About
Welcome to Backpacker Buzz,
Hostelling International's blog from Western Canada. We'll bring you news, information and tips about hostels in Canada and around the world.
Welcome to Backpacker Buzz,
Hostelling International's blog from Western Canada. We'll bring you news, information and tips about hostels in Canada and around the world.
The new, modern HI-Whistler opens its doors to the public tomorrow and we've got more photos from inside Canada's newest hostel. Take a peek! Read more »
These new member discounts are starting to look a whole lot like Christmas. Grab a egg nog and rum and take a deep breath - because this one is good. HI members can now get 15% off entrance to the baths at the brand new Le Scandinave Spa in Whistler, and save 10% on massage services too. Don't say we didn't warn you. Read more »
Tree houses date back to way before you had one as a five-year-old, traditionally being used for survival or religious purposes.
But you're right, there is something about being suspended among the foliage that sparks that childlike wonder and now you can combine it with the joys of hostelling in Norway. Read more »
Though the minivan has almost wiped out Griswold-style summer vacations in the family station wagon, there's still a lot of fun to be had by packing the fam into whatever vehicle you've got and hitting the road.
If you don't want to camp, but you don't want to splurge on hotels, we've put together a list of the best family-friendly hostels in Western Canada to offer another option, whatever your means of getting around.
All of these hostels offer family rooms that give you privacy as well as space to spread out. At most HI hostels, the price of a family room is the same as a private room, you just pay $10 each for kids aged 6-17. Kids five and under stay for free. Read more »
If you're not into the sport part, the World Cup also offers a bit of inspiration for your travel list. Almost all of the countries competing in this year's tournament have HI hostels at home, which just goes to show how extensive the network is.
There are some good deals in these countries over the summer. Just don't pick your destinations based on how well their teams do this year. Greece really is a nice place. Read more »
It's no tropical cabana but HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach is one of the best places to stay in Vancouver during the summer. Summer's short and sweet here but the folks over there fill the calendar with activities and events all summer long. Parties, kayaking, a little environmental help and BBQs are all on order. Read more »
The HI-Travel Shop in Edmonton will be closing its doors at the end of the month and there's one heck of a sale underway right now. Everything in the store is 30% off and HI members get an extra 10% off (with a valid membership card). You can even buy a membership at the store.
The deal covers backpacks, suitcase, travel accessories and guidebooks. Read on to see some of the brands on sale. Read more »
There's only one more month until the new HI-Whistler opens. Touch-ups are underway and furniture and all the fixins are being installed right now.
Check out the video above to get a little peek at the lobby, cafe and front desk area of the new hostel. Use your imagination to picture what it'll be like when it's ready to go, but this will give you an idea of what's in store. Stay tuned for more videos as everything comes together in the lead-up to opening day. Read more »
Thanks for your comments!
Commercial Drive is better then all those places with it's...
Roman, if the hostel is near the Museum of Natural History (...