Blog on Backpackers Hostels Canada

Converting a House or Inn Into a Hostel: Zoning and Permits

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 12:55:38 +0000

Converting a house or inn into a hostel is an exciting way to create a welcoming space for travellers while making good use of existing property. However, before you open your doors, you need to ensure the conversion complies with local zoning laws and permit requirements. These rules protect guests’ safety, the community’s character, and your business’s legal standing. Understanding how to navigate zoning and permits will help you avoid costly delays and fines.

Stephen Gleave’s Guide to Exploring Ancaster: Trails, Waterfalls and Outdoor Attractions

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

For travellers visiting Southern Ontario, Ancaster offers abundant opportunities to experience nature without going far from the city. On the Niagara Escarpment in Hamilton, the community features forests, trails, waterfalls and conservation areas that can fill a full day of exploring.
Stephen Gleave, a long-time Ancaster resident and farmer , knows the area quite well. His familiarity with the outdoors has given him many opportunities to explore the trails and natural areas around Ancaster.

New Management and a New Direction for Backpackers Hostels Canada

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Backpackers Hostels Canada has been connecting travellers with independent Canadian hostels for well over a decade. Today we’re sharing some news: the site is under new management, and we’re resetting how it works for travellers and for the people who run hostels, campgrounds and budget stays across the country.

What’s changing for travellers

A faster, simpler site. We’ve rebuilt Backpackers Hostels Canada from the ground up. Pages load quickly on any connection, including the spotty hostel Wi-Fi you’re probably reading this on. There are no accounts to create and no pop-ups. Just browse hostels by province and read our travel guides.

The Best Autumn Destinations for Budget Travelers in Canada

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 05:17:55 +0000

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit Canada. The leaves are changing color, the weather is crisp and cool, and there are fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the peak summer travel season. For budget travelers looking to explore Canada in the fall, here are some of the top destinations and experiences to check out.

Vancouver, British Columbia:

Vancouver is a vibrant, multicultural city with plenty of free and low-cost activities. Walking around Stanley Park to see the fall foliage is a must, as well as visiting historic Gastown and browsing the Granville Island Public Market. At night, head to Commercial Drive for inexpensive eats at casual cafes and restaurants. Hostels across Vancouver offer nightly events like comedy shows and pub crawls, making it easy to meet fellow travelers.

Roaming the Great White North: Shipping Your RV to Canada for Unforgettable Camping Adventures

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:55:46 +0000

Canada, with its vast wilderness, stunning landscapes, and breathtaking national parks, is a dream destination for camping enthusiasts. Whether you’re planning to explore the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, camp by the tranquil lakes of Ontario, or experience the maritime charm of the East Coast, shipping your RV to Canada can open up a world of outdoor adventure. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the process of shipping an RV to Canada for the purpose of camping, providing you with essential information and tips for a seamless journey.

Hostel Hacks: Insider Tips for Saving Money and Maximizing Fun in Canada

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 20:50:52 +0000

As an avid backpacker and budget traveler, I’ve mastered the art of having an epic trip in Canada without going broke. Hostels are the best way to meet fellow travelers while keeping costs low. Follow my hostel hacks to save your cash for adventures instead of lodging.

Take Advantage of Free Meals and Activities

Most hostels offer freebies like breakfast, weekly barbeques or family-style dinners. Time it right to score free meals. Attend the free nightly events like pub crawls, hockey games, improv comedy, city walking tours and more. You’ll make friends fast while enjoying the local scene on a budget.

7 Advantages of Taking the Airport Shuttle Service

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 19:25:57 +0000

Traveling to and from the airport can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to transportation logistics. One solution that has gained popularity in recent years is the airport shuttle service. These convenient and reliable services offer numerous advantages over other modes of transport, providing travelers with a hassle-free experience.

By opting for an airport shuttle service, travelers can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that their transportation needs are taken care of. Unlike public transportation, shuttle services offer a door-to-door service, picking up passengers from their desired location and dropping them off directly at the airport terminal. This eliminates the need for multiple transfers or navigating unfamiliar public transport systems.

Tips on Choosing the Best Hostel

Sat, 27 May 2023 04:30:10 +0000

Travelling is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences someone can have. Even if we love to travel, we nevertheless need to take our financial condition into account. It can be difficult to decide which hostel to choose, but doing so is a great method to cut costs on lodging. You can choose the right hostel for your vacation to Canada by using the following suggestions.

Know what you want in a hostel before booking

Sign reading “Hostel” The first step in choosing the best hostel is knowing what you want. Which do you prefer—a hostel with a quiet ambiance or one with a party vibe? In search of a hostel that offers free breakfast, WiFi, or a kitchen where you can cook? Knowing what you want can help you concentrate your search and choose a hostel that satisfies your needs.

Maximizing Your Hostel’s Revenue: How to Increase Ancillary Sales and Boost Your Bottom Line

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 09:59:40 +0000

As a hostel owner, you are always looking for ways to increase your revenue and maximize your profits. Ancillary sales can be an effective way to achieve this goal. Ancillary sales are the additional services and products that a hostel offers beyond room rental, such as laundry services, lockers, and vending machines. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and strategies for increasing ancillary sales in your hostel, which will help you boost your bottom line.

2023 Hostel Trends for Owners to Maximize Profits

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:56:00 +0000

As a hostel owner, you are always looking for ways to attract new guests and increase profits. Staying up-to-date on the latest hostel trends can help you do just that. Here are some key trends to consider as you plan for the year ahead.

Focus on Sustainability

Sustainability is a hot topic in the travel industry, and hostels are no exception. More and more travelers are looking for eco-friendly options, and hosting with a conscience can help you stand out in a crowded market. Consider implementing sustainability measures such as using energy-efficient appliances, offering reusable amenities like water bottles and towels, and promoting local and organic food options.

4 Tips for Parents Backpacking with Kids for the First Time

Tue, 31 May 2022 04:39:22 +0000

Is backpacking an activity that you feel passionate about and have engaged in for years, but up until this point haven’t taken the kids with you? There are several reasons you may have felt inclined to go about your backpacking adventures solo, but things change, and you may now be ready to bring them along and make it a family event. To help ensure all goes well, here are four tips for parents who will be backpacking with kids for the first time.

5 Best Things to Do in Ottawa in 2022

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 21:02:05 +0000

Apart from being the capital city, Ottawa, Canada, also offers some of the most amazing tourist attractions, world-class museums, and historical landmarks. It is a multicultural hub sitting on the southern bank of the Ottawa river. In this piece, we will talk about the five best things to do in Ottawa in 2022.

Before we move on, let us inform you that if you are a citizen of the United States, you need a valid US passport to fly to Ottawa. But if you are visiting by car, train, bus, or boat, all you need is proper identification and some basic requirements such as a passport card to enter the Canadian .

Canada to drop COVID-19 test requirement for border residents going to the U.S. for essential goods

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 23:30:34 +0000

With floods hitting the country, the government of Canada has decided to remove requirements of testing from its citizens, who are travelling for essential goods to the United States. This means that when they go to the U.S. and come back to Canada, they will not be required to show a negative COVID-19 test report. The essential goods include fundamental supplies including fuel.

Since the U.S. does not require the citizens of Canada to provide a negative test report, they can simply apply for a US visa and go for essential goods . If you wish to know more about the exemption of the requirements by the Canadian requirement, continue reading this article. We will share with you the reasons for the government’s decision along with the date when the exemption will be in force. Apart from this, we will also be discussing the requirement for being tested of Americans entering the nation of Canada. So, without any further delays, let us get started!

How Backpackers Can Prepare For Any Eventuality

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 01:59:40 +0000

As we well know, backpacking is an exciting, low-cost, and adventurous way to see the world. It gives us the freedom to explore that package deals and cruises just don’t. With just a backpack on your back and the spirit of adventure in your heart, what more could you need? The answer is, a few essentials to help you along the way. Traveling light brings with it a set of challenges that you should always be prepared for.

How to Pack Light for Fall and Winter Trips

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 01:56:15 +0000

Credit: Andrea Piacquadio ViaPexels

Packing light on summer trips is relatively easy. All you need are a few underwear essentials and little else in the way of clothing (t-shirts, shorts, a hat, etc.). With some quick Tetris-ing, everything can fit neatly within the confines of a backpack or carry-on suitcase.

