Hostels in Burlington

I honestly think this is the best hostel I've ever stayed in. In recent years I've stayed in a lot of the highly commercialised chain hostels, and nothing against them (a bed's a bed), but this is such a refreshing change from that -- you can tell the love that's gone into every aspect of the design in this place. The owners are so kind and clearly love/know the area well. I got a heads-up from them about a nearby street festival that I wouldn't have known about otherwise, and suffice to say was thoroughly grateful for it! Hamilton would've just been a quick overnight stop for me otherwise, but I ended up changing my train times just to stay there longer and appreciate the city. There's a guest-curated map of local highlights, there are board games and books galore, it's small enough to be friendly rather than overwhelming -- this whole place feels like a true ode to community. And they have guinea pigs!