In many other parts of the world (particularly Australia, NZ, Europe and Asia), hostels or backpackers are the accommodation of choice for people travelling on a budget and are a pretty mainstream form of accommodation.  Unfortunately this has not been the case in Canada until fairly recently.  This is changing however and now there are many more choices throughout Canada for hostels.  Nova Scotia has been a little slower to catch on with hostel accommodation.....however we are trying to change this.  In South West Nova Scotia alone there are now 6 hostels to choose from, and a few others scattered throughout the province including Halifax and Cape Breton.

As with any property providing accommodation, you will be asked to provide valid picture ID and contact details at checkin.  Just a reminder that we don't have credit facilities so payment is by cash on arrival together with a key deposit.  Management reserves the right to refuse entry.

Prices are kept low because for the most part everything is shared (unless of course you book a private room).   Rooms don't have ensuites & guests use one of two share bathrooms (which of course have locks on the doors),  there is a shared kitchen if you wish to cook a meal or make a snack, many guests will often then eat a meal together and then make plans to spend the day together, there is also a small common area for TV, games or just a chat. 

Hostels don't have fancy linen on the beds, it usually doesn't match and sometimes you will have to make your own bed. 

You make your own breakfast, the sheets aren't fancy & usually don't match and you bring your own soap (oh and there are no chocolates on your pillow at night!)

Only if you want to.  Many hostels these days now provide a choice of rooms and so you can choose if you want dormitory (shared) accommodation or a private room (which will cost a few dollars more).

We provide clean bedding including sheets, blankets or duvets and towels so we ask that for hygeine reasons you don't use sleeping bags or personal bedding at all.  Some hostels will even keep your sleeping bag at reception during your stay so you're not tempted to roll it out.

Not at all, our youngest guest to date has been 6 months old and our oldest was in her 80's....obviously minors must be accompanied by a guardian!

Our guests are from all walks of life and choose to stay in hostels, not just because they are ecomonical but because they like the friendly atmosphere and being able to meet like minded travellers.  We have had teachers, doctors, architects, sailors, students, retired couples, journalists and the list goes on.

We cater to groups, families, couples, sporting teams and single travellers.  We don't however offer accommodation to local residents and you will be asked to provide valid picture ID and register with a current address on checkin. 

Last year we had guests from 18 different countries which makes for very interesting dinner conversations!

Seriously, we were really asked this question.  No, of course not, we're not fussy what type of luggage you bring, it's just called a backpackers because this is the "bag" of choice for many travellers who are on extended holidays or working holidays.

Not usually, guests are pretty considerate of others.  Many of the "party goers" tend to stay in the city where they can be closer to the action...so if you are looking for lots of night life and bars, the rural Nova Scotian hostels are probably not for you.  Not to say that our guests don't have fun.