This four storey hostel

The New HI-Whistler Hostel opens July 1st, so book soon to beat the summer rush! Shared rooms start at $30, and private rooms at $99.

Map to the New HI Whistler Hostel

So you coughed up the $50 for the ferry ride to Vancouver Island, you’ve got your camping gear, now what? First off, you’re going to want to decide what you’ll be doing during your stay in the Pacific Rim National Park. This is going to be a tough decision. So choose wisely!

Things to do in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Because this national park is so incredibly massive, the availability of activities really depends on where you plan on staying. Some of the few activities that are possible in just about every region include Bird Watching, Fishing, and Whale or Sea Lion Watching. Personally, that seems like a lot of sitting and watching. If you want a little more adventure and want to work up a sweat. You’ll be glad to hear there are more options to choose from.

If you happen to be in the Long Beach area

So you’ve decided the Long Beach area is where you want to be huh? Lots to do in these parts. There are several licensed commercial tour operators in this area, so if you’d like to have a guide show you around, this is something you might be interested in. However, if playing the roll of “Lonewolf” better suits your personality, you’ll be happy to hear that there are numerous hiking trails and beaches around to gather your thoughts and stretch your legs. The Long Beach area is the only region that allows for bicycling in the area. However they do recommend you keep it to the beaches. If getting wet and salty is more your style, The Long Beach region is a great spot for ocean kayaking and canoeing. Most padddlers choose to launch from Grice bay when the tides are high. This gives you the best chance of spotting some of the large marina animals in the area. Just be warned, watch the tide! During low-tide, Grice Bay becomes a big mudflat and you might find yourself grounded. Parks Canada advises paddlers to read the tide tables before launching.

Find your own piece of paradise in the Broken Group Islands

This wild and lush chain of islands is perfect for any boat and marine fanatic. There are countless places to hike and hundreds of hidden coves and bays to explore. Over 5000 paddlers come here during the summer to take it all in. The one place that you should watch out for is the Loudoun and Imperial Eagle, as these can be the most dangerous places to find yourself paddling through. Locals typically advise visitors to avoid hauling out the canoe or kayak for these areas as the weather has the notorious habit of changing on a dime, causing the water in this area to be more unpredictable than a drunken prom date. It definitely helps to have a boat in in this region, so this area might be a little tough to do for those with only their backpacks on their backs.

Take on the rugged West Coast Trail

The West Coast Trail is the mecca of hiking trails in Canada. It’s been proud to proclaim itself the Best Hike in the World (according to BestHike.com) since 1999. So for those who don’t know, the West Coast Trail is a 75 km (47 miles) long backpacking trail that follows the south western edge of Vancouver Island. It’s typically open between May and September, however be sure to double check as damage to the trails by weather has been known to delay opening dates.

Quick fact: The west coast trail was originally designed to save shipwrecked survivors. Rescuers and survivors would use this trail to find their way back to civilization.

If you happen to find the guts to tackle the West Coast Trail, you’ll may or may not find comfort in hearing you’re not alone in the forest. Wildlife in the area include cougars, bears, wolves, whales, sea lions, along with hundreds of types of birds. So using your good judgment in this area should be on the top of your list of things to do in and around here. If you don’t plan on doing the typical 6 days hiking the trail, there are also day hikes available in the area.

Park Fees

As with just about any National Park, you can expect some camping fees to be included in your little escape from society. A daily entry will set you back $7.80, however if you plan on camping, expect to pay between $17.60 and $23.50, depending on amenities included in your campsite. If you plan on taking on the West Coast Trail, the cost is $127.50 per trip. For more information on prices, head to the Parks Canada Website

If you’d like more information, you can call the Pacific Rim National park Reserve at (250) 726-3500 or call for a camping reservation at 1-8877-737-3783.

Campsites

One of the most popular campsite in the area is the Green Point Campground, which is located on Highway 4 between Ucluelet and Tofino. There’s plenty of RV and Campervan sites as well as lots of private sites for those tenting it. Each site has a picnic table and fire basket. There’s some great scenic views in this area and the beach is just a short walk from the campgrounds.

If you’d like to find a campground around Tofino there are a couple options:

Bella Pacifica Resort & Campground
400 MacKenzie Beach Road, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0‎ – (250) 725-3400‎

Tofino Campground
1850 Pacific Rim Highway, Tofino, BC‎ – (250) 725-3314‎

If you’d prefer to find a campground near Ucluelet there is:

Ucluelet Campground
260 Seaplane Base Road, Ucluelet, BC‎ – (250) 726-4355‎

Surf Junction Campground
2650 Tofino – Ucluelet Highway
Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0 – (250) 726-7214

Camping in the Broken Chain islands has recently stopped, due to the cultural significance of the area to the Tseshaht First Nations. However visiting and paddling through the area is still allowed, so given the chance, you should try to see these parts.

Remember to dress for the weather while visiting the west coast. Vancouver Island can go from one extreme to another, so be sure to have some warm clothes for the night, along with any rain gear you think you’ll need. Despite the potential wet and cold, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one well worth exploring. It’s a great launching point for checking out some of the hiking trails, beaches, and the famous Tofino Surf. Vancouver Island has lots to offer the budget traveller, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is just one of the many gems in this group of islands.

Q: How long have you been operating your hostel?

A: The Vancouver Central hostel has been open for almost 8 years. It occupies a heritage building on Granville Street in the heart of Vancouver’s entertainment district.

Q: Tell us about your hostel?

A: We have 4- and 2-bed dorms. There is a large locker for every bed, and every dorm room has a sink. We also have private rooms with ensuite or shared washrooms. The hostel has an express kitchen, TV room, lounge, laundry room, internet kiosks, and free Wifi access. We also have free daily luggage storage, as well as long term storage for $3 per week.

Q: Does your hostel offer any activities or help book tours for it’s guests?

A: At HI-Vancouver Central we go out of our way to keep you busy! The hostel organizes daily tours of local attractions such as Granville Island and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. We run nightly activities such as pub crawls, comedy nights, and we also have cheap tickets to hockey and football games. We also sell tickets for public transit, as well as discounted tickets for bike rentals and attractions like the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Planetarium.  Our front desk is open 24 hours a day to provide travel information and advice about local attractions. We can also help you book tours and onward accommodation.

Q: What is your favourite activity / tour that your hostel offers, and why?

A: My favorite activity is the Granville Island tour. Micah, our resident tour guide, takes you on a short ferry ride across False Creek to Granville Island. We visit the public market to sample some local treats and explore shops with works by local artists. My favorite part of the tour is the optional visit to the Granville Island Brewery. After a tour of the brewery there are delicious samples of some of Vancouver’s finest micro-brewed beers. Good times!

Q: Tell us about the area your hostel resides in?

A: Our hostel is located on Granville Street, right in the center of Vancouver’s vibrant entertainment district. The hostel is a short walk to most of downtown Vancouver’s tourist attractions, public transit, shopping, beaches, and art galleries.

Q: Do you offer work for backpackers?

A: No, unfortunately the hostel does not provide any work for stay programs.  We will hire backpackers who have a work permit, however.

Q: Are there any special promotions you’re currently running or have run in the past?

A: During the November to March winter season we offer a 7 for 6 deal. The 7th night of your stay is free when you book 6 nights at a time. This deal is currently on hold while the Olympics are in town, but will be back as of Feb 28.

Q: How much does it cost for:

A: Dorms from $27 and private rooms from $75.

HI Vancouver Central Website

HI Vancouver Central Facebook page

Your hostels Twitter page: @hostelscanada

HI-Vancouver Central
1025 Granville Street

Vancouver, BC
1.866.762.4122

There’s been a huge amount of hype behind Vancouver in recent days, what with the success of the 2010 winter Olympics. This is one of the most popular destinations to check out while traveling in Canada, so you’d be crazy not to include this on your itinerary. I guarantee you’ll run out of time before you run out of things to see and do.

Q: How long have you been operating your hostel?

A: I started working at the front desk in 1995, became Manager in 2004. In my 15th year at HI-Penticton. (wow)

Q: Tell us about your hostel?

A: The hostel sleeps 52 people in total. There are fourteen rooms – three of the rooms are larger dorms and sleep six people, one room, ideal for families, sleeps five, three of the rooms sleep four people, three rooms sleep three people and four of our rooms sleep two. There is a large self-catering kitchen for guests, dining room, coin-operated laundry facilities, a quiet living room and separate TV area. The backyard features a covered patio with a barbecue – a great place to unwind each day. There is also free on-site parking.

Q: Does your hostel offer any activities or help book tours for it’s guests?

A: Yes. We work closely with local tour operators and can book a tour at a moment’s notice for our guests. Most of the time the tour operators will pick up guests at our front door.

Q: What is your favourite activity / tour that your hostel offers, and why?

A: Hard to nail it down to one favourite. Our Hockey Night In Penticton runs October – March and has always been a huge success, despite the fact that is traditionally our off season. The Kettle Valley Railway / Trans Canada Trail clean-ups in the Spring are very successful. Wine tours (April-October) are always a hit; wine, beautiful scenery and sunshine! How can it not be?!

Q: Tell us about the area your hostel resides in?

A: Penticton is located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley in a semi-arid desert setting and is nestled between two lakes. The shores of Okanagan Lake line the north end of the city, while Skaha Lake borders the south end.  One side of the valley is lush and lined with orchards full of fresh fruit during the summer months. The opposite side is dryer and perfect for vineyards that produce the grapes to supply the vast number of wineries in the area with the necessary product needed to produce award-winning and world-renowned wines. We are fortunate to experience all four seasons in Penticton. In the winter Apex Mountain is the place to be. A 30-minute drive west will take you to the mountain with 1112 skiable acres, a high-speed quad chair taking you to 7200ft, and 58 runs to pamper and challenge all levels. Apex is a world class mountain without the pretentious attitude or outrageous costs of most ski areas. In the Spring and Fall the Skaha Climbing Bluffs (this area was recently designated as a Provincial Park) offers world class climbing and breathtaking views. I am only scraping the surface mentioning this stuff; the opportunities, terrain and scenery surrounding Penticton are vast and varied.

Q: Do you offer work for backpackers?

A: No. BUT we can assist those looking for work in orchards and vineyards in connecting with the right people.

Q: Are there any special promotions you’re currently running or have run in the past?

A: We offer multi-day discounted rates year round, free BBQs in the summer and fantastic service all the time!

Q: How much does it cost for:

A: Dorm: from $20.00/night
Double: from $52.50/night
Other: Multi-day discounts are available in shared (dorm) rooms.

Your hostels website: HI-Penticton
Your hostels Twitter page: @hostelscanada

I’ve been to Penticton several times, this part of Canada is one of those unique places where you have to see it to believe it. When most people think of deserts, the last place they think is Canada. Warm weather, wine, and some beautiful beaches and water… can’t get much better than that. Penticton’s a superb place to hangout in the summer, be sure to check out the Penticton River Channel for some serious floating tube action. Big thanks to Lisa for taking the time to tell us about HI-Penticton. Don’t forget to subscribe to i Backpack Canada for more interviews and sneak peaks into life in Canada’s hostels.

This national historic site has some great stories to tell. In 1899 over 7400 Russian Doukhobors immigrated to Canada to take their claim of the Canadian government promise of land and religious freedom. The Doukhobors were persecuted in Russia for their beliefs. They completely rejected the secular government, the Russian Orthodox priests, icons, and all church rituals. Their pacifist beliefs led to an exodus to Canada. One of the coolest facts of all is that Leo Tolstoy, famous writer (War and Peace, Anna Karenina) was one of the main benefactors of the Doukhobors journey, along with the Society of Friends. Well worth the day trip out there, be sure to check out the cemetery and take in the museums and period-style furnished houses. Show up around lunch for free home-made Doukhobor baking.

Verigin is located 50km North East of Yorkton, and 10 km west of Kamsack. Well worth the drive

3 Reasons to Check Veregin Out:

• Great history and stories of the Doukhobors
• Awesome Statue of Leo Tolstoy and great view of the prairies
• Can’t go wrong with the price ($5)

Outdoor Adventure in Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Home to surfers, hippies, eco-activists, and people just looking to let their hair down. Hands down, Tofino is the best place in Canada to surf. Tofino is a youthful town with plenty things to do, from kayak tours, whale watching tours, hiking trails, and some of great swimming beaches. It’s a great place to spend a week or two and shows just how beautiful Vancouver Island is.

3 Reasons to check it out:

• Canada’s best surfing
• Massive and beautiful beaches
• Cool cafes

Hike and Camp in Glacier National Park, British Columbia

Visit during the summer or winter to experience some of the best views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There are some amazing hidden hiking trails here, and three locations for camping. The Glacier National Park area is dense with lush forests, however it is prone to avalanches and the occasional rock slides. Glacier National Park is also a critical habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife, including the mountain caribou, mountain goat, and grizzly bear. Despite the dangers, a drive or a hike through this area will take your breathe away any time of the year.

3 Reasons to check it out:

• Great camping
• Over 400 glaciers continue to sculpt the landscape
• Crystal clear rivers

HI Hostels recently announced that they still have rooms! A large block of beds have just been released at HI-Vancouver Jericho Beach. Dorms start at only $31.50. HI also has some room before and after the games at all three Vancouver Locations, Jericho Beach, Vancouver Centrail, and Vancouver Downtown.

So if you’re looking for last minute accommodations for the the Winter Olympics, call HI’s Central Reservations at 1-866-762-4122. Be sure to read their special booking policies -  – which apply for February 12 through to the 27th. So jump on it while it’s still available!

HI-Whistler will begin taking online reservations on February 1st. Dorms are starting at $30 for HI members in the low season, which includes taxes. Rates will peak at $35 in the summer and busy winter seasons. And according to Backpacker Buzz, private rooms with ensuites will range from $99 to $150 for HI Members.

Many people have been wondering what will happen to the old HI-Whistler. At the moment it’s still open and taking reservations, but will be closing once the new hostel opens. The Regional Municipality of Whistler purchased the property, however HI hasn’t heard much about what is in its future.

I’m really looking forward to checking out this new Canadian hostel during the summer. I have no doubts that the new HI-Whistler will live up to HI’s reputation as a clean, good quality place to stay for cheap.

Check out the new HI-Whistler website for more information.

If anyone makes it to Whistler for opening day, I would love to hear from you!

Q: How long have you been operating your hostel?

A: We’ve been running seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day for 10 amazing years!

Q: Tell us about your hostel?

A: We have a huge spectrum of room choices to suit any budget; from 4 to 6 bed dorms to mini-privates to hotel-style rooms with ensuite bathrooms. We have a large, recently renovated,  communal kitchen and dining area and if you’re feeling too lazy to cook, our licensed Café Lounge is open daily serving Thai and Indian curries, as well as burgers, paninis and fresh salads at backpacker prices. We also offer free wireless, cheap internet access, parking, bike and bag storage and on site laundry facilities. Our staff are on hand 24 hours a day to answer your questions and make sure you’re safe and happy.

Q: Does your hostel offer any activities or help book tours for it’s guests?

A: We have a Games Night, a Quiz Night and a very popular Open Mic Night. We book whale watching trips, Lizard Adventure Travel day trips(www.lizardaventuretravel.com) and sell dicounted tickets for the Royal BC Museum and Imax Theater. We’ve partnered up with lots of local businesses to give our guests amazing discounts for kayak rentals, bike rentals, sailing trips, fishing trips and so much more!

Q: What is your favourite activity / tour that your hostel offers, and why?

A: Open Mic is a lot of fun and it has a strong community following too, so it is a great way for travellers to meet locals. It makes for eclectic music from sitar players to West Coast Blue Grass!

Q: Tell us about the area your hostel resides in?

A: We’re right in Victoria’s downtown core, so guest can walk to Chinatown, access to public transit, theatres, inner harbour, bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, Beacon Hill Park and the Empress Hotel within 15 minutes.

Q: Do you offer work for backpackers? When is the best time to apply for work at your hostel?

A: We often hire travellers as full time staff. Spring is generally the best time to apply but we welcome resumes all year round.

Q: Are there any special promotions you’re currently running or have run in the past?

A: We offer great discounted 3 day, weekly, biweekly and monthly rates on dorms and private rooms. We also do an amazing $4.75 meal special and our 24 hour $5.00 breakfast special is a hit! Our prices are staying the same during the Olympics too!

Q: How much does it cost for:

A: Dorm: $19-$28
Double:$39-$79
Other: We have a second location in a heritage house in James Bay. Our fully furnished one bedroom suites are available from $ $95-$125

Your hostels website: www.oceanisland.com

Your hostels Facebook page: Ocean Island Backpackers

Your hostels Twitter page (if available): @oibi

A warm and happy thank you goes out to Adam of Ocean Island Backpackers Inn. Be sure to stop by Ocean Island Backpackers Inn when you travel to Vancouver Island. Victoria is a very cool town with lots to see and do and is one of my favourite locations on Vancouver Island. It’s the perfect hub to get started on seeing as much of Vancouver Island as possible. Remember to subscribe to i Backpack Canada for more interviews and sneak peaks into life in Canada’s hostels and be sure to check out Ocean Island Backpackers on Facebook & Twitter.

Interview Questions:

I personally am a huge supporter of the Olympics and hope to see more of Canada’s youth strive to be on the podium some day. In the past, Canada didn’t make it that easy for athletes to concentrate on their training, but it seems with the boost in recognition with having the Olympics here on home turf, that mindset should begin to change.

Julie Ovenell-Carter at theseboots.travel (another fantastic Canadian travel blog) wrote a witty post on the Top 5 reasons to hate the 2010 Olympics – which believe it or not shows the benefits locals will have from the 2010 Olympics.

Over at Straight.com, Charlie Smith did a great write up on how many of the Ski Hills are hoping to benefit from the 2010 Olympics including the many smaller ski hills in the surrounding area.

Go check out 2010vanfan.ca, where Andrea is keeping tabs on the Vancouver Olympics. She’s got some amazing photos and has been counting down the days until it all begins! There’s lots of great information here if you’re planning on being in Vancouver during the Olympics.

We’re only a few weeks away, so I hope you will all find some time to watch the 2010 Vancouver Olympics! Grab your popcorn, your beer, your chips, your dip, and watch what could be the best Winter Olympics yet.

Fact #1. Camper vans rock.

Fact #2. Buying & Selling vehicles can be a pain.

Fact #3. Saving money by sleeping in a Camper Van is clever.

For those who don’t know, Wicked Camper Vans are one of the many transport options backpackers have to travel across Canada. They’re an affordable way to see Canada the way you want to see it. Plus they have cool paintings on them, which makes losing them in a parking lot difficult. I did a quick online search for how much it would cost me to pick up a van  and was surprised how cheap it was. Some might even say its ‘Cheap Like Borscht’ (find out what Borscht is here, it’s delicious and it  turns your pee pink!)

So using Wicked Campers online booking gizmo, I pretended as if I were planning an awesome 2 week winter vacation in Canada starting December 1st from Vancouver, British Columbia. Knowing there’s already plenty of snow, I’ll likely be hanging around the Mountains, as that’s what people do in B.C during December. So pickup & drop-off will be done in Vancouver.

Traveling by Camper Van can get cold during the winter, so let’s do some more pretending and say a really good looking girl who happens to find me incredibly attractive wants to come with and do some of that ‘heat-sharing’ I hear so much about. Let’s call her Megan…Megan Fox. I’ll need at least a 2-person camper-van as one must have a decent amount of room to make sharing heat a pleasurable experience for both, thankfully they have one in stock. Click.

Click to Zoom

According to the Wicked Camper Booking Gizmo, I can rent a campervan for $50 a day. Insurance will set me back an extra $10 a day. Knowing I’ll get lost at least once, renting a GPS is a good idea. GPS rentals go for $3 a day.  I also know that I won’t be going to the Alaska, Yukon, or Northwest Territories, so I won’t need to pay the extra $550 fixed price. With taxes and a few other small surcharges we’re sitting at $1,027.00. At first glance this might seem like quite a bit, but remember, “campervan” is just another word for “uncomfortable home on wheels“. Accommodations alone can almost cost that ($65 double bed at hostel X 14 days = $910) This could be your ticket to a budget backpacking trip through Canada. Keep in mind, this rental is for “off-season prices”, during Summer they’ll likely go up a tad.