Fodor's Expert Review Ocean Island Backpackers Inn

The backpacker grapevine is full of praise for this fun and friendly Downtown hostel. Perpetually busy and impeccably managed by a thought-of-everything owner, the historic warren of a building houses 60 private rooms (three of which have private baths) and several four- to six-bed dorms. The building has a secured entry, bike and bag storage, a shared kitchen, and, best of all, an evening snack-and-beer lounge hopping with planned events. Staff organize group day trips and offer heaps of travel information. You can even borrow a guitar for open-mike night. Ask for a room away from the café if you want an early night. Seniors and families mix well with the clean-cut young crowd, but ask, too, about the Ocean Island Suites ($), self-contained accommodations with kitchens in nearby James Bay. This hostel is for international travelers only, so locals can't get in on this deal-of-a-place.