Win a Whistler Blackcomb getaway!

Wanna ski in Whistler Blackcomb but you're on a backpacker budget? VPO and Icebreaker are proud to present a competition which will help you do exactly that! All you need to do is click on the link for your chance to win. You can also enter as many times as you want. Good luck! Click here to enter!

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Hedley Inn & Hostel in Hedley, BC!

When you step into Hedley it feels like you've been transported to the old Wild West. The town itself very much as an old style feel to it and one of the main attractions there is the old mine. Hedley Inn & Hostel does not go against this Wild West look with an exterior which is very much inkeeping with the rest of the town. Inside you'll find comfortable accommodation (including inbuilt wooden bunks in the dorms) at an affordable price. The management are extremely knowledgeable about the area. Before you go out to explore though remember to try some of the great baking downstairs, the carrot cake is a must! Dorms start from $29 plus tax (2 person booking minimum) 

Here are just a few reasons to stay at Hedley Inn & Hostel:

• Great location to explore Similkameen river valley
• Common room with TV and DVD collection
• Premium mattresses, pillows and linens
• Free wifi, coffee and tea
• Easily accessible by bus, the greyhound bus station is right next to the hostel

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

Hostel of the Week, September 9th to September 16th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Norris Point International Hostel, Newfoundland!

You've stayed in a jail. You've stayed in a lighthouse. You've stayed in an old school house. But have you ever stayed in a hospital? Norris Point International Hostel gives you the chance to do exactly that. Guests have commented on how unique this accommodation so why not check it out yourself? If you are looking for budget accommodation to stay in Gros Morne National Park then this is your place to stay. There are options of a dorm room (in an old hospital ward), doubles or privates. Email the hostel directly for rates. 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Norris Point International Hostel:

• Great location to explore Gros Morne National Park
• Common room and communal to meet other guests
• Free towel and linen
• Give something back to the community, the hostel is run and owned by Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: http://www.norrispoint.ca/files/BonneBayHostel.pdf

Hostel of the Week, September 2nd to September 9th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Charlottetown Backpackers Inn in Charlottetown, PEI!

Charlottetown Backpackers Inn is the only place to stay if you're in Charlottetown. This was the third stop in my tour of East Canada and I felt instantly at home here. Within 5 mins I'd already been invited out to a staff dinner and felt super welcome. The place is awesome too. Rooms are clean, beds are comfy and the common room is a great place to sit, watch a video (yup they still have videos in circulation) and meet new friends. They've also got a secondary common room with a million records and a pool table if you're looking for a bit of a change. Make sure to get up for breakfast - Levi's chocolate and banana cake is legendary. Dorm rooms start from $32 for non-HI members. 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Charlottetown Backpackers Inn:

• Instantly welcoming and a great place to explore PEI from
• Enjoy regular impromptu activities with the staff including music trivia night (try it, you'll love it!)
• Clean comfortable rooms
• Free breakfast including banana cake, fruit, bread and coffee
• Free wifi
• Great communal areas for meeting people including two common rooms and an outside seating area Extremely comfy beds!
• Super friendly staff and an extra friendly owner (Levi, you'll hear a story or two)
• A place to make new friends

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

Hostel of the Week, August 27th to September 2nd 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Bear on the Lake in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia!

The second stop on my trip out east was Cape Breton. An absolutely picturesque place with a great hostel to go with! I stayed at Bear on the Lake - a place I had previously researched for this bog and had a desire to visit. I was not disappointed. During my short stay the staff became like family with one of the girls even making me a sandwich before a day trip. I made the most of my time there going on a trek, playing Twister (multiple times), mastered Jenga and sat round a bonfire exchanging jokes. I even had time to take in the stunning view from the hostel. Bear on the Lake is great if you're looking for a place to relax after hiking the Cabot Trail and you WILL find yourself getting involved in the community atmosphere! Dorms start from $32 (without an HI membership). 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Bear on the Lake:

• Great homely atmosphere, the hostel is like a big family house
• Stunning view
• Friendly, welcoming staff who will do their best to make you feel like part of the family
• Ideal place for exploring all the wildlife and treks the area has to offer, a car makes this easier though teaming up with another guest or hitchhiking are also options
• Pick up from the nearest town, though this should be pre-arranged!
• Extremely comfy beds!
• Massive common room with games on offer and a bonfire for socialising later in the evening
• Free coffee and wifi

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

Hostel of the Week, August 19th to August 26th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Halifax Backpackers Inn, Halifax!

I recently started a trip round the East coast of Canada and my first stop was Halifax. I decided to stay at Halifax Backpackers Inn as it was the cheapest option in town and boy am I glad that I did! I was instantly welcomed in by Steph, one of the workers, and invited to go out for some drinks and some food. The hostel itself was comfy and was very easy to meet other travellers - people tend to hang out in the kitchen or outside with a beer (it's conveniently close to the local Propeller brewery). There's even a cafe downstairs where you can buy some ridiculously cheap beer during happy hour :) It's so good I'm bookending my holiday with another visit to Halifax! Prices for a dorm bed start from $20. 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Halifax Backpackers Inn:

• Easy day trip to Peggy's Cove and great jumping off point to explore Dartmouth
• Pub crawls on a Wednesday where you join up with travellers from the other hostels in town
• BBQs on a Sunday (unfortunately I missed this one!)
• Cheap beer and food from Alteregos downstairs (whilst still being able to drink your own alcohol in the hostel)
• Free coffee and wifi
• Great staff who will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your stay in the city

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

Hostel of the Week, August 12th to August 19th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Fat Salmon Backpackers, Vancouver Island

Don't stumble upon your next great hostel by accident, we want to tell you know that Fat Salmon Backpackers is a great place to stop off before hitting the more touristy areas of Nainamo and the West Coast Trail. Here you'll be greeted by the wonderful Chris and Char who met while working together in a hostel in Edinburgh. You'll love their humour and their enthusiasm too. You may even plan to stay only one night but end up staying a week instead! Port Alberni itself is great - extremely welcoming and a short top from Cathedral Grove where you'll find some of the biggest trees in Canada. If you are into surfing it's also one of the best places to catch a wave in Canada. Come if you have the time as you WILL end up staying for longer! Dorms start from $25 (tax included) 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Fat Salmon Backpackers:

• Easy day trips to West Coast Trail, Strathcona Park, Della Falls, Cathedral Grove, Mount Washington
• A BBQ and weekend salmon dinners
• Two common rooms!
• Free parking
• Free coffee and wifi
• Free maps and travel booking

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

Hostel of the Week, August 5th to August 12th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada