Hostels

Hostels are a great bet for travellers trying to see Nova Scotia on a budget and a good place to meet other visitors to the province. You won’t find a hostel in every community but when you do, it’s worth checking out.

Aside from a friendly welcome and a bed for the night, you might find a communal kitchen or BBQ for guests to use, a garden for lounging, helpful travel advice and little extras like free cereal, toast and coffee in the morning.

For single travelers, a dorm bed is your cheapest sleeping option at $20-25 a night. Private rooms are sometimes available, starting from about $60.

Find hostels in or close to:

Halifax

Halifax Backpackers – Set in the heart of a hip district, you’ll find free towels, free internet and on Tuesdays you can join in a frisbee game! (Gottigen Street, Halifax. Phone: 1-888-431-3170)
Halifax Heritage House – This hostel has dorms and private rooms, free wi-fi and local phone calls, a lounge area and a fully equipped kitchen. (1253 Barrington Street, Halifax. Phone: 1-902-422-3863)

Cabot Trail

Cabot Trail Hostel – Set in the fishing village of Pleasant Bay and close to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, there’s some fantastic hiking and whale watching in the area. You’ll find a lounge area, guest kitchen and BBQ to use. (Pleasant Bay, Cape Breton. Phone: 1-877-776-0707)
Bear on the Lake Guesthouse – Halfway between Baddeck and Whycocomagh, this hostel can set you up with a 2-day tour of the Cabot Trail or just kick back and relax to a view of the Bras d’Or Lakes. (10705 Highway 105, Rural route 4, Aberdeen. Phone: 1-866-718-5253)

Annapolis Valley

Digby Backpackers – In the fishing village of Digby, you can get a dorm bed or private room at this hostel. Cook your own scallops fresh from the wharf in the kitchen, plus enjoy their garden and free wi-fi. (168 Queen Street, Digby. Phone 1-902-245-4573)
Brier Island Hostel – Laze on the sun deck, admire the coastline, go whale watching (it’s what Brier Island is famous for) or cook up a feast in the kitchen. Open year round. (225 Water Street, Westport. Phone: 1-902-839-2273)

Southern Nova Scotia

Kip and Kaboodle – Between charming Mahone Bay and colourful Lunenburg, this hostel not only offers a free breakfast but also runs a handy shuttle service around the area. (Phone: 1-866-549-4522)
Port Mouton International Hostel – Halfway between Halifax and Yarmouth, this hostel is close to sandy, white beaches with lots of outdoor activities nearby. You can take a bus right to the hostel door. Open year round. (8100 Highway 103, Port Mouton. Phone: 1-902-947-3140)
Caledonia Country Hostel – A short distance from Kejimkujik National Park, this hostel makes a good base for visiting Keji. Open year round. (9960 Highway #8, Caledonia. Phone: 1-902-682-2955)
Raven Haven – With just 4 single beds, this is one of the smallest hostels around! Don’t worry, if it’s full you can pitch a tent or get a cabin. Raven Haven is set on a lake, halfway between Annapolis Royal and Kejimkujik National Park. (On Virginia Road, off Route 8. Phone: 1-902-532-7320)

Northern Nova Scotia

Pictou Backpackers – Explore the Hector Heritage Quay, one of Nova Scotia’s top attractions, as you stay at this backpackers in Pictou. (Phone: 1-902-485-8740)

Central Nova Scotia

Wentworth Hostel – If you like the outdoor life, you’ll love this hostel. Just a 30 minute drive from Truro, it’s surrounded by trails to hike and moutain bike in the summer, while when it snows you can get your skis and snowshoes on! The area’s scenery is at it’s best when the fall colours appear. (249 Wentworth Station Road, off Route 4. Phone: 1-902-548-2379)