted cargo vans (RV) require a major investment.
Lower Ownership Costs: Registration, insurance, and fuel expenses remain much more reasonable.
Flexibility: A minivan lets her skip campground reservations and embrace more spontaneous adventures.
"Sprinters—whether Ford or Mercedes—they cost a fortune. I don't have the budget or the desire to deal with such a big vehicle. I'm pretty minimalist in my life. I also love how discreet it is. With my little minivan, I can go anywhere, and nobody can tell I sleep inside. As a woman who often travels alone, I really appreciate that." — Lou Lamontagne
Her Minivan Adventures
Since 2022, Lou has been exploring the roads of North America in her converted minivan.
Across Canada
She regularly travels to Quebec's North Shore for sea kayaking. Ontario's Georgian Bay is one of her favorite paddling destinations. She also crossed Canada through British Columbia to reach the Yukon, where she experienced one of her most unforgettable moments.
"When we arrived in the Yukon... there's a place called Kluane National Park. You leave the main road, take a small dirt road, and park beside this incredible turquoise river—a powerful mountain stream. You're surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and you're completely alone. That's what's so magical. You're immersed in truly wild nature, and you can stop almost anywhere." — Lou Lamontagne
From the United States to Northern Mexico
In the winter of 2026, Lou drove diagonally across the United States from Montreal to explore the Baja California Peninsula, where she met incredible people and discovered breathtaking landscapes.
"I crossed the entire United States. I really explored it from one end to the other. Then I drove from California into Baja California, in Mexico. And by the way, it's an absolutely incredible paradise. The only thing I can't wait for is going back." — Lou Lamontagne
Traveling Solo as a Woman
Traveling alone in a minivan naturally raises questions about safety. Lou emphasizes the importance of community while sharing her advice for solo travelers.
"Honestly, especially as a woman traveling alone, I'd say: go for it. Make your dream happen. It's amazing how many women travel solo in minivans. I've met so many! You build connections because it's really a community." — Lou Lamontagne
"You still have to take certain precautions. When I'm boondocking, I always make sure to camp where there are other vanlifers around. I never camp completely alone. And I'd also say: trust your instincts." — Lou Lamontagne
Lou's Must-Haves for Every Road Trip
Every time she hits the road, Lou brings a few essentials—along with her conversion kit.
Her Kayaks: She carries them directly on the roof of her minivan so she's always ready to get out on the water.
Quality Cooking Gear: A good set of pots and pans makes outdoor cooking enjoyable instead of frustrating—especially if, like Lou, you love good food.
The Shelves: Installed beside her bed, the shelves make her minivan even more comfortable and help maximize every inch of space.
"At night, I keep my books there, my flashlight—little details like that make it such a cozy place to live and travel." — Lou Lamontagne
Her Next Destinations
Lou is planning to spend several months on Vancouver Island to enjoy sea kayaking and revisit the places where she used to work as a guide.
She's also hoping to return to the Yukon within the next year.
Her Experience with Vanpackers
Lou highlights both the thoughtful design of the equipment and the warm welcome she received at the Vanpackers showroom.
She especially appreciates the simplicity of the setup, the comfortable bed, the integrated kitchen, and the added shelving that makes everyday life on the road easier. She also praises the team's technical expertise and friendly customer service.
"I'd really like to highlight the expertise of the people who sold me this kit. It's incredibly well designed and highly functional. Every single day I spend living in my little van, I'm amazed by how thoughtfully it's been designed." — Lou Lamontagne
In Closing
After years of adventures, Lou is in a unique position to share advice with anyone dreaming of hitting the road. She wanted to end the interview with one final message.
"I'd like to encourage everyone, no matter your age, to hit the road. It's a privilege. We have the freedom to travel, to discover incredible people and beautiful landscapes. I encourage everyone to experience this way of life." — Lou Lamontagne
We'd like to give a special thank you to Lou for sharing her experience and inspiring story.
At Vanpackers, we've always been committed to supporting our customers every step of the way, and it's stories like Lou's that remind us why we do what we do.
Your stories and reviews are invaluable, please share them with us at info@vanpackers.ca. We’d love to hear them, and who knows, maybe even share them!
THANK YOU!
