Budget travelers are well catered to in Victoria, and while the accommodation choices in the capital are more varied than in Vancouver, there is no one backpacker lodge that stands out above the rest.

In the heart of downtown and just a stone’s throw from the harbor, HI–Victoria (516 Yates St., 250/385-4511 or 888/883-0099, www.hihostels.ca, $30 dorms, $54–70 s or d, discounted for members of Hostelling International) offers separate dorms and bathroom facilities for men and women, as well as two kitchens, a lounge, library, game room, travel services, public Internet terminals, and an informative bulletin board.

Housed in the upper stories of an old commercial building, Ocean Island Backpackers Inn (791 Pandora Ave., 250/385-1788 or 888/888-4180, www.oceanisland.com, $25–27 dorms, $47 s, $58–89.50) lies just a couple of blocks from downtown. Guests have use of kitchen facilities, a laundry, and a computer for Internet access. There’s also plenty of space to relax, such as a reading room, music room (guitars supplied), television room, and street-level bar open until midnight.