Toronto's Canadiana Backpackers Inn has been voted the best hostel in North America.

The poll of travellers was carried out by hostelworld.com, an on-line booking agency that handles reservations for more than 6,000 backpacker youth hostels worldwide.

Ratings are based on such things as cleanliness, facilities, atmosphere, the character of the building and the friendliness of the staff.

Canadiana Backpackers is centrally located at 40-46 Widmer St. in four restored Victorian Townhouses built in 1883 and caters to international youth travellers.