| Every year, thousands of us load up our | | | | as well as internet access. Coupled with |
| backpacks and set off on our own little | | | | a friendly environment in which to meet |
| adventures across vast landscapes and | | | | others and share your backpacking |
| bustling city environments. | | | | experiences - one such establishment is |
| When we think of backpacking, the first | | | | the Beaver Lounge at their Vancouver |
| countries that usually spring to mind | | | | hostel. |
| are Australia and New Zealand. Indeed, | | | | With a lot of open wilderness north of |
| many do choose to head to the Southern | | | | the main cities, Canada is a fantastic |
| Hemisphere - mostly because of the | | | | destination if you're looking to hike, |
| climate, and in some cases the surf. | | | | bike or just generally experience |
| However, have you ever thought about | | | | nature. |
| backpacking through destinations in the | | | | Many hotels and hostels will be close to |
| northern hemisphere? If you're looking | | | | such trails - with some offering |
| to get away and explore vast | | | | excursions for a small fee. So you're |
| wildernesses dotted with hostels and | | | | more than likely going to find some kind |
| lively cities along the way, then Canada | | | | of trail or track - surrounded by |
| should be somewhere you consider. | | | | beautiful scenery - that's just begging |
| Many who backpack around North America | | | | to be explored, either on foot or by |
| normally try to include a trip north of | | | | bike. |
| the border as part of their backpacking | | | | It's advisable to bear climate in mind |
| experience. With a style of life similar | | | | when planning trips to Canada, for |
| to the USA and a mix of British and | | | | whilst summers can be warm and sunny, |
| French cultural traditions there's | | | | winters can be harsh - with some areas |
| something for everyone. | | | | becoming completely cut off in heavy |
| Whether you're looking to visit vibrant | | | | snow. But don't let that thought put you |
| cities which have bustling nightlife or | | | | off, as many of the hostels have |
| to experience the beauty of the scenery | | | | facilities available should the weather |
| - including the world famous Niagara | | | | turn a little unpredictable. |
| Falls - then it's worth considering a | | | | There are a number of ski resorts dotted |
| stopover in Canada as part of your trip. | | | | around the Rocky Mountain region, which |
| There are a wide variety of cheap hotels | | | | attracts thousands of winter sports |
| in Canada to choose from, and a number | | | | enthusiasts every year. For those |
| of companies around the country that can | | | | looking for an adrenaline rush during |
| help you find cheap and cheerful hostel | | | | their backpacking excursions, there are |
| accommodation during your journey. | | | | a wide range of activities available all |
| SameSun are an example of such a group, | | | | over the country - from sled dog runs to |
| with a range of hostels available across | | | | white water rafting. |
| Canada - from Vancouver to Banff | | | | So if you're stuck for a location for |
| National Park - which offer a warm place | | | | your next backpacking excursion, |
| to stay, great food, laundry facilities | | | | consider heading north for a change. |