Winter and fall, on the other hand, are different stories. Fall features notoriously fickle weather, ranging from sweat-inducing heats to bone-chilling lows. And winter is reliably cold, necessitating – at the very least – a light coat. These bulkier items can easily overrun a suitcase or bag.

How to Finance Your Next Backpacking Trip Using Rewards Points and Miles

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 13:20:51 +0000

Once the travel bug bites you, it typically stays with you forever. The incessant desire to travel and see and experience the world is always below the surface. The avid traveller knows this feeling. They also know that the most effective way to travel on a budget is to leverage reward credit cards and their reward points and miles programs.

You can even fully finance trips on nothing but rewards if you know how to choose the best credit card for you and your goals. It’s important to ask yourself some questions. What is it you are looking for? Flights? Accommodations? Cashback? How do you know which credit card is the best credit card for road trips ? Which is the best to earn free flights?

A Guide to Money and Costs in Canada

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 08:28:12 +0000

When planning an overseas trip, one of the principal considerations for travelers is how much money they will require. From accommodation and food to transport and entertainment, there are many elements to consider.

Luckily, vacations in Canada can be tailored to meet every budget. From low-cost guesthouses and inexpensive eateries to the most luxurious hotels and fine-dining experiences, Canada offers options for all kinds of tourists.

The information below gives an indication of how much money is needed to stay in Canada in addition to practical advice for exchanging currency and paying by card.

Where Are There Fjords in Canada?

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 01:15:18 +0000

When you hear the word “fjord”, you might think of Scandinavian countries like Norway, but Canada is also a great place to take in the beauty of these natural wonders.

A fjord is a long, narrow bay formed by the movement of a glacier over time. These immense sheets of ice slowly move downhill through valleys into the sea, and erode the ground beneath them until it is below sea level. Then, when the ice melts, the sea fills the valley, creating a narrow inlet flanked by steep sides or cliffs.

Unplanning a Trip – How to Be a More Spontaneous Backpacker

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 07:05:39 +0000

There’s nothing wrong with meticulously planning a trip. Especially if you’re a first-time traveller, or uncertain in a foreign country, a robust itinerary can act as a kind of safety blanket, allowing some modicum of agency in a disorienting place.

But for those who like to fly by the seat of their pants, spontaneous travel is a glorious thing. Surrendering yourself to chance and whim, you become totally free to go where you want, see what you want and change your plans on a moment’s notice, unburdened by the obligations of an itinerary.

Little known gems to see in Canada

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 23:50:43 +0000

With ten million square feet, it’s only natural to be confused about the best places to visit in Canada. Perhaps you have already been there and covered the most prominent parks, museums, and lakes. Although it’s the world’s second-largest country, Canada has some hidden spots across the country that deserve more exploration and acknowledgment. If you are looking to discover a new side of Canada you hadn’t seen before, these little known gems will be a sight to behold.

Best Places To Go Hiking in Canada

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 09:41:12 +0000

Canada is popular for a lot of reasons. It is a country known for its unyielding politeness, ice hockey, northern lights, and maple syrup. And while Canada can be all of these things, are you aware that this country also boasts of several hiking trails? If you’re looking for newer locations for your next hike, Canada should be on top of your bucket list. This country offers several hiking trails that you can’t experience in other parts of the globe.

Things To Keep In Mind Before You Visit Canada

Sun, 25 Aug 2019 04:58:22 +0000

Canada tourism can indeed be a wonderful idea for your next vacation. A place with high amount of diversity, Canada is where one can have immense fun and definitely a gala time at large. However, it is always a better option to learn about a place before visiting it. Therefore, we bring to you some important tips, which can turn out to be helpful for you if you plan to visit the land of Maples, that is, Canada.

5 Places in Canada to See with Your Kids

Thu, 09 May 2019 09:25:43 +0000

Kids grow up quickly, and you will want them to have many experiences such as traveling to many interesting places. And, there are a lot of Canadian attractions that your kids and that you will absolutely love. Now that the weather is warming up in Canada, you will want to make the most of the summer by visiting some of these fantastic Canadian attractions. Let’s check what those are right now.

A New You: How Your Life Changes After Living a Backpacking Lifestyle

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 09:37:54 +0000

There are people in the world who love to travel and do travel but there are also people who think they love to travel but always make up excuses as to why they don’t travel. Those excuse can range anywhere from being afraid of getting sick to them saying that they can’t afford it… Traveling is a great way to see the world and if people choose to not see the world that they think they love, then that’s their problem.

How to make travel part of your lifestyle

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 09:32:31 +0000

Traveling is one of the luxuries of life that many people feel isn’t accessible to them. This could be because they’re under the assumption that it is unreasonably expensive or because they can’t seem to find the time to do it. Whatever the case, you should know that both of those hurdles are ones that can be overcome with a little creative thinking and planning.

If traveling often is something you truly want to do, there are ways to make it your reality. In the following article, you’re going to find out how you can make travel a part of your lifestyle, from making it work around your current job to using it as a start point for a business.

Tip of the Week: Luggage Storage

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 03:42:58 +0000

There are going to be many times when your guests arrive earlier than check-in or are not planning on leaving the area until long after their checkout time. Instead of making your guests carry their luggage around with them all day, you should set aside a space to store their luggage until they need it.

Once you have this space, you can use one side for those who have arrived earlier than their check-in time and the other side for those who have checked out and are waiting until later to leave. You will want to make sure that their luggage is labeled well, and that you check every bag that a person removes to ensure that they are taking the right one.

Tip of the Week: Staff Training

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 03:40:11 +0000

You are only one person and there is no way that you can do everything that needs to be done to keep your hostel up and running by yourself. The only way that you will survive an endeavor like this is to hire staff and make sure that they are properly trained.

It will be necessary for you to tell your staff exactly what you expect of them and from them, as their way may not be what you envision for your hostel. The training is going to take some time, as every single person you hire will need to learn exactly what they should be doing and saying. However, after a while, they will be able to take care of the hostel as well as you can.

Tip of the Week: Replace the Living Room Television with a Record Player

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 03:37:51 +0000

It can be so easy for people to plop themselves down on a couch or chair to sit and watch cable television for hours on end. While that is fine to a certain extent, it is not going to get your guests engaged with each other at all!

You should consider taking the television out of your living room, or hiding it behind a closed cabinet, and replacing it with a record player. As your guests listen to music, they may engage in exciting music discussions or they may simply use the music as a backdrop to other lively conversations about what they did that day or their plans for the rest of their week.

Tip of the Week: Promote Hosteling in Your Community

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 03:34:38 +0000

Some people still think of hostels as run-down buildings that aren’t good for anything, which is why it is important to show your community how they have changed over the years. You should join your local Chamber of Commerce and attend local tourism events, so you can highlight the benefits of hostels for today’s travelers and the community that they are in. Spending time meeting with hotel associations is another good use of your time.

Tip of the Week: Consider Professional Cleaning

Mon, 24 Sep 2018 03:26:33 +0000

Running a hostel is not always easy, especially when it comes to the deep cleaning that needs to be done in between guests and throughout the year. To save yourself some time, which you can then utilize to communicate more with your guests and plan the future of your business, you should consider hiring a professional cleaning service. A professional cleaning service can keep your hostel looking beautiful all year long, so you never need to worry about dust, dirt, or other messes building up.

Tip of the Week: Planned Activities

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 03:23:07 +0000

A wonderful way to engage your guests is to plan weekly activities. If your hostel can support hosting these activities, it is a good idea to set up a weekly schedule that lists what is happening when. You can choose to keep these activities on the same days and times each week or rotate them around to keep things from becoming boring. You can even have some activities one week and others the next.

Tip of the Week: Lockers

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 03:22:23 +0000

Not every one of your guests will have things that they feel need to be locked up, but in this day of technological devices, lockers are an excellent option that many hostel guests love. These lockers can be used to lock up all types of personal belongings, including laptops, iPods, passports, money, and much more. Some of your guests may even try to lock up everything that they own inside them.

