Our list of the best hostels in Vancouver is here to save you. But what do you need saving from you ask?
Well, this city known for its towering mountains and sparkling sea also has one of the highest living standards on earth.
Translation: it’s expensive as all hell to visit. But I want you to come anyway because my city is just too magical to miss.
So here’s how to find budget accommodation in Vancouver without breaking the bank.
The 7 Best Hostels in Vancouver
Samesun Vancouver – The Top Overall Hostel in Vancouver
Prices: From $22 USD | Area: Granville Strip | 1018 Granville St | Skytrain: City Centre
This respected hostel chain has its Vancouver location right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, just a 5-minute walk from City Centre Station. So Vancouver’s top attractions can easily be accessed on foot or via Vancouver public transportation.
It’s located in the heart of the Granville Strip, which is Vancouver’s main entertainment district. Here you’ll be just steps from Vancouver’s top bars, nightclubs, and Vancouver’s best restaurants.
Since this location leads to a healthy amount of noise from the streets below, it is typically favoured by younger solo travellers and groups who are already down there partying!
But in spite of its raucous surroundings, Samesun still receives fabulous reviews for cleanliness, security and service
Amenities
- Free high-speed wifi
- Free breakfast (bagels, eggs, fruit, cereal, hot drinks)
- Laundry/towels
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Private lockers/keycard access/24 hr reception
- Onsite bar/games room
Related: Best Vancouver City Tours
The Cambie Hostel Gastown – The Best Party Hostel in Vancouver
Prices: From $31 USD | Area: Gastown | 310 Cambie St | Skytrain: Waterfront
This local legend is quintessentially Vancouver and is thus firmly ranked right at the top of the best party hostels in Vancouver. And it is located right in the heart of Gastown, Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhood.
This budget Vancouver accommodation is also situated right above the legendary Cambie Bar, which has some of the cheapest drinks in the city. Here you can mingle with fellow travellers and locals alike, to learn about many of Vancouver’s top attractions.
A few negatives: There could be a bit of noise on the first floor, as the bar typically gets quite crowded. Furthermore, breakfast is not served, so I’d suggest checking out Vancouver’s best breakfast restaurants instead.
I’d recommend this hostel for those looking to save money (it’s one of the best cheap hostels in Vancouver) or those looking to party until the crack of dawn.
Looking for peace and quiet? You’ll want to take a pass!
Amenities
- Free wifi
- $5 discount on breakfast at the pub
- Laundry and kitchen facilities
- Luggage storage/lockers/24 hr reception
Related: Top Things to Do in Gastown
The Cambie Hostel Seymour – The Best Vancouver Hostel for Language Students
Prices: From $32 USD | Area: Downtown | 515 Seymour St | Skytrain: Waterfront
This Vancouver hostel is located as close as you can get to Gastown without actually being there and a short walk from Waterfront Station. The Cambie Seymour is a ‘silent sequel‘ of sorts to its famous cousin listed above.
Here you’ll find many of Vancouver’s English language schools, as well as a variety of well-priced bars (check out neighbouring Malone’s Taphouse) and restaurants that cater to them.
Despite this, there is much less of a party atmosphere than at its Cambie Street sister facility. And while the hostel does lack a few of the amenities of some of its larger competitors it still receives high rankings for cleanliness, security, and price.
This makes it a good budget option for travellers who’d like to be near the action while still getting a good night’s sleep.
Amenities
- Free wifi
- $5 discounted breakfast at Cambie Pub (offsite)
- Lockers/luggage storage/24 hr reception
- Laundry facilities
Related: Pet Friendly Hotels in Vancouver
The St. Clair Hotel/Hostel – The Best Hostel in Vancouver for Peace & Quiet
Prices: From $20 USD | Area: Gastown | 577 Richards St | Skytrain: Granville
In addition to male and female-specific dorms, the St. Clair contains a wide variety of private rooms. This makes it a great option for couples, groups, or even families who are visiting Vancouver on a budget.
Visitors should be aware that St. Clair does lack somewhat in regards to the atmosphere with more of a budget hotel feel than that of a traditional hostel.
While there is a small lounge it is used quite infrequently. There is also little on offer in terms of activities and tours and you won’t find a kitchen.
I wouldn’t go here if you’re a young traveller looking to socialize – But you will get peace and quiet and early starts to attractions like Grouse Mountain or the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Amenities
- Free Wifi
- Security lockers/luggage storage/reception (limited hours)
- Laundry facilities
- Microwave
The YWCA Hotel – The Best Budget Accommodation in Vancouver
Prices: From $48 USD | Area: Stadium District | 733 Beatty St | Skytrain: Stadium-Chinatown
This Vancouver hostel only offers private rooms, so much like the St. Clair the YWCA isn’t exactly a traditional hostel. However, since I like it so much as a common budget accommodation I’m gonna toss it in anyway.
First off, all revenue generated by this non-profit hotel directly supports women, children and families in need. So every dollar spent goes to make the world a better place.
But it’s not all about charity. The YWCA is perennially among the best-reviewed properties in the city. And with its location near BC Place, Rogers Arena, and the Parq Casino, it’s perfect for travellers in town for a concert or the big game.
The hotel’s 155 private rooms range from singles all the way up to quintuples, which makes the YWCA a great budget option for larger parties. Each room contains a vanity area, mini fridge, phone, and even a TV: luxuries you won’t find elsewhere on our list of the best Vancouver hostels.
So if you don’t mind paying a slight premium this is my preferred option for groups, families or solo travellers.
A bonus: revenue generated here goes towards the YWCA’s fantastic community programs helping women, children, and families for generations.
Amenities
- Free Wifi
- Full kitchen facilities
- Televisions, telephones, vanity area
- Laundry facilities/housekeeping
- Luggage storage/safety deposit boxes/24 hour reception
- Tours/travel desk
- Onsite cafe
Related: Best Hostels in Whistler
HI Vancouver Downtown – The Top Vancouver Hostel for LTGBTQ+ Travellers
Prices: From $32 USD | Area: West End | 1114 Burnaby St | Skytrain: Yaletown
HI Vancouver Downtown is about a 15-minute walk to Yaletown Skytrain station, making it slightly less accessible than most of its Downtown competitors. But don’t worry! The area is well-serviced by the #6 Davie bus.
Not to mention, the hostel is located right by colourful Davie Village: the city’s main LGBTQ hub. This vibrant area is full of inclusive bars, cafes, and top downtown restaurants that are open late.
Here you’ll get all of the nightlife proximity with a drastically reduced noise level relative to the hostels located on Granville Street and Gastown. Seems like a win-win to me.
Furthermore, the famous Seawall is a 2 minute’s walk down the hill, providing accessibility to Stanley Park, Yaletown, and even Granville Island via the iconic False Creek Ferries.
Overall, you can expect a more laid-back, beachy, West Coast atmosphere in comparison to the hostel’s more urban downtown competitors.
Amenities
- Free wifi
- Free breakfast buffet
- Self-catering facilities
- Laundry
- Luggage Storage/lockers/24 hr reception/key card access
- Outdoor terrace
- Bicycle hire
- Games/tours
Book the HI Vancouver Downtown Now
HI Vancouver Jericho Beach – Best Hostel in Vancouver for Outdoor Lovers
Prices: From $20 USD | Area: Point Grey | 1515 Discovery St | Skytrain: n/a
In quiet West Point Grey, you’ll find the famous HI Vancouver Jericho Hostel, which is located near many of Vancouver’s top beaches, the hip neighbourhood of Kitsilano and UBC. The hostel’s historic building is nestled between beautiful Jericho Beach and the massive Pacific Spirit Regional Park.
Take advantage of the bicycle hire, and explore the local trails and the Westernmost section of Vancouver’s famous Seawall. If you’re feeling inspired attractions such as Granville Island (15 min), Chinatown (30 min) and even Stanley Park (45 min) are well within reach by bike.
Just understand that the immediate area has little in the way of stores, restaurants, or nightlife. You’ll have to use a bus service (20 min to downtown/10 min to Kits) to get around, but if you’re looking for a quiet nature holiday this is the perfect hostel.
*This Vancouver hostel is only open from May 1st to September 30th.
Amenities
- Free wifi
- Restaurant (breakfast not included)
- Self-catering facilities/bbq
- Storage lockers/keycard entry/luggage storage
- Bicycle hire
How to Book the Top Vancouver Hostels
Compared to similarly-sized European and Asian cities, Vancouver has relatively few youth hostels. This can lead to many of the cheaper and more popular locations filling up very quickly during peak season.
To secure a bed in your hostel of choice we highly recommend booking online well ahead of time. And to do so, we recommend using our partners at Hostelworld.
When building this top Vancouver hostel resource we’ve had the chance to partner with dozens of booking providers.
When it came to hostels, we opted for Hostelworld for the following reasons:
- It is the world’s largest site for booking hostels and budget accommodations
- They offer the widest range of Vancouver hostels
- They offer flexible booking for free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in
- They’ve got a Best price guarantee that helps you secure the best rates available online
Finally, if you book using the links in the article you’ll be helping me get one step closer to my dream: doing Vancouver Planner for a living?
Vancouver Hostels Map
Still Looking for the Best Hostels in Vancouver?
I’ve given my all in compiling this list of the best hostels in Vancouver but maybe I’ve missed something.
If you have any comments or questions related to this article or your Vancouver holiday please get in touch using the comments below.
Safe travels!
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