The kind of hostel that’ll make you want to become a backpacker (again), the Ocean is a fabulous blitz of sharp color accents, global travel memorabilia and more handy extras than a deluxe five-star hotel. Bank on free breakfast (including waffles!), free dinner, a free nightly drink, free bag storage (handy for the West Coast Trail) and free friendly advice.
Funky rooms are a available in single-sex and mixed dorms, micro doubles and queens with private bathrooms, plus there’s a shared modern kitchen and plenty of common space to mingle and swap travel escapades.
The same owners also have private, self-catering suites across town in a James Bay character house from $135; see www.oisuites.com for information.