Backpacker Buzz

Earlier in January, we lost a truly great member of the HI-C-PM Region family, Olga Forbes. Olga worked as the manager of HI-Yoho National Park, Whiskey Jack hostel for over 20 years. The hostel was her home for every summer and according to her sister Donna Tunnacliffe, "Olga loved every minute that she served there. She loved the hustle and bustle of getting everyone settled into a bed for the night." Read more »

Hostelling International's Board would like to engage our members and encourage them to take ownership of the association by attending our upcoming meetings. We will discuss the results of our ownership survey at these meetings, along with topics such as volunteer involvement, environmental sustainability, and our statement on concentrating on youth.

Snacks and beverages will be offered at the meetings. Please RSVP to dialogue@hihostels.ca no later than one week before the meeting of your choice. Read more »

I guess if 2012 is going to be the end of the world, then we better make the most of it and see as much of it as we can! Where are you planning on going this year? Tell us all about it in the comments section below. Here are some places that are on HI’s wish list: Read more »

Can you imagine volunteering to build a hostel? In 1933, hostelling was introduced to North America when sisters Mary Belle and Catherine Barclay put up a 12’ x 14’ canvas tent to accommodate youth travellers. Three years later, a modest wood cabin was built to replace it. It was from these humble beginnings in Bragg Creek, Alberta, that Hostelling International – Canada, and indeed, hostelling on this continent, grew. Read more »

Did you know that 2012 is a leap year? Take advantage of the extra day this February and head out to David Thompson Country for some winter fun. Read more »

Frozen waterfalls more than 30 metres high and dozens of epic climbs, with some yet to be formally discovered. This is the David Thompson Corridor, home to some of the best ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies yet without the crowds of the National Parks. Read more »

Victoria is full of old world charm with its historic buildings. It’s also home to the famous Butchart Gardens and boasts Canada’s mildest climate, but there is more to B.C.’s capital than this. Victoria has a number of neighbourhoods around the downtown area that are well worth a visit. Here are a few of my favourites: Read more »

HI members are now entitled to another fantastic Canada-wide discount. Flight Centre is offering members the following discounts: Read more »

New York, New York; it’s a wonderful town, but hard on your wallet. I’ll give you some tips on how to save in some areas so you can splurge in others. Read more »

Greyhound’s Discovery Pass offers you unlimited travel across Canada, USA and Mexico for one low cost, and it’s even lower for HI members. With your HI Membership, you can get a free upgrade from the 7 day Discovery Pass to the 15 day Discovery Pass. Think of all the places you can visit in 15 days, you modern day Jack Kerouac, you.

Now you can buy your Discovery Pass online. Purchase it here and start planning your itinerary >>