Campbellton Lighthouse Hostel, New Brunswick!

We know we shouldn't recommend a place just for the novelty value but sometimes it's a must. Plus there are a number of reasons to stay at Campbellton Lighthouse Hostel but let's face it, the fact that it is an OPERATING LIGHTHOUSE is definitely a massive draw. The hostel atmosphere is chilled and laid back with only two rooms in the hostel, one for women and one for men. You'll tend to mainly find people travelling through on their way to Quebec or southern New Brunswick but that's not to say there's nothing going on in the town. They love their Salmon for a start, make sure to get a picture next to the GIANT salmon when you're there. And this weekend they've got Campbellton Bluegrass (1,2,3 August). Prices for a dorm bed start at $25 for non-HI members. 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Campbellton Lighthouse Hostel:

• It's a lighthouse!!
• It's a lighthouse!!
• Hiking and biking trails in the area
• Perfect location for nice waterfront stroll
• Common room & self-catering kitchen
• Free coffee and wifi

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: http://www.hihostels.ca/newbrunswick/331/HI-Campbellton.hostel

Hostel of the Week, July 29th to August 5th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Riding Fool Hostel in Cumberland, BC!

Do you like mountain biking? You do? Do you love mountain biking? You do? We've got the perfect place for you! The Riding Fool is great for biking enthusiasts. Only seconds away from some of the best trails that Canada has to offer, you'll also find a bike shop in the same building! The friendly staff at The Riding Fool are also very willing to impart their expert knowledge about the trails. Even if you don't love biking, Cumberland is great for you. The surrounding area is perfect for hiking, swimming and rock climbing too! Dorm beds start at $25 + tax. 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at The Riding Fool:

• Staff have great knowledge of the surrounding area and can help you plan your explorations!
• Common room with a woodstove, something to remember for when you're planning your winter trip!
• A BBQ as well as a common kitchen
• Free wifi and pool table
• Great music at The Waverly pub just down the road, if you're not too tired after a day of biking!

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

Hostel of the Week, July 22nd to July 29th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Barefoot Hostel in Ottawa, Ontario!

This week we talked to Sabina, the owner of the Barefoot Hostel in Ottawa. Here's what we learned about the place! 

The start of the Barefoot Hostel 
The start of the hostel was actually quite a surprise decision for Sabina! She owns the Swiss Hotel and the opportunity came up to purchase the building next door. Her kids thought it would be a great idea to open up the accommodation to younger guests and she agreed. She loves geography so being in the travel industry is a great passion for her. 

Ottawa as a destination 
Why should people come to Ottawa? Because 'Ottawa is a small, beautiful city where you can do everything on foot.' Whether you're in Ottawa in Summer or Winter there is always something to do! 'Skating on the Rideau Canal, visiting the greatest museums in Canada, going to Gatineau Park which has great cross country skiing, swimming, biking....'. 

Staying at the Barefoot Hostel 
The Barefoot Hostel is a small (16 bed) hostel which is intimate and charming. It is designed for young professionals who are visiting the city for 3-4 days and need a place to do their work. They encourage guests to follow the 'unspoken' rules of hostelling to create a great environment for everyone! 

And finally one random fact about the Barefoot Hostel! 
The Barefoot Hostel got it's name from the fact that guests have to take off their shoes at the doors! So remember to wear your best socks if you're going to the Barefoot Hostel! 

There are four 4 bed dorms at the Barefoot Hostel, a dorm bed is $39 per night.

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: 

http://www.barefoothostel.com/

Hostel of the Week, July 15th to July 22nd 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Port Mouton International Hostel in Port Mouton, Nova Scotia

Surfing. Scuba diving. Geocaching. Beaches. Sport fishing. Bird watching. Canoeing. Port Mouton pretty much has is it all going on and the hostel is a great place to use as a base for your explorations. An old school building, this hostel can host up to 30 guests in either an 8 bed dorm or 4 semi private rooms (the rooms even have the teachers names on them!). There is a large common room for guests to hang out in, it's even ideal for yoga or meditation! Beds are $30 a night.

Here are just a few more reasons why you should stay at Port Mouton International Hostel:

• Converted school building with beds on the bottom floor and an arts and crafts gallery/shop on the top floor
• Projector available to compare your shots of the day on (great for divers, bird watchers etc!)
• Grocery store, liquor store and restaurants all within walking distance
• Well equipped kitchen
• Large common room
• Laundry available for guest use

"Prepare to be taught about Port Mouton life!

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: http://www.wqccda.com/PMhostel/#hostel

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

Submitted by Kennedy Jones

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Wolf Den Bunkhouse in Algonquin Park!

During the more habitable months in Canada, people flock to Algonquin Park in Ontario to appreciate the great outdoors. Wolf Den Bunkhouse is the perfect place to relax with nature. First of all how many backpackers have you stayed at with a sauna? Yup, a sauna to help you chill after a big day of exploring the park. There's also a garden for guests and BBQs dotted around to help you cook your dinner and get to know your fellow cabin guests. There are two bunkhouses (+ private cabins for smaller groups) which are beautifully constructed from log and timberframe. Dorm beds start from $27. 

Here are just a few more reasons why you should stay at Wolf Den Bunkhouse:

• Perfect basecamp to explore Algonquin Park
• Get great tips about which hiking trail to take from Ben the manager or one of the other super friendly workers
• Heated floors in the morning
• Well equipped kitchen
• Open plan communal lounge to meet other travellers
• Cole the dog is a friendly extra
  

"You'll be desperate to go back to this homey, rustic, welcoming hostel!"

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

Hostel of the Week, July 1st to July 8th 2014

Submitted by Kennedy Jones

Backpackers Hostels Canada