Vancouver attracts thousands of tourists a year, drawn to the city’s scenic parks and active nightlife. While forestry remains its largest industry, tourism ranks second, making it clear that Vancouver is an extremely popular tourist destination. Better yet, Vancouver has consistently been ranked as one of the top five worldwide cities for livability and quality of life, enabling tourists to feel assured that they will be safe and comfortable throughout their journey. One of the most popular options for tourists seeking an authentic yet affordable experience in Vancouver are hostels, which are located in many convenient locations throughout the city. Below are 10 of the best backpacker hostel in Vancouver, Canada, for your next trip.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 26, 2025.
1. St. Clair Hotel & Hostel (from USD 119)
St. Clair Hotel & Hostel is a clean and affordable hostel located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, close to public transportation, shops, restaurants, entertainment and main tourist attractions. The hostel is a heritage listed building, built in 1911 by Captain Henry Pybus and Architect Samuel Birds. It was the first concrete building in Vancouver, originally built as accommodation for railway and ocean-going passengers from both Pacific and Atlantic locations.
Its nautical, old-school theme has been preserved so that travellers from all over the world can enjoy the history of this unique Vancouver landmark. A night at the hostel goes for as low as 29 USD for a bed in a shared single-sex dorm. For its affordable price and unique history, it is no wonder that the St. Clair Hotel Hostel is extremely popular among tourists, with glowing testimonies on the hostel’s website, praising the hotel and its staff for the great service and clean rooms.
St Clair Hostel
Address: 577 Richards St.
716 meters (0.5 ft) from Canada Place
2. Samesun Backpackers Vancouver (from USD 42)
Decent complimentary breakfast with a variety of options, but can get crowded and chaotic.
Affordable for a central location, but prices have shot up in the last two years.
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, with easy access to public transport and tourist attractions.
Free breakfast, spacious common areas, daily hostel activities, and a bar on-site.
Samesun Backpackers Vancouver is a youth-friendly hostel located at the heart of Vancouver’s Entertainment District and just a stone’s throw away via public transit from many main tourist attractions, like the Vancouver Aquarium, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lynn Valley. Room options are extremely diverse at this hostel, with choices ranging from eight-bed mixed dormitories from 38 USD a night to private double en-suites from 110 USD a night. For those looking to give the latest pod sharing trend a go, newly-renovated six-bed pod dormitories are available for you.
For those seeking to meet new people or just kick back with fellow travellers after a long day of backpacking, the Samesun Vancouver Hostel promotes a social, laid-back atmosphere in their common room, shared kitchen and shared working spaces.
Samesun Vancouver This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 1018 Granville Street
1.41 km (0.9 mi) from Canada Place
3. The Cambie Hostel Gastown (from USD 51)
Lively Gastown is known for its whistling steam clock, indie art galleries and Victorian buildings. If you are looking for a clean, comfortable and newly-refurbished hostel located in the heart of the historic Gastown, the Cambie Hostel Gastown is definitely a hostel to consider. Featuring an on-site bar and cafe, this backpackers’ hostel is also well-equipped with any amenities a 21st-century traveller might need, from free Wi-Fi and free luggage storage to a common kitchen with a dining area and breakfast at a discounted rate. The Cambie Hostel chain is well-known for its excellent service, with 24-hour front desk service and laundry facilities available on site.
The Cambie Hostel Gastown
Address: 310 Cambie Street
652 meters (0.5 ft) from Canada Place
4. HI Vancouver Jericho Beach (from USD 54)
Although Vancouver is famous for its snow-capped mountains and ski hills, it would be a mistake not to drop by its beaches and soak in some sun, especially during Vancouver’s summer months. Located a four minutes’ walk from Jericho Beach Park, just outside the downtown core, HI Vancouver Jericho Beach features free property-wide Wi-Fi and an on-site café. A lounge, games room and television room offers guests the opportunity to relax and socialise with other backpackers throughout their stay. All dormitory-style rooms include linens, a backpack-sized locker and a shared bathroom. There is also the option to rent a private en-suite room.
