Backpacker Buzz

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 »

HI in Western Canada is loading up on new discount partnerships across the region and you'll want to hold on to your hats for this next one: 20% off car rentals in the Rockies. Is it just us or does anyone else agree that this calls for an Icefields Parkway road trip? Read more »

Going on safari in Kenya is often associated with high costs but it doesn't have to be that way. We always say your HI card can get you deals all over the world, and that includes Kenya. You can save up to 15% on budget camping safaris in Kenya and Tanzania that'll pick you up right from HI-Nairobi. Read more »

Celebrate biodiversity by entering the 2010 Robert Bateman Get to Know Contest. Launched on Earth Day, April 22, the contest is open to all young Canadians aged 19 or younger. Youth are invited to "get to know" local plants and animals and then submit works of art, writing, or photography to the contest for a chance to win wild prizes. Read more »

Penticton loves summer. And it had better, being situated in semi-arid desert conditions in British Columbia's Okanagan. They've already hit 27 degrees this month, which is undoubtedly a sign of things to come over the next few months.

Oh but there's more. Penticton is rife with festivals over the summer months, and homey HI-Penticton has an excellent multi-day deal on offer all season long. Does anybody smell a long-weekend road trip? Read more »

If everything goes as planned, we'll be in full-on summer in a few weeks. In the spirit of helping you enjoy yourself and save some money, HI's come up with some summer packages to get you out in the sunshine. Read more »

The new HI-Whistler is almost ready to roll. It was home to international atheletes from around the world during the Winter Olympics and is now just getting a fresh coat of paint and some touch ups before opening its doors on July 1. Read more »