We have made it to number three in our series of posts where we’ll be interviewing hostel owners throughout Canada. Adam from Ocean Island Backpackers, located in the beautiful city of Victory, Vancouver Island, BC, was gracious enough to fill out our set of questions, and tell us about this unique west coast hostel.
Q: How long have you been operating your hostel?
A: We’ve been running seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day for 10 amazing years!
Q: Tell us about your hostel?
A: We have a huge spectrum of room choices to suit any budget; from 4 to 6 bed dorms to mini-privates to hotel-style rooms with ensuite bathrooms. We have a large, recently renovated, communal kitchen and dining area and if you’re feeling too lazy to cook, our licensed Café Lounge is open daily serving Thai and Indian curries, as well as burgers, paninis and fresh salads at backpacker prices. We also offer free wireless, cheap internet access, parking, bike and bag storage and on site laundry facilities. Our staff are on hand 24 hours a day to answer your questions and make sure you’re safe and happy.
Q: Does your hostel offer any activities or help book tours for it’s guests?
A: We have a Games Night, a Quiz Night and a very popular Open Mic Night. We book whale watching trips, Lizard Adventure Travel day trips(www.lizardaventuretravel.com) and sell dicounted tickets for the Royal BC Museum and Imax Theater. We’ve partnered up with lots of local businesses to give our guests amazing discounts for kayak rentals, bike rentals, sailing trips, fishing trips and so much more!
Q: What is your favourite activity / tour that your hostel offers, and why?
A: Open Mic is a lot of fun and it has a strong community following too, so it is a great way for travellers to meet locals. It makes for eclectic music from sitar players to West Coast Blue Grass!
Q: Tell us about the area your hostel resides in?
A: We’re right in Victoria’s downtown core, so guest can walk to Chinatown, access to public transit, theatres, inner harbour, bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, Beacon Hill Park and the Empress Hotel within 15 minutes.
Q: Do you offer work for backpackers? When is the best time to apply for work at your hostel?
A: We often hire travellers as full time staff. Spring is generally the best time to apply but we welcome resumes all year round.
Q: Are there any special promotions you’re currently running or have run in the past?
A: We offer great discounted 3 day, weekly, biweekly and monthly rates on dorms and private rooms. We also do an amazing $4.75 meal special and our 24 hour $5.00 breakfast special is a hit! Our prices are staying the same during the Olympics too!
Q: How much does it cost for:
A: Dorm: $19-$28
Double:$39-$79
Other: We have a second location in a heritage house in James Bay. Our fully furnished one bedroom suites are available from $ $95-$125
Your hostels website: www.oceanisland.com
Your hostels Facebook page: Ocean Island Backpackers
Your hostels Twitter page (if available): @oibi
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A warm and happy thank you goes out to Adam of Ocean Island Backpackers Inn. Be sure to stop by Ocean Island Backpackers Inn when you travel to Vancouver Island. Victoria is a very cool town with lots to see and do and is one of my favourite locations on Vancouver Island. It’s the perfect hub to get started on seeing as much of Vancouver Island as possible. Remember to subscribe to i Backpack Canada for more interviews and sneak peaks into life in Canada’s hostels and be sure to check out Ocean Island Backpackers on Facebook & Twitter.
Interview Questions: