We’ve mentioned before that the term “Youth Hostel” no longer applies to backpacker inns. The demographics of budget travelers has changed radically.
In fact, “8 Months to 80 Years” doesn’t describe very accurately the age range of our hostel guests. Less than 8 months to More than 80 years-old, would be far more precise.
We’ve had a virtual newborn as guests here with his parents (in one of our private rooms, of course). He had been born (prematurely) in Toronto while his parents were visiting from south of the border.
The mother decided to spend a few days at our hostel before traveling home. So, besides the hospital where he was born, his first place of residence was right here at the hostel!
We have also had several octogenarian backpackers! Alena Svatek was here for a visit all the way from the Czech Republic in September of 2010. Alena is also a Canadian Citizen having lived here for four decades when here native country was under the heel of the Soviet Union.
She returned to her former adopted homeland as a guide for an old friend who could speak no English but had a desire to see Canada.
So you can plainly see that age is no longer a barrier to backpacking.
Our youngest guest
83 year old Alena