The Cona Hostel, Vancouver Island, Courtenay BC

The Cona Hostel, aptly named with Strathcona Park outside its back door, is situated in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. There is no shortage of activities for travelers to enjoy in Courtenay. The Cona Hostel endeavours to provide clean, secure accommodation for the budget-minded traveler in a fun and exciting atmosphere.

The hostel is located downtown Courtenay in a newly renovated heritage building with great views overlooking the Courtenay River and Lewis Park. Also nearby are outdoor swimming pools, the Courtenay River Walkway, Kayak rentals, Mountain bike shop, the Sid Williams Live Theatre, art galleries, and live music, as well as the farmer's market and downtown shops and cafes. You can also go mountain biking down nearby Mt. Washington or experience the crystal clear water of Horne Lake Caves! ...or just relax on a hammock or hang out by the river on the hostels new deck!

Some of the hostel amenities include a BBQ, board games, fooseball, tv/dvd, wireless internet, secure bike and board lock-up, free pancakes on weekends.

The owners of the Cona Hostel also operate the “Cona Shuttle and Tours Ltd” and are well informed about the area, striving to do their best to make a guest's stay a great experience! Groups and families are welcome. Phone to inquire: 1 (877) 490-CONA, (250) 331-0991.

"Supporting the Journey -- The Cona Hostel"

Hostel of the week, November 23rd to 29th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Dreamcatcher Hostel, Golden BC

The Dreamcatcher Hostel is conveniently located in downtown Golden and within easy walking distance from pubs, restaurants, grocery shops, outdoor shops, clothing stores, banks, mountain bike rental, a book store and several adventure companies. Golden is perfectly placed to explore the very best of the Rockies without the crowds and inflated prices. Take a walk along the riverside paths and enjoy the friendly community.

In creating Dreamcatcher Hostel, Gerald Wagner & Abi Marsh wanted to provide a haven for weary travellers and a base for outdoor adventurers; somewhere to kick back and relax, meet like-minded individuals and travel on refreshed and renewed. The hostel prides itself on having fantastically comfortable beds with real mattresses and down duvets.

There are plenty of splendid sights within a half hour’s drive, including the Wolf Centre (to see and learn about wolves), and Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (where you can take a gondola up the mountain to visit Boo, the resident grizzly bear!). Eat dinner at the highest restaurant in North America, the Eagles Eye and drink in the fabulous views, or hike up to Thompson Falls, or visit Mount Seven to watch the paragliders jump, admire the far-reaching views of mountains and valleys or hike to the peak. Golden also has outdoor swimming pools and children's spray parks.

A staggering variety of outdoor activities are available for you: mountain biking, snowboarding, para-gliding, hiking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, quadding, snow-mobiling, back country skiing, fishing, horse riding. Your stay is sure to be action packed and exciting.

"Welcome to Dreamcatcher Hostel, where all guests leave as friends. We will be your home away from home during your stay in Golden!

Hostel of the week, November 14th to 23rd 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Song of Ruth House, Chilliwack BC

The Song of Ruth House is an adults-only house, operated like a hostel. It represents freedom away from Vancouver traffic! Song of Ruth House is 90 minutes closer to southern BC sites! Chilliwack is a farming town circled by volcanoes, rivers, lakes! Two short-term furnished room rentals are available: The Waikiki Room and The Molokai Room. The House is in a nice family area in northern Chilliwack, near downtown shops and the bus centre.

The house enjoys a policy of peace-and-quiet, with Quiet Hours after 10 pm. You will get a good night's sleep.

Hostel of the week, Nov. 7th to 16th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Fernie Job Fair, Fernie BC

Stay at the Raging Elk, in Fernie BC while attending the Fernie Job Fair on November 5th 2010.

Drop into the Fernie Job Fair at the Fernie Community Centre on November 5th between 10am and 3pm. Find seaonal and year round job opportunities in hospitality, tourism, retail, industry, and construction.

Work in Fernie: Start making an income before the snow starts to fall! For more information call the Raging Elk at 1-(250) 423-6811, or email bookings@ragingelk.com, or email "Jobs in Fernie" at info@jobsinfernie.com

Feature of the week: Nov. 1st to 7th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada