Backpacker Buzz

Being in the hostel business, it’s not Halloween for me until I read ghost stories from HI-Ottawa and get shivers up my spine. Here are some chilling tales of hostels I’d be too freaked out to stay at. 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 »

Oh yeah, it’s that time of year again! The summer is over and we are just waiting for that first snow fall so we can start enjoying the peaks! HI has put together some fantastic packages so you can make the most of our mountains. Read more »

One of the many great things about Canada is our four distinct seasons. The variance of the seasons means we get to see our country in many different lights and colours - the lush green of summer, the sparkling white winters, the colourful blooms in spring and the burnt oranges, reds and yellows of fall. The East Coast of Canada has some of the most beautiful fall touring in North America and Nova Scotia is one of the top places in Canada to watch the fall colours. Read more »

HI has a network of 30 hostels located throughout Alberta and British Columbia that cater for groups. From our brand new state-of-the-art hostel in Whistler to our rustic Wilderness Hostels located throughout the Rockies, there’s a location and a hostel suitable for all types of groups. Read more »

Torontonians have long made a habit of summering in cottage country, but now the traffic is going to be even fiercer heading north after work on Fridays. National Geographic picked Muskoka, also known as “cottage country”, as one of the top 10 trips of summer 2011. Read more »

On July 1, 2010 the NEW HI-Whistler opened its doors for the first time. Over the past 12 months we have welcomed travellers from all over the world. They have come to enjoy this spectacular part of Canada and experience our brand new modern state-of-the-art hostel. This Canada Day holiday weekend we will be throwing a party to celebrate HI-Whistler’s first birthday. Why not come along and join the fun? Read more »

HI-Griffon Aventure is a new addition to the HI network, and the only wilderness hostel in Quebec. Situated right at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, which was chosen as one of National Geographic’s top trips for 2011, the hostel has stunning views and is only open May to September. No dorms here, instead you can either camp in a tent or stay in one of their charmingly rustic cabin-like shelters. Read more »

Imagine handling switchbacks with ease, approaching drops with confidence, and smiling at whatever climb or descent comes your way. Then imagine a weekend filled with incredible riding, great camaraderie, and top-notch instruction. You can get all this at the Trek Dirt Series Women’s Mountain Bike Camp in Whistler throughout the summer. Read more »

March 20 marked the first day of spring, and we all know what that means!  Time to wave bye bye to those thermals and say "helloooo, shorts!”  Spring may come a little later in the Rockies, but when it does, it is magical. Read more »