Surf's Inn Hostel, Ucluelet, BC!

Talk to a past guest from Surf's Inn and they'll either recommend the hostel to you or say that they intend to stay there next time they go back to Ucluelet. The hostel prides itself on being surf focused: they offer extremely competitive surf packages to guests and offer discounts on surf gear. The hostel isn't just about surfing though - Surf's Inn is located within a 5 min walk to Ucluelet's mini aquarium and is a great jumping off point for local hikes. Staying at Surf's Inn you'll feel right at home - the funky decor, laid back atmosphere, friendly staff and well equipped kitchen all make for a great stay. Dorm bed prices start from $22. 

Here are just a few more reasons to visit Surf's Inn:

• A great place for exploring the many things that Ucluelet has to offer. Activities in Ucluelet
• Full tour desk
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff
• Custom built accommodation, 'the house on the hill'
• Clean, bright, cosy and warm accommodation
• Free wifi
• Garden and BBQ area
• Free massive lockers
• Free parking

To find out more and to book your next trip visit their website! http://www.surfsinn.ca/

City of the Week, December 12th to December 19th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Toronto, Ontario!

Toronto is a city made up from different countries. Within the city you will find Chinatown, Little Italy, Koreatown, Little India, Little Portugal....and there are more. In each you can find a great selection of national dishes at reasonable prices. Toronto is not all about food though; this is a city that thrives on bar culture. The city plays host to a mix of fancier bars (King Street), hipster bars (Ossington/Dundas Street West), pubs (Queen Street) and dive bars dotted around the city. A great must do activity is to visit one of the breweries in the city: Amsterdam and Steamwhistle both offer brewery tours. Bellswood Brewery in Ossington also has a great selection of microbrews if that is more your scene. 

No trip to Toronto would be complete without a visit to the CN tower. If you do want to go up and enjoy a splendid view of the city then definitely consider a meal package. This includes a four course meal in the revolving restaurant at the top as well as the cost of trip up. You even get to skip most of the queues. Other top attractions are St. Lawrence market (an indoor market with some of the best peameal bacon sandwiches in town) and Kensington market. This up-and-coming outdoor market has regular pedestrian only days in Summer, giving the place the feeling of a street festival. Toronto has an international airport and a cheap and easy transport link to the city. It is an easy bus ride to Ottawa (6 hours) and Montreal (4 hours) and only 12 hours to NY. Check out Greyhound.ca for deals.

To find out more and to book your next trip visit their website! http://www.seetorontonow.com/

City of the Week, November 25th to December 11th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Hostelo Montreal, Quebec!

Hostelo thrives on being a social hostel. This means personally taking guests out and showing them a good time, putting on big events and introducing guests to our favourite spots in Montreal. They love creating unique experiences for guests which tie in to the different seasons in Montreal: from the Jazz Fest and BBQs on their patio in Summer, and fondue parties and marshmallow roasting nights in Winter. You can check out what to expect in the hostel before you arrive on their blog and other social media channels. Guests are saying that they love the atmosphere and the fact that events are organised every night. The mix of international staff and Canadians, and young staff gives the hostel a young energy. They love to go out most nights, party and have fun! 

Hostelo Montreal is centrally located in the Latin Quarter and is in walking distance to one of the main metro stations in Montreal, Berri-UQAM. They're also a walk away from most of the big attractions of Montreal such as Plateau Mont Royal, St. Laurent street, St. Denis street, St. Catherine street, the old port and the gay village. Dorm beds start from $15 a night. 

Here are just a few more reasons to visit Hostelo:

• 24/7 reception
• Free pancake breakfast
• Free wifi
• Free towels
• Free lockers
• Separate girls dorms

To find out more and to book your next trip visit their website! http://hostelomontreal.com/

Hostel of the Week, November 12th to November 18th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Pleasant View Hostel in Hatfield, New Brunswick!

Take a step into Pleasant View Hostel and you'll feel like you've been transported back in time. Set in an old Riverboat Inn, the hostel remains looking as it was in the Fifties. With a nice homely atmosphere you'll be made to feel like part of the family by your hosts including free access to their homegrown raspberries! Located next to a bay you'll be in the perfect location to start your adventures - you can even grab some kayaks or even a sailboat (yup, you read that right!) from the hostel! Remember to bring your walking boots as well as the Dorm rooms start at $25 per night. 

Here are just a few reasons to visit Pleasant View Hostel:

• Great location right next to the bay and equipment provided by the hostel
• Verandah with hammocks and rocking chairs to chill out on after a hard day of exploring
• Free light breakfast
• Free wifi through the hostel
• 4 star cooking facilities....though it depends on your cooking ability! Includes dishwasher
• Event facilities available
• Can accommodate different types of groups, just contact them for special requirements

To find out more and to book your next trip visit their website! http://www.pleasant-view.ca/

Hostel of the Week, November 5th to November 11th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Dreamcatcher Hostel, Golden, BC!

Look at reviews for Dreamcatcher Hostel and you'll see the same things coming up again and again: "best hostel ever", "clean", "comfortable", "cosy". The hostel was set up by a pair of travellers who met in China and have come back to make their home next to the Rockies. Gerald and Abi live in the hostel with their two dogs so you can't help but feel at home. The kitchen even has everything you need for all you cooks out their looking to settle in! The hostel is perfectly situated between 6 national parks (Banff, Glacier, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay & Mount Revelstoke) and once you've finished exploring you've got some super comfy mattresses to look forward to! Dorm beds start at $33.60. 

Here are just a few reasons to visit Dreamcatcher Hostel:

• Right next to the Rockies and national parks
• Great homely environment where you're made to feel at home
• Clean facilities
• Discounts for local businesses
• Free hot drinks
• Free wifi
• Free large car park

To find out more and to book your next trip visit their website! http://www.dreamcatcherhostel.com/

Hostel of the Week, October 29th to November 4th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Ottawa, Ontario!

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and is well known for its politics and museums. But once you've visited the Parliament and a couple of their many museums what else is there to do in the city? Lots!! You can chill out in one of the cool coffee shops in Chinatown, enjoy a sconewich at the aptly titled Scone Witch or sample a beer at the newly opened Centretown Brewery. Backpackers are well catered for with 3 hostels in town meeting a variety of price ranges. The cheapest dorms start from $27. 

Here are just a few reasons to visit Ottawa:

• A chance to learn more about Canada's history at both the Parliament and the Canadian Museum of History
• Easy to reach from both Toronto (5 hours by bus) and Montreal (2 hours by bus)
• It's a very walkable city with a small town feel
• Lots of live local music on offer, much of which can be found on Ottawashowbox.com or apt613.ca
• Full calendar of festival events including Bluesfest, Ribfest and Poutinefest!
• Great variety of beers to sample, breweries in Ontario are well known in the country!

To find out more visit the city's website! http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/

City of the Week, October 21st to October 27th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Auberge Alternative de Vieux Montreal, Quebec!

The focus of Auberge Alternative de Vieux Montreal is about creating a great stay in creative surroundings. The hostel actively invites artists to display their work in the hostel. More over you'll notice custom designed posters and beds in the hostel. The hostel itself is large and spacious and located in the European styled Old Quarter of the city. Dorms start from $27. 

Here are just a few reasons to stay at Auberge Alternative de Vieux Montreal:

• Great price for the location
• Large kitchen and common area with free coffee and spices
• Quirky, creative environment to meet like minded individuals
• Friendly and knowledgeable staff
• Close to the subway
• Free wifi

To find out more and to book your next trip visit their website! http://www.auberge-alternative.qc.ca/

Hostel of the Week, October 15th to October 21st 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Samesun Backpackers Lodge Kelowna, BC!

People who stay at the Samesun Kelowna say it has everything you need...which is hardly surprising since it's Canada's first custom built hostel! Amuse yourself on Okanagan Lake in Summer, on the mountains in Winter or in the hostel anytime. They've got foosball, ping pong, a BBQ...and even a hot tub! You'll make plenty of friends in the hostel and out with the activities they organise every single night. Dorms start from $24. 

Here are just a few reasons to stay at Samesun Kelowna:

• Prime location - close to the beach and downtown
• Large kitchen and common areas to meet other travellers
• Regular activities including pub crawls and boat parties
• Free breakfast :)
• Free wifi and coffee machine

Find out more and book your next trip on their website! http://samesun.com/backpackers-hostels/kelowna/

Hostel of the Week, October 8th to October 15th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

The Hostel Bear, Canmore, Alberta!

It's almost time for ski season so why not start planning your accommodation now? The Hostel Bear, Canmore is ideally located next to the Rockies for all you skiiers out there. Their big comfy, leather couches and gas fire are also great after a day of -30 temperatures. And the local Grizzly Paw beer they have on draft aint that bad either. Prices are inexpensive versus other accommodation it area. Dorm beds start at $35 per night. 

Here are just a few reasons to stay at The Hostel Bear:

• Great location to explore and ski the Rockies
• Comfortable and warm lounge and games room to meet other travellers
• Ambient heated flooring
• Discounts from local merchants
• Free wifi, coffee and tea
• Free parking

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: http://www.thehostelbear.com/

Hostel of the Week, October 1st to October 7th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Win a Whistler Blackcomb getaway!

Wanna ski in Whistler Blackcomb but you're on a backpacker budget? VPO and Icebreaker are proud to present a competition which will help you do exactly that! All you need to do is click on the link for your chance to win. You can also enter as many times as you want. Good luck! Click here to enter!

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Hedley Inn & Hostel in Hedley, BC!

