The 2015 Backpackers Hostels Canada meeting in Hamilton Ontario!

Feature Of The Week: The 2015 Backpackers Hostels Canada meeting in Hamilton Ontario!

We had a great time at the 2015 Backpackers Hostels Canada conference in Hamilton Ontario this weekend. The meeting was held at the Hamilton Guesthouse and our hosts, Tim and Tanya Ritchie prepared the weekend wonderfully. It was a pleasure to get to know the City of Hamilton from the vantage point of locals and get more than a glimpse at how the Hamilton hostel fits into the fabric of Hamilton. It was a real learning experience. At the meeting we discussed a number of challenges that the network is facing in the upcoming year and has faced in the past year. A lot of ideas and experiences of hostel management were shared by participants. It was a real success! Thank you Tim and Tanya!

From left to right: Lloyd Jones of Thunder Bay International Hostel, Martin Jones of Ottawa Backpackers Inn, Kennedy Jones of Backpackers Hostels Canada, Tom Mantel of the Hamilton Guesthouse, Carl Gagne and Coumba of Le Gîte du Plateau Mont-Royal et Gîte du Parc Lafontaine, Tanya Day Ritchie and Tim Ritchie of the The Hamilton Guesthouse.

A great time in Hamilton for the 2015 Backpackers Hostels Canada meeting this weekend!

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

Western Bed and Breakfast, located at the University of Western Ontario's Elgin Hall, in London Ontario!

Located on Western University’s main campus, Western Bed and Breakfast offers affordable air-conditioned, fully accessible suite-style accommodations from early May to late August. Whether you are in town visiting London's major attractions, family or friends, attending a conference or wedding, or studying through the summer, the Western Bed & Breakfast provides you with affordable suite-style accommodations every summer.

Western Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located at Elgin Hall on University Drive, off Richmond St. North, on the city bus route and only minutes from downtown London. Suites feature four single, private and lockable bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a common area with kitchenette. Complimentary Internet is included and paid parking is nearby.

Also offered…

• Four bedroom suites (each with one single bed), one 3-piece bathroom and kitchenette with stove top, microwave and refrigerators.
• Barrier free suites (based on availability).
• 24 hour customer service at the Front Desk.
• Continental breakfast available in the dining room.
• On-site amenities in close proximity to the accommodation facilities such as book store, restaurants, cinema, pharmacy, hair dresser, computer store and much more!

Feature of the Week, January 18th to 26th 2012

Submitted by Kennedy Jones

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Auberge Inn, Providence Bay, Manitoulin Island,

The Auberge Inn is a small eco-friendly international hostel situated in the heart of the village of Providence Bay, Manitoulin Island Ontario. The house is situated 400 steps from the longest, most beautiful sandy beach and boardwalk. The beach alone is worth the trip!

At the Auberge Inn you can enjoy comfortable and affordable accommodations while exploring the largest fresh water island in the world. You will quickly discover that Auberge Inn is more than just a great place to sleep, its also a place to meet people and share your experiences!

Included in your stay at Auberge Inn are bedding and pillows, self-serve breakfast in a shared kitchen, free wi-fi internet, a secure locker and bicycle storage, and common living room and sun deck

Your hosts, Nathalie Gara-Boivin and Alain Harvey, welcome you into their home and can suggest ways to make the most out of your vacation, having explored the island thoroughly with information on: local festivals, pow-wows, restaurants, cycling, hiking, kayaking, photography, bird watching opportunities and many other activities to enjoy on the Island.

The Auberge Inn is now open for business!

Hostel of the Week, May 11th to 18th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

The city of Thunder Bay, Ontario

The city of Thunder Bay, at the head of Lake Superior, Northwestern Ontario!

Thunder Bay and its surrounding areas offer something for everyone. For the rural explorer; a wide range of parks, conservation areas, trails and green spaces within the city limits and short distances away. For the urban enthusiast; the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, Magnus Theatre, OLG Casino and Art Galleries.

Plan an evening at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium to hear the sounds of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Stop by Magnus Theatre, the only professional theatre company in Northwestern Ontario and delight in the skilled acting, writing and direction of the region’s best. Enjoy a first class gaming experience at OLG Casino conveniently located in the heart of the City - play roulette, blackjack, hold em’ poker and slots. Take in one of the many eclectic exhibitions at one of three art galleries. Delve into the contemporary work of First Nations artists with a visit to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Observe cutting edge installations, paintings and films at Definitely Superior Artist-Run Centre + Gallery. Tour the Lakehead Visual Art Gallery for a glimpse of original works in a variety of mediums created by regional artists. Get active or relax - just be sure to take some time to appreciate the clean air, culture and stunning environment.

The four hostel locations in Thunder Bay--Sibley Hall Residence Hostel and Conference Centre, Lakehead University Residence and Conference Centre, Sleeping Giant Guesthouse, and Thunder Bay International Hostel--are proud to have the beautiful city of Thunder Bay as a sponsor of Backpackers Hostels Canada. Come spend a few days exploring the scenery of Thunder Bay and you'll never forget it!

To plan an unforgettable vacation, visit www.visitthunderbay.com.

Feature of the Week, July 20th to July 27th 2009
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

South Algonquin Backpackers

South Algonquin Backpackers in Maynooth, Ontario

Welcome to Algonquin Backpackers, an established hostel and B&B run by travellers, for travellers.

Relax and enjoy your stay in the comfort of our unique century-old frontier hotel. Leave the tourist rush behind and take a step back into Algonquin's history.

Located in the heart of the Algonquin Highlands, we're surrounded by lakes, forest and unspoiled scenery on the quiet side of Algonquin Park. But don't expect to see hordes of camera-toting sightseers or lines of buses and campervans. Our tiny Village of Maynooth is still very much 'off the beaten path'!

For our guests travelling without vehicles, we are conveniently located on a Greyhound bus route, and once you have arrived we offer all sorts of Algonquin daytrips and shuttles with options to hike, bike, horseback ride, kayak and canoe, or we can set you up for an overnight canoe trip or camping adventure. We guarantee good equipment and the best rental rates!

Feature of the Week, June 4th to June 11th 2007

submitted by Kennedy Jones, Backpackers Hostels Canada

University Place, Windsor Ontario

University Place in Windsor, Ontario
University Place in Windsor, Ontario treats you as a special guest. It is our value that your accommodation experience with us is one of privacy, respect and excellence. University Place is open to students, professionals and travelers. We aim to provide a comfortable and healthy living environment that contributes to one's personal, educational and professional advancement.

Many students who looked for a decent off-campus residence or housing centre have found us and made us their favourite home-away-from-home. Many professionals and travelers looking for low rates and clean, quiet, quality funished rooms have also done the same. With five room/suite options it's a smart choice for a single-night stay to multi-semester living. Come discover us for yourself.

University Place is located in a pleasant neighbourhood and is an easy 5 minute walk to University of Windsor, several scenic riverfront parks, trails and bike paths, nature reserves as well as local shopping and restaurants.

Feature of the Week, Nov. 30th to Dec. 7th 2008

submitted by Kennedy Jones, Backpackers Hostels Canada