The Human Earth Project of Ben Randall

Ben Randall, a travel photographer from Australia is returning to Asia after his previous visit five years ago to find 100 of his photographic subjects. One of the people he is looking for is a girl named May who was kidnapped in Viet Nam and sold into China. The background of the quest to find her draws attention to human trafficking around the globe. Besides awareness Ben is also raising funds for his minimalist budget from various sources to finance his trip. We find it quite compelling, Ben's threefold quest of art entangled with life and humanity to share it here. How Ben has created meaning through this Human Earth Project is surely the essence of backpacking and something we can all relate to, and we wish him all good things in finding what he needs for success in finding his subjects and particularly May.

Feature of the Week, April 8th to April 24th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Nanaimo International Hostel

 
The Nanaimo International Hostel on Nicol Street has been family-owned and operated since 1985. The hostel is located in Nanaimo on central Vancouver Island, 1.5 hours north from Victoria by car and 1.5 hours west from Vancouver by ferry. We provide safe, clean, and affordable hostel accommodation in Nanaimo. Our knowledgeable, courteous and friendly staff will help you find your favourite vacation spots in Nanaimo and on Vancouver Island.

The Nanaimo International Hostel provides:
- budget hostel accommodation for under $2O per day!
- Central location ...  close to shopping, buses and the Nanaimo Seawalk
- laundry facilities
- showers
- communal kitchen
- TV room
- high-speed Internet access
- casino within walking distance
- free parking
- Ask about freebees and discounts!

-open year round

The Nicol Street Hostel, features a panoramic view of the harbour entrance, the islands, and Georgia Strait!  The owners, John and Moni Murray have made many wonderful friends from all walks of life, and from every corner of the planet!

Hostel of the Week, April 1st to April 8th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Skydive Vancouver

Our sponsor, Skydive Vancouver offers first time 'Tandem Skydiving' (you would be connected by harness to an instructor) for people who have never tried Skydiving. They also offer Skydive courses for people who wish to learn to Solo Skydive through an Accelerated Freefall Program. All tandem Skydives at Skydive Vancouver are done with an experienced tandem instructor at the Abbotsford Drop Zone which is located about 45 minutes drive East of Downtown Vancouver.

Skydive Vancouver also offers fantastic amenities for the Solo Skydiver. They have 4 planes including Cessna's and a 10-place Pilatus Porter with large exit door. They operate on their own airfield and run way. They also have onsite parachute packers, highly experienced videographers, gear sales, kitchen facilities and showers.

The phone number to free fall with Skydive Vancouver is 1-888-738-5867.

Feature of the Week,  March 18th to April 1st 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Samesun Backpackers Banff

The good people at Samesun Backpackers Banff sure know how to have a good time. You could be out on the slopes during the day, and having a great time in the Beaver Bar in the evening. Summer or Winter, there's lots to do in Banff, and Samesun Banff has got great staff with the energy to enliven your visit.

Hostel of the Week, February 8th to March 18th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Riding Fool Hostel, Cumberland BC on Vancouver Island

The Riding Fool hostel does more than just provide quality accommodation on the east side of Vancouver Island. They present you with a fun, safe, and social environment at the same time. The Riding Fool sets a high standard, attracting those wanting to get out of the city and off the beaten track. If you enjoy a comfortable, clean, warm and welcoming setting with easy access to recreation in both summer and winter, come to the Riding Fool Hostel. The Riding Fool gives you incredible recreational opportunities with access to Mount Washington Alpine Resort, Forbidden Plateau Recreation Area, Strathcona Provincial Park, Comox Lake, Mountain Bike Trails, Kayaking, Scuba, Rock Climbing, Hiking and the Gulf Islands. Whatever you do, you can do it at the Riding Fool Hostel.

Find out more about Riding Fool Hostel on www.backpackers.ca.


Hostel of the Week, January 27th to February 8th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones,
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Auberge du Château Bahia in Pointe-à-la-Garde Québec, on Gaspésie Québec!

Anyone travelling to Canada should set Château Bahia as a destination. It really is a Dream Castle everyone can afford, a hostel extroardinaire. Located on the Gaspésie in Québec, just north of Cambellton New Brunswick, the beautiful photo cannot capture the amazing feeling that being at the castle or in the castle can bring. Members of Backpackers Hostels Canada visited this hostel in fall of 2011 and attest to it's grandeur and wonder. The story behind the castle is also amazing, and the plans ongoing at the hostel are a history in the making that you can become part of when you will visit (read a very brief history of Château Bahia).

View the photos, visit the website, and come to the hostel Château Bahia if you can. As Jean and Hervé have said on the hostel website, "the adventure continues" at Auberge du Château Bahia.

Hostel of the Week, January 15th to 27th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Banff International Hostel, Alberta

Banff International Hostel stives to provide a comfortable stay to anyone looking for simple and quiet accommodations while enjoying the wonderful scenery in Banff National Park and surrounding areas.

Situated conveniently just off Highway One, Banff International Hostel is just a couple blocks away from the heart of downtown. Whether you are a long-term traveler, first-time tourist or someone in between, the Banff International Hostel provides simple, comfortable and clean accommodations to suit all of your needs.

Hostel of the Week, Jan. 2nd to Jan. 15th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada