Canadiana Backpackers

Cosy Haven for Backpackers

Stupidly enough, I came to Toronto with some hastily scribbled directions to the hostel, the name of the hostel, but no street address nor phone number. Got off at the correct subway stop, couldn't recognise tram stops (yes, 1st time out of Asia); when I finally found one, another lady there said it wasn't far and I could walk instead of waiting. To cut a long story short, I detoured all over the place and methinks took about 45 mins of walking instead of perhaps 15!
I stayed in a 4-bed female dorm for 2 nights in early Oct 2009. Price was 29 CAD per bed per night.
On both nights I was the last one to come back to bed (in the wee morning hours) and the earliest one up packing and changing the next morning at around 0600! My roommates must've hated me. :( Unfortunately it had to be that way since I barely had about 42 hours in total to spend in Toronto, so I had to make the best of the time.
Bathrooms and toilets (some are together, some are separate) are conveniently located just outside the dorm rooms. Hot showers anytime I liked -- and I usually showered in the wee morning hours!
Bed linen is provided, you'll have to pay a small deposit (refunded when you return the bed linen to the laundry basket) and DIY.
There's free breakfast, IIRC from 0900 onwards, so I never had the chance to enjoy it... what a pity! But there're always bagels, spreads, fruit, muesli bars and such (for a pretty reasonable price) right opposite the reception counter, at the common area. IIRC a bagel plus a spread was 1 CAD. Coffee and tea are always free, take your pick of beverage and a mug from the kitchen area, boil your own water and you're ready to go.
There're always travellers hanging around chatting in the spacious common area, which unfortunately I didn't have the chance to experience.

Unique Quality: When you check-in you'll receive a voucher for 30 mins of free Internet on the hostel computers.
Coin phones are available on the ground floor and basement level -- I tried the one next to the computers on the ground floor and it was spoilt. Ate up my coin and being a penny-pincher (typical poor Asian going to a Western country!) I asked the reception for a refund. I think they were somewhat taken aback and perhaps a little unwilling, but I got my refund.

• Opinion of Price: least expensive
• Related to: Arts and Culture, Budget Travel, Backpacking

Canadiana Backpackers Photo: Daytime view

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