Take a look inside the Kelowna International Hostel

Chances are you’ve driven along Pandosy Street and stared with intrigue at the vibrancy and excitement that oozes from the Kelowna International Hostel near the Kelowna General Hospital.

The exterior is defined by colourful signs and tall wooden posts covered in arrows pointing in the direction of cities around the world.

The inside only gets more eclectically vibrant with murals, painted handprints, and messages written in foreign languages adorning many of the walls in this cozy dwelling.

“There’s a lot of [art] in here that goes back throughout the years,” manager Ben Aubrey told Sarah Nick from 104.7 The Lizard. “I’m very accepting of when people want to draw on the wall.”

Aubrey, who hails from England, first began his Canadian journey in 2018. Working in a kitchen, his chef recommended he stay at the hostel where he enjoyed what he said was the best summer of his life.

After years of experiencing other parts of Canada, Aubrey returned to Kelowna just as a manager position opened up.

“I needed a new work visa and I love this place because of when I first stayed here, so it was just perfect,” he said.

Winter is a quieter time for the hostel, running closer to 60 or 70 per cent occupancy. A it's peak, it has room for 35 guests and employs 10 staff members.

Social events like paint nights, group outings to Big White and local beaches, alongside holiday parties, are common practice. And the cold weather never freezes the upbeat mood, with Aubrey saying they still used the patio’s BBQ during FIFA World Cup viewings.

Many past and present guests fondly remember their time at the hostel, describing their bunk mates as ‘family,' drawing hundreds of people from around the world each year.

“It’s ‘Kelownafornia’, right. It’s great fun,” Aubrey said. “The beaches, lake, parties, good vibes. Why wouldn’t a load of young international travelers want to come?”