Backpacker Buzz

With the new HI-Whistler up and running, the world of budget travel in Whistler just got bigger and better. Hostelling International has partnered with Moose Travel Network to get you up there and having fun, without a big price tag.

For $99, get the Sea to Sky Adventure package with Moose. It includes hop-on, hop-off transportation between Vancouver and Whistler, one night at HI-Whistler, dinner on your first night, and a whole lot of fun in between. 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 »

Are you looking for something fun to fill those lazy summer days? Or maybe you just want to remember what it was like to have time for lazy summer days. Either way, your Hostelling International membership card can get you some sweet discounts for summery activities. Read more »

We all know them. Those little truths about travel that you come to know after a little bit of time on the road.

"You'll learn to sleep sitting up."

"SNORERS ALWAYS FALL ASLEEP FIRST."

"There's no such thing as a normal toilet."

Now we want to hear yours. Submit your favourite travel truth and you could see your idea in our 2011 calendar while the best entry will score a night for two in a private room at either HI-Banff Alpine Centre or the new HI-Whistler. Read more »

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 »