When you step into Hedley it feels like you've been transported to the old Wild West. The town itself very much as an old style feel to it and one of the main attractions there is the old mine. Hedley Inn & Hostel does not go against this Wild West look with an exterior which is very much inkeeping with the rest of the town. Inside you'll find comfortable accommodation (including inbuilt wooden bunks in the dorms) at an affordable price. The management are extremely knowledgeable about the area. Before you go out to explore though remember to try some of the great baking downstairs, the carrot cake is a must! Dorms start from $29 plus tax (2 person booking minimum) 

Here are just a few reasons to stay at Hedley Inn & Hostel:

• Great location to explore Similkameen river valley
• Common room with TV and DVD collection
• Premium mattresses, pillows and linens
• Free wifi, coffee and tea
• Easily accessible by bus, the greyhound bus station is right next to the hostel

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: http://www.hedleyinn.ca/

Hostel of the Week, September 9th to September 16th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Norris Point International Hostel, Newfoundland!

You've stayed in a jail. You've stayed in a lighthouse. You've stayed in an old school house. But have you ever stayed in a hospital? Norris Point International Hostel gives you the chance to do exactly that. Guests have commented on how unique this accommodation so why not check it out yourself? If you are looking for budget accommodation to stay in Gros Morne National Park then this is your place to stay. There are options of a dorm room (in an old hospital ward), doubles or privates. Email the hostel directly for rates. 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Norris Point International Hostel:

• Great location to explore Gros Morne National Park
• Common room and communal to meet other guests
• Free towel and linen
• Give something back to the community, the hostel is run and owned by Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: http://www.norrispoint.ca/files/BonneBayHostel.pdf

Hostel of the Week, September 2nd to September 9th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Charlottetown Backpackers Inn in Charlottetown, PEI!

Charlottetown Backpackers Inn is the only place to stay if you're in Charlottetown. This was the third stop in my tour of East Canada and I felt instantly at home here. Within 5 mins I'd already been invited out to a staff dinner and felt super welcome. The place is awesome too. Rooms are clean, beds are comfy and the common room is a great place to sit, watch a video (yup they still have videos in circulation) and meet new friends. They've also got a secondary common room with a million records and a pool table if you're looking for a bit of a change. Make sure to get up for breakfast - Levi's chocolate and banana cake is legendary. Dorm rooms start from $32 for non-HI members. 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Charlottetown Backpackers Inn:

• Instantly welcoming and a great place to explore PEI from
• Enjoy regular impromptu activities with the staff including music trivia night (try it, you'll love it!)
• Clean comfortable rooms
• Free breakfast including banana cake, fruit, bread and coffee
• Free wifi
• Great communal areas for meeting people including two common rooms and an outside seating area Extremely comfy beds!
• Super friendly staff and an extra friendly owner (Levi, you'll hear a story or two)
• A place to make new friends

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: http://www.charlottetownbackpackers.com/

Hostel of the Week, August 27th to September 2nd 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Bear on the Lake in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia!

The second stop on my trip out east was Cape Breton. An absolutely picturesque place with a great hostel to go with! I stayed at Bear on the Lake - a place I had previously researched for this bog and had a desire to visit. I was not disappointed. During my short stay the staff became like family with one of the girls even making me a sandwich before a day trip. I made the most of my time there going on a trek, playing Twister (multiple times), mastered Jenga and sat round a bonfire exchanging jokes. I even had time to take in the stunning view from the hostel. Bear on the Lake is great if you're looking for a place to relax after hiking the Cabot Trail and you WILL find yourself getting involved in the community atmosphere! Dorms start from $32 (without an HI membership). 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Bear on the Lake:

• Great homely atmosphere, the hostel is like a big family house
• Stunning view
• Friendly, welcoming staff who will do their best to make you feel like part of the family
• Ideal place for exploring all the wildlife and treks the area has to offer, a car makes this easier though teaming up with another guest or hitchhiking are also options
• Pick up from the nearest town, though this should be pre-arranged!
• Extremely comfy beds!
• Massive common room with games on offer and a bonfire for socialising later in the evening
• Free coffee and wifi

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: http://bearonthelake.com/

Hostel of the Week, August 19th to August 26th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Halifax Backpackers Inn, Halifax!

I recently started a trip round the East coast of Canada and my first stop was Halifax. I decided to stay at Halifax Backpackers Inn as it was the cheapest option in town and boy am I glad that I did! I was instantly welcomed in by Steph, one of the workers, and invited to go out for some drinks and some food. The hostel itself was comfy and was very easy to meet other travellers - people tend to hang out in the kitchen or outside with a beer (it's conveniently close to the local Propeller brewery). There's even a cafe downstairs where you can buy some ridiculously cheap beer during happy hour :) It's so good I'm bookending my holiday with another visit to Halifax! Prices for a dorm bed start from $20. 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Halifax Backpackers Inn:

• Easy day trip to Peggy's Cove and great jumping off point to explore Dartmouth
• Pub crawls on a Wednesday where you join up with travellers from the other hostels in town
• BBQs on a Sunday (unfortunately I missed this one!)
• Cheap beer and food from Alteregos downstairs (whilst still being able to drink your own alcohol in the hostel)
• Free coffee and wifi
• Great staff who will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your stay in the city

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: http://www.halifaxbackpackers.com/HALIFAXPAGE.htm

Hostel of the Week, August 12th to August 19th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada