A warm welcome from a green building

Stepping into the downstairs lobby, it feels as if I’ve traveled to the future. A future inspired by the aesthetic design of Apple Inc, with all of the added benefits of sustainable living. In this future, staff wear cool t-shirts, buildings have awesome modern Canadian art on the walls, and travelers try to leave as little impact on the world as possible. It takes me a second to realize that this is real. Why aren’t more places like this? My curiosity was getting the best of me as performed an ocular pat-down of the hostel commons area.

One of the friendly staff members, (also sporting a cool t-shirt) showed me around this modern building. He covered the rules of the hostel, and explained the kitchen etiquette, and then gets into what separates Planet Traveler from the rest of the gang. He explained there is free wifi throughout the entire hostel & several iMac’s situated in the lobby (free to use), should you not be a laptop traveler. A commons area on the main floor allows guests from all over the world to socialize, and another on the 5th floor patio, which offers the best view of downtown Toronto that I’ve ever seen. (See last photo in this blog post! Yea, that good!)

I was then taken to the beating heart of the hostel. I looked through the glass door as the staff member informed me what steps are being taken by the hostel to ensure the smallest ecological footprint is made. The solar panels located on the roof aide in the electrical consumption of the building and also heat the water throughout the hostel.

Photo by Natalie Taylor

After pulling my jaw off the floor, I’m told that the entire building is outfitted with LED lights, which allows the entire hostel to be lit by the same amount of power that a typical household toaster would use. A smile creeps across his face as I’m visibly blown away by this information. Clearly the staff is proud to work here. Why wouldn’t they! This place is awesome!

Friendly & Happy Hostel Staff

While making my way to my room, I bumped into another staff member. She was on cleaning duty, but I managed to pull her away from work long enough to chat. She was from Germany and had been working at Planet Traveler for almost a month. I asked how she enjoyed working at this eco friendly hostel. She warmly smiled and told me how much she loved it. She explained that the entire staff are able to switch jobs whenever they want. If she wants to be at the Front of House checking guests in, she can, if she’d rather keep to herself that day, she can do room cleaning.

Photo by Natalie Taylor

Having worked at several hostels before, I know how nice it is to get out of doing the same job over and over again. This community mentality really seemed to help. Staff & guests are warm and inviting and generally seem to have the same mentality towards this movement. “These places are great for everyone, hopefully someday all hostels & buildings will be built this way” explained one of my fellow guests.

This hostel takes green to a new level!

I checked into my room expecting the same modern and eco-friendly treatment. I wasn’t disappointed. Clean white walls, fresh linens, and a duvet that was practically begging me to sleep with it. A calming green warmth surrounded the room, allowing me to feel like I’m both in luxury, and in nature. I looked around for the source of this feeling, and spot the upper window pane. A lime green piece of glass tweaks the harsh sunlight, cooling off the room and putting me into a happy state of mind.

Photo by Planet Traveler

Planet Traveler has done everything in its power to promote these feelings of quality, security, and clean ecological living. You don’t have to sacrifice electricity, hot water, or the comforts of home in order to be “Green”. Technology exists to make the impact of our own existence a small afterthought, but it requires clever designers, smart people, and eco conscious members of the community to make this type of living happen.

Photo taken from Planet Traveler Rooftop Patio!

Travelers are beginning to realize that they have an impact on the places they visit, something that’s easily visible at the Planet Traveler. If you’re in Toronto, and care about the world at all, be sure to book a reservation.

Planet Traveler

(647) 352-8747

@planet_traveler

Special thanks to the folks at Planet Traveler for assisting Natalie Taylor & Myself during our recent adventure in Toronto. All opinions expressed herein are my own. Disclosure Boom! 

Get Eco-Friendly at The Planet Traveler – North America’s Greenest Hostel is a post from: I Backpack Canada

I honestly lucked out with this whole Wolf Den Hostel encounter. Natalie Taylor (of Near Afar) and I had spoke about it but knew we were short on nights in Algonquin Park, so we weren’t able to book an evening there. Bummer! Fortunately, after an amazing 5 hour guided canoe tour with Jamie Honderich, care of Algonquin Outfitters, we had the chance to explore this unique & inviting Ontario marvel. It wasn’t planned by all means. As luck would have it our canoe guide, who’s also a teacher, just so happened to be the original owner. This man literally built the Wolf Den from the ground up! Timbre by timbre.

Jamie wanted us to meet the new owner Ben Teskey, unfortunately he was out running errands that particular day. We came across one of the staff members, who after hearing our little story was happy to let us tour the grounds snapping photos. Jamie was pulling double duty, not only had he shared his knowledge of the history and culture behind Canoe Lake & Algonquin Park, he was also telling us about how the Wolf Den came to be.

As with most savvy business owners, Jamie saw a niche that nobody else had filled. The closest hostel to Algonquin Park at the time was the HI Maynooth. It wasn’t long before work got started on building a bunkhouse where international & domestic travellers could meet and congregate, winter or summer, and experience as much of Algonquin park as possible.

Jamie took us through step by step what was built first, even going so far as to include where some of the wood came from. Turns out a lot of the wood came from his family farm, while some of the guard rails inside were just lucky finds during long hikes.

We wandered around each building. Stepping on freshly fallen leaves, the smell of autumn surrounded this place. I watched as Jamie touched each building. He happily explained details about the building process of each log cabin. It was easy to see that he’d put a lot of heart and soul into this project.

When I asked “Why did you sell it?“, he warmly replied “Running this place was a full time job, and ultimately family always comes first for me. It was time, and I still feel it was the right decision.”

As we entered the Bunkhouse, Jamie told stories of parties & musical gatherings that he used to throw on the upper level of the Wolf Den Bunkhouse. The walls of this bunkhouse oozed Ontario. Snowshoes & cross country skis hung from the walls, and an old wooden canoe was propped above the rafters. A pile of instruments were setup in the corner of the room. Cozy doesn’t begin to describe this room.

We climbed down the sturdy wooden stairs, through the large open kitchen, and found our shoes at the door. Jamie Honderich told us that if we ever make it back to Algonquin Park to be sure to stay a night at the Wolf Den. “You’ll have to meet Ben! Out of all the people that were interested in buying Wolf Den, he was the only one I could let myself sell to. He had a similar vision of what the Wolf Den is and what it can become; a safe, home away from home in one of nature’s most beautiful playgrounds.”

The Wolf Den Bunkhouse & Hostel is open year round for people of all age.

Jamie Honderich now operates his own B&B with his partner Pam, check them out at Morgan House, just outside of Algonquin Park. Huge thanks goes out to Jamie for being the friendliest and most knowledgable guide I’ve ever had!

Experience Algonquin Park At The Wolf Den Hostel & Bunkhouse [Photo Essay] is a post from: I Backpack Canada

The Historical Arlington Hotel

HI Maynooth is located in a century old frontier hotel that was once and technically still is ”The Arlington”. The layout for the most part remains unchanged. Creeks in the floors and doors greet you all over the hotel while the warm smiles from fellow travellers make this place feel as if you truly belong. 

South Algonquin Hostel Features

The hostel has a shared kitchen and a few bathrooms & showers (some on the 2nd floor, more on the 3rd). A commons area with comfy couches and plenty of stretching room provides a great end to a long day on the road or in Algonquin Park. The hostel is old, but despite its years remains well kept and clean.

HI Maynooth can be reached easily by car or by Greyhound Bus. Once you’re settled in Tom, the hostel owner & manager will gladly help set you up for any type of adventure. Whether you’re after horseback riding in the Algonquin Highlands, or Canoeing & Kayaking in the hundreds of lakes in Algonquin Park, the folks at HI Maynooth will ensure you’re geared up with all the tools and knowledge you’ll need.

My Advice

Algonquin Park is incredibly massive. People tend to assume its something you pop in and out and say you’ve “done that”. Let me assure you that you couldn’t be more wrong. Algonquin Park is not a day trip. You literally need an entire season to even put a dent in it. If your dent is going to be the southern part of Algonquin Park, setting up shop in HI Maynooth for a while might be your best bet.

Be sure check HI Maynooth out online and pop in for a visit.

HI South Algonquin

Box 233, Algonquin, ON, M5E 1B4

HI South Algonquin – A Gateway to Algonquin Park is a post from: I Backpack Canada

I wrapped the plastic flexible tripod around one of the handrails that line the rooftop ledge, popped in my iphone4 and pointed it towards the skyline. While I was writing I could hear the whole unit shaking with every gust of wind. As you can see in the video, it captured a lot of that shake. But I feel like the music that I stuck on it fits the shakiness. So lets just say totally meant to do that…

Toronto Skyline Timelapse

Toronto is one of those cities that the more I visit, the more I love. If you would have asked me a few years ago what my thoughts of Toronto were, I probably would have said “Toronto!!! Not for me, you can have it!“. That may or may not have been because I’ve got a some serious small town hick running through these veins. Nowadays I think I could totally live there, or at least spend a significant amount of time there without hating myself. Very cool city, nice people, lots to do, and you can’t not come out of Toronto with at least a couple funny stories.

Sunday Canadian Travel Video – Toronto Skyline Timelapse is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Natalie Taylor (of Near Afar) and I were there gathering research for our trip up to Algonquin Park at this world famous Art Collection. For those unaware of the McMichael, it is a treasure trove full of rare and valuable Canadian Art, including pieces by Frank Carmichael, Lawren Harris, A. Y. Jackon, and Tom Thomson. Surrounded by all of these amazing pieces of Canadian Art I couldn’t help but think how much I wish I had a photo of this.

As I was taking in the museum experience, I saw this young lady snapping photos like crazy. I laughed thinking to myself “This chick is crazy! Security is going to jump her for sure!”. Our tour guide, Avril, warmly asked if she had permission to take photos.

Natalie & Corbin - Photo by Sabrina Savoy

Jupiter’s moons must have been lined up, or maybe we just got lucky. It turned out this young lady was taking photos for Ontario Tourism. When we told her we were doing some work with Ontario Tourism about the history and adventure in Algonquin Park she kindly agreed to snap a few photos of us. Turns out she needed some people in her shots to make the shot more lively anyways so it worked out great.

A Tom Thomson - Photo by Sabrina Savoy

I’m extremely grateful I was able to come out of the McMichael Art Collection with more than memories & a new intrigue into the Group of Seven. Big thanks goes out to Sabrina Savoy for being awesome and sharing these photos with us, and extra big thanks to Avril, our tour guide in the McMichael. Her knowledge of Canadian Art & the nature the inspired the Group of 7 movement was astounding.

Photo Du Jour – Tom Thomson Paintings at the McMichael Art Collection is a post from: I Backpack Canada

1. Easy to get to!

Whether by plane, train, or automobile, HI Toronto is incredibly easy to find.

If you’re flying from Eastern Canada with Porter Airlines, you can land like a rockstar in downtown Toronto at the Island Airport. A free ferry, and free Porter shuttle will get you as far as the Fairmont Royal York. From there you can easily hoof it for 10 minutes or grab a cab or street car and find yourself on the front steps of the HI Toronto Hostel.

If you’re coming from the Pearson International Airport you can hop on the Airport Express and get to the Fairmont Royal York as well. From there walk (10 minutes) or cab up to HI Toronto.

If you want to get your train on, you can take subway from Union Station to King. From there its an easy walk east to Church St. Turn left and walk up a bit and the bright orange building will be in sight.

2. Awesome Sauce Staff

Rumour has it the staff of HI Toronto takes a shot of awesome sauce every morning to maintain peak performance. Whether its booking tours, answering questions, giving high fives, or locking up your luggage, the friendly staff go out of their way to make your stay in Toronto as pleasant as possible.

Question about the nearby food? Boom! They’ll answer that. Question about nearby pubs? Double boom! They’re all over that. Most of the staff have been in Toronto long enough to be able to share their vast knowledge of the city and its people. This is super valuable if you’re intimidated at all by getting around Toronto.

3. Hostel Activities

If you’re flying solo on your Canadian adventure, chances are you’ll be keen on meeting new people. HI Toronto makes every effort to ensure you’re not the anti social leper you know you sometimes can be. Weekly pubcrawls & BBQ’s are a great way to meet new people and get a better understanding of the layout of Toronto.

If you’d rather hustle than bustle, there’s a free billiards table in the commons room where you can show off your pool prowess. The commons area also has several computers to get your Facebook on; however, I should note those aren’t free. Wifi is free though, so as long as you have a phone that isn’t from the stone age you’ll remain connected should you desire.

Boardgames & drinking games are a great way to save money and meet new people. During my most recent stay Beer Pong was on the agenda for the evening, however they also have Quiz Nights, Beach Trips, and Movie nights. If crowds aren’t your thing, head up to the 5th floor rooftop patio. While not technically an activity, it’s a great spot to hang out and take in some fresh air.

4. Great Deals & Savings

We’re all cheap. Let’s face it. Thankfully HI Toronto puts in their best effort to keep that hole in your pocket from burning too much. You can save a bit of cash by just carrying your HI Card on you, but they don’t stop there. If you know you’ll be in Toronto for more than a couple nights, you can save some extra Sir Wilfred Laurier’s (5$ bills) and earn a good meal by booking for multiple nights. Their 3 night and 5 night pass earn you a bunch of savings, including some free sights and attractions within Toronto.

