Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
Canada, thankfully, has a strong hostel culture. It is nowhere close to Europe or Asia, but (in our opinion) it is definitely better than the USA (we still love… most of you!). Hostels are perfect for budget travel, as well as solo travel, families and anyone who wants to get the most out of a destination. The best hotels in Canada can be found in major city centres or among the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Are you ready for your Canadian adventures to begin?
here are the best hostels in canada (west to east to North)!
♥ = Best of the Best
victoria, british columbia
♥ ocean island inn
Uh, how many hostels do you know that offer up FREE dinner every other night (Indian curry or sundried tomato pasta)?! Once you arrive you’ll understand why this is one of the best hostels in Canada. They offer free breakfast, high-speed wifi, a mini-fridge in every room, a shared kitchen and more! The location is excellent too. Naturally.
women-owned • location: 791 pandora avenue, victoria, bc | book a bed
vancouver, british columbia
samesun vancouver
Samesun Vancouver has been one of the best hostels in Canada for a number of years. The vibe is electric, and how could it not be, it’s on Granville! Close to bars, nightclubs, shopping and sites, it is an easy and ideal choice. The hostel offers free breakfast, wifi and a city tour. Laundry on-site, as well as a restaurant and bar.
location: 1018 granville street, vancouver, bc | book a bed
yoho national park, british columbia
hi-whiskey jack
This hostel won’t win design awards, but that doesn’t matter. Located a short walk from Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park, this is a wilderness hostel. Don’t fret, they do have showers and flush toilets, however, they do not have phones or cell service. Ideal for hikers or anyone who wants to disconnect. Plus, who can resist visiting Takakkaw Falls and staring at the starry night sky!
location: yoho national park, bc | book a bed
banff, alberta
♥ samesun banff
Samesun’s location in Banff is fabulous, right along the main street, close to restaurants and bars and whatever else you may be looking for. The communal space is cozy, the self-serve kitchen is decent and they have a bar on site if you don’t feel like going out. Free breakfast, parking and internet. Laundry on site.
location: 433 banff ave, banff, alberta | book a bed
calgary, alberta
wicked hostels – calgary
Easily the best hostel in Calgary, Wicked Hostels is located in a quiet part of downtown Calgary – except when the Calgary Stampede is on! Located across the street from the Stampede grounds, if you’re planning a trip to YYC in the month of July, you best book early! This hostel offers free fast wifi, free breakfast and laundry (and a few other tempting perks).
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • location: 1505 mcleoad trail s.e, calgary, ab | book a bed
winnipeg, manitoba
♥ la cabane guesthouse
Every time we look at La Cabane’s Instagram feed we want to head to Winnipeg. Seriously, this is most definitely one of the best hostels in Canada (and our top pick!). The hostel is located in the city’s Saint-Boniface neighbourhood, which is the French side of Winnipeg (Did you know there is a French side and an English side?!). This hostel offers free breakfast, wifi and parking. Laundry on site.
location: 315 provencher blvd, winnipeg, mb | book a bed
toronto, ontario
♥ planet traveler hostel
Located near Toronto’s famed Kensington Market, the Planet Travel Hostel is known as the friendliest and greenest hostel in Toronto. Truthfully, they are probably the greenest in Canada. This hostel features free wifi, breakfast, local calls, rice and popcorn (!!). They also have an outdoor terrace and steam room. Bicycle hire and laundry are available on site.
location: 357 college street, toronto, on | book a bed
ottawa, ontario
saintlo ottawa jail
The most haunted hostel in Canada, this imposing historical building was once a jail notorious for public hangings. You can choose to stay in a ‘regular’ hostel dorm room, or if you are feeling adventurous, stay in one of the old jail cells and pretend the noises at night are normal. The hostel offers free breakfast and wifi. Bicycle hire and laundry service available.
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • location: 75 nicholas Street, ottawa, on | book a bed
montreal, quebec
♥ m montreal
We admit this hostel in Montreal has us swooning! One look and you will instantly know why this is one of the best hostels in Canada. A boutique hostel design complete with a rooftop patio and hot tubs, stellar views, free wifi and breakfast. The hostel is in a quiet ‘local’ neighbourhood, a 10-minute walk from Old Montreal. Bicycle hire and laundry on site.
location: 1245, rue st-andre, montreal, qc | book a bed
quebec city, quebec
hi quebec – auberge internationale de quebec
Located in the heart of Old Quebec, a five-minute walk from Chateau Frontenac. The hostel is quite large, almost a city block in size. The common room and self-serve kitchen are large, a bar is located on-site and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Free wifi is available and laundry is available on site. Known as one of the best hostels in Canada for several years now.
lgbtqia2s+ safe space • location: 19, rue sainte-ursule, quebec city, qc | book a bed
st john’s, newfoundland
city hostel
Yay! St. John’s has a hostel, and it’s located in a brightly coloured house near George Street. Owned by travellers who saw a need, this hostel is the perfect starting point for an east coast adventure. The hostel has free parking and wifi, and an outdoor terrace.
location: 8 gower street, st. john’s, newfoundland and labrador | book a bed
