The Best Hostels in Vancouver

Considered the premier hostel in Vancouver, Samesun is a trendy spot for travelers looking for a clean and comfortable place to crash in the middle of the city. Shared and private rooms are available, and all include free Wi-Fi. Amenities range from a movie room to laundry facilities to a cozy communal dining area with ample seating and a stainless-steel kitchen. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast with items like bagels, muffins, cereals, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, juice and coffee before heading out to nearby attractions like the Granville Strip and Stanley Park.

The friendly staff will make visitors feel right at home at this West End hostel, which has close access to the beach and shopping. Guests will enjoy a good rest inside their clean and spacious rooms, which also include well-maintained, shared bathroom facilities. Take in the view on its rooftop patio, relax with a book from the library, or meet new friends over billiards or foosball in the game room. A communal kitchen is available, and a free continental breakfast is provided – nothing like bagels, muffins, cereal, fruit, and juice to start the morning.

Another Vancouver branch of Hosteling International is this centrally located hostel in the Granville Entertainment District. Close proximity to restaurants, bars and clubs make it a popular option, especially for younger travelers. Expect clean linens, towels and shared bathrooms, as well as lockers inside the dorm rooms. Guests can also enjoy a lounge, TV room and dining area with toasters, microwaves, kettles and a refrigerator. A buffet breakfast is included, which comes with tea and coffee. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff any questions at the 24-hour front desk, as they are always ready to give more information on the city tour and pub nights that are offered through the hostel.

Located steps from several picturesque beaches like Locarno and Spanish Banks, it’s no wonder why this Vancouver hostel is a favorite among travelers. Dorm rooms with simple furnishings means no-fuss stays because they know guests would rather spend time hanging at the beach or local parks than indoors. There’s free Wi-Fi in common areas, as well as an on-site café, game room and TV room for people to mix and mingle. Guests can easily prep food in the communal dining area, which can help them save a couple of bucks to afford that extra beer at night.

Built in 1911, this historic building is a landmark on its own, as it is known for being the first concrete house in Vancouver. Its central downtown location means easy access to the Skytrain and buses, tourist hot spots including the historic Gastown and Granville Entertainment Strip, and a great food and drink scene. The hostel offers male- and female-only dorms as well as private rooms, which all come with free linen and towels. Folks staying at the St. Clair can kick back in the common room with other fellow travelers, make some food in the kitchen, or catch up on their favorite show in the TV room. Laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi are also available for guest use, which further proves St. Clair’s reputation for accessibility and convenience.

Gastown’s iconic Cambie Bar was slated for closure in November 2019, which meant its popular upstairs hostel was also going to get the boot. Luckily, Vancouver’s oldest bar managed to secure a new lease, allowing the budget lodging to continue operating as well. The 24-hour Cambie hostel offers more than 140 beds in different-sized rooms and is particularly attractive to young travelers, students, and backpackers for its close proximity to bars, attractions, shopping, and the Skytrain. Enjoy facilities like free Wi-Fi, kitchen, cable TV, computers, luggage storage, and housekeeping. Keep an eye out for the hostel’s resident cat, Oreo, who can help visitors feel less homesick.

Just like its sister spot in Gastown, the central downtown branch of the Cambie Hostel is as comfortable as it is convenient. Situated steps from restaurants, bars, Skytrain stations and educational institutions, this intimate hostel is great for international travelers. Some of its facilities include a self-serve kitchen, cozy TV nook, and laundry room. Rest easy on one of its 74 clean and comfy beds and when you wake up, check out the restaurant downstairs where guests can get $5 off the menu.