Your backpacking travel planner

Magnificent Hill Hostel, Highland Grove Ontario!

Magificent Hill Hostel is a place for anyone desiring relaxation in a beautiful country setting, or who actively wants to get in touch with nature and themselves in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable farm setting. Magnificent Hill is located just 20 minutes outside of Algonquin Park. The closest Greyhound Bus stops at Bancroft Ontario. You may call from Bancroft for shuttle pickup.

Magnificent Hill is operated by Lea Kitler with the help of her partner Dee Doiron. There’s so much to say about this treasure which they created, but check out their amazing website to see more about Magnificent Hill (as well as the videos and photos below). Incidentally, Dee is a professional photographer—her incredible photos can be found on www.dianedoiron.com.


Hostel of the Week, May 20th to May 25th 2008, June 29th to July 6th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

When my co-writer and photo- grapher husband Terry and I aren't on the road doing research, and therefore don't need to move hotels every night or two, we prefer to try a few hotels in a city and then spend the rest of the time in an apartment. If we're working on a city guidebook for big cities such as Buenos Aires or Amsterdam or Milan, then we might spend a couple of months or more holed up in a place, pounding the pavements most days, writing in the afternoons and evenings, then heading out at night to try restaurants and bars. Our aim during these stints is to live like locals and get to know the locals as much as we can so we can find those hidden gems only locals and expats know about. Mallorca has been no different, except, because the island is small, we've spent just a couple of weeks in the city of Palma, and the rest of the time on the road, driving around the island. We spent two weeks in this sprawling, rustic-chic apartment in a renovated historic building in the old city owned by a lovely man (a former fashion designer) who has as much character and charm as the atmospheric accommodation he rents out. I found the place on Owners Direct, an excellent site which (along with vrbo.com) I've used all over the world and absolutely love because there's no middle man. You can check them both out here. Is renting apartments something you do when travelling? And how often would you rent and why?

We've been renting an apartment in Palma's old town for the past two weeks - although we're about to head on the road again around Mallorca for five days of pick-ups of photos Terry couldn't get the first trip round due to cloudy weather. I love the streets of Palma's old city (pictured), especially at night, and I must admit I'm going to miss them, even though we've only had a short time here. While the old town lacks the buzz of other parts of Palma - there are very few restaurants in this area of the city, and just a few cafes and bars a couple of blocks away, it's the tranquility and moodiness of this part of the city that's so appealling.

Mallorca boasts some alluring mountain- top villages and towns that seem to tumble down the hillsides, such as Deia and Valldemossa (pictured). They have charming stone buildings, churches on the main square, and old men lingering at their favorite cafes. Valldemossa has the added attraction of a former Carthusian monastery that's famously known as the place where lovers Chopin and George Sand holed up for a few months, which Sand wrote about in incredible detail in her book "Winter in Majorca". You can visit their suite of 'cells' with gorgeous garden terraces and spectacular valley views. Deia has also been a favourite with writers and artists, and there you can visit the former home of poet Robert Graves, now a museum. It's also a very handsome place with equally stunning vistas from its windows. Surprisingly, the desks where Graves chose to write don't take advantage of them. The towns are undeniably touristy though, so there's no escaping the tacky souvenirs, tour groups and menus in four languages, but they're still enchanting and worth a visit all the same. The best way to avoid the crowds of course is to stay overnight when the tour groups have gone home and the moonlit streets are more tranquil.

If you've been following me on Twitter you would have read my comments about some of the stunning boutique hotels we've stayed at, including Son Brull, Reads, La Residencia, Esplendido, Portixol and Maricel among others. Generally, we've been very impressed and what has set these Mallorca hotels apart from the rest has been their stylish decor and attention to detail, luxurious amenities (including beautiful toiletries in most), superb restaurants, enormous swimming pools and spas, an array of facilities (Read's for instance has a bike room with over a dozen state-of-the-art bikes, from mountain bikes to road bikes, and all the gear that guests can borrow), hands-on managers, and attentive staff.

We still have some time left on Mallorca, and more hotels to test out, so I'll wait until the end of the trip to give you a full rundown of the island's best, with more detailed reviews. In the meantime, here's a pic of our Arabian Nights-inspired suite at Reads, which features Moroccan furnishings and carpets the owners picked up on a trip there. One of the things I loved about Reads was the individually decorated rooms (no two are the same) and the idiosyncratic character of the property - the result of an eclectic decor that has developed over the years as the owners have gathered intriguing objects. While the building is grand, the decor is elegant and occasionally whimsical, and wandering about the rooms is as much fun as exploring a fascinating museum. More on Reads and Mallorca's other wonderful properties soon.

As we've been on the road in Mallorca working - Terry has had a massive photo shoot and I've been updating a book - with long, busy days and no time for anything else but work, I haven't had time to blog. However, a reader has asked that I post some photos instead. So here goes, a series of pretty pictures from Mallorca (mine of course, not Terry's), that I'll call 'postcards' accompanied by shorter posts than I usually write...

There's no denying that PORTOCRISTO on the east coast of Mallorca is incredibly touristy, however, I couldn't resist including a pic of the place because the bay is so beautiful, surrounded by low cliffs, with floating pontoons you can drive from, and the sandy beach looked striking with the umbrellas lined up in rows. It was a scorching hot day as you can detect from the shadows on the sand. Unfortunately, due to Terry's tight shooting schedule and the fact I didn't have any sights, hotels or restaurants to check for my book, we spent a whole half an hour here...

University of Calgary Hotel and Conference Services!

Backpackers Hostels Canada includes dozens of University and College residences and conference centres across Canada in its membership as well as backpacker hostels. One of the newest Conference Services members is the University of Calgary Hotel and Conference Services.

"University of Calgary Hotel & Conference Services at the University of Calgary is committed to providing guests with quality accommodations, unique meeting facilities and exceptional customer service.

May through August, Summer Housing offers guests accommodation in Traditional Dormitory Style Rooms in the student residences. Summer Housing is open to all – there is no need to be part of a group or be affiliated with the University of Calgary. Summer Housing is perfect for the budget conscious traveler who does not wish to compromise on quality or comfort"

Hostel of the Week, June 21st to June 28th 2009
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

We're on the road in Mallorca, Spain, right now. I'm updating a guidebook and Terry is shooting images for several guidebooks. Unfortunately we're way too busy to post to our blogs. But I am twittering, so come and drop by at twitter.com/laradunston and say hi. Terry (who has finally caught the twitter bug) is also tweeting at twitter.com/terencecarter. I have lots that I want to share with you, from our favorite beauty spots around Mallorca to my mixed feelings on the island's development (is this Europe's most globalised place?) to Mallorca's best boutique hotels and the challenges we've faced finding "authentic" (yes, I know it's a loaded term) Mallorcan eateries. But, frustratingly, I just don't have time at the moment. Okay, I will share something: we've stayed in some truly stunning boutique hotel properties. And they have been so very good that I now think Mallorca's chic accommodation comprises some of the world's best sleeps. I'll tell you why in a future post, but in the meantime... my favourites (not necessarily in this order): Son Brull, Reads, Esplendido, La Residencia, Portixol, Maricel, and Ca Xorc. Check them out. Oh, the picture? That's the view from our room at Esplendido at Port de Soller. Sublime, isn't it?

I almost forgot to tell you... as my regular Cool Travel Guide readers know, we spent a lot of time in Italy last year researching and photographing first editions of new travel guidebooks, starting with a month in Calabria, then a month in Milan, followed by more than a month in the Italian Lakes region and Northern Italy. Our Calabria book written for the Thomas Cook Travellers series hit the shelves in late April (see this post), and our Northern Italy book for the same series will be released in a couple of weeks (you can buy it here). While we're proud of all of our Italian books - Terry shot beautiful photos for them and we put a lot of work into researching and writing them, a book that we're especially proud of (it took even more blood, sweat and tears during particularly challenging circumstances), is our book released last month on the Italian Lakes, including Milan and Po Valley Towns, which we wrote for Footprint's new Italia series. Do have a flick through them when you're next in a bookshop. And don't hesitate to let me know if you ever need tips on travel in Italy.

As I don't have time to blog at the moment (read why here), feel free to check out our latest writing in print and online. This month in J Mag, Jazeera Airways' in-flight magazine, you can read about walking tours with shepherds, learning to make traditional bread with a village baker, and some of the other rustic activities being offered by Northern Cyprus' first eco-village in our story 'Village People' (online version here). The same issue also features 'Where to Stay: Antalya', my overview of the best hotels in one of Turkey's most agreeable cities. We spent just over two and a half months in Turkey last year writing, including six weeks in Antalya last year renting an apartment in a restored Ottoman house in the old city. The Northern Cyprus story was researched during a trip to Cyprus (we flew to Antalya from Northern Cyprus) to update a few books and write a first edition Cyprus guide for AA Publishing. Online, you can take a look at our piece on Adelaide: Australia's most underrated city, on Viator, which is one of our final posts on a series we wrote while Down Under working on books and stories: see the full series here. The pic? That's the idyllic setting for the walks with the local shepherd that we write about in the Northern Cyprus story. Tempted?

The city of Prague has become an increasingly popular European backpacking destination over the last decade or so. Its reputation as a party city is well deserved, with its nightlife second to none in Eastern/Central Europe and its numerous and ample hostels offer an easy way for backpackers to crash after a heavy session at very reasonable prices. Check out your options online then you can pre-book to ensure you have somewhere to sleep upon arrival – although with clubs like this you may not get much sleep!

Drinking out in Prague’s bars and clubs, while significantly more expensive than in previous years remains extremely good value (compared to the UK anyway) with bars away from the city centre being particularly cheap at around £1 per pint. However, the more popular and touristy location of Wenceslas Square has more upmarket bars and restaurants that while are generally fantastic places to visit can be a little more pricy. Don’t let this put you off however as this is very much party central for any backpacker. This area of town also features the famous centrepiece statue of St. Wenceslas: Duke of Bohemia in all his glory.

Another extremely popular nightspot for European and American backpackers is the famous 5 story club in Prague: The Karlovy Lazne - which is located extremely close to the town’s well known Charles Bridge. The club as you can imagine is very big (indeed, to my knowledge this is the biggest club in the whole of Prague which is an achievement in itself although it also claims to be the biggest in central Europe) – and with 5 floors to choose from you are bound to find some music to suit your taste and hang out with some cool people. This club seems to be pretty popular with both tourists and locals alike and with so much choice, a very relaxed dress code, the sheer volume of people (at weekends in particular) and good value drinks on offer its understandable why. At the end of the night if you are feeling hungry why not check out a delicious hotdog on your way out! As always, if you have any travel questions about my trips in europe please email me.

That was the salutation I saw on at least a dozen emails from hotels and PRs on the Balearic island of Mallorca, Spain (also known as Majorca) while I was organizing our current trip, one in which my husband/co-author Terry is shooting thousands of images for several guidebooks and I'm updating one guidebook. Yet during the first couple of days here the skies were grey and cloudy, ruining the possibility of Terry getting good shots in the south and east coast, while yesterday the south-west coast, the last leg of our road trip, was hazy from the high humidity. The days in between were just gorgeous though, although sweltering hot, reminding us of Dubai. We've now finished the main road trip, although we'll have a few more days of pick-ups to do, and are in Palma in an apartment we're renting for a couple of weeks. As I'm busy writing now, there's no time for blogging today - which is frustrating because there's so much I want to share with you, including our stopover in Singapore, our latest news from Dubai, the Venice Biennale, and of course I have so much to tell you about Mallorca. But for now, I'm just going to have to share this vista of sunny Mallorca.

Pacific Spirit Hostel at UBC, Vancouver

Available May 15 to August 15, Pacific Spirit Hostel at the University of British Columbia is the best budget accommodation for travelers in Vancouver.A Located at the beautiful UBC campus on Vancouver's west side, surrounded by parks and beaches, the Pacific Spirit Hostel offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities.

The Pacific Spirit Hostel at UBC offers a unique setting, with easy access to campus amenities, affordable pubs and restaurants, recreational facilities and many attractions such as the Museum of Anthropology, UBC Botanical Gardens, University Golf Club and the UBC Aquatic Centre.

All guest rooms are private singles or twins. They are quiet and clean. Floor lounges are available for our in-house guests to unwind and relax; they are equipped with TVs, microwaves, sinks, fridges and sofas. High speed Internet, laundry facilities and parking are available on site. UBC is easily accessible by public transit. A We have the second largest bus network after downtown Vancouver, offering 17 different bus routes connecting our community and guests to virtually anywhere in the Lower Mainland.

Our private single rooms start at $33 (bed linen included). Reserve your room at Pacific Spirit Hostel online.

Hostel of the week, June 15th to 21st 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Ontario Northland Railway, featuring the Polar Bear Express and the Dream Catcher Express.

"Experience Northern Ontario by Rail.

The Ontario Northland Railway has been providing a comfortable and reliable transportation option for people travelling between Moosonee and Toronto for over one hundred years. As well, Ontario Northland offers two beautiful rail excursions, affording travellers unique opportunities to experience Northern Ontario like never before, all in true Canadian fashion.

The Polar Bear Express glides through the scenic Boreal forest, connecting passengers with Aboriginal culture and breathtaking northern landscapes. This history-rich rail adventure travels from Cochrane to Moosonee, located on the remote coast of James Bay, through some of Ontario's most pristine and spectacular wilderness. A uniquely designed Canoe Car is even available to transport canoes and kayaks by express rail freight. But more than just an excursion, The Polar Bear Express serves as a vital link for the coastal communities of Moosonee and Moose Factory to Cochrane, and is one of North America's last remaining "flag stop" train services.

The Dream Catcher Express is the second pleasure trip offered by the Ontario Northland Railway. A captivating one-day fall train excursion, The Dream Catcher departs from North Bay, and travels to the picturesque community of Temagami, Ontario. Passengers can enjoy the brilliant fall colours through large viewing windows in the comfort of their car or from the Dome Car for a more panoramic viewing experience. "

Consider experiencing the Dream Catcher Express while staying at the Nipissing University Residence and Conference Services!

Feature of the Week, June 1st to June 8th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Melbourne, Singapore, Dubai, Venice... we've been doing some intensive globe-trekking these last weeks. It's this kind of constant travel that causes us to wince when people say they envy our lifestyle - while it might be fine if you're on holidays, it can be hell when you're on a gruelling work schedule. First it was Melbourne to Singapore for a couple of nights for meetings about future projects and camera-/tech-shopping (for Terry), then Dubai to catch up with friends, review Pierre Gagnaire's Reflets for Gulf Life (Gulf Air's in-flight magazine), check our mail and run some errands. From there it was Venice as guests of the UAE Pavilion (it was their first year here) for the preview days of the Biennale and to work on some food-driven travel stories. And tomorrow it's off to Mallorca for a month where Terry has a huge photo commission and I'm updating a book, and work begins from the moment the plane touches down. But who's going to listen to a travel writer complain, right? I'll update you in more detail as soon as I can.

Spruce Lake Backpackers Lodge

"There is no better way to experience the 5 Star Wilderness of the South Chilcotin Mountains. In the remote wilderness of the South Chilcotin Mountains, tucked away in the southwest corner of British Columbia. Stars sprinkle the vast night sky as far as the eye can see and towering mountain ranges and the surrounding scenery are never ending. Travel ancient game trails, hear the rush of glacial fed rivers, and see a spectacular array of colour across miles of wild flowering meadows. Experience it for yourself!

While our Ranch is easily reached by vehicle, access to the pristine wilderness of our guide territory is by foot, horse or float plane only. Its remoteness helps preserve the outstanding quality of wilderness. Unlike the granite Coast Ranges to the south, our Chilcotin Mountains have rounded tops and broad U-shaped valleys. The glaciated shale terrain makes summitting challenging yet obtainable, no matter what your method of travel."

Hostel of the Week, June 1st to June 7th, 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Backpacker Hostels Canada maps!

We've finally got our 2009 maps out thanks to a number of sponsors. The maps are a nice way of locating hostels and their contact information on a nice and shiny yet light-weight paper.

The maps will be found at every hostel in the BHC network while supplies last, especially the map of Canada, listing all BHC hostels in Canada, as the other (regional) maps will be printed in fewer quantity. The 2009 BHC maps include the Map of Canada, and maps of Western Canada, Central Canada, and Eastern Canada (shown below).

Incidentally, the 2009 hostel booklet is also out of publishing. Besides listing all of the hostels in Canada, and their contact information, the booklet contains discount coupons offering two dollars off of one night's stay at over 90 participating hostels. The hostels participating are denoted in the booklet by a little polar bear beside the booklet listing. There is also a space provided beside each listing so that you can get your booklet rubber-stamped at each hostel you stay at.

Feature of the week, May 26th to June 1st 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada