We really enjoyed our stay at the Painted Turtle. The staff were friendly and inviting and the place was comfortable and clean. We showed up for a late check-in on the Friday night of a busy weekend and had no trouble.

The hostel is right in the heart of town. However, the downside of this means that it has no parking lots and waiting areas for those who are driving to unload their luggages. Stopping directly outside the hostel in the 2 lane road might attract a couple of stares and horns as cars overtake your vehicle. On the other hand, this is the only negative about my stay there. The room and bathroom are extremely clean. The room is quite spacious and the sheets are soft and comfortable. It is also beautifully decorated like a hotel. They have a modern and large cooking/hanging out area as well. The staff is friendly, polite and well-informed. In essence, picture what an ideal hostel should look like and it would translate to Painted Turtle.

We stayed two nights on our trip through Vancouver Island, 1st night on the way to the Pacific Rim NP/Long Beach Area - Tofino. We stayed here again on our way back.
Very convenient location. Large, nicely equipped kitchen and very friendly and helpful staff. Romms are clean and ok in size.
Bar downstairs and several more places to hang out close by. HI members get a discount for the stay, and also guest can get discounts at several eateries and other places around town.

The staff is very friendly, the rooms are modern and clean. The atmosphere was just great!