North Shore Culinary School students hone their craft here, as they serve guests international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the NSCS Discovery Café and Restaurant. For prospective students wishing to visit the University of British Columbia, the school is less than 20 minutes away via public transportation.
HI Vancouver Jericho Beach - Hostel
Address: 1515 Discovery Street
6.91 km (4.3 mi) from Canada Place
5. The Cambie Hostel Seymour (from USD 68)
Options for food nearby, but noise from the bar downstairs can be a downside for some guests.
Affordable for downtown location, but may be high for hostel standards. Towels available for $5 deposit.
Conveniently located in downtown Vancouver, close to public transport, restaurants, and shops.
Central location, clean facilities, reliable WiFi, 24-hour reception, secure storage, and well-equipped kitchen with recycling options.
Seymour is a large, vibrant city known for its close access to shopping, restaurants and quaint cafes. The Cambie Hostel Seymour is located centrally in the heart of downtown Vancouver. On the ground floor, guests can enjoy a night of watching live sports via satellite while savouring Happy Hour specials at Malone’s Social Lounge and Tap House. There is also Chihuahuas Mexican Grill if guests are in the mood for tacos and tequila. Besides the mouth-watering good food and drinks on the ground floor, other facilities include a self-serve kitchen with a seating area, a computer corner for guests to keep in touch with friends from back home, a laundry room with washers and dryers and luggage storage for your gear.
Guests staying at Cambie Hostel Seymour will also get to play with the furry Cambie Cat, who is always seen lounging around the common rooms, waiting to meet new people. The Cambie Hostel Seymour is also an adult-oriented hostel, open only to guests 19 years old and above.
The Cambie Hostel Seymour
Address: 515 Seymour Street
598 meters (0.4 ft) from Canada Place
6. Vancouver Backpacker House (from USD 41)
Vancouver Backpacker House is conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from the Metrotown Skytrain stop, allowing visitors to travel to downtown Vancouver in less than 14 minutes. The hostel is also located just a few minutes’ walk away from the Metrotown Shopping Mall, giving guests easy access to food and entertainment options without having to leave the Metrotown area. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the guesthouse and laundry facilities are available. All guests have access to a shared bathroom, kitchen and dining area.
Vancouver Backpacker House - 10 min walk to Metrotown skytrain station
Address: 7020 Gray Avenue
11.17 km (7.0 mi) from Canada Place
7. HI Vancouver Downtown (from USD 62)
Big dining area, kitchen is cleaned, but limited dining options nearby.
Good value for money, especially compared to hotels and AirBnBs in Vancouver.
Conveniently located near cafes, restaurants, bus stops, and easy to reach via public transit.
Spacious common rooms, well-equipped shared lounge with foosball and pool tables.
HI Vancouver Downtown is located in the heart of Vancouver, just 1 km (0.6 miles) away from the Yaletown-Roundhouse SkyTrain station and 10 minutes’ walking distance from Sunset Beach and Robson Street. The Vancouver Aquarium is 3 km (1.9 miles) away. A rooftop patio with a scenic view of the Vancouver city skyline is offered at the hostel. Free Wi-Fi is provided in public areas and the hostel is strictly non-smoking. A complimentary continental breakfast is included, featuring muffins, bagels, cereal, fruit and juice.
Shared bathroom facilities are offered in each dormitory room and, as with all the hostels in the HI Vancouver chain, HI Vancouver Downtown is also furnished with a guest lounge, a games room and a library for guests to relax and rewind after a fun day of sightseeing.
HI Vancouver Downtown - Hostel
Address: 1114 Burnaby Street
1.88 km (1.2 mi) from Canada Place
Plenty of options
There are a wide variety of backpacker hostels to choose from on your next trip to Vancouver, Canada. Regardless of your preferred location in Vancouver, be it downtown or in a suburb, or preferred atmosphere, be it chic or casual, there is an option that is just right for you and your family to experience Vancouver’s best sights and sounds.
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