Guidebook Reviews

"Both the young and the young at heart will feel right at home"

"A newer spot, Ocean Island Backpackers Inn, enjoys a splendid location in central Victoria. Full of life and art, this big old building features about 155 beds and special kitchen facilities; amenities include internet access $1 for 15 min...."

- Lonely Planet British Columbia

"Part hostel, part budget hotel, this hopping heritage property is a maze of different-sized rooms. It's a great place to meet other travelers - there's a large communal kitchen and a dining area where bands and DJs perform - and the front desk is a mine of information on local happenings. Clientele ranges from solo backpackers to traveling families...."

- Lonely Planet British Columbia

"Ocean Island is more than a hostel, it’s an experience – an experience akin to being kidnapped by 100 of your closest friends and cajoled into partying ‘til you explode. That may not appeal to some inhibited staid types, but Aussies will feel right at home here."

- Lonely Planet

"This is one of the best spots in Victoria for pleasant and inexpensive lodging, and it's located right downtown, just a few blocks from Bastion Square and the Inner Harbour. All sorts of travelers make their way to this hostel (an alternative to the Hostelling International network), from families wit children to on-the-go seniors and young adults with global wanderlust. There's a big, comfy [...] common area with all kinds of stuff going on, including live music. [...] You can buy cheap meals and snacks, use the kitchen, or kick back. In addition to the dorm rooms, there are 60 private rooms, in various configurations, including some with their own bathrooms. The staff here goes out of its way to help guests make the most of their time in Victoria and on Vancouver Island, including arranging day trips to out of the ordinary places"

- Frommer's Vancouver & Victoria

"This colorful hostel boasts a better lounge than many clubs, a fantastic staff, and accommodations comparable to many hotels. Undoubtedly one of the finest urban hostels in Canada. The Victoria & BC Guide on their web site is a great and in depth guide to some of the more out of the way places in the city."

- Let's Go Pacific Northwest Adventure Guide

“Ocean Island backpackers Inn is a funky but very economical property in the west end of Downtown Victoria, near Chinatown. Facilities include a music/games room, kitchen, internet access, storage and parking. The 115 beds include some private rooms, and there is no curfew."

-Hidden British Columbia by Eric Lucas

"The perks include a big kitchen; TV room that never closes; Internet, computer, and fax access; a cafe serving meals; and plenty of activities such as pub-crawling, beach trips, hikes, and more.

Location is good and central... the staff especially recommends the city's thrift stores, and indeed there's one right next door. You're also close to shops, the Inner Harbour, the city's tiny Chinatown, the Royal British Columbia Museum, pubs, and lots more stuff - including, of course, the Parliament Buildings. Good effort, with twenty-four hour reception and fun staff, so far. Keep it up!"

- Hostels Canada

"This is one of Victoria's best-kept secrets - a sort of youth hostel come historic apartment building come backpackers' layover, which attracts all ages and families. If you enjoy meeting other travelers, then this is the place. Conversation is lively and multilingual. There are dorm accommodations for four to six people (co-ed and girls' dorms are available) as well as family rooms which are more hotel-styled with a private bathroom, multiple beds, and a fridge. If you're a twosome, rates are so reasonable that you might find it worthwhile to book a room all to yourselves."

-Vancouver & Victoria for Dummies

"For fun loving people on a budget, the Ocean Island Backpackers Inn is the ideal place to stay."

"Centrally located in the heart of downtown Victoria, Ocean Island offers the same easy access to the region's attractions at a fraction of the cost of a hotel room. The amazing thing is the quality at this price. You may choose from immaculately clean private rooms, family rooms, or four-bed dorms, many with private kitchens and/or bathrooms. The communal kitchen is also spotless and well equipped for people who want to slash costs by doing their own cooking."

- Kulshan.com