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"As a 35 year old girl going backpacking for the first time (!!) I was very apprehensive about staying in hostels. I felt I'd be older than everyone and was worried that hostels would be noisey and possibly unclean.
Ocean Island totally changed my perception of hostelling. The minute I arrived I was greeted by a warm smile from the person working at the front desk and was checked into the property in a friendly and very helpful manner. I felt chilled out and comfortable immediately. The front desk person promoted the hostel's facilities very well and as a result I ate all my evening meals in Victoria in the hostel, and saved money a lot of money by doing so.
The staff working in the hostel create a very nice ambience and I felt this was passed on to the guests. All the other travellers I met in the hostel were very friendly and up for having a laugh and a drink and it was great swapping stories with them.
My room was a mini double. It had a small double bed and fridge. It was close to a clean bathroom that I only had to share with only one or two other people. The shower was excellent and had really good water pressure and consant hot water. I think the room cost $32 a night and it was well worth it.
I think I was on the third floor and I heard absolutely no noise so had a very good nights sleep on both nights.
I would recommend this hostel to anyone as it has it all. I think its key selling point is the friendliness and professionalism of the staff.
I hope to go back there as Vancouver Island is a beautiful place!"

- (Trip Advisor Jan '10)

"The Ocean Island Backpackers Inn was really arty and quirky. They have tons of extra services to offer and a prime location that is close to downtown and the harbour. The entertainment at night was great too..."

-Kelly (Hostel World Apr '06)

"Very lively and engaging hostel, they have so many things right. Geared (as most hostels are) towards 20 somethings, well kept funky interiors, non-smoking, great staff who work hard. I was here two nights and was so impressed I have booked another week. No money? They have a work-for-stay program that allows you to stay for 3 hours of work in the morning. Very clean and well-kept inside, the bathrooms are attended to immediately. Spacious kitchen with all amenities. On the whole, a very engaging and lively experience, I advocate the Ocean as one of the best hostels I've ever been to which is impressive considering its size."

-(Trip Advisor Sept '06)

"I stayed at the hip hostel all of Dec 2003. Wow, has it been that long! And I still can not forget Victoria and the Ocean Island Backpackers Inn! Many memories made there! I actually fell in LOVE there... I fell in love with the mountains too. All the best to the guest and staff who keep the place alive with positive energy and vibe."

-Lana From Ontario, Feb'07

"What I liked the most about my stay at Ocean Island is that everyone seems so happy."

-Lynda From Hornby Island, BC Feb '07

"I am a forty-eight year old veteran of cheap travel. This old Victorian hotel reminded me of the hostels of my youth, complete with patchwork painted walls and fringe! There are lots of social areas -- to include a small café. The rooms, beds, and sheets were clean and the common areas are scrubbed in the early morning each day. I found the multi-bed rooms to be quieter than the smaller rooms. The Inn sits in the middle of a very exciting part of town where everything is within walking distance. They even have a secured parking area. Unfortunately, I opted not to pay the deposit and found myself scrambling for the meter every few hours! Next time."

-Cynthia (Hostelz.com Sept '06)

"It was a cool place to stay. It was a great place to hang out and rest. The best location for walking anywhere you wanted waterfront fun."

-Deborah (Hostel World Sept '06)

"All right. So this hostel has a very different vibe compared to what I've experienced before. (But in a GOOD way!) The staff is amazingly helpful and friendly. (They even have a guide to what to do and where things are in the area!) The rates are great for such a good location. I am traveling with my boyfriend and this hostel has pretty cozy, yet super comfy double private rooms. Lots of really interesting people and the facilities were clean and usable. A great and unique dining area welcomed us after a long day to kick back and relax in. The location is convenient too! Bus stops are super close and it's not a far walk to food, music or night scene. If ever I return to Victoria, I will surely return to Ocean Island!"

-(Trip Advisor Jun '06)

"A word on Ocean Island, where do we begin,
So much to say, can we put it all in?
Stayed a few times now, just couldn't keep away,
Our favorite phrase was 'just one more day!'
The building itself, go groovily kitted out,
The funkiest we've ever seen, without a doubt
Away from the action, now that would be (expletive deleted)
But the hostel's located downtown in the city!
Check out the pubs, local beers to be tasted,
Came home many times - completely wasted!
A special mention to the wonderful staff,
Happy to help you and good for a laugh
Made lots of new mates during our stay,
Lots of great memories to take back to the UK
So it's about that time, we're off again,
Ocean Island Backpackers is a 9 out of 10
If you wanna upgrade to a 10 out of 10,
Put in a room filled with fit young men!
    -Sorry if this poem seems a bit naff. We mean every word though
      Love Hannah and Cath"

-Hostels Canada

"Great staff, location, very clean, cheap, there's a work-for-stay program if you're strapped. The bedrooms are small, but if you're like me, you won't want to spend much time cooped in a room. There's free storage for customers, internet access, TV room, laundry. The prices here are fair. I like how this place is like Victoria central, you can really start from here and it's a good way to experience the city. Good full kitchen, a dining area with entertainment. Most of the guests seem really happy (with the exception of one very angry old man) There's always something to do here and it feels very welcoming. If you're backpacking in victoria, check this place out."

-(Trip Advisor July '06)

"I arrived to at the Ocean Island Backpackers on a perfect sunny day. After being turned away from another down town hostel, as it was full, i was pleased to stumble across this far superior hostel. At first glance the hostel looks inviting, fun, and full of lovely like minded travelers. Once inside the hostel goes beyond expectations.

The faces behind the front desk are friendly and more than helpful in both the fine accommodation and services here, but more so, in all of the activities and fun that is to be had outside and around the city itself. There are tours run everyday at bargain prices from the hostel with lovely local guides.

Inside, the hostel boasts comfy dining area and spacious kitchen all covered in funky artwork and bright colours. Cheap, quality laundry facilities also add to the whole package. The rooms are spacious and have surprisingly good mattresses and pillows compared to some other hostels. Over all the ocean island definitely made my trip to Victoria, this wonderful part of the world and would return any day."

-(Trip Advisor June '06)

"The atmosphere was fun and funky; I would recommend it as a place to stay if you are adventurous and want a memorable experience."

-Amy From (Hostel World Jun '04)

"Ok, yeah, the rooms are small, but for just over $20, you can have your own space for a night or more. Plus they have great weekly/monthly rates. The staff are friendly and helpful, the building is funky, the location is great, and for someone who has been out on the road awhile, having my own albeit tiny room for a price I could afford was downright decadent. I highly recommend staying here!"

-Smitty, posted on Hostelz.com

(Note: Smitty obviously stayed in one of our small, super-cheap private rooms, but we've got hotel-sized rooms and family-sized rooms as well!)

"If ever you're looking for a place to hang out for a while and reload the batteries, this is the place for you. The staff is great. They are friendly, helpful and caring. The atmosphere here is so laid back and relaxed that you always feel comfortable. This all makes this hostel a place to be and a place to remember and a place to come back to."

-love xxx Peter

"The hostel of fun ... why oh why do travelers have to leave ... if only we had eternity to marvel at the mountains and scenery of this fantastic place ... keep on rockin'!"

-Marc - Scotland and England

"I can definitely recommend it to everybody who wants to stay in victoria over night. It's clean, comfortable, original and you'll feel right at home. Even when you're short on money - you can WORK to get your dorm room for free!! That's pretty cool I think! =)"

-Felizitas From (Hostel World May '04)

"Ocean Island is so phat. Dis place is da bomb! Chill, you betta shake whatcha mamma gave ya. Tupac lives!"

-T

"Dear all Ocean Island Staff. I have to leave here ... I'm so sad!! When I came here, I couldn't speak English, but you always told me "Hi Kiyoto how's going" "what's up." It made me very happy. Also you are my English teacher. Anyway I can't explain my feeling, how can I say? You are my friends, my family, and here is my house in Canada!! I never forget you!! I got many things at here. Now I have many friend all over the world. I mean what a happy girl. I am!! Thanx again. I'll miss you. keep going the style! I'll come back someday."

-Lot of love, Kiyoto

"Clean, elegant, friendly and the best vibe I've encountered in any hostel. Your sheer friendliness and positive energy lengthened my stay by almost two days. Thanks for everything. I'll be back, next time with a bunch of friends."

-All the best, Rae Rerigol (Toronto, ON)

"Hi guys, I've had a great few days here at the hostel and in Victoria - congratulations on such a fab hostel and such friendly staff - very refreshing! There's a great atmosphere here and I'm sorry to leave."

-Claire

"Ask a Canadian about this hostel, he might say: it's "not bad" (that means: it's great), but I say it's (expletive deleted) paradise! I will definitely come back, hey people, get stuck here forever... Dominic Veith"

-Dominic Veith, Germany

"Dear friends,

Spent three nights last weekend with you. As a 55 years old stick in the mud, I was a bit taken aback when my traveling companion announced she had reserved a 'bed in a dormitory'. Shouldn't have worried; that 'dormitory' was Ocean Island. I had the time of my life with you folks.When you can please a curmudgeon like me, you've got to be doing something right.

Hope to see you again soon, and keep up the good work!"

-Bill Heusmann