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

Skydive Vancouver

Our sponsor, Skydive Vancouver offers first time 'Tandem Skydiving' (you would be connected by harness to an instructor) for people who have never tried Skydiving. They also offer Skydive courses for people who wish to learn to Solo Skydive through an Accelerated Freefall Program. All tandem Skydives at Skydive Vancouver are done with an experienced tandem instructor at the Abbotsford Drop Zone which is located about 45 minutes drive East of Downtown Vancouver.

Skydive Vancouver also offers fantastic amenities for the Solo Skydiver. They have 4 planes including Cessna's and a 10-place Pilatus Porter with large exit door. They operate on their own airfield and run way. They also have onsite parachute packers, highly experienced videographers, gear sales, kitchen facilities and showers.

The phone number to free fall with Skydive Vancouver is 1-888-738-5867.

Feature of the Week,  March 18th to April 1st 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

CNN Backpackers on 927 Main Street Vancouver

Since 1985, C&N (or 'CNN') Backpackers has owned and run a hip and dazzling International Backpackers Hostel on 927 Main Street. Situated in downtown Vancouver, 927 Main Street C&N Hostel is within walking distance of Chinatown, museums, shops, nightlife and steps from the site of the future Vancouver olympic games. C&N is a safe, clean and friendly environment. And you don't need to spend a fortune to visit one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Guests from around the world keep returning to this hostel.

Hostel of the Week, September 14th to October 4th 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Bill Reid Gallery, Vancouver!

The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is downtown Vancouver's public gallery named after the acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid. It opened in May 2008, and is devoted to understanding and appreciating contemporary Aboriginal art of the Northwest Coast of North America.

Bill Reid (1920-1998), Haida master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, and spokesman was one of Canada's greatest artists, and one who has inspired a new generation of Northwest Coast artists. In 2004, when the Bank of Canada chose four of Reid¹s works to adorn the $20 banknote it was clear that the Haida artist had become a national icon.

This gallery showcases the permanent collection of exquisite works by Bill Reid as well as changing exhibitions of contemporary Aboriginal art of the Northwest Coast.

It has a dramatic Northwest Coast ambiance - visitors are surrounded by the stunning gold jewelry and spectacular sculptures of Bill Reid as well as a full-scale totem pole carved by James Hart of Haida Gwaii in tribute to Reid. The Gallery Gift Shop offers a selection of Northwest Coast works perfect for gifts and personal mementos.

'Breathtaking and emotionally beautiful. . .' Visitor Quote.

Watch this video from The Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC about Bill Reid!

Feature of the week, June 20th to July 2nd 2012
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Samesun Banff, Alberta

As you can see in the photo, Samesun Banff had a rocking Halloween party. Other Samesun hostels that are part of the Backpackers Hostels Canada network include Samesun Revelstoke, Samesun Vancouver, and Samesun Kelowna.

Hostel of the week November 6th to November 21st 2011
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Samesun Backpacker Hostels, in Vancouver, Kelowna, Silverstar, Banff and Revelstoke!

Samesun Backpacker Hostels, in Vancouver, Kelowna, Silverstar, Banff and Revelstoke!

From the Samesun website: "[Samesun's] mandate is to create a total yet unique hostelling accommodation experience in Alberta and British Columbia (BC) that’s both affordable and economical for the backpacker traveling in Canada. We aim to provide the opportunity to share your traveling experience and good times with like minded individuals in a fun and casual Canadian accommodation hostel atmosphere. We also provide numerous hostelling accommodation resources to assist any backpacker who requires information regarding hostel accommodations and attractions in Alberta and British Columbia (BC) Canada."

Samesun's motto, "We all live under the same sun!"

Pete at the Samesun Vancouver submitted this video to us, showcasing a lot of fun at Samesun.



Hostel of the week, January 13th to 20th 2011
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

Samesun Hostel Vancouver

Welcome to Samesun Backpackers, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Situated in the middle of the Granville St. entertainment district, this is the place to be for affordable lodging and a great atmosphere.

Clean, safe and friendly, we also provide all the services a traveler needs. We have a large communal kitchen, tv room, internet terminals, pool table, and tour booking facilities as well as free breakfast and free wi-fi. Our helpful staff are available 24 hours a day to assist you. We also provide daily activities including trivia, poker, open mic, free walking tours, beach trips and a special Saturday adventures.

Also on site is the Beaver restaurant, one of the best backpacker bars in North America. Cheap food and beer, and hockey on the big screen, this is your best place to meet people. So come on down and see what all the fuss is about!

We do have a 24 hour cancellation warning.

SameSun has 5 locations to serve you, including our beachfront location in beautiful Kelowna and directly downtown Banff in the world famous Rocky Mountains. And remember: We all live under the Same Sun!

Hostel of the Week, August 12th to August 24th, 2010
submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Squamish Inn on the Water

Squamish Inn On the Water

"Greetings from all the staff at the Squamish Inn on the Water. We provide unique accommodation offering inviting rooms along with all the comforts of home. Our personalized service and hospitality is the perfect fit to a memorable experience in the premier destination of Squamish.

Squamish, meaning “Mother of the Wind” in Coast Salish is nestled in the heart of the Sea to Sky corridor, between Whistler and Vancouver on Hwy 99. Our new facility has been custom built to be the ultimate character accommodation for the distinctive destination of Squamish: “The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada”.

Squamish Inn on the Water is more than a place to stay…it’s an experience!"

Hostel of the Week, January 12th to 17th 2010
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Pacific Spirit Hostel at UBC, Vancouver

Pacific Spirit Hostel at UBC, Vancouver

Available May 15 to August 15, Pacific Spirit Hostel at the University of British Columbia is the best budget accommodation for travelers in Vancouver.A Located at the beautiful UBC campus on Vancouver's west side, surrounded by parks and beaches, the Pacific Spirit Hostel offers opportunities for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities.

The Pacific Spirit Hostel at UBC offers a unique setting, with easy access to campus amenities, affordable pubs and restaurants, recreational facilities and many attractions such as the Museum of Anthropology, UBC Botanical Gardens, University Golf Club and the UBC Aquatic Centre.

All guest rooms are private singles or twins. They are quiet and clean. Floor lounges are available for our in-house guests to unwind and relax; they are equipped with TVs, microwaves, sinks, fridges and sofas. High speed Internet, laundry facilities and parking are available on site. UBC is easily accessible by public transit. A We have the second largest bus network after downtown Vancouver, offering 17 different bus routes connecting our community and guests to virtually anywhere in the Lower Mainland.

Our private single rooms start at $33 (bed linen included). Reserve your room at Pacific Spirit Hostel online.

Hostel of the week, June 15th to 21st 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