Tip of the Week: Local Night Out

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 03:20:09 +0000

There is nothing better than personally showing your guests the local sights and sounds of your area and the best time to do it is in the afternoon and evening. Those times will allow your guests to sleep in and relax in the morning before a fun filled day of activities. During the afternoon, you can show them local attractions, while in the evening, you can show them the exciting nightlife.

Tip of the Week: In-Hostel Laundry

Mon, 10 Sep 2018 03:17:57 +0000

Backpackers, and many of your other guests, will love it if you can manage to incorporate an in-hostel laundry area into your space. Not everyone loves traveling with a ton of clothing, especially towards the end of their trip when most of it is dirty and stinky, and a laundry area will give them the opportunity to get everything clean.

You can choose to provide this amenity for free, or you may want to choose to have your guests pay a small fee for every load that they do. Your guests will not mind either way, as it will keep them from searching for a laundromat on their own or going too far to do their laundry.

How to Start Your Successful Hostel in Canada

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 03:15:36 +0000

While there are already quite a few hostels in Canada, there isn’t any reason that another one will not be just as successful as the ones that are there right now. After all, hostels are becoming more mainstream while offering the comforts of home without the high price tag, and many travelers are choosing them over hotels.

Here are 9 steps to assist you in opening a successful hostel in Canada:

Tip of the Week: Offer Free Coffee and Tea

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 03:14:08 +0000

Every traveler looks forward to a hot cup of coffee or tea, whether it is when they arrive at their destination, when they get up in the morning, or when they come in from a day filled with adventures. While each one of your guests can bring their own coffee or tea to make or go out to purchase a cup from a nearby café or restaurant, they would prefer that it is it readily available where they stay.

Tip of the Week: Free Breakfast

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 03:13:16 +0000

All your guests will love the option of waking up to breakfast ready and waiting for them in the morning, especially if they do not need to pay for it! You can do this easily by having a theme every morning, instead of preparing numerous items every day of the week.

For example, on Sunday morning, you can serve pancakes and bacon, and on Monday you can serve scrambled eggs and sausage. You can even have a day or two when you have cereal available to eat instead of hot foods. You may also want to have fruit available every day as well as toast or bagels, because that is something that everyone can grab quickly if they need to leave early in the morning.

Tip of the Week: Find a Niche

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 03:09:48 +0000

Every hostel needs a niche, which is basically something that will make your hostel stand out from all the rest. This niche can be just about anything, but you may not want to make it too obscure or something that no one has any interest in.

A couple of good themes include:

A Natural Setting: This niche can focus on activities that involve nature and the great outdoors.
An Ocean Setting: This type of hostel can utilize oceanic décor while focusing on trips to beaches, aquariums, and more.
The Wild West Setting: Everyone has dreamt about playing cops and robbers at some point in their life or watched at least one western movie, so why not turn part of it into reality. You can create a rustic, yet comfortable, setting and offer activities that include horseback riding and panning for gold.

The possibilities for your niche are almost endless, you just need to use your imagination and see what you can create that will make your hostel first on everyone’s list.

Tip of the Week: Contact Local Tour Companies

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 03:04:21 +0000

Contacting the local tour companies in your area is a great way to find tour specials for all your guests. Many tour companies offer backpacker specials and other promotions throughout the year. You can ask the companies for promotional materials that you can display inside your hostel, so that all your guests know what is available. This will help the local tour companies to grow, and that may make it where all your guests receive even better deals from them in the future.

Compete with High End Hostels with These Simple Tips

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 02:57:17 +0000

If you want people to continue booking rooms at your hostel, you are going to need to offer the same amenities that all those high-end hostels are offering and maybe even a few more. Some of these amenities may cost you a little bit of money, but many of them will be negligible to your bottom line.

Here are 6 simple tips to help you compete with high-end hostels:

Serve Breakfast for Free

A simple or hearty breakfast will keep your guests returning time and time again, and they will tell all their friends and fellow travelers about your hostel as well. Not one of your guests will complain about a free meal that tastes and smells delicious.

Tip of the Week: Communicate with Hostels to Your East and West

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 02:55:19 +0000

It is common for backpackers to follow a trail when they are out traveling the country, and that trail through Canada mainly focuses on the hostels that they can reach while going from the east or west on that trail. One of the best ways to grow your hostel business is to communicate with all the hostels along the trail, because they can send travelers your way and you can do the same for them.

Tip of the Week: Clean Towels

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 02:50:03 +0000

Whenever a person is traveling, they do not think to take a towel or two with them. Choosing to provide towels to your guests will allow them the chance to shower throughout their stay without needing to venture out to the store to purchase one.

While many hostels provide towels at no charge, it is understandable if you want to charge a small fee. After all, towels have been known to disappear from hostels on occasion. Whatever you decide, you will want to make sure that the towels you are providing are of the highest quality and that you replace them often, so that they can still absorb water.

How Tour Companies Can Increase Their Income with Special Backpacker Packages

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 03:16:28 +0000

Tour companies are always looking for ways to increase their income and coordinating with hostels is an excellent place to start. Tour companies can begin by offering special backpacker packages to those who are staying at local hostels, campgrounds, hotels, and bed and breakfasts. Most hostels and other places are always willing to promote these packages, as it gives them something to place on their activity list and gives their guests something to do while they are there.

Tip of the Week: 5 Cheap Kitchen Items Backpackers Love to See in the Free Bin

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 02:39:04 +0000

Sometimes, it is all about the comforts of home, especially for backpackers who are traveling light. No backpacker minds going without a few of the comforts of home when necessary, but when it comes to the kitchen, a few free items will make their stay more enjoyable.

All backpackers love a nice hot cup of coffee or tea throughout the day, and while they can lug their own around or go purchase what they need, giving it to them for free is much better. You can set up a little area in the kitchen complete with a coffee pot, kettle, cups, spoons, coffee, and tea, and let all your guests know that it is there for their enjoyment.

How to Start A Successful Hostel in Canada

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 15:13:59 +0000

Here are 9 steps to assist you in opening a successful hostel in Canada:

Most Popular Jobs for Backpackers in Canada

Sun, 17 Sep 2017 23:03:30 +0000

If you were clever enough to sign up for a Working Holiday Visa in Canada, you’ll be glad to know that there are a ton of great jobs for backpackers in Canada. While they vary in difficulty and pay, breaking up long term travel with a couple of months of hard work get be just as rewarding. You’re bound to make friends, see a different side of Canada, and best of all, put away some money for future travels. You might even luck out and be able to build some experience for future jobs. Let’s check out some of the most popular jobs for foreigners and backpackers in Canada!

Entertainment Must Haves for Backpackers

Sat, 24 Jun 2017 11:17:09 +0000

Backpacking is one of the most rewarding and exciting ways to travel , but it also requires the ability to travel light and find ways of keeping yourself entertained in between sightseeing. Here are some tips on the best things to pack if you want to keep the weight down but also stave off boredom throughout your backpacking adventure.

Stash an E-Reader

Reading is a great activity if you’re stuck on a bus for long periods travelling or you want to enjoy some downtime when it’s no longer light enough to walk. But instead of lugging a paper book around with you, opt for an e-reader instead. This way, you can carry multiple books with you at once, the battery stays charged for a long period of time and it’s much lighter than a book. Also, many are back-lit so you won’t need to waste your headlamp battery for hours if you want to stay up reading.

The Canoe: An Icon of Canadian Culture

Fri, 28 Apr 2017 17:07:13 +0000

Canada would never have been fully explored without the help of the canoe. It’s a canadian icon, a hobby, a sport, and one of the most serene ways to travel. This ~30min documentary, published by Travel Ontario Canada , encapsulates the significance of this amazing tool. Dramatic visuals, superb audio. Kick back and get inspired to see Canada by canoe!

I stumbled upon this amazing Youtube video over at Road Stories . Be sure to check Glenn & Judy’s blog, they cover some amazing Canadian topics and are some of the nicest folks around. Salt of the earth types with a clear passion for Canadiana.

How to Start a Working Holiday in Canada

Sat, 15 Apr 2017 15:58:31 +0000

So you’ve made the leap! You planned in advance and signed up for a Working Holiday in Canada before leaving to start your journey. The Working Holiday Visa allows you to work for anywhere from 6 months to 2 years (with conditions), depending on which country you call home. Starting to get your new life in order in a brand new country can be daunting, even one as friendly as Canada. While the hardest part will involve deciding which province you’re going to set yourself up in, there are still other steps you’ll need to remember before you dive into your first job in Canada.

