University of Waterloo Conference Centre

The most popular accommodation on www.backpackers.ca , judging by number of hits to each listing, is the University of Waterloo Conference Centre in Kitchener-Waterloo. Dorm rooms are available on campus at the University of Waterloo in Ron Eydt Village annually between May and August. Just minutes from downtown Waterloo, the U. of W. Conference Services are located in the heart of Mennonite country with the Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery, African Lion Safari and the Stratford Festival also close at hand.

Accommodations include single and double rooms. Each floor consists of 24 rooms with 2 large washrooms per floor (1 male and 1 female) along with a common lounge for after-hours networking. Guests have access to the Internet cafe and are welcome to use the weight room, TV lounge and games room located in the Ron Eydt Village.

Feature of the Week, May 13th to 17th 2011
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

YMCA Geneva Park, Simcoe/Muskoka

One of the newest members of Backpackers Hostels Canada is the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. The YMCA Geneva Park encompasses over 150 acres of pristine natural peninsula and over three kilometres of beautiful shoreline on Lake Couchiching. The privacy and natural surroundings bring focus and intimacy to every group experience, leaving you rejuvenated and inspired.

Built on a peninsula on Lake Couchiching, YMCA Geneva Park offers a rare combination of extraordinary natural surroundings and proximity to urban amenities. This training and conference centre is only 90 minutes from Toronto, but it’s a lifetime away from the stress of daily life.

Over 15,000 people a year visit YMCA Geneva Park for the individual needs of their group or organization. Their specialty is affordable conferences, meetings and leadership development in a natural setting that fosters greater connection and accomplishment. However, individuals are also welcome to stay. During the summer months, there are canoes, kayaks, Yoga, Crafts, Nature Centre or just snuggling up with a good book while sitting in a Muskoka chair by the lake.

Feature of the Week, June 6th to 13th 2011
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Kekuli House Residence at Selkirk College, Castlegar BC!

Nestled on the Selkirk College Castlegar campus overlooking the Columbia River, Kekuli House is surrounded by 18km of hiking trails. The Doukhobor Discovery Centre and Mir Centre for Peace are within walking distance and within a few minutes drive are numerous restaurants offering fine dining to fast food. While the residence is well secluded from traffic, you’ll find easy, quick access to the airport, city centre, retail outlets and recreation complex.

Additionally, you’ll discover some of the world’s finest mountain biking and hiking experiences. There are also incredible opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing, sailing, kayaking and mountain climbing. The area is a golfing paradise, with 19 gorgeous mountain courses to choose from.

Guests enjoy clean, attractive, comfortable facilities. Rooms are private units with single beds. Each has a kitchenette with a mini fridge, sink and two-burner cooktop.

Guests also have access to modern conference and meeting rooms, cable television, laundry facilities and computers, as well as a recreational lounge with pool table, table tennis and foosball. Outside are tennis courts, a soccer field and extensive trails.

Other features include air conditioning, free parking and private outside access.

Hostel of the week May 12th to May 19th 2011
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

UNB Conference Services, Fredericton

UNB Conference Services, in Fredericton New Brunswick welcomes guests from all over to world to stay on campus each summer from May-August. Located conveniently in the centre of the city, UNB campus is connected to the downtown via a beautiful trail network and only a short walk, bike, bus or cab ride to uptown. The picturesque campus awaits your arrival - experience the culture, history and natural beauty of Fredericton and of North America's oldest public University, stay on campus!

Feature of the Week April 24th to May 4th 2011
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

UWinnipeg Hostel, Winnipeg Manitoba

UWinnipeg Hostel is located in the heart of downtown just minutes away from UWinnipeg’s main campus. It is a LEED Silver certified building with generous natural lighting and an energy-efficient design located on the new Furby-Langside Campus.

UWinnipeg Hostel offers modern, air-conditioned, fully furnished single and double dorms, each with their own private bathroom. Linens are provided and changed weekly. Hostel guests have access to common entertainment/lounge areas with foosball tables and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs with basic cable and DVD players, as well as laundry facilities operated by Smart Card technology, available 24/7.

Hostel guests are able to access the wireless Guest Network in the lobby and lounges at McFeetors Hall, free of charge. VIP suite guests also have access to a private wireless network in their suites. For access to public computers, guests are welcome to go to the university campus, a short three minute walk from McFeetors Hall, and use the public access computers on the fourth floor, directly in front of the library.

Hostel of the Week, April 18th to April 24th 2011
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Auberge Maeva, Montreal

The hostel Maeva Montreal is located between Sherbrooke's and Mont-royal's metro stations. Restaurants and bars on lively Mont-royal Boulevard are just a few minutes from the hostel.

Conviviality and hospitality are a trademark of Auberge Maeva Montreal. Continental breakfast is free and served up until 11am. Coffee and tea are free throughout the day. Free use of computers with Internet access is offered and free WIFI is also available for your laptop. There is also Cable TV and free table soccer for your entertainment.

Auberge Maeva is close to many conveniences such as the Metro, restaurants and bars on Mont-royal Boulevard, and grocery stores.

"Welcome to the hostel Maeva Montreal!"

Hostel of the Week April 9th to 19th 2011
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Cape Breton University Summer Residences, Sydney NS

Cape Breton University's modern, comfortable MacDonald Residence is conveniently located to accommodate multiday conferences, travel groups, or summer travelers visiting the Cape Breton Regional Municipality from late May to mid August.

Feature of the Week March 27th to April 11th 2011
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada