Bonjour, fellow travelers! Are you ready to unlock the secrets of Montreal, the city of poutine, bagels, and unbeatable vibes? Montreal is one of North America’s coolest cities as it’s home to the famous Cirque du Soleil, Canada’s second-largest amusement park, and almost as many restaurants per capita as New York City. The city also boasts an Underground City consisting of a network of tunnels stretching 32 kilometers (20 miles) connecting people to restaurants, shopping malls, banks, universities, and much more. Now, we know you’re probably itching to explore this Canadian gem, and what better way to experience it than by bunking down in one of the best hostels in Montreal? We’ve scouted out the crème-de-la-crème of Montreal hostels so that you can sleep in style without breaking the bank and save yourself the hassle of researching accommodation. Ready to dive into this mix of culture, history, and epic hostel vibes? Let’s start the party then!
Best Hostels in Montreal, Canada
- Best Overall Hostel: Auberge Saintlo Montreal
- Best Party Hostel: M Montreal
- Best Budget Hostel: Auberge L’Apero
- Best Hostel for Couples/Families: The Alternative Hostel of Old Montreal
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: Auberge Saintlo Montreal
Auberge Saintlo Montreal
If you’re on the hunt for a cool and hip hostel in Downtown Montreal, then the Auberge Saintlo Montreal might be the hostel for you. With a funky, laid-back vibe, this hostel takes communal living to the next level. After a day of exploring Montreal attractions, you can return and indulge in a refreshing pint at the on-site bar while challenging fellow travelers to a friendly game of billiards. This is easily one of the most social hostels in Montreal as the hostel hosts daily activities including pub crawls, comedy shows, and even poutine tastings! Not to mention they have a daily free walking and biking tour to join.
You can choose to book a private room with a double bed or single, share a three-person family room with friends, or book a bed in a four-, six-, or 10-person mixed or female-only room. This hostel is also perfect for those living a digital nomad lifestyle as there are plenty of common areas to pop down with your laptop, including meeting rooms, dedicated desks, a living room, and a dedicated work room with access to a printer, scanner, and large screen for presenting. The hostel tends to draw a younger crowd, with the average guest age between 18-35, so if you want the best youth hostel in Montreal, look no further! Other outstanding amenities include lockers in every room, laundry facilities on-site, a large communal kitchen, and luggage storage. You’ll also have access to free Wi-Fi and a free continental breakfast.
Beyond the fantastic amenities, Auberge Saintlo Montreal offers excellent proximity to Montreal attractions. The Lucien-L’Allier Metro Station is only a block away, providing excellent access to the whole city.
M Montreal
Looking for accommodation with the budget-friendly prices of a hostel but with all the amenities of a hotel? Well, look no further than the M Montreal, a multi-award-winning hostel in Montreal’s friendly gay Village. This outstanding hostel is the best party hostel in Montreal hands down. Visitors can soak in the rooftop hot tub with a bottle of wine and their new friends while staring out at a glittering city skyline – talk about an unforgettable experience! The massive rooftop terrace features two hot tubs, faux grass areas, and plenty of spaces to pop down with a group and a case of beer. There is an on-site bar that opens to the public every evening, so guests can meet more than just friendly hostel travelers. Plus, they host nightly and daily events like live music, comedy shows, and karaoke.
With a capacity for 490 guests, the hostel offers several kinds of rooms and bed configurations. From private apartments and rooms to dorm rooms with anywhere from four to 14 beds in a mixed or female-only room. All of the bunk beds have been specially built in Montreal for the hostel with a design to make guests stay as comfortable as possible, like curtains and reading lights. Looking to get some work done at the hostel? There are plenty of common areas ranging from movie rooms and workspaces to outdoor patios and lounges. Visitors will also have access to an on-site laundry facility, parking, bicycle parking, bike rentals, board games, foosball, billiards, and much much more.
The Alternative Hostel of Old Montreal
Tucked within Old Montreal sits this amazing hostel, perfect for anyone who wants to be within walking distance of top-notch attractions. Located a few steps from the cafés and boutique shops of Saint-Paul St W, this hostel in Montreal offers an unbeatable location. The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, and Victoria Square are all less than a 10-minute walk away, and the Square Victoria-OACI metro station is only a five-minute walk away.
Inside, visitors will find old-world charm meets modern amenities in a laid-back and vibrantly colored atmosphere. Tourists can hang out in the large lounge area, where books and board games can be found, plus the odd live music show. The communal kitchen has everything needed to prepare meals and there are on-site washers and dryers for those planning an extended stay. What really sets this hostel apart is its commitment to families. Parents can enjoy the convenience of an on-site mini market and let their kids play to their hearts’ content on the on-site children’s playground. Guests are also required to take their outdoor shoes off upon entering the hostel, which is both to help keep the hostel clean and as part of Canadian cultural customs (we’re big slipper heads in the north)!
The hostel offers private rooms for groups of three or four people, a bed in a 10-person mixed dorm, or a bed in a six-person female-only room. All dorm room bunks come with a private locker and curtains for privacy. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi and free coffee/tea in all the rooms.
Auberge du Plateau
Auberge du Plateau is a cozy and charming hostel located just a few blocks east of Mount Royal Park. Perhaps the best part of this hostel is its rooftop terrace open in the summertime, which boasts weekly concerts and barbecues for guests to grill up some burgers with their newfound hostel friends. Speaking of food, the hostel offers an all-you-can-eat with fresh fruit, coffee, a selection of breads, pancakes, and, of course, some freshly tapped-from-the-tree Canadian maple syrup. After exploring all the city has to offer, tourists can return to the hostel and prepare a meal in the large communal kitchen, invite fellow travelers to play a game of foosball, or relax in the lounge with a book from the shared library or a board game.
This awesome hostel offers five different private room options that can accommodate anywhere from one to three guests. A bed in a dorm-style room is also available with the option of a six-bed male-only or female-only room or a 10-bed mixed room. All dorm rooms have lockers for secure storage and beds that come with curtains, a reading lamp, and an electric plug. Guests will love how close the hostel is to transportation and attractions, with the theaters and bars of Latin Quarter, the bustling nightclubs of St Laurent Blvd, and the unmatched views from Mount Royal Park all within a 20-minute walk of the hostel.
Please note this hostel is not suitable for tourists with physical impairments as the hostel is spread across three floors with no elevators.
Samesun Montreal Central
Another incredible hostel with outstanding proximity to nightlife and attractions is the Samesun Montreal Central, located on the edge of the theaters, cafés, and boutique shops of the Latin Quarter. Visitors will be within a 20-minute walk of popular nightlife areas, such as the LGBTQ+-friendly clubs in Montreal’s Gay Village and the fist-pumping clubs and pubs on St. Laurent Blvd. On top of all the places tourists can easily walk to, the Station Berri-UQAM metro station is only a two-minute walk away, providing access to the yellow, green, and orange metro lines that go all throughout the city.
Inside the Samesun Montreal Central, visitors will find a colorful and clean atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers. After a day of exploring, tourists can head over to the hostel’s on-site watering hole, Rendez-Vous Bar, to indulge in a local pint and meet fellow travelers. The hostel also boasts an excellent rooftop patio where guests can bring their pints from the bar and soak in the sunshine. The communal lounge offers a spot for visitors to throw on a show on the TV, grab a book from the library, or simply chat with other hostel guests. An awesome free breakfast is offered each morning consisting of waffles, fresh fruit, eggs, juice, and coffee/tea, and guests will also have access to free local calls. After a day of strolling the city streets, visitors can make use of the well-organized communal kitchen complete with everything needed to prepare a meal.
This is hands-down the best Montreal hostel for travelers in large groups as the hostel offers plenty of private rooms and dorms that can sleep anywhere from one to eight people. Alternatively, tourists can book a bed in either a four-, six-, or eight-person mixed dorm. All dorm rooms come with an en suite bathroom (meaning you share it with your dorm buddies instead of a whole floor), a mini-fridge, lockers, and bunk beds with reading lights, pull-down blinds, and power sockets for each bed.
Alt Hostel
Nestled in between Montreal’s Old Port and Montreal City Hall, this cheap hostel in Montreal offers an unbeatable location at an excellent price. The Montreal Science Center, Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, and the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal are all less than a 10-minute walk away and several of the city’s festivals take place just a few blocks away, such as the Montreal Antiques Festival and Igloo Fest. Not to mention the Old Port attractions are just across the road, like ziplining and boat cruises on the St Lawrence River!
This no-frills hostel offers plenty of convenient amenities for its guests, including on-site laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, a large and bright communal kitchen, and air-conditioned rooms. After a day of navigating the city streets, visitors can return and hang out in the communal lounge to chat with fellow travelers or watch a movie on the TV. Tourists can choose to book a bed in a 10-, 12-, or 15-bed mixed dorm, where all beds come with a reading light and outlet. Some rooms even have a desk and outlets with USB connectors.
Parc Avenue Hostel
Parc Avenue Hostel is truly one of the best in the city, with its upscale vibe perfectly blended with the building’s old-world charm, it’s hard not to be impressed with the design of this hostel. The high ceilings and brick walls in the communal lounge give a cozy loft feel to the hostel. The lounge offers a great space to kick back, work on a laptop, read a book from the library, watch TV, or mingle with other travelers. Without a doubt, though, the best place to hang out at this hostel is its swanky rooftop terrace, complete with a hot tub, swings, and plenty of lounge chairs to pop down and enjoy a coffee.
This is a great hostel for travelers who may become overstimulated by too many other guests in the hostel. Parc Avenue Hostel has a total of only 38 beds, offering a more close-knit community feel rather than a party hostel vibe. While there aren’t any private rooms for rent here, travelers will have the option to book a bed in a six-person female-only dorm or in a 12- or 20-mixed dorm. While this may sound like a lot of people, the dorms are set up with pod-style beds, meaning privacy has been maximized. The dorms come with an ensuite bathroom and each bed comes with a reading light, plug, locker, one drawer, and an outlet.
The hostel is located just a few doors down from the Rialto Theater in the hip, artsy neighborhood of Mile End. Dying to try one of Montreal’s famous bagels? Well, the two best bagel bakeries in Montreal are within easy walking distance, with Fairmount Bagels just under a 15-minute walk away and St-Viateur Bagel less than a five-minute walk away. Those who prefer to have breakfast in the comfort of their pajamas can indulge in the free breakfast offered at the hostel.
Auberge L’Apero
If you’re on the hunt for the cheapest hostel in Montreal, Auberge L’Apero is it. This budget-friendly hostel offers all the basics you need for a great stay in the city. With only 30 beds total, visitors can enjoy a more familiar community of travelers to socialize with. The hostel offers a bed in a 14-bed mixed dorm, where each dorm room comes with air conditioning and large wooden lockers that come with a key to store valuables safely. Alternatively, visitors could book a private family room, which can sleep anywhere from one to six guests. After indulging in all the fantastic attractions Montreal has to offer, tourists can return to the hostel and prepare a meal in the communal kitchen or hang out and watch a show on TV with fellow travelers in the lounge. Other on-site amenities include laundry facilities and free Wi-Fi.
This no-frills hostel offers excellent proximity to the city’s most popular universities, with Concordia University right on the hostel’s doorsteps and McGill University only a 15-minute walk away. With two large post-secondary institutions nearby, tourists can take advantage of the nearby pubs and clubs that cater to the uni students, meaning tourists will find some awesome happy hours nearby! The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is only a five-minute walk away and Mount Royal Park is a 20-minute walk.
Hygie Hotel’s Pod Hotel
Pod hotels are all the rage these days, and for a good reason. Not only do they offer significantly more privacy in a shared room, but they also look like something straight out of Spy Kids, letting some of us live out our childhood dreams.
Similar to a hostel, the Pod Hotel offers private and secure bunk-bed-like pods in a shared 10-person mixed dorm. Inside your private and lockable bunk, you’ll have a double bed, your own flatscreen TV, an electric kettle, a hanger for a jacket, and a tea/coffee maker. Hangout in your bunk with your door open if you feel like mingling with roommates, or close and lock your pod to enjoy some peace and quiet on your own. Every room also has a terrace to enjoy some fresh air. There’s a fantastic shared lounge downstairs with tables to work on a laptop and a billiards table for challenging new friends to a match. The shared kitchen offers ample cooking space on marble countertops, along with stainless-steel appliances. Other stand-out amenities include luggage storage, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and room service.
The Pod Hotel is located in the Old Port of Montreal, just steps away from top-rated attractions like the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Montreal City Hall, La Grande Roue de Montréal (giant ferris wheel), and Downtown Montreal.
Insider Tips For Hostel Living in Montreal
Alright, hostel aficionados, listen up! Montreal is your oyster, and here are some insider tips to turn your hostel stay into a rocking experience. First up, embrace the communal spirit and strike up conversations in the common areas or kitchen, and who knows, you might find a new travel buddy for that bagel brunch at Fairmount or exploration of Old Montreal. Speaking of which, utilize those hostel activities! From guided walking tours to cozy movie nights, these events are like golden tickets to socializing and soaking in the local scene.
Don’t forget to bring a high-grade padlock to secure your valuables, a quick-drying travel towel for the hostel showers (as some hostels charge extra for towels), and earplugs and a good eye mask to drown out your fellow dorm room sleepers. For those who like to fall asleep to white noise or want to use Netflix to stifle the sounds of the guy who sounds like a tuba on steroids next to you, then purchase these all-in-one eye mask and headphones. Trust us, they’re a lifesaver! And here’s a pro tip: chat up the hostel workers! These guys know the ins and outs of the city and can point you in the right direction to the best poutine, bagels, and attractions.
Whether this is your first or 50th hostel stay, it’s always important to have good hostel etiquette because good vibes start with good manners (especially in one of the most polite countries in the world). Keep the noise down during those late-night arrivals from the bar as your fellow dorm mates will love you for it. Oh, and be a cleanliness crusader because a tidy hostel is a happy hostel!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Montreal Hostel
When it comes to selecting a hostel in Montreal, there are a few key factors to keep in mind for an awesome stay in this vibrant city. Location plays a crucial role – consider whether you want to be in the heart of downtown, close to nightlife, or perhaps in a more relaxed neighborhood. Montreal’s diverse neighborhoods offer unique experiences, so choose one that aligns with your preferences. Check out reviews from fellow travelers to get the scoop on cleanliness, atmosphere, and the overall vibe of the hostel. Social butterflies might lean towards hostels with organized activities or plenty of other travelers, while those seeking a quieter stay may opt for a more laid-back atmosphere or a hostel with a more close-knit community feel.
Room configurations are another crucial consideration. Hostels in Montreal typically offer a range of options from private rooms to shared dorms, so think about your comfort level and budget. Travelers may also wish to stay in shared rooms with the same sex, which several Montreal hostels offer male-only or female-only dorms. Amenities like communal kitchens can be a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to save on dining expenses. Preparing quick and cheap meals like pasta and stir frys allows you to spend your money on other travel expenses. When it comes to the bedrooms, you’ll want to consider extras like plugs, curtains, lighting, and bag storage in the rooms. Finally, explore booking options. Booking directly through the hostel’s website can sometimes score you better rates or extra perks. However, don’t dismiss third-party sellers as often you can get just as good discounts or enjoy perks like Hostelworld’s community chat that allows you to virtually meet other hostel stayers before you even arrive.
Now that you’re an expert in all the best hostels in Montreal, all you have to do is figure out which one suits you and your crew the best! Will it be a party hostel or a more laid-back vibe? That’s for you to decide!
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