Toronto is an excellent city to visit, be it for a weekend or week-long vacation. This massive metropolis is Canada’s largest city, offering a seemingly endless list of things to do. We here at Road Affair want to help you plan the perfect vacation to The Six, which is why we have crafted this list of the best hostels in Toronto. From party hostels to no-frills budget hostels, we’ll cover the crème-de-la-crème of hostels for every type of traveler. So what are you waiting for, eh? Start scrolling to find your perfect hostel!
Best Hostels in Toronto, Canada
- Best Overall Hostel: Planet Traveler Hostel
- Best Party Hostel: The Only Backpacker’s Inn
- Best Hostel for Couples/Families: The Clarence Park
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers: Samesun Toronto
- Best Budget Hostel: The Parkdale Hostellerie
Planet Traveler Hostel
This is easily the best Toronto hostel for travelers and for a good reason. Planet Traveler Hostel has a prime location on the corner of the vibrant Kensington Market – one of the best neighborhoods to visit in Toronto, especially for foodies. Several popular attractions are within a 20-minute public transit ride or 30-minute walk, such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Trinity Bellwoods Park. The hostel offers clean and comfortable private rooms, along with mixed and female-only dorms with a pod set-up for extra privacy. Guests of the hotel are truly spoiled by the quality of on-site amenities, such as free access to a Macbook, complimentary breakfast and tea/coffee, and free local calls. Each locker also comes with built-in charging ports so that visitors can charge and store cameras, cellphones, or other electronics securely while they sleep. At the end of a long day, tourists can return to the hostel and cook a meal in the communal kitchen, then head up to the rooftop patio to enjoy their meal with a view of the city skyline.
The Only Backpacker’s Inn
This colorful accommodation is one of the best party hostels in Toronto. There are several fantastic amenities here, but the best thing about this hostel is its two large private patios, one of which has a licensed bar with over 200 beers from around the world! This is the perfect spot to wind down after a day of visiting attractions or to meet fellow travelers. Visitors can also enjoy free breakfast in the morning, along with a full-service espresso bar and café. There are three different types of rooms here: a four-person mixed dorm, a four-person female-only dorm, or a six-person mixed dorm. This Toronto hostel is located in Danforth, a Greek neighborhood with plenty of international eats around. The Donlands subway stop is directly behind the hostel, offering access to downtown Toronto in under 30 minutes.
The Clarence Park
This is the perfect hostel in downtown Toronto for those looking to be within walking distance of some of the city’s top attractions. The Clarence Park Hostel is ideally less than a 15-minute walk from the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Roy Thomson Hall. In addition to private rooms, four to 16-bed dorms are available as either mixed, male-only, or female-only. After a day of exploring, visitors can return to make a meal in the communal kitchen or head up to the rooftop terrace to barbecue instead. Complimentary tea, coffee, filtered water, and Wi-Fi are offered, along with paid on-site parking. Those traveling alone can join in on the hostel’s weekly events to meet new friends. Other outstanding amenities include a 24/7 computer room with two desktop computers, washing machines, and luggage storage.
Samesun Toronto
Located just around the corner from the Planet Traveler Hostel, Samesun Toronto offers the same incredible proximity to the ever-beautiful neighborhood of Kensington Market, making it one of the best youth hostels in Toronto. This modern and colorful hostel is within a 20-minute walking radius of several attractions, such as Queen’s Park, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Little Italy. Visitors can book a four-person, six-person, or eight-person dorm bed in either mixed, female-only, or male-only rooms. Each dorm comes with lockers, bunks with curtains, and outlets beside each bed. Private rooms are also available and come with their own private balcony. Visitors can chef up a meal in the massive communal kitchen or discover one of the many fusion foods right outside the hostel’s door in Kensington Market. This is a great hostel for those looking to socialize as there are daily hostel events guests can sign up for.
The Parkdale Hostellerie
Those on the hunt for a cheap hostel in Toronto cannot go wrong with The Parkdale Hostellerie. Located in Little Tibet, this hostel in Toronto has plenty of bars and restaurants right on its doorstep, like the popular Tilt Arcade Bar just a few doors down. There is a bus and tram stop right outside the hostel, allowing visitors to get to the Harbourfront, High Park, and Kensington Market in just over 30 minutes. The hostel has a range of dorms that are male-only, female-only, or mixed with anywhere from four to 10 beds. Private rooms are also available, along with one-bedroom apartment suites (top-floor suites offer a private rooftop terrace). The apartments are pet-friendly and ideal for digital nomads seeking a place to hunker down for a few weeks. Other fantastic amenities include complimentary tea and coffee, a communal kitchen, washing machines, free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage.
