Last Updated: 12/8/23 | December 8th, 2023
Vancouver is one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s filled with delicious food (there’s lots of amazing sushi here), spacious parks (don’t miss Stanley Park), and is close to both the mountains and the ocean. The city consistently ranks in the top five best places to live in the world — and it’s no surprise why. It’s a wonderful, wonderful city that I’ve loved ever since I first visited in 2004 with my family.
Since then, I’ve come back a handful of times to explore it on my own. I’ve seen the city change a lot over the last fifteen years and one of the things that has changed for the benefit of us travelers is that there are a lot more hostels. Vancouver now has one of the best hostel scenes in Canada, and you won’t be disappointed with what you find here.
That said, there are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top four when picking the best hostel in Vancouver are:
- Location – Vancouver is huge and it can take some time to get around. Pick a place that is central to the sites and nightlife you want to see. All the hostels listed here are in central locations.
- Price – In Vancouver, you really get what you pay for, so if you go with a really cheap one, you’re probably going to get a hostel that is small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service.
- Amenities – Every hostel in the city offers free Wi-Fi, and most have a free breakfast, but if you want more than that, be sure to do your research to find the hostel that best meets your needs!
- Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff! They are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews to ensure you end up somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!
To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in Vancouver that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Vancouver:
Price Legend (per night)
- $ = Under 40 CAD
- $$ = 40-50 CAD
- $$$ = Over 50 CAD
1. Cambie Hostel Seymour
Cambie Hostel Seymour is located in Downtown Vancouver. This hostel is pretty basic and small (dorms are two or four beds), and the hostel itself doesn’t have much ambiance: expect bare rooms and bathrooms in need of a refresh. But guests don’t stay here because of the property; they stay because of its prime location and easy access to other destinations in the city and to the airport. But there is a common area and a “chill room,” which comes complete with its very own hostel cat.
If you’re cooking, the kitchen isn’t huge and seating is limited, but they also offer 20% discount voucher to their pub. Below the hostel is the popular Malone’s Social Lounge & Taphouse (the reason for the late-night noise) and Chihuahuas Mexican Grill, so you can eat and drink without going far and they have happy hour specials. Because of its proximity to the bars, it gets loud at night. If you want a lively hostel, stay here.
Cambie Hostel Seymour at a glance:
- $$
- Bar below the hostel
- Lively social atmosphere makes it easy to meet people
- Laid-back common areas for hanging out and relaxing
Beds from 44 CAD, private rooms from 99 CAD.
2. Cambie Hostel Gastown
This Cambie hostel is located in Gastown, a hip area of Vancouver loaded with bars and restaurants. It has comfortable beds and a small common room to mix and mingle in. The Cambie, the hostel’s bar, draws in crowds of locals, though it can get incredibly loud so bring some noise-canceling headphones because basic earplugs won’t cut it. Like its sister hostel a few blocks away, there’s also a housecat to keep you company (if you’re allergic to cats, bring allergy meds).
Housed in a building dating back to the late 1800s, it’s in need of a little renovation. The hostel has a small kitchen and the showers are close to the toilets, which makes it cramped. Its location is its main selling point, though, so if you’re not expecting anything special other than direct access to Gastown and all it has to offer, this is a good place for you. For food, they also offer a 20% discount voucher, to be used for any meal and drink at the Cambie Pub.
Cambie Hostel Gastown at a glance:
- $$
- Great place to meet other travelers
- Central location right downtown
- Bar on-site for hanging out and mingling
Beds from 42 CAD, private rooms from 109 CAD.
3. YWCA Hotel
This is less of a hostel than it is a budget hotel, offering affordable private rooms in downtown Vancouver. It’s a great choice for couples or families looking for a quiet yet central place to stay. The rooms are basic yet have everything you need, including Wi-Fi and mini-fridges.
There are no fewer than three kitchens here too, so there’s never a wait if you want to cook your own food. There’s also a rooftop patio, a coffee bar in the lobby, and fitness center access (including a pool) in a nearby building. As a non-profit hotel, your stay supports their programs helping single mothers and their children have access to housing and food.
YWCA Hotel at a glance:
- $$$
- Three guest kitchens
- Large private rooms (great for families)
- Rooftop patio
Private rooms from 120 CAD.
4. HI Vancouver Downtown
Tucked into a quieter part of the city, HI Vancouver Downtown is a good spot for heading out to explore popular Granville and Davie Streets, which offer plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shopping. It’s also a quick walk to the beach and ferries to Granville Island (where you’ll find lots of shopping), as well as walking distance to the beautiful Stanley Park.
The hostel has re-opened after a much needed renovation: the dorms now have individual light and power outlets to accommodate every bed, the bathrooms have been freshened up, and the Wi-Fi is better than in the past. The hostel also has a free continental breakfast, a rooftop terrace with views over the city, game room with foosball and pool, a library, and a TV room. It also runs tours and has bike rentals so you can easily explore more of the city.
HI Vancouver Downtown at a glance:
- $
- Lots of common areas so it’s easy to meet people
- Newly renovated
- Free breakfast
Beds from 48 CAD, private rooms from 128 CAD.
5. Samesun Vancouver
The Samesun chain of hostels consistently ranks as some of the best in the cities where they are located. Samesun Vancouver is no exception. My favorite feature of this hostel is in the six-bed dorms, which offer cozy pod beds and give you a bit more privacy than normal bunks, as well as your own light, shelf, and outlets. The bathrooms are clean, and there are plenty of them, so you’re not left waiting in line.
There’s a lot to love at this hostel. It has a decent free breakfast including eggs and hot cereal, a full kitchen, common areas for meeting people and relaxing, daily hikes, and even the Beaver Bar, a lounge serving food and beer with a daily happy hour.
The only real downsides of Samesun are the small rooms (it’s hard to maneuver in the four-bed dorm) and the lack of elevators (so you’ve got to haul your belongings up flights of stairs).
Its location is excellent, however: it’s in the Granville district, which is loaded with bars and restaurants, and near historic Gastown. Like most other hostels in the city, it’s located in an area where the bars are open late, so if you’re sensitive to noise, bring earplugs. Note: This hostel is temporarily closed as of winter 2023.
Samesun Vancouver at a glance:
- $$$
- Bar on-site for hanging out and meeting people
- Convenient location in Granville (lots of bars and restaurants nearby)
- Free breakfast
Beds from 74 CAD, private rooms from 203 CAD.
While the hostel scene in Vancouver may not be as extensive as other parts of the world, you’ll still find lots of suitable options here. In an expensive city like Vancouver, hostels are your best option if you’re on a budget, especially if you’re looking to enjoy the city’s rambunctious nightlife.
Just make sure you have some good earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if you’re a light sleeper. This is a lively city, after all!
Book Your Trip to Vancouver: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Vancouver?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Vancouver for even more planning tips!
