Bella Vista Country House, in Meaford Ontario!

Bella Vista Country House is a home-away-from-home--an international hostel providing affordable and comfortable accommodations, and, with the magnificent panoramic backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment and the Great Lakes! It is a great base for exploring this 4-season paradise in Southern Georgian Bay or a stop enroute, halfway between Toronto or Niagara Falls and Manitoulin Island or Algonquin Park.

Guests of all ages love Bella Vista, from families with young children to seniors with mobility issues. Single travellers are always welcome too! It is perfect for explorers, travellers, or groups (i.e. weddings, retreats, meetings, workshops, and other events).

Bella Vista offers private rooms with ensuite, family room with shared bath, or hostel dorm-bed accommodation. In addition to a continental breakfast (using all natural ingredients where possible, with vegan, gluten and dairy free options), guests have use of the fully-equipped kitchen and a chance to connect with others exploring our little piece of Heaven.

Free parking and WiFi. Laundry facilities are available with fee.

Close to all the amenities including:

• Outdoor activities (kayaking, canoeing, fishing, sailing, boating, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, swimming, zip-lining, rock-climbing, spelunking, golfing, skiing (downhill and cross country), snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and more)
• Culture (concerts, live theatre, music festivals, and Aboriginal Pow-wows)
• Wineries and Restaurants (including gourmet, pub food, or raw vegan)
• Many other local activities!

Bella Vista has partnered with many of these local venues to give you discounts on their services. For an added charge, its shuttle service will bring you to and from various activities and events).

After a long day of activity, unwind back at Bella Vista with sunset yoga or just relax with a glass of wine in the gazebo or courtyard and watch the sun go down, or enjoy some s’mores and music around a bonfire in the evening (weather permitting).

Hostel of the Week, Jan. 12th to Feb. 13th 2014
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Le Manoir des Sapins, Ste Félicité, Gaspésie, Quebec

The hostel, Le Manoir des Sapins is in the heart of Ste Félicité, a nice little village in the Gaspe peninsula, just about ten minutes east of Matane. Come to enjoy the sunset on the Saint Lawrence River while seated comfortably out on the terrace or beside the camp fire.

Manoir des Sapins offers sea views, private rooms and dormitory rooms. Children are welcome in this retro and warm home-away-from-home.

You will also enjoy our "café-crêperie Les Gamineries": homemade ice cream, espresso, tea, crêpes bretonnes, vegetarian meal, salads of our garden and others sweets and salted Gamineries. We offer breakfast and lunch. We used locals, organics and fair trades products.

Manoir des Sapins is open year round and welcomes from 25 to 30 people at the time which makes it the ideal place for your family reunion or group meeting.

The hostel has shared kitchen, spacy sea view living room, terrace, and diner with the others guests, warm full ambiance. Lifts are offered to the ferry Matane-Baie-Comeau, and to your hikes along the sea or in the backcountry. The hostel also has the Welcome Cyclist Certification, and is an 'Allo Stop' desk. Of course, free WIFI is also available.

Hostel of the Week, Dec. 29th 2013 to Jan. 12th 2014
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Hamilton Guesthouse, Ontario

Hamilton Guesthouse is conveniently located in downtown Hamilton- we are 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.

Our Hostel offers clean, comfortable and affordable accommodations for backpackers; budget travelers, and students. Here are just a few of the things we offer our guests:

• Full kitchen with stove and microwave
• NO Curfew
• FREE parking (limited availability- call ahead)
• FREE linens and towels
• secure lockers available to all guests free of charge.
• FREE tea and coffee all day, every day
• Comfortable common room for guests to socialize
• cosy common room for guests to watch TV (with extended cable)
• Non smoking throughout.
• FREE Computer and wifi Internet access throughout the hostel
• Library fully stocked with maps, travel guides, reading material
• helpful and knowledgeable staff always ready to offer the best advice should you need it.

Hostel of the Week, Dec. 15th to Dec. 28th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Thunder Bay International Hostel in Shuniah, Northwestern Ontario

Take your time to visit the Thunder Bay International Hostel in Shuniah on the outskirts of Thunder Bay! You won't regret exploring the banks of the MacKenzie River or swim under the MacKenzie Falls or cliff-dive off Silver Harbour in the heart of the Canadian Shield. There are paths through the pine spruce and poplar forest across from the hostel for hikes to the lake or river. You can go amethyst hunting near the newly renovated 11-17 Highway, or travel into nearby Thunder Bay to visit Mount Mackay, Marina Park, or Fort William Historical Park. Guests at the hostel often have guitars and enjoy the crackling sound and heat from a large bonfire. Lloyd the friendly host of the hostel is happy to give people tours of the local 'dump' in hopes of seeing bears (or happening upon discarded 'treasures' with which to make interesting art).

The price is right at $25/night and the place is a real paradise. A shared kitchen is available as is a nice hot shower, a showcase of movies to choose from, and of course WIFI in the office space. Call 807-983-2042 to book your nights, summer or winter, or email info@thunderbayhostel.com.

Hostel of the Week, November 4th to December 15th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Change Islands Retreat (a.k.a, "The Pink House") on Change Islands Newfoundland!

Experience life in an authentic and genuine Newfoundland outport which is Change Islands Retreat (a.k.a, "The Pink House") on Change Islands!! A wonderful destination for hikers, kayakers, trail runners, and artists. Located in Central Newfoundland along the north coast adjacent to Fogo Island, this community is located within a one day drive from the City of St John’s, Gros Morne National Park and the Port aux Basques ferry from North Sydney. The Pink House is having its Grand Opening on May 15th 2014! We wish Dave McConkey, the owner and operator the best of fortune in the upcoming year!

Hostel of the Week October 17th to November 4th 2013, 
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada
 

Trowbridge Falls Park, Thunder Bay, Northwestern Ontario

Trowbridge Falls Park contains over 600 hectares of boreal forest along the cascading Current River. This beautiful park features a full-service campground with RV and tent sites that is only a short distance from Boulevard Lake and Centennial Parks. Along with hiking, skiing and moutain biking trails, the campground and adjacent Kinsmen Park provide access to popular wading spots on the river. There is a store, washrooms, showers, laundry facilities, firewood sales, water and electrical services at the campground. City shopping and services are close by.

Feature of the Week, May 20th to June 8th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Fanshawe College Conference Services, London Ontario

Fanshawe College Conference Services has everything you need. It has an ideal location, as is located close to many attractions and is a short 5km from the London International Airport. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided as well as complimentary internet and cable TV. Accommodations mainly consist of four-bedroom suites and are charged by the suite not by the individual. Parking is also complimentary and there is 24/7 front desk customer service representatives available.

Stay at Fanshawe, rest assured.

Feature of the Week, April 25th to May 20th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada