Ocean Island Backpacker's Inn and Suites, Victoria BC

Ocean Island Backpackers, downtown, Victoria BC

"Ocean Island Backpacker's Inn and Suites is close to Chinatown, clubs, theatres, museums, restaurants, the inner harbour and so much more! We have lots of affordable daily, weekly and monthly accommodations in all shapes and sizes to suit any budget, from 6 bed dorms and mini-private rooms to spacious hotel-style rooms with private bathrooms. Nightly prices range from $19 - $28 for dorm rooms; $28 - $85 for private room.

Our inhouse licensed Cafe Lounge is open daily serving Thai and Indian curries, as well as burgers, paninis and fresh salads at ridiculously cheap prices. We also offer free wireless and cheap internet access, 24 hour staffing, large communal kitchen and dining area, parking and bike and bag storage.

Recently our 1891 heritage building has undergone a facelift and we're in the process of upgrading our communal kitchen and bathrooms making us fresher and better than ever! If you're in Victoria be sure to check us out!"

Hostel of the Week, November 30th to December 6th 2009
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Caribou Hostel, Golden BC

Caribou Hostel, Golden BC

Caribou Hostel is a family-run business in the Blaeberry Valley, 13 km NW of Golden. The six-bed hostel has a full kitchen, dining area, lounge area, bathroom, dorm room, and a barbeque on the patio. The private apartment has of a full kitchen, living room with futon, bathroom, bedroom with queen-sized bed, and a private balcony with barbeque. The hostel and private apartment are ideal for exclusive group or family rentals. The Moberly Pub, a favourite among locals and travellers, is just a four-minute walk through the backyard. Caribou Hostel provides a friendly and relaxed retreat in a quiet mountain setting.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, located 13 km from the town of Golden, is a 25-minute drive from the hostel, and Roger’s Pass is a 45-minute drive. Golden is centrally located with easy access to Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Jasper, and Glacier National Parks.

Hostel of the Week, November 24th to November 29th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Angus Adventures: Learning Through Exploration!

Angus Adventures: Learning Through Exploration!

All adventures and backpackers will have an interest in this couple. Julie and Colin Angus are bold adventures, having explored and documented their travels in waterways and on land all over the world including Canada. They are presently preparing for presentations in Ottawa, Waterloo, Toronto, and Kingston. They have authored several books including the recent, "Rowed Trip: from Scotland to Syria By Oar", have produced films, have a great blog, website, and Facebook page, and do motivational public-speaking presentation among other things. They are raved about by fellow bloggers and reputable news programs alike and with good reason. Check out the links and you'll understand why.

Colin completed the first human-powered circumnavigation of the planet (43,000 km, 720 days) in 2006. Before that he led the first descent of the Yenisey River and of one of the first of the Amazon River. He is the author of four books and has produced documentaries on many of his journeys. Outside magazine named him one of the top 25 bold visionaries with world changing dreams and National Geographic Adventure awarded him Adventurer of the Year in 2007.

Julie is the first and only woman to row across the Atlantic Ocean from mainland to mainland - 10,000 km in 5 months. She has authored two books, produced two documentaries, and written for an array of magazines and newspapers. Julie has a graduate degree in molecular biology and spent five years developing treatments for medical disorders before fully focusing on adventure and exploration. She received the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award alongside Colin and the McMaster ARCH award.

You won't regret checking them out.

Feature of the week, November 16th to 22nd, 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

The Powder Highway Ultimate Ski Bum Blow Your Mind Contest

The Powder Highway Ultimate Ski Bum Blow Your Mind Contest!

Ski Bums and nonskiers alike will find this video HILARIOUS!!!! Its worth taking three minutes and thirty eight seconds to watch if you love a well-done video and a good laugh. If you are a Ski Bum, you will definitely consider entering the contest.

About the contest (as found in www.powderhighway.com):

"One lucky Ski Bum will win a 3 Month Journey along the Powder Highway [a large area of mountainous British Columbia with a great many ski areas and ski operations including Alpine Ski Resorts, Backcountry Skiing, Heli-Skiing, Nordic Skiing, and Snow-cat Skiing areas]. The winner will also get Free Lift Tickets at all of the Resorts, 15 days of Heli and Cat Skiing, Accommodation and Transportation provided. This place has long been a haven for Ski Bums from around the world. We're sharing that adventure through the experiences of one person - the Ultimate Ski Bum. No agenda, no job, just snow, mountains and a road that links it all together.

Create your own entry video (90 seconds max) that explains why you should be chosen to be the Ultimate Ski Bum. Entry submission details are below. Entries MUST have a YouTube link to your Video Entry to be eligible."

Check out the video for more details and a good laugh.

Feature of the Week November 10th to 15th 2009
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Fernie Job Fair 2009

Fernie Job Expo 2009

Fernie BC is the home to The Raging Elk Adventure Lodge, organizers of the Fernie Job Expo event.

The Fernie Job Expo will be held on November 12th from 10am to 3pm, across from the Raging Elk at the Fernie Community Centre, for all job seekers.

Contact the Raging Elk for more information at 1-(250)-423-6811 or email bookings@ragingelk.com. There are seasonal jobs available in many fields including hospitality, tourism, retail, industrial and construction.

Start earning money before the snow flies!!

submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
www.backpackers.ca