The practice of hostelling was brought to Canada in 1933, but HI-Canada's mission is much the same today: to help make travel affordable and practical for everyone, especially young people -- making it possible for anyone to experience different cultures, languages and landscapes, and create enriching and life-long memories and friendships. Hostelling began in 1909 when German schoolteacher Richard Schirrmann started bringing his pupils on overnight learning excursions to the countryside. From there it grew into an organized movement aimed at helping students and youth experience the great outdoors and cities of the world. more... See more text