It is common for backpackers to follow a trail when they are out traveling the country, and that trail through Canada mainly focuses on the hostels that they can reach while going from the east or west on that trail. One of the best ways to grow your hostel business is to communicate with all the hostels along the trail, because they can send travelers your way and you can do the same for them.
While you are communicating with these other hostels, you may also pick up ideas of what you can do to make your hostel better or find an activity that you should offer to everyone that stays with you.
You may think that it is a waste of time to spend your days talking to other hostel owners, but the knowledge that you can gain and the additional guests that find their way to you will be worth a few minutes on the phone or a couple of email responses.