Auberge Inn, Providence Bay, Manitoulin Island!

Manitoulin Island--the largest freshwater island is a perfect place for cycling, with its many scenic backcountry roads. The pace on the island is slower than in big cities and there are lots of opportunities to view wildlife. The Island route along Hwy 6 is a great way to get from Northern Ontario to Southern Ontario. There are paved shoulders along most of the route. There are also many scenic lookouts, including the famous 10-Mile Point. For more details, see www.manitoulincycling.com.

One can stay at the Auberge Inn in Providence Bay and rent a bike from the hostel. This is a great way to discover Manitoulin Island, the green way, enjoying the wildlife and scenic landscapes. You can take a tour of the Blue Jay Creek MNR Hatchery or explore the many sights and villages of the Islands or take a dip in some of the 108 lakes on the Island. The Auberge Inn is also offering a cycling package, "Bikes, Buns and Biodiversity": rent a bike and participate in a garden tour workshop and end it off with a taste of organic baked treat! Other cycling packages offered by Auberge Inn can be found at http://aubergeinn.ca/bikeskayaks/

Finally, after a great day of cycling, you can relax at the beach in Providence Bay. A great way to spend a holiday!

Hostel of the Week, May 12th to May 28th 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Salty Bear Adventure Travel

Salty Bear Adventure Travel, serves Halifax, Cape Breton Island, Prince Edward Island and points in between!

Hop on the Salty Bear mini-bus for the trip of a lifetime! Hike in the national parks and visit some of the beautiful beaches and scenery the Maritimes has to offer. Both the 3 day Cabot Trail Explorer tour and the 5 day Island Hopper tour depart from Halifax on Monday mornings from mid May to mid October. Explore the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Charlottetown, Cavandish and Prince Edward Island National Park. Tours include transportation, accommodation, park and ferry fees, lively commentary as well as optional extras such as whale watching, kayaking, sailing and biking. The Maritimes is truly one of Canada's most beautiful regions and well worth exploring. Contact Salty Bear Adventure Travel's office in Cheticamp NS for more information.

Feature of the Week, May 2nd to May 12th 2012
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
 

Hurkett Cove Lodge and Hostel in Northwestern Ontario!

Hurkett Cove Lodge and Hostel, is located between Hurkett and Dorion, (also 27km East of Nipigon and 83km East of Thunder Bay), on Hwy 11-17 in Northwestern Ontario!  The area incredibly rich with nature. Nearby is Eagle Canyon Suspension Bridge and Zip Line, Canada's longest suspension bridge. Also close is the Ouimet Canyon, a much smaller but impressive version of the Grand Canyon. Hurkett Dock is an excellent location for bird watching as well as kite surfing, though duck hunting and fishing are a common activity here also.

Hostel of the week, April 24th to May 2nd 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Dawson City River Hostel, Yukon

Backpackers Hostels Canada is very pleased to introduce one of our newest members--Dawson City River Hostel! Dawson City is 500km northwest of Whitehorse Yukon but will be well worth the trip. The host Dieter has a great photo collection of beautiful scenes from the Dawson City area, which can be viewed on their website.

When you come to Dawson City, prepare yourself for one of the most adventurous hostelling experiences on the planet! There is so much to say about the Dawson City River Hostel, and the sky features prominently in the discussion. Dawson City is in the zone of the 24-hour 'Midnight Sun' between mid-May and August. Also in late August, the hostel is an excellent place to view the night sky and as well, the Northern Lights. You really will have to check out the website to get a better sense of all the Dawson City River Hostel has to offer, or better yet, get yourself up there this summer!

Hostel of the Week April 13th to 24th 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones

Backpackers Hostels Canada

St. Catharines Student Residence, Ontario

St. Catharines Student Residence has nicely renovated rooms in the heart of downtown St. Catharines. The on-site building managers are happy to be of assistance. The Residence has rooms for nightly stay or for longer term.

The Greyhound bus stop and bus terminal is only two blocks away. There is ample parking on the site. It is also bicycle friendly.

Feature of the Week, April 6th to April 13th 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

7 Days with the Giant Sweepstakes, City of Thunder Bay

Backpacker Hostels Canada's sponsor, the City of Thunder Bay is giving away a trip for four to Thunder Bay, with plenty of other prizes to one lucky group from anywhere in Canada or U.S! The sweepstakes is called, 7 Days With The Giant. Since I live in Thunder Bay, I can tell you the Sleeping Giant is an awesome sight to see every morning, and we are very proud of it here. Go to www.visitthunderbay.com, complete the entry form and submit your entry. The contest closes Thursday, May 31, 2012.

Grand Prize package includes:

• Round-trip airfare for four to Thunder Bay, Ontario Canada from anywhere in Canada and U.S.
• Accommodations at Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre and three nights at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
• Meals at Thunder Bay’s finest restaurants including Caribou, Lot 66 & 5 Forks Fine Food & Drink
• One week car rental with National Car & Truck Rental
• Camping and Outdoor gear supplied by Gear Up For Outdoors
• $100 Grocery Certificate compliments of Tourism Thunder Bay
• A digital camera package provided by Primary Foto Source
• Watercolour Painting of the Sleeping Giant courtesy of local artist Biljana Baker
• 1 Year Free Subscription to Lake Superior Magazine
• Skimming the waves of Lake Superior with a half day fishing charter courtesy of Archies Fishing Charters
• 90 minute Harbour Sailing Tour with SailSuperior.com
• One Round of Golf at the end of the sentence compliments of Golf Thunder Bay
• Admission for four people to Fort William Historical Park
• Admission for four people to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery
• Mountain Biking and Hiking experiences with Epic Adventures in Nipigon, Ontario
  
• A Thunder Bay Observatory Experience for Four

Feature of the week, March 27th to April 6th 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

City Hostel, St. John's Newfoundland!

Experience all St. John's has to offer, with it's rich culture, fascinating history and breathtaking scenery. Meet the amazing wildlife like whales and puffins with tours offered on-site by Avalon Adventures.

Centrally located in the oldest city in North America, City Hostel is located close to attractions, great shopping, delicious food and drink, and an energized night life all within walking distance. HI City Hostel has friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to help you get the best experience in St. John's.

You may be interested to know that as of this date in late March, iceberg season just started. Since yesterday they can be seen right from St. John's and there is 44 more in the area which might go by!
Hostel of the Week March 20th to March 27th 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada