If you are travelling to the West Coast, the first thing you may realize when you\u2019re looking for the best hostels in Vancouver BC is just how expensive Vancouver is. Real estate prices are sky high, which makes the property in Downtown Vancouver basically gold. Like seriously, there has to be gold under there somewhere. Or oil. So cheap hostels in Vancouver should be a rarity, but oddly enough there are a good number of affordable Vancouver hostels, and most of them are pretty decent!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These immense real estate prices mean that cheap hostels in Vancouver are not all that easy to come by. Those folks need to pay their taxes after all! But have no fear! There are still some great hostels in Downtown Vancouver, that will not break your bank. I actually have no idea how they survive\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n Location is not the only factor that makes some of these Vancouver hostels amazing. We all know I have some pretty specific ideas about what makes a hostel a winner<\/strong><\/a>, even when you\u2019re in a city like Vancouver. Sure, the city is great, but can it make up for faults in the hostel?<\/span><\/p>\n No! Do not settle for crap!<\/span><\/p>\n Despite the high costs of Vancouver, I still want a good, clean hostel, with some sweet perks, a wicked West Coast vibe, and all for a price that won\u2019t bankrupt me and force me into some sort of underground vegan cult for broke travelers.<\/span><\/p>\n (For the record, I do not believe said cult exists, but if it was to exist, it would exist in Vancouver!)<\/span><\/p>\n So, there are some standards to meet in searching for the best Vancouver hostels<\/a>,<\/strong> and not every hostel makes the grade \ud83d\ude09 Because, and this is some insider Vancouver trading, some hostels that advertise themselves as hostels, are really just super run down old hotels, where low-income folks live. Sure the rooms they are renting as hostels may be \u2018alright\u2019, but the neighbourhood is rough and your neighbours may not be altogether savoury. Please, trust me on this. In Vancouver, if the price is super cheap, that hostel may be only one step up from a homeless shelter.<\/span><\/p>\n The Cambie<\/a><\/strong> is your quintessential backpackers hostel in Vancouver Canada. It really is one of the original youth hostels in Vancouver, and is SO VANCOUVER! There are actually two Cambie Hostels now, the original is the one located in Gastown, at the corner of Cambie and West Cordova. The newer version is on Seymour street above Malone\u2019s Bar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Cambie Bar, which is the entire ground level of the hostel, is one of the oldest bars in Vancouver, and is a classic backpacker bar set up. Long sturdy tables, with initials carved into them, flags draped from the rafters, and jugs of free flowing beer at every turn.<\/span><\/p>\n The location of the Cambie Hostel is killer. Right in the heart of Gastown, it\u2019s an easy walk to most bars and clubs, excellent restaurants, transit, and attractions. The vibe is classic backpackers with good common areas, making the Cambie a perfect place to meet up with other travelers. There are also female only dorms and the security is serious.<\/span><\/p>\n The downsides to the Cambie are pretty clear. It\u2019s located above a popular bar, so bring your ear plugs. Because of the bar, the age restriction to the hostel is 19+, and the extras are pretty minimal. No free breakfast, the washrooms are known for being pretty bad, and it does not have a 24 hour check-in.<\/span><\/p>\n But the Cambie is a bloody Vancouver landmark, so even if you don\u2019t stay there, you should go for a party.<\/span><\/p>\n Samesun<\/a> is a chain of budget hostels all along the West Coast as well as into the interior of BC and the Rockies. The Vancouver iteration of Samesun is a pretty great choice. Located on Granville street, Samesun is definitely where the action is. I had a couple of beers at Samesun during the rush of the Olympics when some friends were staying there. The epically named Beaver Bar had great vibes, solid security, and cheap beer. All good things!<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, Samesun boasts some of those awesome amenities that make a budget hostel go from good to great: reading lamps, 24 hour reception, discounted attractions and hostel activities, free breakfast, free wifi, and female only dorms! Scores high all around!<\/span><\/p>\n We all know how much I love a good rooftop, so as they say \u201d You had me at rooftop\u201d. The HI Vancouver Downtown<\/a> is another gem. Well located on Burnaby Street between Thurlow and Bute, this hostel is steps away from the prideful West End hub of Davie street. Free breakfasts, free wifi, a comfy library, free linens, solid security, and\u2026 well that rooftop, make this HI location a true contender!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Parking is available at this HI, which is a real blessing in the West End (OMG don\u2019t get me started trying to park in the West End of Vancouver! ), while the 24 hour reception make arriving and departing at potentially weird hours convenient.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n I love the West End, I even lived there for a year. The leafy streets make the city seem actually quiet, while you are still very easily within walking distance to most places you will adore. English Bay beach, Stanley Park, False Creek and Gastown are all within reach, while the nightlife of Granville Street and Davie Street are right there too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As with most Hostelling International facilities, the place can feel a bit big, so definitely make use of those common areas to meet folks. Children may also appear at any HI, so if you\u2019re allergic to kids, stay away.<\/span><\/p>\n The St. Clair Hotel<\/a> is another great location. Located on Richards Street between Dunsmuir and Pender streets, this place is a heritage building (c.1911) turned into a nautically themed Vancouver hostel. Getting great reviews, the St Clair has free WIFI, very cheap laundry service ($1 a load!) and even has female only dorms. Towels and linens are included, which is always nice!<\/span><\/p>\n The one common area is pretty small, so The St. Clair might not be a great option for solo travellers. There is no onsite restaurant or bar, but the location means there are ample eating opportunities very close by.\u00a0Unfortunately the bunks are metal, but the place is clean and actually has some character.<\/span><\/p>\n What the YWCA Vancouver<\/a> lacks in character, it makes up for in location, price, cleanliness, staff, and amenities. Located on Beatty Street between Georgia and Robson, the YWCA is right across the street from BC Place. Book an upper room for views of the stadium and the city. There is 24 hour reception, cooking facilities, laundry facilities, and an onsite coffee bar.<\/span><\/p>\n Notably, this facility is wheelchair accessible, meaning there are elevators to get you to those upper floors with the better views. Also interesting, there are no dorms at the YWCA, so you\u2019re still getting a good budget deal for private rooms for between 1 and 4 people. Maybe not the greatest choice for a solo traveller on a budget, but really awesome for families or groups. <\/span><\/p>\n There are 155 rooms, so the place is immense, and everywhere has air conditioning. This massive YWCA will probably feel a bit to institutional for us weathered backpacker types, but hey, being clean never killed anyone!<\/span><\/p>\n Not to be confused with the HI Vancouver Downtown<\/a>, this HI is located right on Granville street not far from the Granville street hub. Of all the hostels in this list, this place is probably the hippest. With free breakfast, WIFI and linens, the HI Central is one of Vancouver\u2019s newest hostels. Great common areas, a book exchange, a basic guest kitchen, plus lockers and private bathrooms in every room make this newbie a serious threat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Not your typical Vancouver hostel, so I mention this one for a reason. Located across Burrard Inlet in North Vancouver a few blocks from Lonsdale Quay, the Ellison House<\/a> is just that, a house. There is a two night stay minimum and rooms are either a single or a double, both with shared bathroom.This is clearly not the place for someone who wants to party or meet people, but if you\u2019re in Vancouver for other reasons and don\u2019t want to be in the thick of the action, this may work for you.<\/span><\/p>\n The Ellison House would be great for a couple on a road trip, as there is ample free parking. \u00a0The shared kitchen is well equipped, so self-catering is no problem. Plus, North Vancouver is really nice! With easy access to the\u00a0Capilano Suspension Bridge<\/a>, any of the local ski mountains, and the North Shore hiking, this is a good option for those looking for a quieter stay.<\/span><\/p>\n Now, everyone is able to make their own choices, but being a Vancouver local I would feel disingenuous not warning my lovely readers about certain aspects of Vancouver locations. While these hostels may be just fine in certain ways, there are other, less obvious reasons why you may want to think twice about checking in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As many folks know, Vancouver has a substantial homelessness problem and street life concerns. \u00a0Certain streets and areas are more prone to visible urban poverty and stigmatized issues than others. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Please do not think I am being judgy, I actually work in the Downtown Eastside, the neighbourhood that is infamous for being one of the roughest postal codes in the country. There are wonderful people there and amazing social consciousness, and really the DTES is not considered very unsafe by those of us who know it. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But for the visiting traveller, what is readily apparent is the massive drug use and sex trade all happening right on the street. I have found a few of the following places advertising on hostel sites, all of which fail to mention that to get to their door, you may be wading through some pretty alarming scenes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat to Look for a Great Vancouver Hostel<\/h2>\n
Find a Great Backpackers Hostel in Vancouver BC Now!<\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n
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The Cambie \u2013 One of the Original Youth Vancouver Hostels<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Check out the Cheapest Prices for the Cambie Now!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Samesun Backpackers Hostel \u2013 Sweet Location, Sweet Amenities!<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Find the Latest Deals on Samesun Right Now!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
HI Vancouver Downtown \u2013 A ROOFTOP!!!<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Get Your Bed at the HI Vancouver Downtown ASAP!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
The St. Clair Hotel- Nautical Heritage Hostel?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Sail up to the St. Clair and Book a Room Now!<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h3>\n
YWCA Vancouver Hotel \u2013 Huge, Clean and Great Location!<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Come and Stay at the YWCA Vancouver! Book a Bed Now!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
HI Vancouver Central \u2013 The Newest Hostel in Downtown Vancouver<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The hostel also organizes daily tours and excursions to attractions around Vancouver, so this is a good option for solo travellers. \u00a0Both private and dorm rooms are available, with dorm options for mixed, all male, and all female with very small bed numbers (like 2 beds). Does that even qualify as a dorm? Dorms also have only solid wooden bunks, so less chances for squeakiness in the middle of the night!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nGet a Great Deal on the HI Vancouver Central Right Now!<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Ellison House \u2013 Hostel in North Vancouver<\/span><\/h3>\n
Chill Out and Stay a While! Book Your Room at the Ellison Now<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Vancouver Hostels to Maybe Steer Clear From\u2026<\/span><\/h2>\n
The Budget Inn Patricia Hotel<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"best](\"https:\/\/www.seehertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Stanley-Park-Brockton-Point-totem-poles-1-1024x768.jpg\")
![\"Vancouver](\"https:\/\/www.seehertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/he-best-vancouver-hostels-683x1024.jpg\")
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