Backpacking (touring) Canada

Hi There,

I am a native British Columbian who has never really had the chance to
experience the rest of Canada and even most of this great province. I would
really like to Backpack Canada, the same sort of way Canadians backpack
Australia, Europe et al. I think that it would be a great experience to use
the hostel network and meet others who are doing the same thing.

I am looking for others who have done this, and stories/advice that they
might have. Does anyone have 'must see'
attractions? This includes both wilderness and urban items. I am planning
on doing this in Mid-September to late October, so weather will start to
become a concern. Are there any highly recommended hostels in each province?
How late in the year do some of these hostels operate? Does anyone acutally
stop in Saskatchewan?

Knowing how BIG Canada is, and how terrible Via Rail is, I think that I will
probably take my car. This could be ok, because I meet up with others, they
can ride along.

I live in Nanaimo, BC and know the Island really well, and I have done some
of the better hikes on it! But I have never actually stayed in a hostel, and
wouldn't mind meeting people who have. I wouldn't be against suggestions
regarding Vancouver Island as well.

Any stories, advice and/or ideas would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

Steen
hand of avatar.RemoveThis@hotmail.com (replace spaces with '_' to email me)