Backpacker Buzz

By Anthony Brook

When people think of winter in the Canadian Rockies, they usually associate it with skiing. So they should; it’s steep, sometimes deep and the powder is some of the lightest you’ll find anywhere. However, I’ll leave that to the ski hill marketing departments, because there is more to winter in the Canadian Rockies. The thing is, most people don’t look beyond the chairlifts but I know the essence of the mountains lays only a few hundred metres beyond the townsite or parking lot. It’s not hard to get to. Most people will leave without ever knowing they missed it. That’s not a bad thing. Read more »

Travelling is a great experience. Be it within your home country or abroad, it helps young people gain an understanding of other cultures and countries, and develops many life skills along the way. Hostelling International’s mission is to help as many people as possible gain these experiences through hostelling. Over ten years ago the Girl Guides of Canada and HI collaborated to develop the Discover Hostelling Girl Guide Crest program, which can be completed at HI hostels in British Columbia and Alberta. Over the years hundreds of Guides have gained the crest and thoroughly enjoyed the program, and it’s opened their eyes to the benefits of hostelling and travelling. Read more »

By Kaitie Worobec

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most stunning mountain roadways on the planet. Stretching 230 km between Jasper and Lake Louise, this dramatically scenic highway passes by massive glaciers and turquoise lakes. It crosses two mountain passes to take you up to elevations in excess of 7,000 feet (2,100 metres) for breathtaking views of the Columbia Icefields.  Cycling the Icefields Parkway really enhances the experience by giving you the opportunity to see everything right up close and in "slower motion ".  Read more »

In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning, Banff National Park was born in 1885, becoming Canada's first national park. Spanning over 6,000 square kilometers of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world's premier outdoor destinations. Read more »

Did you know that Hostelling International – Pacific Mountain Region organizes four running races in Southern Alberta each year as fundraisers for the region? Read more »

Sorry to break it to you, but summer’s running out of time. As the final days of August roll by like a dog lazing in the sun, don’t forget about all those summertime activities you swore you would do.

Like hike the Grouse Grind. Or rough it out on the West Coast Trail.

Uh, well, maybe not. Read more »

Banff National Park, Canada's first national park, turns 125 years old this year. If you've ever struggled trying to figure out what to get someone for his or her birthday, try doing it for a 125-year-old.

But we're thinking something a little more personal and since experience is the best gift you can give, here are our top five places to enjoy a piece of birthday cake and some quality time with Banff National Park. So grab a slice, put on some comfortable shoes and celebrate. Read more »

It’s been 4 weeks since I left Canada to spend time in the mountains of Italy and then Austria for the end of the European ski season, but all the adventures of Canada and the Olympics still hold strong in my mind..... As things wind down and I have to think about getting ‘back to reality’ I wanted to reflect and send out some massive, massive thank yous.... Read more »

Lake Louise skiing - a quick glimpse! Read more »

Staying out of the way - wonderful! Read more »