Bison reintroduced to Banff National Park [Video]

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 03:27:11 +0000

Special delivery! These bison have just found a new home. While bisons numbers have dwindled immensely in modern times, there has been an active campaign to help reintroduce bison in many of their ancient herding grounds. Parks Canada delievered 16 bison from Elk Island National Park to the remote Panther Valley in the famous Banff National Park.

This video shows the entire process. It reminds me a bit of that movie from the 90s, Operation Dumbo Drop, only more majestic. You can’t help but wonder what’s going through the bisons heads as they’re being lifted off.

Figure Skating On Top Of The World

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 03:43:42 +0000

Cool tunes, epic scenery, and some Yuri On Ice level figure skating. This very Canadian video features Elizabeth Putnam, a bronze-medalist and expert figure skater as well as Bradley Friesen, adventurist / helicopter pilot, and Youtube Star.

Watch this awesome video and get your winter groove on.

From the Video Creator:

Figure Skating On Top Of The World | Shot in 4k!

Big thanks to Elizabeth Putnam for trusting me and skating in this incredible place on top of the mountain. She was a total trooper, putting up with very cold conditions and constant requests of “Can you go do that again” even though she was freezing.

Canada Ranks #1 with Expats Living Abroad

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:23:31 +0000

Photo by Gary Scott

Catherine Faas at Holy Kaw summed it up well in her recent post. For those considering living and working abroad, you might want to have a second glance at Canada. The HSBC Expat Experience Survey recently named Canada as the best place in the world to be an expat.

The survey reported the highest overall increase in quality of life since landing in this frosty northern country. The HSBC Expat Experience polled over 3,000 expats around the world. The cherry on top? Canada was also voted number one country in quality of accommodation, with a whopping 68% of expats reporting their homes were better in Canada than in their own native country.

How to apply for a Canada Working Holiday Visa

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:17:23 +0000

For those considering working in Canada during their travels, the most important thing you’ll need is a Work Permit, otherwise known as a Working Holiday Visa. The process itself can be done by yourself, and you may be able to save some money in the process. However, if you want to kick back and just wait for the application to go through, there are several companies which can do that for you as well.

Environmental Jobs in Canada

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:17:14 +0000

Many people consider Canada a leader in Environmental preservation, although this is normally quite true statistically speaking, there is still lots of Eco-work out there for those willing to help.

Eco Canada has a great job board dedicated to Environmental Jobs. There are countless different areas one can apply for, anything from Lab Technicians and Biologists to Financial Analysts and Secretary’s. If you have the qualifications and want to work in a rewarding area, be sure to check them out.

Busk A Move – A Guide to Busking

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:42:09 +0000

Although busking can sometimes seem like begging, particularly if the busker is terrible at what he/she does, it normally is far from. It can be a great way to spend an afternoon in a city where there might not be much worth doing. So why not try and make enough to cover your accommodation, or at least a few drinks.

The first step to busking is to have “a thing you do”, that thing could be to juggle, play guitar, sing, play spoons or eat glass. Whatever it is, it may be enough to make it in the cutthroat industry that is busking. But before you grab a piece of cement and commence your busking attempts, lets go through the basics.

10 Things to Do In The Canadian Rocky Mountains

Mon, 25 May 2009 17:58:00 +0000

So you hightailed it to the Rocky Mountains, and now that you’re here you suddenly realize you don’t even know where to start. The options are pretty endless, but sometimes a nudge in the right direction is all one needs. Whether you’re after something scenic, something thrilling, or something familiar, The Rocky Mountains will be more than happy to quench your thirst.

1. Work In The Rocky Mountains

For those of you coming from overseas seeking work in Canada. The mountains are where the majority go. Typical jobs include Liftee, Cook, Customer Service Rep, Ski/Snowboard Instructor, Ski Patrol, Bartender, and Maid. Whether you’re from New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Korea, Japan or China, you’re likely to find someone who came from the same country as you.