49 Hostel
Located near The Village, Toronto’s lively LGBTQ+ neighborhood, this fantastic hostel is ideal for those who want a peaceful escape at the end of the day. The hostel does not allow alcohol, parties, or visitors, ensuring a quiet space for guests to unwind. Visitors can book several services from the hostel, including day trips to Niagara Falls, airport transfers, and laundry services. There are several private rooms available to rent, but unfortunately, only four-person male-only dorms are offered. Sherbourne Subway Station is a five-minute walk away, offering great access to the rest of the city. Visitors will also be within a 20-minute walk of Queen’s Park, the Gardiner Museum, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the bars and clubs of Church-Wellesley Village (Toronto’s Gay Village). Other on-site amenities include luggage storage, paid parking, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
The Palmerston
Located near Trinity Bellwoods Park in Downtown Toronto, this hostel offers all the basic comforts in an unbeatable location. The Palmerston is located right on Queen Street, offering excellent access to street cars and buses. It’s also conveniently less than a 10-minute walk from Trinity Bellwoods Park and Graffiti Alley, and a 20-minute to Kensington Market and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Visitors can opt to book a bed in a four-, six-, or 10-person shared dorm with female-only, male-only, and mixed rooms available. Private rooms are also an option and come with a private bathroom, a mini-fridge, a desk, and air conditioning. The hostel is no-frills, meaning there aren’t any common areas or a communal kitchen, but visitors will find plenty of restaurants and bars right on the hostel’s doorstep.
All Days Hostel
All Days Hostel is located around the corner from 49 Hostel, offering the same great proximity to public transit and attractions. Visitors can hop on the subway at Sherbourne Station and get to the Harbourfront or Casa Loma in 30 minutes or at the Danforth Music Hall in five minutes. They have a selection of private rooms that can accommodate anywhere from one to four people and each private room comes with a TV and air conditioning. A four-bed male-only dorm is also available and offers air conditioning, lockers, and towels. After a day of sightseeing, visitors can return and prepare a meal in one of the two communal kitchens to cook up a hearty meal. There is also a coin-operated laundry room, an internet room with computers, and free Wi-Fi.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Toronto Hostel
When choosing a hostel in Toronto, it’s essential to consider factors that align with your preferences and travel style. Begin by evaluating the hostel’s social atmosphere and community engagement. Look for hostels that organize social events, walking tours, or group activities, as this enhances the opportunity to meet fellow travelers and create lasting memories. Additionally, check online reviews to gain insights into the hostel’s overall vibe and whether it caters to a more social or relaxed environment.
Location plays a pivotal role, so consider hostels situated in proximity to key attractions, public transportation, and local amenities. Toronto is a vast city with diverse neighborhoods, and choosing a hostel close to major points of interest, such as the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, or vibrant neighborhoods like Kensington Market, can save you time and money. Access to reliable public transportation, like the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and the subway, is also crucial for exploring the city efficiently.
Additionally, examine the facilities and services offered by the hostel. Check for cleanliness, security measures, and the availability of amenities like lockers, free Wi-Fi, and communal spaces. Hostels with a communal kitchen can be particularly beneficial for budget-conscious travelers looking to prepare their own meals. Reading reviews from fellow travelers on various platforms can also provide insights into the hostel’s atmosphere, cleanliness, and overall guest satisfaction.
Editor’s Note: Residents of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are unable to book several of the hostels below. Please double check that the hostel allows local visitors in advance to avoid disappointment.
Insider Tips For Hostel Living
When preparing for life in a hostel, strategic packing can significantly enhance your comfort and convenience. First and foremost, invest in a quality pair of earplugs and a sleep mask to avoid the potential disruptions that come with communal living. This all-in-one headband acts as headphones and a sleep mask, which is perfect for those who need to fall asleep to white noise or who need to drown out the sounds of loud snoring. A microfiber towel is a space-efficient and quick-drying choice for shared bathrooms situations. Don’t forget to pack a compact padlock as it will be essential for securing your belongings in hostel lockers and a power strip or portable charger, as hostels often have limited electrical outlets in dormitories. Comfortable and versatile clothing, a travel water bottle, and a small backpack for day trips will also prove invaluable during your hostel stay.
When it comes to booking, consider using a variety of platforms to find the best deals. While popular booking websites offer convenience, sometimes direct bookings through the hostel’s website or a phone call can lead to discounts or additional perks. We also recommend booking through Hostelworld.com as you’ll automatically be added into a group chat within the their app with other travelers who will be staying at the hostel at the same time. Make sure to research the hostel’s reputation on multiple platforms, reading reviews to gauge the cleanliness, safety, and overall atmosphere. Booking well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, can also help secure more desirable accommodations and better rates.
In terms of behavior, adapting to hostel life involves a mix of sociability and respect for shared spaces. Embrace the social aspect of hostels by attending communal events, joining group outings, and striking up conversations with fellow travelers in common areas. Be mindful of others’ privacy and observe hostel etiquette, such as keeping noise levels down during quiet hours and maintaining cleanliness in shared areas (especially the kitchen). It’s important you respect the diversity of the hostel community and be open to making new connections. By balancing your social interactions with a considerate and friendly approach, you’ll not only make the most of your hostel experience but also contribute positively to the dynamic and communal atmosphere.
Now that you know all the best hostels in Toronto, all you have to do is figure out which one of these awesome hostels fits your personality best. Just remember that if you’re booking a Toronto hostel based on the fact it has a rooftop terrace, these areas are often closed during the wintertime!
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