Looking for the best hostels in Whistler? They’re hard to find, but I’ve tracked them all down
With this list of top hostels in Whistler I want to give you a chance at having a budget trip, even in a region where that’s almost impossible.
I’m gonna go through everything from location and amenities to cost and customer service.
The Best Hostels in Whistler BC
HI Whistler – The Cheapest Hostel in Whistler
☆☆| 1035 Legacy Way | Area: Olympic Village | Prices: From $23.00 USD
If you’re looking for the cheapest hostel in Whistler, HI Whistler is worth checking out.
This Whistler youth hostel offers everything from shared dorms to private rooms, so you can choose the option that best fits your budget.
This makes it great for both solo and group travellers. I stayed in a private room and it was pretty basic but modern, clean and comfortable. The hostel also offers free Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast.
The hostel is located 8 km south of Whistler near the Olympic Village – so honestly you’re a bit of a hike from the centre of the action. You’re looking at a 20-minute ride into town on the #20 bus.
Like many HI locations, it lacks the social atmosphere typical of many Vancouver hostels. But if you’re simply looking for a cheap bed then HI Whistler is more than sufficient.
Related: Vancouver to Whistler Bus Options
Whistler Lodge Hostel – The Best Hostel in Whistler for Solo Travellers
☆☆| 2124 Nordic Drive | Area: Creekside | Prices: From $40.00 USD
If you’re worried that HI Whistler is too far from town I’d suggest checking out Whistler Lodge Hostel. It’s located just 3 km from Whistler Village near the Creekside Gondola.
You’ll also be within walking distance from Creekside’s numerous bars, restaurants and amenities closer by.
Set amid the wilderness, the Whistler Lodge Hostel feels like a shared Alpine chalet and not your typical backpacker’s hostel. Originally built in the 60s, this Whistler Lodge Hostel has been a base for mountain adventures for decades.
The shared games room/lounge and kitchen facilities offer a more social atmosphere than that of HI Whistler. While the spotless dorm rooms contain pod-like beds that offer extra privacy compared with facilities in most Whistler hostels.
Pangea Pod Hotel – The Best Whistler Hostel
☆☆☆| 4333 Sunrise Alley | Area: Whistler Village | Prices: From $57.00 USD
This unique Whistler hostel varies from your usual backpacker accommodation. Pangea Pod Hotel is modelled on the increasingly popular Japanese-style capsule hotel – so it’s a hostel in spirit.
You’ll receive a bed situated in your own “pod” within a larger dorm room, each of which contains its own shared bathroom. Pangea offers both single and double pods that vary in price depending on whether they’re front or side entry.
Female-only dorms are also available.
Having stayed in capsule hotels in Japan I can assure you that they’re better than hostels in terms of space, comfort and cleanliness. And this is coming from someone well over 6 feet tall.
And though you’ll pay for the privilege, the Pangea Pod Hotel is the only Whistler hostel right in the heart of Whistler Village. So unlike the other Whistler hostels on our list, you’re just steps away from the gondola and Whistler’s best bars.
Related: Vancouver to Whistler Private Transfers
Whistler Fireside Lodge
☆☆| 2117 Nordic Drive | Area: Creekside | Prices: From $35.00 USD
The Fireside Lodge in Whistler, BC is a great option for budget travellers looking for a comfortable place to stay. It is located near the Whistler Lodge Hostel, within walking distance of Creekside’s gondola, bars and restaurants.
This Whistler youth hostel provides a similar ski lodge feel to its nearby competitor.
The facility is a member-owned property – though non-members are allowed. As a result, you’ll find the location is maintained at a standard generally better than most Whistler hostels.
The lodge offers both private and shared rooms, with a range of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a fully equipped kitchen that can cater to up to 20 guests. And the rec room and on-site sauna are perfect to relax after a day spent exploring this mountain paradise.
Related: Best Things to Do in Whistler
☆☆| 8135 Alpine Way | Area: Alpine Meadows | Price: From $45.00 USD
This popular Chalet-style hostel is located in the residential area of Alpine Meadows about 5 km north of Whistler Village. While it’s a bit of a hike, the #30 bus can get you there in about 15 minutes, so it’s not insurmountable.
Each room offers balcony access, large windows and solid wooden beds, a nice change from the typical hostel squeakers.
The immaculate shared kitchen and living area contain a fireplace to relax in front of while you converse with your new friends. Then take the party to the communal hot tub, a luxury rarely seen in the world of hostels.
While this Whistler hostel receives high reviews, it should be noted that rooms can be very difficult to come by. So you will likely be required to book your room considerably in advance.
*The Alpine Lodge is currently booked solid for the entire 2022-23 ski season.
Related: Best Hotels in Whistler
How to Book the Top Whistler Hostels
Compared to most larger cities, Whistler has relatively few youth hostels.
With an endless array of youthful visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors in this mountain paradise the few beds there are tend to fill up quickly.
When it came to top Whistler 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 Whistler 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 hostels in Whistler using the links in the article you’ll be helping me get one step closer to my dream: doing Vancouver Planner for a living ?
Still Looking for the Best Hostels in Whistler?
I’ve looked high and low to compile this list of the best hostels in Whistler, but maybe I’ve missed something.
If there’s you have any comments or questions related to this article or your Whistler holiday please get in touch using the comments below.
Enjoy Whistler ?
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