Backpacker Buzz

When you think about where you want to spend St Patrick’s day, usually places like New York, Boston, San Francisco and of course Ireland spring to mind. You don’t really think of Vancouver! But Vancouver has a great Celtic Festival and excellent Paddy’s Day parade. Read more »

Written by guest blogger: Jody Bartley

It is coming up to that time of year again when the world turns green for the March 17 celebration of the Emerald Isle. For those of us not lucky enough to be spending St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, North America is a very appealing second best.

Vancouver has recently become a favourite destination to a growing population of Irish immigrants so the city is sure to celebrate Paddy’s Day in style this year. 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 »

Looking for a post-holiday escape? Jasper offers the perfect laid-back mountain experience, with equal options for adventure, discovery and relaxation. You'll find it hard not to 'unplug' and enjoy the serenity of the Rocky Mountains. Read more »

Thinking of heading to Edmonton to do your Christmas shopping? Edmonton offers an abundance of places to shop, from North America’s largest mall to funky independent boutiques, so you’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list. Read more about the best shopping spots in Edmonton here. Read more »

We’re only a month into the regular season but the fight for the Stanley Cup is already in full swing. Who will steal it away from the Boston Bruins this season? Will it be one of our Canadian teams? We certainly hope so! Read more »

New immigrant and HI employee, Ceri, shares her story about how she has embraced Canada's favourite sport, hockey!

I had heard about ice hockey and how it was extremely popular in Canada, almost like a way of life. Back in Wales, the only hockey I was used to was field hockey. As for the nearest ice rink, well that was a good hour’s drive away. As you can see, I was a total hockey virgin, but seeing as I was now a new Canadian I thought I had better embrace this sport and see what the big deal was all about. Read more »

It is said that Penticton enjoys the best climate in the whole of Canada. The city gets over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, so it is no wonder the Salish name for Penticton is “Snpintkth” which means “a place to live forever”. The Syilx People have lived in the Okanagan Region for over 7,000 years taking advantage of the fertile land and pleasant climate. Penticton is nestled between two fresh water lakes and surrounded by vineyards and farmland. October is a great time to visit the city and there are plenty of things going on during the month. Read more »

Join us at HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre for a 2 day workshop on how to capture the emotional impact of landscapes and the beautiful Larch fall colours. From large landscapes to the tiniest droplets, professional photographer Marie-Helene Bilodeau will show you how to use the proper photography techniques and composition to take your photographs from postcards to art! Read more »

This is the second month of our 12 Months of Hostelling promotion.

By Anthony Brook

I have always felt that the Lake Louise area boasts some of the most spectacular day hikes in the world. Yes, in the world. The places you can go, the scenery you can see, in just a few hours from your car and back, are astounding. Sure, you hear some complaints about the crowds and it is true; the shores of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in July or August can be very busy. That's why September is the best month of the year.  Read more »