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

Planet Traveler, Toronto

Planet Traveler is one of the greenest, if not THE greenest, hostels that you will ever stay in. Custom built to be eco-friendly, they have a range of specially designed features like renewable energy sources. But that's not the only reason that you should stay here. You'll also find the front desk manned by a team of young and friendly travellers, a great location right next to the foodie heaven of Kensington Market and the uber-cool bars on College Street. You just need to remember to get up in time for the excellent spread at breakfast! Prices start from $31.

Here are just a few reasons why you should stay at Planet Traveler:

•  Greenest accommodation in Toronto
•  Ideal location next to nightlife, tourist attractions and shops
•  Fun and friendly young staff
•  Free wi-fi, tea and coffee
•  Free breakfast
•  Regular activity nights including pub crawls and pasta night
•  Rooftop bar
•  Common room to chill out in (or to watch TV)
•  Security lockers
•  No curfew

“You are here”, our way to tell you at The Planet Traveler, WELCOME!

You can find out more and start planning your trip here:  http://www.PlanetTraveler.com
 
Hostel of the Week, March. 24th to March. 31st 2014
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
 
Backpackers Hostels Canada

 

Ryerson University's Pitman Hall, Toronto

Other than hostels, Backpackers Hostels Canada also includes many summer campus and non-campus residences across Canada. In Toronto, you can enjoy hotel-style accommodations at Ryerson University's Residences and Lodging in the heart of downtown Toronto.   Pitman Hall is ideal for group bookings this summer!

Ryerson University offers unique and modern summer residences on campus available from May to August. The location of Pitman Hall is the best for all types of guests, especially for budget conscious traveling individuals, families and groups. It is only steps away from most of the city*s attractions such as the CN Tower and Eaton Centre as well as public transportation. The friendly and helpful staff at the front desk offer 24 hour guest services and campus security to ensure your stay is beyond satisfaction.

Pitman Hall Residence features single bed, private bedroom dormitory style in a single unit with shared facilities or sharing a single bed, private bedroom in a multi-units suite ideal for individuals and groups. Contact Ryerson's Conference Services to find out more about open-season, availability, rates and facility information at 1-866-592-8882.

Feature of the Week, July 15th to July 31st 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones

Backpackers Hostels Canada

 

Global Village Kensington, Toronto

Global Village Kensington is a perfect choice for short and longer-term accommodation in Toronto for students, backpackers and budget travelers. This newly renovated building (formerly known as College Hostel) offers 48 clean and comfortable shared and private rooms. Free wireless internet access is available in every room and all private rooms offer writing desk, cable television, private balcony and free local phone service.

The hotel is located in the heart of Toronto’s famous Kensington Market with boutiques, grocery stores, restaurants and cafes all outside the front door. The exciting nightlife of College St is just a short walk, along with Chinatown and the Entertainment District. Global Village Kensington is within a few minutes walk of the University of Toronto campus and only a short streetcar ride from Ryerson University.

Global Village Kensington offers a guest kitchen, common area, outdoor patio, 24 hour access, state of the art security, laundry, long-term storage and more. Guests also receive discounts at the nearby Global Village Backpackers pub and restaurant!

Hostel of the Week July 12th to July 28th 2011
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Ryerson University's Pitman Hall Residence, Toronto

Pitman Hall is one of Ryerson University's unique and modern summer residences on campus available from May to August. It's a great location for all types of guests, especially for budget conscious traveling individuals, families and groups. It is only steps away from most of the city's attractions such as the CN Tower and Eaton Centre as well as public transportation. Friendly and helpful staff at the front desk offer 24 hour guest services and campus security to ensure your stay is beyond satisfaction.

Pitman Hall Residence features single bed, private bedroom dormitory style with shared facilities in a single unit or multi-units suite ideal for individuals and groups.

For reservations call : 416-979-5296 or 1-866-592-8882 Canada only

Hostel of the Week February 10th to 19th 2011
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Hamilton Guesthouse, Ontario Canada

Hamilton Guesthouse is conveniently located in downtown Hamilton, close to all the major attractions this gorgeous though underrated city has to offer. Hamilton itself is ideally situated midway between Niagara Falls and Toronto in Ontario's famous Golden Horseshoe region.

Hamilton Guest House has incredible rates for nightly stay and offers clean, comfortable and affordable accommodations for backpackers, budget travelers, and students. Facilities include use of the full kitchen, free parking, linens and towels, secure lockers, free tea and coffee, cable tv, free internet and WIFI.

As well, helpful and knowledgeable staff are always ready to offer the best advice on the local scene.
Hostel of the Week, September 22nd to September 28th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Albion Hills Campground, in Bolton Ontario

Included in the membership of Backpackers Hostels Canada are several campgrounds. Albion Hills Campground is open from April 26, 2010 to November 1, 2010. Operated by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Albion Hills Campground is set in the hills of Caledon on the banks of the Humber River. Albion Hills offers remarkable scenery, exciting activities and first-rate facilities — only 40 minutes from Toronto! Offering individual serviced and unserviced sites as well as on-site trailer rentals.

Albion Hills is the outdoor enthusiasts dream featuring some of the most impressive mountain biking trails in southern Ontario. Explore the beauty of our trails designed for riders of all ages and skill level.

Facilities include full service washrooms, convenience store and laundry. The unserviced price per night is $27.00 plus applicable taxes. The serviced price per night is $32.50 plus applicable taxes.

Find the Albion Hills Campground at 16500 Highway 50 near Bolton, ON. Please call 905-880-4855 for more information or for further directions.

Hostel of the Week June 23rd to June 28th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Indian Line Campground, Brampton Ontario

Indian Line Campground, Brampton Ontario. The closest campground to Downtown Toronto!

With exceptional highway and public transit access to all major Toronto-area attractions, Indian Line Campground offers a more urban adventure. Indian Line Campground is an economical alternative to staying in a hotel while visiting Toronto.

Facilities include full service washrooms, convenience store and laundry.

Hostel of the Week, April 13th to April 18th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Backpackers on Dundas

Backpackers on Dundas

Backpackers on Dundas is in downtown Toronto, very near the Chinatown district. It is central to everything downtown Toronto has to offer. It is a very friendly hostel and is very clean. Over 150 dvd-library, free internet, hot showers, laundry and kitchen facilities are only some of the amenities offered. Take a video tour through the hostel (link below), taken during a quiet time by Michael Scott, the owner/host. You'll see why Backpackers on Dundas makes a great place to spend your nights while you visit Toronto.

Watch the video!

Hostel of the Week, January 3rd to 10th 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

New College Summer Residence, University of Toronto!

New College Summer Residence, University of Toronto!

"WELCOME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO!

During the summer months, come experience living at Canada's largest university!

Each year, throughout the summer months (mid May to the end of August), New College Residence offers safe, convenient and affordable dormitory residence accommodation and meal services for individuals and groups. New College Residence is open to the public for short term stays (those wanting to stay a few nights or a week) and long term stays (those wanting to stay a month or more).

New College Residence is made up of three traditional student residence halls right beside each other. Being one of seven colleges that make up the University of Toronto, New College’s architecture, with its brave and bold façade marks it as one of the most distinctive buildings on the University of Toronto campus – winner of numerous awards!

Whether you are a leisure or budget traveler, a tourist , a backpacker, a tour or school group, a conference participant, a meeting planner, a sports team, working or studying in Toronto, New College Residence has what you are looking for!

Welcome all guests to Toronto and to the University of Toronto, Canada!"

Hostel of the week May 12th to May 18th 2009
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

about Backpackers Hostels Canada

Backpackers Hostels Canada is a network of over 140 backpacker hostels (also called youth hostels) across Canada. There are over 85 cities across Canada that include hostels in the Backpackers Hostels Canada network. There are several hostels in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver particularly.

What is a backpackers hostel? There are varying definitions, but we include accommodations that are friendly, warm, healthy and safe places for budget travellers. Usually hostels have dorm beds available in a room that they share with other travellers. This gives hostels the opportunity to give guests cheaper prices than they would at a hotel or B&B, but best of all gives the traveller further chance to meet other fell0w-travellers. A hostel is a great place to meet young men and women from other countries that have come to Canada in search of adventure. One great feature in every hostel is a comfortable common room, which gives the hostel a home-away-from-home or in any case, a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Common rooms in hostels usually include tv, dvds, Wifi Internet (or internet terminals), games, and big comfy couches and chairs allowing for socializing and relaxing.

Hostels are great places to stay while visiting a particular city, or while on the move across Canada. Each week for the last couple of years we've been featuring on our website (www.backpackers.ca), a different hostel, or adventure company catering to the adventurous budget traveller. We've decided its time to blog our feature each week, and redo some of the features from the past as blogs to give more permanent stay to the feature on the web. In this way, travellers will be able to get a good sense about what a particular hostel is about, and what the network, Backpackers Hostels Canada, as a whole, has to offer.

If you have an interest in starting a hostel in Canada, or if you have any questions for us, please email us at info@backpackers.ca.

Happy trails to you!

-Ken Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
(807)-344-1384
info@backpackers.ca