HI Bonavista Hostel
40 John Cabot Dr, Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador A0C 1B0 Canada
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About
#1 of 1 hostel in Bonavista
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
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Come explore historic Bonavista at our newly renovated hostel. We have much to offer our guests, including free WIFI, free bicycle use, satellite TV, laundry facilities, fully equipped kitchen, plus much more. The hostel is located just minutes from the Ryan Premises National Historic site, where you can learn about Newfoundland's fishing history. Also just minutes away is the Matthew Legacy Site, where you can take a tour on the replica of John Cabot's ship "The Matthew". We are also located close to restaurants and pubs where you can enjoy traditional Newfoundland food, such as toutons, fish cakes, and jiggs dinner, as well as a wide variety of seafood. Just a few kilometres away you'll find beautiful Cape Bonavista, where you can visit the lighthouse, the dungeon, hike one of the many trails, or just sit and watch the ice-bergs whales and puffins. Whatever you decide to do, the rugged coastline, friendly people, and great food is sure to make your stay in Bonavista a memorable one.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Shuttle bus service
Shared bathroom
Room features
Kitchenette
Hair dryer
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Charming
Location
40 John Cabot Dr, Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador A0C 1B0 Canada
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 39 out of 100
39
St. John's Airport
117.1 km•
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16 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
The whole place was was managed by volunteers who are working for exchanging free rooms during our stay. The volunteers are most young students traveling with working opportunities. It’s a good thing for students to travel but the manger could have provided more trainings.
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Date of stay: July 2022Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: It’s not organized well without a manager on site. We didn’t find any clean towels in the bathroom.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I've been to this hostel 3 times, and I'm always pleasantly surprised by how clean, quiet, and relaxed the hostel is. I keep coming back. While it isn't the mega-size HI hostels usually are, it no way diminishes the quality of the building. As another reviewer said, it feels more like a cozy b&b. And I don't mean cozy in a patronizing sense. It's just a nice place to curl up in. It is spotless. Truly. One of the cleanest hostels I've ever been in. There's an energy-efficient windmill in the back, bikes in the shed, and a lovely renovated kitchen. The ceilings are a bit low, but it's in no way oppressive, and is reflective of the local architectural style. It has such a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere inside, and guests of all ages and classes are comfortable here. It isn't just a backpackers space, but also older tourists who want cheaper accommodation. It's generally quiet, not too much of a party hostel, but anyone with a guitar is more than welcome to start something. I'd venture to say this hostel is a match for any b&b, minus the breakfast. I can not stress enough how clean it is here. (Perhaps my experience with the St. John's hostel just prior made me a bit glad to see a place so tidy and organized).
And it is so convenient to get here. There's a shuttle everyday, extremely affordable, and although it's about a four hour drive with a few stops along the way, the driver is a great storyteller. The owners are beyond accommodating. They go out of their way to make sure your trip is a great one, and that you see as much as you can of the area. They're full of tips and suggestions of activities.
Everybody is so trustworthy. You have no fear leaving your valuables unlocked. There's just so few people at the hostel that it doesn't make sense to steal. No reason to lock doors. Everybody in town knows each other.
Not to mention Bonavista is beautiful. I'd recommend going when there is a show at the Garrick Theatre, which is on par to any small theatre in any major city in Canada. The first time I came to the Garrick, I went to a small show in the adjoining room where we had drinks and stomped our feet and clapped our hands to great Newfoundland music.The pub, the lighthouse and the dungeons are must-sees. I've come in busy seasons and quiet seasons, yet there never seems to be too many people. I've even had accidental naps in the grass and was bothered by no one.
Great place. Highly recommend. I will definitely visit again.
And it is so convenient to get here. There's a shuttle everyday, extremely affordable, and although it's about a four hour drive with a few stops along the way, the driver is a great storyteller. The owners are beyond accommodating. They go out of their way to make sure your trip is a great one, and that you see as much as you can of the area. They're full of tips and suggestions of activities.
Everybody is so trustworthy. You have no fear leaving your valuables unlocked. There's just so few people at the hostel that it doesn't make sense to steal. No reason to lock doors. Everybody in town knows each other.
Not to mention Bonavista is beautiful. I'd recommend going when there is a show at the Garrick Theatre, which is on par to any small theatre in any major city in Canada. The first time I came to the Garrick, I went to a small show in the adjoining room where we had drinks and stomped our feet and clapped our hands to great Newfoundland music.The pub, the lighthouse and the dungeons are must-sees. I've come in busy seasons and quiet seasons, yet there never seems to be too many people. I've even had accidental naps in the grass and was bothered by no one.
Great place. Highly recommend. I will definitely visit again.
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â In my experience, shared rooms here are rarely full. I've only every shared it with one other...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
While driving and hiking around the Bonavista peninsula in early September 2012, my girlfriend and I were looking, last minute, for a place to lay our heads without paying for a pricey B&B. Although we were content with camping we found that camp sites in the area were slim and still rather pricey so as the weather turned cool we opted to call Donna at Bonavista hostel and we're very pleased we did. We got a large private room to ourselves for $57.00 equipped with satellite TV and a double bed with sheets that seemed laundered that day. Donna directed us to the local grocery store where we picked up some things to prepare our end of day dinner and lunch for the next day in their fully-equipped kitchen and pantry. Donna suggested things to do and don't do in and around the area. Bathrooms and showers were very clean and newly renovated with clean towels included. A computer with internet allowed us to review our itinerary and figure out other things to do on our trip. We didn't know about the bikes they have available but would love to use them the next time we go back to Bonavista.
I definitely recommend this hostel to relax and sleep well along the way in Bonavista.
I definitely recommend this hostel to relax and sleep well along the way in Bonavista.
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Date of stay: September 2012Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Room 6 on main floor is big, clean, and has a double bed with a single bunk above it. Also has a...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I booked a group of 10 people to go to this hostel, the owner messed up the dates, then called me and told me I needed to pay for his mistake. Then he tried to charge me triple what we agreed on and when I said no he cancelled my reservation 6 days before we were supposed to go and now we have no where to stay and he doesn't care.
Terrible business owner, terrible person.
Terrible business owner, terrible person.
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Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After travelling the globe and visiting many hostels, I hoped that this site in the quaint town of Bonavista would meet my expectations. I had a private room that was reserved online through a series of adaptations to my arrival dates, and I was thankful for the accommodating service. Unfortunately the television was not functioning, nor was the wifi very strong, but I spent most of the time touring the area anyways. It would have been helpful to have more tourist information and maps available at the hostel. I was surprised at the disorganization of the hostel, since my payment information was written down on a little piece of paper, put into a closet, and I didn't receive a receipt or any sort of payment confirmation. After receiving my credit card bill, I realized I had been overcharged and contacted the person who had helped with my reservations. I hope to hear back from them soon.
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Date of stay: July 2017Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:Â Choose a private room at the back of the building.
Take earplugs if you are an early to bed,...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
After our stay at the excellent, clean, and wonderful Skerwink hostel, visiting Bonavista Hostel was a disappointment. We did not see the host of the hostel until the morning we left when we needed to pay, and it was even unclear she was the host. The bed was nothing compared to our previous night at Skerwink. It was missing some of the charm that most other places had in Newfoundland. I would have loved to see a bit more effort in the decor and atmosphere. On the pro side - affordable and clean accommodation.
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Date of stay: August 2015Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Don't take the room that shares a wall with the kitchen/living room, it was very loud!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's a nice and clean hostel, fully equipped kitchen and laundry, 3 bathrooms. I came in September, off season, so not many people staying here. Bonavista is a nice town to stay in, you can walk anywhere from the hostel and there are bicycles in the shed for you to use for free. It was a nice and pleasant stay, haven't seen much of the owners though.
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Date of stay: September 2014Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at this hostel for 3 nights in mid August. The hostel was fairly nice with a large cooking space and multiple bathrooms. The rooms are fairly big too but the bed that we had could use replacing as we were able to feel the springs. However we had a tv in the room and fast internet service. The host, Donna is very sweet and the guests were all quite friendly. A lot of the attractions are also fairly close by (including the Ryan Premises which is walking distance). AND, you honestly can't beat the price! All in all, great place to stay!
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Date of stay: August 2014Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nice hostel, more like a cosy B&B as this place is tiny compared to other Hi Hostels.
The rooms were a nice size, clean and tidy, as we're the bathrooms. The kitchen area is good and there is a computer for Internet and wifi.
Donna was very helpful even when we arrived at 9pm. She also runs a taxi company so don't be surprised if you think you have called the wrong number!
A very pleasant stay and the hostel is in a great place for exploring nearby attractions.
The rooms were a nice size, clean and tidy, as we're the bathrooms. The kitchen area is good and there is a computer for Internet and wifi.
Donna was very helpful even when we arrived at 9pm. She also runs a taxi company so don't be surprised if you think you have called the wrong number!
A very pleasant stay and the hostel is in a great place for exploring nearby attractions.
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Date of stay: September 2012
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The owners Todd and Donna could not have been more helpful. The hostel is clean and comfortable with great facilities like free wifi and bikes, wind powered electricity, fantastic. It is well located in the town. Todd runs the shuttle from St John's and is a wonderful story teller. I recommend this hostel to everyone.
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Date of stay: August 2012Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Downstairs closer to bathrooms.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"It’s not organized well without a manager on site. We didn’t find any clean towels in the bathroom."Read full review
"Choose a private room at the back of the building. Take earplugs if you are an early to bed, early to rise kind of person."Read full review
LOCATION
CanadaNewfoundland and LabradorNewfoundlandBonavista
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Frequently Asked Questions about HI Bonavista Hostel
Which popular attractions are close to HI Bonavista Hostel?
Nearby attractions include The Elliston Puffin Site (7.0 km), Cape Bonavista Lighthouse (2.8 km), and Dungeon Provincial Park (4.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at HI Bonavista Hostel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and shuttle bus service.
What are some restaurants close to HI Bonavista Hostel?
Conveniently located restaurants include MIFFLIN'S Tea Room, The Boreal Diner, and Skipper's Restaurant.
Are there any historical sites close to HI Bonavista Hostel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Ryan Premises National Historic Site (1.6 km) and Mockbeggar Plantation (3.0 km).