Megan H.
Yelp
The HI chain of hostels is usually a good bet, and this is no exception.
The Location:
This hostel is located out near UBC, kinda far from the downtown scene, but easily accessible by bus #4. This Hostel is right on Jericho Beach, with free tennis courts, baseball fields located right out the front door. (rent rackets for free with ID card through HI front desk). Also, there are kayak, canoe, windsurfing rentals right on the beach if you're so inclined. Tons and Tons of free blackberry piking are right out the front door as well. 4th st. has loads of great shops, thrift stores, and restaurants to visit. This hostel has a much more laid-back outdoorsy, beachy vibe going than the two downtown locations.
The Facilities:
Here I Stayed in a 14-16 bed female dorm, this was basically just a huge room with a ton of bunk beds. Bathrooms are down the hall and are gym style, not private. Flip Flops are a MUST in the showers as they are very moldy and slimy. No free breakfast here, just a huge kitchen with tons of cookware and stove/counter tops. No ovens though!
If you're looking for a relaxed, quiet, beachy, hiking, boating time in Vancouver instead of the bar scene, then this is the place to stay!