Welcome to the Painted Turtle Guesthouse, winner of the most outstanding hostel of the year award across Canada! Plus the Certificate of Excellence 2 years running.

If you are looking for fresh, fun, and affordable accommodation in Nanaimo, you have found it!! Our cozy, clean and relaxed accommodation offers the ideal place to sleep, socialize and see the sights! Our funky guesthouse is a warm blend of hostel, guesthouse, and boutique hotel.....you will have to see it to believe it!

Opened in 2004, the Painted Turtle Guesthouse is a fully renovated 1913 heritage building. Located steps away from Nation wide vote of greatest street in Canada. The reasoning for this title is the culture, cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, art galleries, bakeries, and street performers. Plus the seawall is only a block and a half away, providing trails, swimming lagoon, crabbing opportunities, local artisans, delicious ice cream, play ground and access to 3 beautiful and special islands.

Our guesthouse provides you with a unique great room with a fully contained, self catering kitchen and eating area, a cozy living area with book exchange and fireplace, 2 computer kiosks plus FREE WIFI, games and a foosball table. We also offer FREE luggage storage, laundry facilities, office services, travel kiosk and our Stay and Save program, which provides you with discounts to many of the downtown vendors. Get a taste of the West Coast!!

We have dorm beds (female, male & co-ed), private rooms, and family rooms - perfect for backpackers and groups. FREE towels and sheets are provided in all rooms. Bathrooms are centrally located and exceptionally clean, each bathroom is outfitted with a sink, toilet and shower for your private use. Our family friendly, home away from home ambiance, makes us perfect for every kind of traveller.

Are you a student, new to town or here on business? Ask about our special long-term stay rates. Our prices can't be beat!

Reservations guaranteed with a VISA or Mastercard only.

We look forward to meeting you and making your stay in Nanaimo unforgettable!