Guest Blogger: My Experience at a Toronto Backpackers

We have a special guest blogger writing today. James Di Fiore is a current freelance writer and past BoD Toronto Hostel goer. You can check out his blog, Cigarettes and Hip Hop.

When I arrived back in my home city of Toronto I was without an apartment and on the job hunt. Luckily, I had heard about Backpackers on Dundas from a friend I met last year and immediately made my way over. I'm so glad I did.

I've stayed in several hostels before. In Los Angeles, Miami, Lima and Pusan. While most of my experiences were great, I did have some iffy moments that I would rather forget. Also, staying in a hostel in the city I grew up in has a whole different vibe to it. Instead of being a fish out of water and looking for the inside scoop from one of the locals, I was the local who had the inside scoop. So making friends here was easy.

The place is clean, casual and in the best location of any hostel in Toronto. Mike, the owner, is very laid back and easy to get along with. The rest of the staff are great as well and make sure that the place is stocked with supplies and breakfast food. That's another thing - most of the places I had stayed at while traveling did not go the extra mile. Backpackers has a free breakfast, free internet use, an entertainment room and loads of movies and games for lazy nights or rainy days.

And, likely the best characteristic, the hostel tends to attract some of the realest, most interesting travelers I've met. Honestly, it was sad when I had found my own place and had to leave, but I do plan on visiting here and there and act as sort of an unofficial guide for the newbies that visit Toronto. It might just be the best way to keep the travel bug alive while still at home.

Cheers,
James Di Fiore

To contact James, email james.difiore@gmail.com.