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A pumpkin carving contest at the Keji Park near Caledonia, Nova Scotia ran from Oct. 8th to 11th 2010. Anyone who stayed at The Caledonia Country Hostel for the whole Thanksgiving weekend (three days) got one night free at the hostel. Additionally, if you stayed at least 2 days, you got 1 day admission to the park free. There is also shuttle service to the park as well as complementary bikes.

Below are photos of the 2009 event. Look for it next year. It's a beautiful place.

Feature of the Week (for over three weeks!) October Oct. 3rd to October 25th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Kip and Kaboodle Backpackers Hostel, on the main road, half way betwen Mahone Bay and Lunenburg Nova Scotia

"Kip & Kaboodle is a friendly little backpackers hostel in a quiet country setting located conveniently between Mahone Bay & Lunenburg - an area with a lot to offer! Mahone Bay is our closest town, and it is famous for its three postcard-perfect churches as well as its arts & crafts community. Lunenburg is 7km away and is the home of the famous Bluenose II as well as the Picton Castle, a square-rigged barque which has done four world voyages. Lunenburg is also a UNESCO World Heritage site - one of only two towns in North America to carry such a prestigious title. Close to beaches, hiking trails, art galleries & museums, wineries and much more."

Greg Inglis, your host (and a tour guide who has been providing tours throughout Nova Scotia for over 7 years), is always happy to sit down and chat in the evenings to help you plan out your trip to make sure you don't miss a thing while visiting this beautiful part of Canada.

The editors of Backpackers Hostels Canada wanted to draw your attention to a very funny page on the Kip and Kaboodle website called "Ridiculous rules we (mistakenly) assumed were totally unnecessary to state". For some comic relief (and certainly a little provocation of thought for travellers) please read through this page.

Hostel of the Week January 18th to 24th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Mo's at Five Islands

"A hostel, art gallery, used bookstore, community center and a café with a wood-fired pizza oven, Mo's is a place with an identity issue.

Mo’s is set in the small rural community of Five Islands on the shore of the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia. The Bay of Fundy is home of the highest tides in the world, rising up to 50 feet in some areas The area is calmly beautiful and offers hiking trails, waterfalls, crystals, fossils, rare stones, blueberry fields and abundant wildlife. Check out www.notsincemoses.com and www.fiveislandsretreat.com for information and pictures of the islands.

Mo’s is a historic general store refurbished now a place for the community to gather. Mo’s will host live music, art openings, open mics, yoga, softball games, workshops and discussion groups.

Five Islands Provincial Park is just down the road from Mo’s. The park has hiking trails and beautiful scenery overlooking the Five Islands. Sunsets are stunning. Ask about hiking the beach at low tide. Nearby Parrsboro offers local theatre, paragliding lessons, tai chi, a geology museum, music, sea kayaking in Advocate harbour and more.

Driving from Truro you must make a stop at the Masstown market to stock up on supplies.

We look forward to meeting you!"

Hostel of the Week, August 30th to September 5th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Yarmouth Backpackers Association

Yarmouth is an historic port town known for its lobster! Venture out of the city and see what the real Nova Scotia can offer ..... visit a lobster pound, choose your own lobster and eat at the beach, cycle to the lighthouse for a picnic and a dip in the Atlantic if you dare, join a walking tour to learn about our historic sea captains’ homes & our Acadian heritage. Enjoy local seafood at a price that won’t break the bank, lots of day cycling trips on relatively flat terrain and an 18 hole golf course (we have bikes you can rent and clubs you can borrow).

Yarmouth Backpackers is a small, friendly hostel, located right in town and just a short walk from the Trius bus drop off and the US ferry terminal. Close to the waterfront, museums, shops and restaurants and a short drive or bike ride to beaches & lakes for swimming. We offer clean and comfortable beds, kitchen facilities and BBQ, book swap, internet, outdoor deck and a large garden.

Hostel of the Week, May 3rd to May 10th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Digby Backpackers Inn

"Digby Backpackers Inn is your home away from home. We are located in the centre of Digby, on 168 Queen Street, close to oceanfront boardwalk, shops, Acadian bus stop and restaurants. We offer comfortable fully made beds, free use of towels, free wireless internet, and breakfast is in included in the price. Use our fully equipped kitchen, relax in our large living room, or enjoy the view of the fishing wharf from our comfortable balcony. We keep a stocked book shelf and board games.

Also, while in Digby, learn about Digby's abundant history at exciting local festivals and experience nature's wonders like world-class whale watching. Located right on the Bay of Fundy, experience the highest tides in the world and be amazed by natural wonders. The Digby Backpackers Inn is accessible to local tours, shuttles, and the local transit bus system. Check our website regularly for upcoming tours!”

Come to Digby and truly discover Nova Scotia!!

Hostel of the week, April 19th to 26th, 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada