Filled with rich culture, a great nightlife, pockets of heritage and history, and a cosmopolitan, multicultural population, Toronto is the bustling capital of Canada.
But this town isn’t famed for its hostels. So if you’re looking for a budget place to stay in Toronto, just where are you going to start looking? You don’t want to end up at an out-of-town motel, do you?
But don’t worry! We’ve searched for and categorised the best hostels in Toronto so you don’t have to!
With the help of this insider guide, you’ll be able to find an awesome hostel in Toronto and save some money in the process!
All you have to do now is cast your eye over these hostels and see which one suits you best. So let’s get to it, shall we?
These are the best hostels in Toronto, Canada!
Editor’s note – Check out our 14 best day trips from Toronto and see what else Canada has to offer!
Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Toronto
#1 Best Overall Hostel in Toronto – Planet Traveller Hostel
#2 Best Party Hostel in Toronto – The Only Backpackers Inn
#3 Best Hostel in Old Toronto – HI Toronto
#4 Best Hostel in Toronto Downtown – All Days Hostel
#5 Best Hostel near Toronto Pearson International Airport – The Parkdale Hostellerie
#6 Best Hostel near Union Station – The Rex
#7 Best High-end Hostel in Toronto – Two Peas Pod Hostel
#8 Best Budget Hostel in Toronto – Hostel Toronto
#9 Best Hostel with a Private Room in Toronto – The Clarence Park
#1 – Planet Traveller Hostel
Best Overall Hostel in Toronto
Planet Traveller Hostel is the best overall hostel in Toronto
Planet Traveller Hostel is the best overall hostel in Toronto
Planet Traveller Hostel is the best overall hostel in Toronto- Cost – $$$
- Location – 357 College Street, Toronto, Ontario
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Planet Traveller Hostel …
This is our choice for the best overall hostel in Toronto not just because it’s an award-winning hostel. It’s got a lot of perks too, which includes free local calls, free use of iMacs, free tea and coffee all day, plus a great complimentary breakfast too. We also love the rooftop with very nice downtown views.
Planet Traveller Hostel is perfect for…
If you’re looking for a good all-rounder, then this Toronto backpackers hostel would be a great option for you. Those on a budget will definitely appreciate the perks and value for money that this place offers up. Solo travellers will like the atmosphere here, too, which is helped along by the awesome and friendly staff.
Like something more boutique? Save some money with our guide to the best boutique hotels in Toronto!
#2 – The Only Backpackers Inn
Best Party Hostel in Toronto
The Only Backpackers Inn is the best party hostel inToronto
The Only Backpackers Inn is the best party hostel inToronto
The Only Backpackers Inn is the best party hostel inToronto- Cost – $$
- Location – 968 Danforth Ave
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Only Backpackers Inn…
The huge lively bar downstairs at this place is part of the reason it’s our top pick for the best party hostel in Toronto. We also like the location, right next door to Greektown and very near to the subway which can take you all the way to central Toronto. The free breakfast helps, too!
The Only Backpackers Inn is perfect for…
If a colourful area of town, huge bar, good atmosphere and great transport connections all sounds like a Toronto backpackers hostel you could get on board with, then you should think about staying at The Only. The bar features over 200 beers from around the world, so beer lovers will really like this place.
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Don’t worry! We put together a best cheap hostels in Vancouver article with great budget options!
#3 – HI Toronto
Best Hostel in Old Toronto
HI Toronto is the best hostel in Old Toronto in Toronto
HI Toronto is the best hostel in Old Toronto in Toronto
HI Toronto is the best hostel in Old Toronto in Toronto- Cost – $$$
- Location – 76 Church St., Toronto
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like HI Toronto…
The best hostel in Old Toronto is also probably the best hostel for olo travellers in Toronto, too – we love how social the atmosphere is at this place. We also love the location, which puts you close to great nightlife as well as good transport. The complimentary breakfast is very tasty, too!
HI Toronto is perfect for…
Solo travellers, of course. Those looking to meet and mingle with other travellers will love the vibe of this top hostel in Toronto, which features great spaces for socialising and friendly staff who help create the great atmosphere. And if you’re looking to explore Old Toronto, this place is a great base for that.
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#4 – All Days Hostel
Best Hostel in Toronto Downtown
- Cost – $$
- Location – 5 Selby St
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like All Days Hostel…
The location is something we really like about this recommended hostel in Toronto – it’s just a few steps from the subway, a big shopping centre and a lot of restaurants and bars. Besides the setting in relatively quiet Upper Jarvis, we also like that it’s clean, comfortable and unpretentious in its simple decor.
All Days Hostel is perfect for…
Those who aren’t interested in staying right in the centre of things will love the location of this Toronto backpackers hostel – it’s the best hostel in Toronto Downtown, since you get the best of being close to action without being in it. The facilities, which include common areas, a kitchen and coin laundry, make it an attractive option for independent travellers.
Enjoy your stay in Toronto! Check out our guide for what to do in Toronto while you’re there!
#5 – The Parkdale Hostellerie
Best Hostel near Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Cost – $$
- Location – 83 Elm Grove Avenue, Toronto
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Parkdale Hostellerie…
We’re big fans of hassle-free travel, so this budget hostel in Toronto is great since it’s easy to get from here to the airport. In fact, we’d say it’s the best hostel near Toronto Pearson International Airport, since it’s just an easy express train and a street car ride away. That’s without saying anything about the boutique style decor of this place, which we love.
The Parkdale Hostellerie is perfect for…
Couples will love this place. Set in an old heritage building, the feel of this top hostel in Toronto is one that feels homely yet boutique at the same time, and the private rooms are great for those who want a bit of plush privacy. The location will suit those who want to catch an early morning flight, sure, but also to explore a cool part of Toronto one of the best places to visit in Canada.
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#6 – The Rex
Best Hostel near Union Station
- Cost – $$
- Location – 194 Queen St. W.
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Rex …
Though it has more of a hotel feel than a typical Toronto backpackers hostel might have, we actually like the private rooms here. We love the location on Queen Street, which is a great area to explore. Their very own onsite jazz bar was also something that we think is really cool, too.
The Rex is perfect for…
Since it’s the best hostel near Union Station, we think that The Rex is a great place for those who are arriving or departing Toronto and want a stress-free travel experience. The rooms would definitely suit couples or flashpackers looking for a break from sharing a dorm constantly.
Editor’s Note – Have a look at our guide about some of the AMAZING places to stay in Edmonton!
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#7 – Two Peas Pod Hostel
Best High-end Hostel in Toronto
- Cost – $$
- Location – 403 Spadina Ave, Toronto
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Two Peas Pod Hostel..
We love the pod style dorms at this top hostel in Toronto! Each one comes complete with plug sockets, comfy beds – and its very own TV! We think the showers here are some of the best ever, too. Overall the facilities and vibe of this place are modern and friendly. Can’t fault it!
Two Peas Pod Hostel is perfect for…
Solo travellers we think would like this place. That’s not only because of the sense of luxury that you feel when you’re sitting in your own private pod watching TV in bed, but also because of the staff – they’re super friendly and help you to feel welcome, which is always a plus when you’re on your own in a new city.
Don’t worry! We put together a best cheap hostels in Toronto article with great budget options!
#8 – Hostel Toronto
Best Budget Hostel in Toronto
- Cost – $$
- Location – 209 Carlton Street
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like Hostel Toronto…
We love the surrounding area of this budget hostel in Toronto. It’s called Cabbagetown and it’s filled with streets lined with 19th-century houses, which makes for a charming place to explore in the daytime. The hostel itself is simple and no-frills, yet modern and clean, which you’d expect from the best budget hostel in Toronto!
Hostel Toronto is perfect for…
Couples. Yes, the private rooms at this youth hostel in Toronto are pretty and hotel quality, which would suit a couple looking for a special place to stay. The surrounding area is great for city explorers who like seeing less touristed parts of a city, though Downtown is still in walking distance.
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#9 – The Clarence Park
Best Hostel with a Private Room in Toronto
- Cost – $$
- Location – 7 Clarence Square
- Reviews → Check on Hostel World
Why we like The Clarence Park…
The private rooms here are high quality, well designed and with tasteful decor, which is something we really like about this place. Other than being the best hostel with a private room in Toronto, we love the location, which is in the heart of Downtown making it easy to see the sights and try local restaurants and bars.
The Clarence Park is perfect for…
Couples and flashpackers should definitely think about staying at this place. Besides the amazing private rooms, which provide a welcome alternative to anybody who’s spent one too many nights in a dorm bunk, the location suits those who like to be in the centre of things and who love to see the city’s sights.
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Best Hotels in Toronto
If you don’t like the idea of a hostel in Toronto, don’t worry. There are plenty of budget hotels to choose from to suit those looking to save money when they visit Canada’s capital. So here are a couple of the best budget hotels in Canada for you to peruse…
#10 – Chinatown Travelers Home
- Cost – $$
- Location – 31 Grange Avenue, M5T 1C6 Toronto
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like Chinatown Travelers Home…
We love how close this budget hotel in Toronto is to the city’s Chinatown: less than a 5-minute walk! It’s great to be able to wander into an interesting area of town that’s also famed for its food (since we love food, too). It’s clean and quiet, which is something we definitely can’t complain about!
Chinatown Travelers Home is perfect for…
For those who want something that’s more like a cross between a hotel and a hostel, Chinatown Travelers Home is a great option for you. Budgeteers looking to save money will like the luxury of a private room at a low price. And of course, those interested in exploring nearby Chinatown will love this budget hotel in Toronto.
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#11 – West Queen West Hotel
- Cost – $$
- Location – 1521 Queen Street West, M6R 1A5 Toronto
- Reviews → Check on Booking.com
Why we like West Queen West Hotel…
We love the simple luxury at this budget hotel in Toronto – it’s all private rooms that are basic but tastefully decorated. There’s cool art in the hallways, which we like, too. We also love the location, which is really close to Roncesvalles, a cool area of Toronto known for its sizeable Polish community.
West Queen West Hotel is perfect for…
Looking for a nice budget hotel in Toronto? This place is great! Fans of simple, cute and charming decor will love the look of this place. And anybody interested in discovering a part of Toronto that isn’t the central, totally touristed areas will love the location next to culturally rich Roncesvalles.
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FAQ’s
How Much are Hostels in Toronto?
A budget dorm room is usually around $20 and goes up from there in price. For a private room, you're probably going to pay at least $40 and sometimes over $100 per night for nicer places.
What are Hostels in Toronto Like?
Likely comparable to most hotels in terms of service, but a much better price and more familiar atmosphere! Most hostels are centrally located, have spacious and comfy rooms, and nice places to socialize with other travelers.
How Safe are Hostels in Toronto?
Toronto is a fairly safe city, and hostels are a great option if you're hoping to socialize a bit more during your trip! You should always exercise caution when traveling, but there aren't many incidents in Toronto to worry about.
How to Find Hostels in Toronto?
Begin your search using online platforms like HostelWorld to compare your options. If you're traveling to other places around Canada, you can ask other travelers or at your current hotel or hostel for suggestions about where to stay!
Need more specifics? Here are the best neighborhoods in Toronto to stay!
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Best Overall Hostel in Toronto
Planet Traveller Hostel
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Check Best Price |
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Best Party Hostel in Toronto
The Only Backpackers Inn
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Best Hostel in Old Toronto
HI Toronto
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Best Hostel in Toronto Downtown
All Days Hostel
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Best Hostel near Toronto Pearson International
Airport The Parkdale Hostellerie
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Best Hostel near Union Station
The Rex
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Best High-end Hostel in Toronto
Two Peas Pod Hostel
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Best Budget Hostel in Toronto
Hostel Toronto
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Best Hostel with a Private Room in Toronto
The Clarence Park
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Conclusion to the best hostels in Toronto, Canada
Editors Note – Traveling to Canada? Check out the top hostels in Vancouver!
So there it is – the best hostels in Toronto.
Some are located in heritage buildings, some are more modern – almost all of them are in interesting locations primed for exploring the city!
Whether you like the sound of the 19th-century streets of Cabbagetown, or if you prefer the attractions and nightlife of Downtown, there’s bound to be a top hostel in Toronto that suits you.
And if you can’t decide, that’s ok! Just check out our top pick for the best hostel in Toronto, Planet Traveller Hostel, which is a great option for anybody.
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
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