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

Campbellton Lighthouse Hostel, New Brunswick!

We know we shouldn't recommend a place just for the novelty value but sometimes it's a must. Plus there are a number of reasons to stay at Campbellton Lighthouse Hostel but let's face it, the fact that it is an OPERATING LIGHTHOUSE is definitely a massive draw. The hostel atmosphere is chilled and laid back with only two rooms in the hostel, one for women and one for men. You'll tend to mainly find people travelling through on their way to Quebec or southern New Brunswick but that's not to say there's nothing going on in the town. They love their Salmon for a start, make sure to get a picture next to the GIANT salmon when you're there. And this weekend they've got Campbellton Bluegrass (1,2,3 August). Prices for a dorm bed start at $25 for non-HI members. 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at Campbellton Lighthouse Hostel:

• It's a lighthouse!!
• It's a lighthouse!!
• Hiking and biking trails in the area
• Perfect location for nice waterfront stroll
• Common room & self-catering kitchen
• Free coffee and wifi

You can find out more and start planning your trip here: http://www.hihostels.ca/newbrunswick/331/HI-Campbellton.hostel

Hostel of the Week, July 29th to August 5th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

Riding Fool Hostel in Cumberland, BC!

Do you like mountain biking? You do? Do you love mountain biking? You do? We've got the perfect place for you! The Riding Fool is great for biking enthusiasts. Only seconds away from some of the best trails that Canada has to offer, you'll also find a bike shop in the same building! The friendly staff at The Riding Fool are also very willing to impart their expert knowledge about the trails. Even if you don't love biking, Cumberland is great for you. The surrounding area is perfect for hiking, swimming and rock climbing too! Dorm beds start at $25 + tax. 

Here are just a few other reasons to stay at The Riding Fool:

• Staff have great knowledge of the surrounding area and can help you plan your explorations!
• Common room with a woodstove, something to remember for when you're planning your winter trip!
• A BBQ as well as a common kitchen
• Free wifi and pool table
• Great music at The Waverly pub just down the road, if you're not too tired after a day of biking!

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

Hostel of the Week, July 22nd to July 29th 2014

Backpackers Hostels Canada

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