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

Up The Creek Backpackers in Roberts Creek!

Up the Creek is the closest rural backpackers to Vancouver, only a 2 hour bus (or bike!) journey away! This year they are celebrating their 10th anniversary...and they are doing it in style. They've done up their decking area making it even bigger - with even more communal seating and hammocks to chill out in. They also have a great gas fire pit which is ideal for lazy summer nights or heating yourself up on a Winter's eve. Dorms start at $28 per night.

Here are just a few more reasons why you should stay at Up the Creek Backpackers:

• You'll instantly feel welcome into the hostel - either getting involved in some of the hostel work, sitting round the dinner table having a family meal or playing soccer on a Sunday
• The area is great for sportier amongst us - it's a great spot for hiking biking and kayaking. You can see the top ten things to do during your stay at the hostel here: www.upthecreek.ca
• Eco friendly hosting, fitting for the surroundings!
• The owner is an experienced traveller (meaning lots of good stories)
• No TV!
• Free use of town bikes, option to rent bikes for mountain bikes
• Free wifi

"Become part of the community"

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

Hostel of the Week, June 24th to July 1st 2014

Submitted by Kennedy Jones

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Backpackers Winnipeg in Winnipeg!

The 25th Annual Winnipeg International Jazz Festival is currently taking place! If you're coming to the city for a bit of music then why not stay at Winnipeg Backpackers! A restored townhouse with three levels you'll find a relaxed atmosphere when you stay here. The place is pretty old school in terms of decorations and games provided (including a foosball table!) which is a refreshing change from many of the flashpackers which you see today. Winnipeg is a place full of surprises, check out what you can do during your stay here: http://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/101-things-to-do. Semi-private rooms at Winnipeg Backpackers start at $30..
 

Here are just a few more reasons why you should stay at Charlottetown Backpackers Inn:

• Cosy environment including common room to meet other travellers
• Free wifi
• 10 minute walk to downtown and close to many shops including grocery shops
• BBQ
• Games room!
• Air conditioning :)

"Where the world meets in the heart of Canada"  

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

Hostel of the Week, June 18th to June 24th 2014

Submitted by Kennedy Jones

 

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Charlottetown Backpackers Inn on PEI!

Sometimes you're lucky enough to stay at a place where the owners have down a bit of travelling themselves. This means that they know what you, the traveller, are looking for in a hostel. This is Charlottetown Backpackers Inn. You'll find excellent facilities including MP3 docking stations and a great breakfast included with locally sourced produce. They even offer free potatoes to guests...that's enough to get you started on your dinner! Previous guests have said that the hostel is clean, staff are friendly, great check in process and excellent location. All sounds good to us! Mixed dorms start at $32.99 for non-HI members.

Here are just a few more reasons why you should stay at Charlottetown Backpackers Inn:

• Travellers home run by people who have travelled themselves
• Free breakfast
• Free wifi
• Pre-made beds
• BBQ
• Pool table!
• Flatscreen TVs with on demand cable
• Extensive vinyl collection :)

"Be charmed by Charlottetown Backpackers Inn" 

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

Hostel of the Week, June 10th to June 17th 2014
Submitted by Kennedy Jones

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Pioneer hostel in Prince Rupert!

Looking for a hostel filled with character? Well Pioneer hostel is it! Painted bright blue, the hostel has lots of funky rooms each decorated in a colour style. Decorated more like your own house than a hostel, you'll feel like it's a home away from home. They are even kind enough to offer you a free shuttle service to and from the bus and train station :) Dorms start from a very affordable $25.20 for non-HI members. 

Here are just a few more reasons why you should stay at Bear on the Lake:

• Character filled home with free shuttle service from nearest main transport hubs
• Great location only minutes away from the water front
• Free wifi
• BBQ and firepit outside for socialising!
• Kitchen with fridge space (for once!)!
• Package tours available from hostel
  

"Make yourself at home on Prince Rupert!"

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

Hostel of the Week, June 3rd to June 10th 2014

Submitted by Kennedy Jones

 

Backpackers Hostels Canada