5. The Cavern Cafe

Walking down to the Cavern Cafe may feel like you’re entering a bit of a dungeon. But as soon as the warm red glow of the cafe envelopes you, there’s no turning back. This cafe is neat! The Cavern Cafe serves up a warm breakfast and dinner to travellers from all over the world. While the shared kitchen is only a short walk down the hall, I assure you that it will be tough to walk by without ordering something.

Meals from the Cavern Cafe are offered with several of the discounts and packages or can be purchased separately. Be sure to ask their Awesome Sauce Staff.

In summary, HI Toronto is full of everything you’ll need to get started on some serious Cross Canada action. Meet some people, drink some beer, share some stories, shoot some pool, and figure out Toronto like a local. Can’t get a whole lot better than that.

HI-TORONTO YOUTH HOSTEL

76 Church Street, Toronto, ON M5C 2G1

(416) 971-4440 ‎

5 Reasons You Should Start Your Canadian Journey at HI Toronto Hostel is a post from: I Backpack Canada

The Ragged Falls are located along the Oxtongue River, just west of Algonquin Park in the Oxtongue Provincial Park. The Oxtongue river cuts through Algonquin Park and can be accessed off of Highway 60.

I managed to make it up to The Ragged Falls just in time for the start of sunset and spent roughly an hour taking it all in.

Photo Du Jour: The Ragged Falls, Ontario is a post from: I Backpack Canada

This time lapse was taken from the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower. It’s located on this incredible hill above the town, overlooking the Lake of Bays in the Muskoka and Haliburton area. While it’s not technically “Algonquin Park”, its pretty darn close. After climbing the rickety metal structure, I was a little out of breathe. I counted a total of 116 steps, although I may have messed up near the end as I began to realize I need to work out more.

I was carrying my new Gorrila Pod & my handy iPhone 4, so I set up shop for roughly 20 minutes and commenced time lapsing. This video was the result of it all. See below for photos as well.

Switch to 720p if you’re on a good connection please! 

 Special thanks to Avril from the McMichael Art Gallery for telling us to make the Dorset Tower a stop.

Sunday Canadian Travel Video – Dorset Tower Time Lapse in Ontario is a post from: I Backpack Canada

This photo was taken at Canoe Lake, one of the most important lakes in the Algonquin Park area due to its connection with Tom Thomson, a famous Canadian artist who was part of the Group of 7 movement. I got extremely lucky with this shot, the reflections seemed to be perfect, and the shades of autumn colours were just right. It has an almost abstract feel to it, but its hands down one of my favourite shots from that lake. Water isn’t normally that glass like and to catch it with those colours, I was pretty gosh darn psyched.

If you’ve ever wondered what fall camping in Ontario is like, check back soon. There’ll be plenty of Ontario posts coming up throughout the next couple weeks.

Photo Du Jour: Algonquin Park’s Autumn Reflections is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Photo by Natalie Taylor

I had never ridden a Segway before. But safety comes first with Segway Of Ontario, followed shortly thereafter by Teamwork. Our Segway Guide “Chris”, a charming, and dare I say “awesome” fellow took us through how to properly drive these units, even going so far as setting up an obstacle course to navigate. I must admit, I was worried my Toronto “street cred” would be harmed if I were caught riding this contraption. Thankfully he threw in a few Segway tips for looking extra cool while wearing a helmet.

• Wave at as many ladies as you can
• Make engine noises
• Make brake noises when turning sharp or coming to a stop

Outfitted with Segways and wise words, my friend Natalie Taylor (of Near Afar) and I were off with our new favourite guide. We did one quick lap to get comfortable, then we went deep into history. Not the polished type of history where everyone lived in rich Victorian houses and sat around drinking tea all day. We went 100% into the history of the Distillery District.

Photo by Natalie Taylor

Now I spoke to my friend Natalie about whether or not I should include much about this part of the tour. By all means, the history amped up the tour quality from a 10 to an 11, but I worry that I might give away too much. Basically I’m trying to prevent you from becoming that guy or girl at the comedy club who knows every ones routine.

Natalie Taylor Learning To Segway

So in sheer respect to the ruggedly awesome guide Chris and the fellows at Segway Ontario, all I will reveal is that the tour involves sampling Mill Street Beer (award winning stuff!), locally made Chocolate, and learning about the true old Toronto. Chalk full of alcoholism, immigration, labour rights, and the history behind what was once North America’s largest distillery.

No cliches with people in costumes pretending to be from some old era, no boring flashbacks to those old history classes you “sometimes” went to in high school. Just pure, unadulterated fun on a segway in one of Toronto’s most historic areas.
Segway Of Ontario also does off-road Segway Tours through Horseshoe Valley and even offers Winter Segway Tours for you warm blooded types.

Give them a call at (416) 642-0008 / 1-866-405-8687 or chat them up on Twitter @SegwayOntario

Get Fast & Geeky with Segway Tours in Toronto is a post from: I Backpack Canada

I’ll be arriving in Toronto first to meet up with my friend, and fellow travel writer, Natalie Taylor of Near Afar. Together, we’ll be exploring and writing about Ontario’s famous Algonquin Park. We’ll be doing a bit of camping, some canoeing, and several hours of driving through the countless lakes and trees. Be sure to follow along, We’ll have several live tweets and photos coming through the interwebs.

Follow @ibackpackcanada

Follow @nearafar

After exploring Ontario, I’ll be flying back to Saskatchewan. I’ve got some big plans on showcasing the diversity and sheer awesomeness of my home province.  I’ll be checking out some of the national parks in the area, along with several rural areas of Saskatchewan. I don’t want to show my entire hand on this one as I have several awesome ideas for posts, so you’ll just have to come back and see for yourself.

Once again, be sure to follow along on twitter, expect photos! Lots of ‘em!

Westbound to Ontario and Saskatchewan is a post from: I Backpack Canada

I made my way from one glass display to another, dodging photo-happy parents and children emulating the hockey poses of their heroes. As I read through the history, stats, and obsessed over the minor details of the decayed hockey jerseys from decades ago, I came across the display of one of hockeys most beloved hockey players to ever step foot on the ice. Maurice “The Rocket” Richard.

For those who don’t know, Maurice Richard was the king of early hockey. He was the first to ever score 50 goals in one season, and the first to score 500 goals in a career. Top that all off with eight Stanley Cup wins, it is hard to dispute the fact that he’s a Legend amongst Montreal Canadian fans. Reading through his stats, I remembered a story I was told as a kid while visiting my grandparents farm.

I was around 10 years old, we were finishing up a home cooked meal and my Grandpa and Dad began talking about the Habs season. After discussing the stats of one of the newest additions to the team, my Dad told me that my Grandma’s cousin played for the habs back in the day. I never got a whole lot out of information from that convorsation aside from knowing that some semi-distant family of mine made it to the big leagues of my favourite sport.

Back in The Hockey Hall of Fame, I dodged another group of running kids dressed in their favourite teams jerseys and made my way to one of the interactive displays. While waiting in line to play with the controls, I sent a quick text message to my dad. “At hockey hall o fame!”. I got a reply a few seconds later. “Look 4 Elmer Lach items in there. He is from Nokomis & is your Grandma Fraser’s 1st cousin. You might find him on cmptr in there”

I left the line in search of this mysterious computer that may hold some information on my first cousin, twice removed. The computer took a minute to cooperate with me, but after searching for Nokomis Saskatchewan, he wasn’t hard to find. Elmer James Lach, #16, born 1918, played between 1940 and 1954, retired in ’54 as the leagues leading scorer. I skimmed through some more stats then smiled in confusion. Elmer Lach was a part of the Punch Line, along with Toe Blake, and the infamous Maurice Richard, one of the hockey legends.

I snapped a few pictures, and continued going through the different exhibits, laughing at myself for not knowing something so incredibly awesome. Some distant family of mine was shootin’ pucks, crushin’ beers, and hangin’ out with The Rocket. “To be able to time travel” I thought to myself. A wave of emotion crept over me as I thought of the memories they must have shared, winning the worlds greatest trophy.

A sign marked “Stanley Cup, This Way” caught my eye. I’d be disowned as a brother, son, and Canadian if I didn’t at least get a look at the Lord Stanley`s finest piece of metal. I followed a few arrows, and made my way up a long flight of stairs. The black stairwell opened up to a theatre-esque room, beautifully lit by the stain glass windows adorning the roof. Floor lighting assisted the spectacle.

The Stanley Cup stood proud on a small stage, in the middle of the room. A line had formed where hockey fans and tourists could pose for a photo with this titanic trophy. I waited for a clear shot without any people getting in the way of my shot. My camera stayed at eye level, however this was much harder than I had anticipated. The line was moving and growing. I waited, and waited, when one family left, another would follow right after.

One of the curators to the Hockey Hall of Fame saw my frustration and said they’d be happy to get a photo of me with the cup when the line cleared. I smiled hesitantly. “You get to touch it”, she insisted playfully. I laughed, and had to tell her “No thanks”. She looked shocked and asked “How come?” I told her that “This cup meant so much to me as a kid, that touching it now would feel like cheating, or stealing. I promised myself the only way I’d get a photo of me with that Cup, would be if I had won it.” She smiled then proceeded to tell me about the superstition that a hockey player should never touch the cup if he hasn’t won it. I guess that hockey spark still resides in me somewhere.

My career in hockey ended when I was 17, and I know for a fact that I’ll never win the Stanley Cup. But being near it, seeing it for the first time, was a close silver prize. This whole experience of being in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and being around retired jerseys and old hockey sticks, reminded me of exploring an old war memorial. These athletes may not have died in a war, but they sacrificed a good portion of their lives to play and compete in a sport that’s influenced the lives of so many people around the world. These athletes are heroes, and will remain that way, so long as we remember.

Elmer lach is currently 92 years old and lives in Montreal where he still attends the occasional hockey game. He is the oldest living Montreal Canadian.

30 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M5E 1X8, Canada
(416) 360-7735

Open Weekdays 10am-5pm; Sat 9:30am-6pm; Sun 10:30am-5pm

Adults: $15.00
Seniors: $12.00
Youth (4 to 13): $10.00
Children (3 and under): Free

Finding Family & Stanley in The Hockey Hall of Fame is a post from: I Backpack Canada

This big magnificant yellow bus was waiting for me, hailing me. “Come Corbin, it’s cozy in here. And it’s under half of what you would pay taking a cab. Did I mention there’s leather inside me. And power outlets, along with free wifi.” SOLD! I courtly told the lady in the booth as I handed her a crisp Twenty and a ragged Toonie that looked like it’d been through hell and back. Not a bad deal.

The bus driver graciously took my bag and was happy enough to ask how my mornings been thus far. I informed him swell, despite hating the fact that I’d been up since 3:00am, caught a shuttle in Halifax at 3:50, and waited until 6:15 to board my flight to Toronto. He didn’t need to hear that. Heck, I didn’t want to hear that.

So as I’m writing this, I’m currently chilling out in these wicked spacious seats, jacked in to the internets (yea, it’s plural now), and listening to some sweet 80′s slash 90′s radio station. “I saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes”. It did indeed Ace of Base.

Toronto, your Airport express rocks. Good choice on sticking Free Wifi up in this sweet-sweet ride.

Saving Money with Toronto’s Airport Express is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Stay: Most of the city’s hostels are found downtown. Some top rated ones include: Backpackers on Dundas, Clarence Castle and the Canadiana Backpackers Inn.
Visit: Walk to the CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, ROM, AGO, see the Blue Jays, Raptors or the Leafs depending on the season.
Shop: Check out the Eaton Center or if you prefer shopping outside Queen West has many big chains like Club Monaco, Zara and Gap. Chinatown and Kensington Market are great for cheap finds and vintage. Bloor street is for label hounds and designer divas.
Food & Entertainment: The Entertainment district is downtown with the main strip on King West. Check out a musical or grab some dinner all on King or hit a club.  Grab some Indian buffet on Queen Street and stop in at Horseshoe Tavern for a live show. If you want to be seen and spot celebs head up to Yorkville and try Sassafraz, the rooftop patio at Hemmingway’s or the street level patio at One Restaurant.

Toronto West End

Stay: Although there are mixed reviews you can stay in the West end at Marigold International Travellers Hostel
Visit: The Art & Design district is found in West Queen West and there are plenty of galleries including the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art.
Shop: West Queen West is littered with boutiques, keep walking up Ossington to find vintage shops like I Miss You Vintage or keep heading west into Parkdale Village for local jewellery designers at Made You Look.
Food & Entertainment: Get some fish & chips at Chippys across from Trinity Bellwoods Park or head up Ossington for some of the city’s hottest restaurants, and then dance the night away at Sweaty Bettys. Parkdale Village has a few theme bars like Stones Place; get cheap beer at the Rhino.

Toronto East End

Stay: There are a couple of top rated B&Bs just before you cross the Don River, but if you are looking for hostels you can try the Leslieville Home Hostel.
Visit: Once you cross the DVP there are few touristy sights, but you can see the Ashbridges family home and Riverdale farm. Or visit two of Toronto’s multicultural neighbourhoods, Greektown and Little India. Even grab some groceries at East China Town.
Shop: Check out The Danforth for boutiques like Tabula Rasa and Social Butterfly. Or stay along Queen Street for more boutique shopping from Riverside, Leslieville and the Beach. I recommend Studio We in Leslieville there are 2 locations one for women and one for men.
Food & Entertainment: Try Lynn Crawford’s restaurant Ruby Watch Co and live entertainment at the Opera House, both in Riverside. Have an afternoon beer on the Patios in Leslieville and the Beach or ice cream and gelato from Eds Real Scoop.

This guest post was provided by Jane from torontoShopoholic.com. torontoShopoholic.com is one shopoholic’s guide to shopping in Toronto, neighbourhood by neighbourhood. Check out the neighbourhood shopping guides, store reviews, giveaways and style guides.

Backpack Toronto: Things to See and Do is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Although bungee jumping isn’t an ordinary pass time for most Canadians, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the rush of falling towards the planet while you’re traveling in Canada. You’re not going to find the biggest bungee jumps here, but the locations that offer bungee jumping are one hundred percent worth checking out. From the cliffs of Quebec, to the freezing rivers of Whistler, each bungee location in Canada offers a great view, and a great ride.

Great Canadian Bungee

The highest Bungee Jump in Canada, this 200-foot behemoth is the perfect option for adrenaline junkies. The Great Canadian Bungee is located at the edge of a cliff, the drop to the bottom will overwhelm you with a wall of solid limestone that drops into a 160 foot deep aqua blue lagoon, larger than three combined football fields. After your fall back to Earth, decompress that adrenaline on the hidden beach in Wakefield, Quebec. Perfect way to slow that heart rate back down.

Whistler Bungee Jumping

Open year round, Whistler is a perfect choice for trying your hand at Bungee Jumping. Located just 15 minutes out of Whistler Village (highway 99), Whistler Bungee gives you the opportunity to hurl yourself off a tower over a beautiful gorge, and fall 160 feet just above a shall river. The highest jump in BC, and easily one of the most beautiful. Nothing like watching the Rocky Mountains while screaming all the way down.

Center of Gravity – West Edmonton Mall

The West Edmonton Mall is the hub of Northern Alberta, with all the ample room in this huge mall, it would only make sense to allow people the ability to jump from the ceiling above the massive wave pool in the World Water Park. If you’re looking for an audience to see your triumphant 100 foot fall, this is the place to do it. The entire Water Park stops to watch as Bungee Jumpers fall, and scream. Center of Gravity is the World’s largest indoor Bungee Jump.

Nanaimo Bungee Jump

Take a jump off Nanaimo’s 150 foot high bridge found above Nanaimo River. This Bungee is ranked as on of the top 100 things to do in Canada by 2006 National Post Survey. Vancouver Island is such a beautiful part of Canada, what better way to see it than atop of the bridge. With over 190, 000 people having felt the rush of diving head first off this bridge, why not help Nanaimo Bungee Jump hit 200, 000.

Ottawa River Bungee

Ottawa river is the perfect place to stop in the summer. There’s plenty to see, and lots to do. For those wanting to get their blood pumping, Ottawa River Bungee is your source for adrenaline. Their man made tower sits at over 150 feet above the Ottawa River. Easily one of the best ways to cool off on a hot summer day. Book your bungee with your white water rafting, and save some of that hard earned money of yours.

5 Best Places to Bungee Jump in Canada is a post from: I Backpack Canada

Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC

This is the ‘Byron Bay’ of Canada, filled with Surf shops and schools, along with miles of beach. The surf in this area is easily some of the best in Canada. Because of this, Tofino has been gaining recognition in the global surf community. O’Neill is hosting Canada’s first professional surfing competition here between October 25 and October 31, 2009. The Cold Water Classic Tofino is the fourth part of a five-part World Qualifying Series that are sponsored by O’Neill. This event is expected to bring in more than 100 pro surfers competing for $145, 00 U.S. If you’re in the area around then, you should definitely check it out!

Tofino and the surrounding area is extremely beautiful, and for those Surf Tourists, this is definitely a stop you shouldn’t miss. The town has a cool vibe to it, there are plenty of backpackers and free-spirits. Plenty to see, even more to do. Easily one of the best surf town’s in Canada, and a very popular destination for surfers alike. Long beach, the most popular surf spot for Tofinites, is just south of Tofino. Long Beach is a provincial park, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding parking. Easily one of Canada’s best surf locations.

See Tourism Tofino for more information

Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia

25 minutes south of Halifax is a unique small town, which when first going through doesn’t seem much more different than the last few. However, once you get to the waters edge, you’ll see the difference. This great little community is full of surfers, and taking one look out into the ocean, you can see why. The East coast has a habit of getting the best waves at night, so if you can’t sleep, wander down to the beach, you might be lucky enough to see a few redeye surfers out there, taking advantage of a quiet night out on some of the Maritimes best Surfing.

Lawrencetown Beach is a south-facing stretch of sand that unfurls for approximately 1.5 km (1 mile). The beach is a provincial park and is one of the first beaches in the province to be supervised by the Nova Scotia Lifeguarding Service. The beach hosts not only some amazing surfing, there is also some great mountain biking and hiking nearby.

Ingonish Beach, Nova Scotia

Located inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish Beach is a remote and well hidden beach many surfers call their own. The breaks aren’t quite as consistent as Lawrencetown, but during winter and particularly hurricanes this area can get crazy quick. It’s a very nice, scenic beach, with miles of sand. A great place to learn to surf, as it’s rarely all that crowded and swells tend to keep below 7 feet.

Ingonish Beach provides a great view of the Highlands of Nova Scotia, with plenty to do, including mountain biking, hiking, golfing, cross country ski, and yearly Ceilidhs and other traditional Cape Breton entertainment. Well worth the drive.

Kincardine, Ontario

Found in the southern part of Ontario, Kincardine has a great beach that can surprisingly keep up with some of Canada’s coastal surf spots. Keep in mind, the weather plays a huge part in the swell size and breaks here, but plan it out and you can find yourself with some solid 10 ft waves.

Make it down to the beach, and you’ll see the massive pier going into the lake. Take a graceful jump off it, and should the weather be on your side, you’ll be surfing before you know it. It may not be one of the best surf spots in Canada, but it’s unique enough that I thought it deserved being on this list. If you’re an avid surfer, you can score some good bragging points for saying you surfed in the Great Lakes.

Habitat 67, Montreal, Quebec

Habitat 67 is the name of Canada’s very own standing wave. Found in Lachine Rapids, in Montreal, Quebec. It’s become a popular stop for whitewater kayakers and river surfers. Named after the unique building complex located adjacent to the waves. There are two schools out here that’ll teach you how to ride the standing wave. Imagine Surfboards has taught 3,500 students since 2005, and KSF, another Montreal River-surfing school, has had 1, 500 students a year since 2003.

The waves are created by the fast moving water of the rapids hitting some underwater boulders, which produces waves as high as two metres. There are a few other standing waves upriver as well, including another one name Big Joe. Standing Waves are the perfect way to feel comfortable on your board. Rather than a short stint of being up on your board, you can be riding these waves for 10, 20, 30 minutes if nobody else is waiting. Even if you don’t plan on jumping in, it’s definitely worth stopping to check out.

Lake Superior, Ontario

As coastal areas are becoming more and more “discovered”, many surfers have gone to great lengths to find a spot they can call their own. Some of these surfers have turned to the Great Lakes, and surprisingly enough, they’ve been finding some.

The North Shore of Lake Superior offers a good amount of surf. Weather determines the quality of these waves, but despite being very reliant on the weather, surf associations have begun popping up around the area. The Superior Surf Club displays beautifully what the Great Lakes can offer curious surfers. On average there is about 10 surfable days per month, and of those, 2 days will be of good quality. Waves here can reach 10 to 12 feet in height. However, they can get a lot bigger than that during the throes of a raging storm. The most popular places to surf in Lake Superior are Lester River, Stoney Point, and Park Point. They have the most consistent amount of surf. There are no rentals here though, so you’ve got to bring your own surfboard and hope for the best.

For those looking for a unique experience, Canada offers some great surf locations for novices and pros. It’s just a matter of hunting them down. There are countless other surf locations in Canada, you just have to keep your ear to the ground as surfing in Canada isn’t nearly as popular as say hockey, or even curling. Hopefully this list can get you started for a potential great time. Remember, waves come year round, it’s just a matter of finding the guts to dive in, no matter how cold it might be.

Best Surf Locations in Canada is a post from: I Backpack Canada

The hostel scene in Canada is still in it’s youngest stages. They are spread out few and far between. However, despite lacking a decent hostel in every city, there are a good handful that I would personally recommend as the best hostels in Canada. Bare in mind, these are based on my own personal thoughts, opinions, and experiences.

Shuswap Lake Hostel – Shuswap Lake, BC

Shuswap Lake Hostel is located in a prime location, halfway between Banff & Vancouver. The stop is definitely worth it, as there is quite a bit to do in the area. What’s unique about this hostel is that the dorms are actually inside some old restored train cars. The dorms themselves are a bit squishy, and can get pretty toasty in the summer, but it’s a unique stay, and is in surprisingly good condition, despite being so open to the elements. best hostels canada

The Shuswap Lake hostel also has some great views. With Squilax Mountain to one side, and Shuswap Lake to the other, you’re bound to work-out your neck during the first few minutes of arriving. The hostels right on the water, and has a free canoe to book or borrow. The owners were very informative about the area, and the hostel had a really cool dog which loved to follow people around the yard.

• Each train car has it’s own kitchen and bathroom
• There’s a cool beaver lodge right around the corner from the hostel that’s worth checking out,
• The hostel is right off the Trans-Canada highway – the Greyhound bus stops right in front of the hostel
• The hostel owners are very eco-friendly, they are proud compost owners, and love all things natural

More info on the Shuswap Hostel here

Banff Alpine Centre Hostel – Banff, Alberta

A fantastic hostel right in Banff, with all the luxuries of a hotel. They have several 4 and 6 person dorms, as well as some private rooms with doubles & queen beds. They recently added a few log cabins too, which can sleep up to 5 guests. The cabins looked really cool, they have washrooms, TV, telephone, seating area, and a fireplace. If you don’t have the cash to cough up for a private room, the dorms are just as good. They were in great condition. The hostel itself has plenty to do. They’ve got a couple lounges, and a great lookout deck with some great scenic views of the mountains.

This hostel also offers free wifi, so if you’ve packed your laptop you should have no problem connecting to the internet. They also have several internet kiosk stations for those without. One of my favourite reasons for nominating this hostel as one of the best hostels in Canada is that it’s home to a great backpacker pub called “The Storm Cellar”. There are so few of these in Canada, and this one is definitely one of omy faves. The Storm Cellar has karaoke nights, open mic night, live bands, free pool and darts. If you’re an Aussie or Brit you’re sure to find someone from your corner of the globe.

More info on Banff Alpine Centre Hostel here

Dawson City Hostel – Dawson City, Yukon

Located right on the rivers edge, Dawson City Hostel is quirky to say the least. Despite it’s clashing colours, and the fact that it doesn’t look a thing like any other hostel, this one’s actually not that bad. It truly does give off that rustic feeling you should expect with heading to the Yukon. Plenty of room, great people, great views. The owners are more than happy to tell you about their city, what to do, where to go, how to get there. There are 40 beds in total, several of which in dorm styles. The hostels location is perfecetly situated in the city. Nearby pretty much everything from museums, attractions, nightlife, shopping, hiking, and the river. There is also free parking, which for vehicle owners, rocks. Oh, and did I mention this hostel has a sauna?

The hostel helps plan your own true authentic “Klondike” experience, which is what most people come here to do. Pan for gold, check out a well preserved part of Canadian History, and experience the truest form of North America.

More info on Dawson City Hostel here

Ottawa Jail Hostel – Ottawa, Ontario

Feelin like spendin a night in the slammer without all the nasty paperwork and criminal records. Check out Ottawas Jail hostel, easily one of the best hostels in Canada. The jail you’ll be staying in here was in operation for more than 100 years, and has since turned into a thriving hostel. This hostel is centrally located, all dorms are in renovated jail cells, and are more spacious than you would think. Take a tour of their un-renovated 8th floor, and check out what life was like in the pen.

The hostel is located near many museums, including the War museum. It’s a short walk to Parliament Hill, and several parks as well. Now despite the fact that you’re staying in a hostel, all the ammemnities you’ve grown so comfort of having are here as well. An open kitchen, a lounge with Satellite TV, internet kiosks and wifi, laundry and dining rooms. If you’re going to be in Ontario be sure to check this one out. They have plenty of dorms and several private cells rooms as well. Keep an eye out during the evenings, apparently this place is haunted.

More info on Ottawa Jail Hostel here

Tofino Hostel / Whalers on the Point Guesthouse – Tofino, Vancouver Island, BC

Located on the shores of the Clayoquot Sound is one of western Canada’s hidden gems. Tofino is a small little hippie town with great surf, great people, and lots to see. Tofino Hostel does this town justice. It’s a great place to kick back after a long day on some of Canadas best surf. The hostel is located in downtown Tofino, and is a short walk to just about everything. An open self serve kitchen, which was always surprisingly clean when I visited, is available. The hostel also boasts a TV room, and games room (with pool table and foos ball) and a wet sauna. The staff are extremely helpful, and will do everything in their power to make your stay in Tofino a memorable one. Book early in summer as this one tends to fill up sooner than most Canadian Hostels.

More info on Tofino Hostel here

Auberges Montreal / Montreal Youth Hostel – Montreal, Quebec

Located right in downtown Montreal, this hostel is close to everything you need to experience life in Montreal. The Montreal Youth Hostel is close to some amazing restaurantes, and is right in the heart of Montreal Nightlife. Pick a day and there is something going on in Montreals nightlife, whether its some indie band playing a small show, a theatre production in the park, or a festival right nearby, there’s something for just about everyone. The hostel is in great condition, especially considering the mansion the hostel is in is over 135 years old.

The hostel has a great little bistro right in the hostel, which serves coffee, tea, breakfast, and lunch. It’s also got this beautiful terrace which overlooks the city. It’s a great way to wake up in one of Canada’s most cultural cities. The hostel has free wifi for everyone, so feel free to get your nerd on. Montreal Youth Hostel also has several female only dorms, along with male & mixed dorms. All in fantastic condition with plenty of room to get comfortable.Definitely worth checking out.

More info on Montreal Youth Hostel here

Chateau Bahia – Pointe-à-la-Garde, Gaspésie, Québec

This is another one of those “and you can sleep in it?” moments you might have. This Castle was built over 18 years by Jean and his father. The castle is entirely constructed of wood. It looks like something you would see in a fairy tale, or an MGMT video. The castle has 23 rooms, some even in the towers of the spires. Chateau Bahia has the best views of the Baie-des-Chaleurs and offers plenty to do in the area. The hostel owners offer a pancake and maple syrup breakfast every morning in the massive hall, followed by a candle lit dinner serving some true Quebecois dishes.

The area has many great hiking trails, along with some superb mountain biking trails. Take a stop at the many nearby beaches for a dip or just bask in the sun. Grab a fishing rod and try your luck at wild salmon fishing, or grab a kayak or canoe and paddle your way through the Matapedia River. There is lots to do around here, and with a very intriguing place to come back to, this is definitely one of Canadas Best Hostels.

More info on Chateau Bahia here

Auberge Festive / Sea Shack Hostel – Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Quebec

Another Quebec hostel, this one just as awesome as the last. The hostel is proud to admit they are a bit of a party hostel. They’ve got a great little bar overlooking the ocean, and live music playing several times a week. The hostel itself is pretty cool too, you can stay in a tipi, a cabin, or camp on the beach.The hostel is located right on the beach, and has terrific views of the area.

Spend the day hiking, kayaking, fishing, or just hanging out at the bar getting your drink on. The Sea Shack also offers tours in the nearby Gaspesie National Park. The hostel owners are more than happy to help you arrange any activities in the nearby area. Keep an eye out on the water views as the whales tend to feed around here as well. I highly recommend this hostel for the young and the young at heart.

More info on Sea Shack hostel here

If you know of any other worthy contenders for the Best Hostels in Canada please feel free to comment. There are new hostels being started each year, and unfortunately I haven’t even come close to seeing them all. I’m sure there are a good couple handfuls of other hidden gems I haven’t even heard of.

Best Hostels in Canada is a post from: I Backpack Canada

• The further North you go, the colder it gets. We’re tough as nails, but not crazy…Well not all of us.
• The Trans Canada Highway (7,821 km) – A super long stretch of road that links all 10 provinces. The majority of the population lives in cities either linked to or damn near close to this highway.
• Keep your friends close… Ah you know the old saying.

A little about each province:

British Columbia – Capital: Victoria

Home to Vancouver & The Island (Local term for Vancouver Island). The NHL (National Hockey League) team Vancouver Canucks. Lots of trees, plenty of mountains. Bunch of rivers. The most hostels are found in this province. 40% of Canadas marijuana is grown in this area. 39% of which is smoked. BC is informally known as the stoner province. Other provinces like to cut it down as much as possible…perhaps out of jealousy of all it has to offer. If you’re keen on picking fruit or trying out WWOOFing this is the place to be. Looking for a job in the Rocky mountains. You can find it here. Oh – and lastly, the 2010 Winter Olympics are being held here. So suit up!

Alberta – Capital: Edmonton

Home of the Rocky Mountains and NHLs Edmonton Oilers & Calgary Flames. A province free of PST (Provincial Sales Tax) – Sidenote: Alcohol seems to be particularly cheaper here. In Alberta you’ll see where Mountains meet Prairies. Home of farmers, cows, big city folk and oil. Informally the Dubai of Canada. A few years back Alberta had so much money from it’s oil it was litterally giving it away ($200) to anyone who resides in Alberta. But like any well that you pump non-stop – things are starting to dry up. Alberta’s a great place to learn how to snowboard or ski. Visit Banff & Lake Louise, enjoy thermal hot springs all year round, go white-water rafting, or saddle up and give horseback riding a shot. Also home of the Calgary Stampede (a huge Canadian Rodeo & Great excuse to dressup like a Cowboy and party. …more

Saskatchewan – Capital: Regina

The land of the living skies, as this province likes to boasts. Which isn’t stretching the truth. Its skies are far more pretty than the rest of Canadas. A great place to spot the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) A superb place to find some peace & quiet – by far one of the flatest places found in Canada. Apparently you can watch your dog run away for 2 days. Although according to my Grandpa Elmer it can vary. Over the years Saskatchewan has become the “nerdy kid” amongst the other provinces, and is jokingly made fun of more than others. But once you get to know this “nerd”, it can be one of your greatest friends. With over 100, 000 different lakes. The sunniest province in Canada. Home to Regina (…yes something does rhyme with that) and pot holes. Reginas a great place to “BarStar” it up with people who rarely hear an accent. Check out Dewdney Avenue if you want to hit the strip full of Clubs, Pubs, and Bars. Winter gets “effin” cold…think -40 to 50 degrees (celcius) – Summer gets “effin” hot…think 35 to 40 degrees celcius. All in all, well worth the 10 hour drive from Calgary. …more

Manitoba – Capital: Winnepeg

Another prairie province – but finally not so land locked. Home of the Hudson Bay & the only Canadian Arctic Sea Port. Home of Lake Winnipeg, the tenth-largest fresh-water lake in the world – which is a superb place to check out during the summer. A very cool place to explore, home to a bunch of uninhabited islands along the Eastern shore. Manitoba is also home to Winnipeg and has earned the nicknames “Polar bear capital of the world” & “Baluga capital of the world” – If you’re feeling adventurous head out on a tour in autumn and see Polar Bears in their natural environment. If indoors is more your thing, I’m sure you can find a place to have a drink in one of Winnipegs hundreds of bars & pubs. Due to its size, more music events take place here than its neighbour to the west Saskatchewan. So be sure to keep on eye out on Ticketmaster.ca for any shows in the area. …more

Ontario – Capital: Toronto

According to Lonely Planet, Ontario is the bees knees of Culture, Cuisine and sophistication… although I don’t know how true that is, because one time, I heard a guy from Ontario fart. The most populated province in Canada, and second largest after Quebec. Home to the Nations Capital, Ottawa, and the provincial capital, Toronto (most populated city in Canada). A lot of local Canadians insist Toronto is an American city on the wrong side of the border, but I suggest you reserve those judgments to yourself. Most Torontites/Torontians/Toronteers/ and Torontonians take offense to this. Toronto is located right near the Great Lakes and a great place to hop around from if you plan on visiting the Yankee side of things, including the Big Apple itself (New York City). Ontario is home to the Niagra Falls, warm summers, The Toronto Maple Leafs, approximately 20 tornados per year, and London of coarse, Which is a wild city that mimics the Patron City down to street names and even a Thames River. Ontario is also the birthplace of the majority of famous Canadians, including… Rachel McAdams, John Gosling, Jim Carey, Mike Myers, Tom Green, Wayne Gretzky, Alex Trebek, Avril Lavigne, Rush, Barenaked Ladies, Howie Mandel & yes, even Shania Twain. Ontarios got plenty of places to eat, drink, party & experience the multicultural side of Canada. …more

Quebec – Capital: Quebec City

Birthplace of Poutine, Celine Dion, and possibly the French language (sources unconfirmed) – This province is Frances baby, it shot this knuckle child out way back when North America was considered the “New World”. Quebec is full of culture, cuisine, fine dining, cafe au lait, and yes, French people. This place can rock your socks. For one, its relatively cheap compared to the majority of places in Canada. It is also the home to the Montreal Canadians. A great time can be found on just about any night. What’s great about this place, is if you speak French, you rock that much harder here, and even if you don’t, the majority of Quebecers speak English too. Quebec is packed full of old Rustic buildings, particularly in Montreal & Quebec City. If you’ve digested a little too much culture, perhaps you need to vomit. In which case, what better place to do it than in the wilderness. Quebecs full of trees, mountains, parks, and the eastern coast! Be sure to escape the big cities, it’s the small towns where you’ll truly find your own piece of Canada. …more

Nova Scotia – Capital: Halifax

Latin for New Scotland – and for good reason. It’s strikingly similar to the Scottish highlands. Trees upon trees over hills, rocky coasts, icy seas and friendly locals. If you’ve grown sick of the Canadian Accent – fear not, Nova Scotia is a reprieve from that. Actually most of Eastern Canada is. It’s somewhat, not so American sounding. Maybe you’re craving some delicious sea food – There isn’t a restaurant here that doesn’t serve lobster, fish, scallops and other ocean crustaceans. Even McDonalds serves lobster – see the “McLobster”. Home to Halifax – a very cool party city with great sights, sounds, rustic buildings and a youthful feel to it. Keen on surfing in the Atlantic? Check out Lawrencetown – and on the way – be sure to stop at some of the coastal towns along the way. Always lots to see and do in Nova Scotia. …more

New Brunswick – Capital: Fredericton

One of the three Maritimes provinces, home to both English, and Francophones (primarilary the Acadians). If you’re keen on checking out the Bay of Fundy, home to the Worlds Highest Tides (16m or 50ft for you imperialists), it’s just a short drive. It’s definately worth visiting, especially if your an admirer of all things aquatic. You might find the East of Canada a refreshing change with its shorter distances between sights. It’s rare that you’ll find yourself ever travelling more than a few hours in this province. Like all Eastern Canadian provinces, you’ll find a fare share of rustic buildings, significantly influenced by the French and English. Just a heads up for everyone planning on visiting Saint Johns. It is home to the steepest main street in Canada. King Street can rise 80 feet in the span on two city blocks. So hitting the Stairmaster may not seem so farfetched if you plan on a long stay. If walking amongst humans isn’t your thing, and you fancy yourself a Whale Watcher, you should be happy to hear that New Brunswick has a wide variety of whales and many different whale watching tours. …more

Newfoundland and Labrador – Capital: St. John’s

The most Eastern province in Canada is sure to knock your socks off. Newfoundland and Labrador are the proud owners of its own dialects of English, French, & Irish. Its home to the most pubs per square foot in Canada, humbly located on George Street. Some facts you may like to know: Newfoundland & Labrador are home to the most sexually active people in Canada, also home to the most Attractive people, and are apparently the Funniest people in Canada. Now that I think of it, perhaps they were joking when I found out the first two facts…? You’ll have to go there and find out. But if half of what I write is true, then Newfoundland & Labrador is definitely worth checking out. …more

Prince Edward Island – Capital: Charlottetown

What do you get when you take a tiny island, and call it a province. P.E.I! Prince Edward Island is the birthplace of confederation. It is most commonly remembered as the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s book, Anne of Green Gables. For over four decades the musical play, Anne of Green Gables, has performed at the Charlottetown Festival (Mid May to Oct). If your ear is itching for music, then P.E.I can definitely help scratch it. The arts in this area alone is worth checking out. Be sure to go for a walk around Charlottetown, you’ll find countless different stores housed in brick buildings, all of which have a way of luring you in. …more

Northwest Territories – Capital: Yellowknife

A piece of advice, practice your J-stroke ahead of time. The amount of rivers and lakes here will seduce you one way or another to find yourself a canoe or kayak and explore some of the wildest terrain found in Canada. During winter the land in this area becomes the frigid winter wonderland you’ve all heard of. If visiting the Arctic Circle is somewhere on your bucket list, you’ll be pleased to hear that it bisects the NWT. Solitude is easy to come by here, the density of population here would give Manhattan a whopping three people. Home to moose, bear, caribou and bison. Northwest Territories displays nature at it’s finest. Hop on the nearest dog-sled and find out.

Nunavut – Capital: Iqualuit

The newest, largest, and least populated Territory in all of Canada. There are approximately 30,000 people spread across the area roughly the size of Western Europe. Nunavut remains the only area in Canada never to be fully conquered by Europeans. Approximately 85% of the population in Nunavut are Inuit. In 1999 they gained Democratic Control of the area. Home to polar bears, dog sledding, Caribou hunting, mountains, cliffs, the arctic circle, and the Northwest Passage. The Arctic pace truly does take effect here. Travelling through this area can be extremely frustrating, but should you have the time and expenses to make it in this rugged territory you’re sure to be pleased.

Yukon – Capital: Whitehorse

The Yukon is synonymous with adventure. This is the place for a unique Canadian road trip. Pack an extra tire or two, because roads around here can be as rough as the terrain. Home to Mount Logan, the highest peak in Canada, which sits at 5,959 metres (19,551 ft). Home to Robert Service, One of Canada’s most famous poets who captivated the world with his poems “The Shooting of Dan McGrew” and “The Cremation of Sam McGee.” Spend a weekend partying in Whitehorse or try the Sour-toe cocktail in Dawson City, which is basically a highball with a twist of human toe. Yep, you heard right. But remember, in order to join the club, you’ve gotta kiss it. Now if toe kissing just isn’t your thing, you can always get more in touch with all this nature that’s around. If hiking’s on the agenda then Tombstone Territorial Park is the place to be, just remember to pack your insect repellent!

Backpack Canada – Information on Canada’s Provinces And Territories is a post from: I Backpack Canada