Great deal for the single traveller (and a slow death of wifi charges?) I did the Happy Dance not once but twice this week. What induced such high-stepping histrionics? Two of my long-standing travel bugaboos, paying for wifi and shelling out extra cash as a single traveller, are being reconsidered by some leading hotel and vacation properties in Canada. 1. No more paying for wifi. No one should have to pay for wifi in a hotel. Tap water is free. The towel in your room is free. So, too, should wireless access. Slowly, ever so slowly, smart-thinking hotel chains are nixing their wifi fees. Just a few days ago, Delta Hotels announced that wifi will now be free in 15 of their 45 properties. Let's hope that it expands to the entire chain and that other hoteliers follow suit. 2. Discounts for single travellers. So often we read, either in the fine print or stamped across the top of travel promotion literature, the unfortunate phrase, "single supplements apply." Or, without so much as one word, the voyager on his or her own ends up paying for the price of two, without any negotiation. In an age when more and more people are living alone and travelling alone (even couples are known to take separate vacations), this strikes me as outdated and unfair to solo travellers. [caption id="attachment_15036" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Long Beach Lodge Resort, Tofino (Photo: Vince Klassen)[/caption]

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So I was delighted, especially during the advent of Valentine season–with its mega deals for couple getaways–to learn that Long Beach Lodge Resort in Tofino, British Columbia is offering discounts for solo guests until May 31. The "Solo Rate" is 40 per cent off regular room rates and starts at $119 per room (taxes not included). [caption id="attachment_15038" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Long Beach Lodge on Cox Bay, Tofino, B.C. (Photo: Vince Klassen)[/caption]

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Who wouldn't want to take advantage of that offer to visit the tiny West Coast village (population around 2,000) located in the magnificent Clayoquot Sound, which is one of British Columbia's prime spots for surfers and nature-lovers. The property includes 41 lodge rooms, 20 two-bedroom cottages, great food, surfing, adventure activities, outdoor hot tubs, and great access to the beach. Too cold at this time of year? There's plenty of wildlife to enjoy. [caption id="attachment_15040" align="aligncenter" width="360"] Orcas frolicking in Cox Bay, Tofino, British Columbia (Photo: Josh Lewis)[/caption]

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Condé Nast Traveler Magazine has twice ranked Long Beach Lodge Resort the No. 3 Resort in Canada. Let's hope this is the beginning of a new trend in travel. If you know of any resort or hotel chains which give special (and fair) consideration to solo travellers or don't charge for wireless – or both! – please share it with other readers by posting below. For more information on Tofino, visit www.hellobc.com.