Just north of Vancouver, you will find the winter paradise of Whistler, Canada! Home to some of the best slopes in the entire world, Whistler is the mecca for skiers, bobsledders, and all other kinds of winter sports enthusiasts. Even if you are not one to strap on a snowboard, the stunning snowy mountains alone are more than enough to make your jaw drop while relaxing in your lodge or hiking some of the trails that snake through the region!
Although Whistler is extremely popular with extreme sports fans, it isn’t known for bringing in your budget backpackers. With few hostels and budget rooms available in Whistler, many backpackers who are traveling on a shoestring might skip over this gorgeous mountain town.
Don’t give up too soon! We made a list of all the best hostels in Whistler so you can find that perfect budget bed or room to call home! From hostels to BnBs, you can book with confidence that you are getting the best deals on the mountain!
Pick up your skis, your adventure in Whistler is just a few clicks away!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Whistler
- Best Overall Hostel in Whistler – HI Whistler
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Whistler – Squamish Adventure Inn
- Best Hostel for Couples in Whistler – Paul’s BnB
- Best Cheap Hostel in Whistler – Whistler Fireside Lodge
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The Best Hostels in Whistler
As you may know, each hostel in Whistler is a little different from the next. Keep your eyes peeled on our list for the hostel which best fits how you like to travel!
HI Whistler – Best Overall Hostel in Whistler
Originally built for the Olympics, HI Whistler has not lost its touch over the years. Putting you right at the edge of Garibaldi Provincial Park, you will be just minutes away from skiing, rafting, or bungee jumping in some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world! Even when you aren’t out tearing up the slopes, HI Whistler will give you everything you need to feel right at home!
With a shared kitchen, lounges, and games, you will find that there are tons to do within the hostel itself. Top it off with a cafe and even a bar, you won’t have to go too far to find a hot meal or a cold beer!
Squamish Adventure Inn – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Whistler
Putting you in view of some of the gorgeous mountains reflected off of a nearby lake, Squamish Adventure Inn will have you ending every day by pulling up a chair in the backyard and cracking open a cold one with your fellow guests. This backpacker’s hostel is so much more than just a place to crash at night, Squamish Adventure Inn gives solo travelers tons of space to spread out in the meet and chat with the other guests.
With a patio, back yard, lounges, and even a movie room, there are so many ways to unwind and relax at this hostel. Complete with a shared kitchen and dining room, you will feel right at home here.
Paul’s BnB – Best Hostel for Couples in Whistler
After being on the road for a while, you will probably want to ditch the dorm beds for a few nights and check into a more intimate stay. Although you probably can’t afford a 5-star hotel as a backpacker, you can upgrade yourself into this home and romantic BnB! Suitable for any budget, Paul’s sunny and cozy BnB will have you within sight of the stunning Mt. Currie.
With loads of restaurants and bars nearby, you won’t have to walk too far to find a great place to eat. Top it off with a host who will be your source for all the information about Whistler, this BnB will make you never want to check out!
Whistler Fireside Lodge – Best Cheap Hostel in Whistler
Even as a budget backpacker you can still enjoy all the luxuries of a classic ski lodge at Whistler Fireside Lodge! Throw another log on the fire and kick back in comfort at this one of a kind stay putting you right at the foot of the breathtaking mountains of Whistler.
When you aren’t out sledding or skiing, Whistler Fireside Lodge will help you warm up and relax with their onsite sauna and cozy lounges. If you are wanting to save a few extra dollars, you can even cook up a meal yourself at the onsite kitchen. In all of Whistler, you won’t find a dorm bed as cheap as the ones at Whistler Fireside Lodge!
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIWhistler Lodge Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Whistler
Needing a place to crash for a few days to catch up on some much-needed editing or writing? Digital nomads rejoice, Whistler Lodge Hostel will put you up in one of the homiest and coziest stays in Whistler on a backpacker’s budget.
Although it may look quite rustic from the outside, this youth hostel houses stylish style lounges and rooms. With loads of room to spread out in, you are sure to find a spot where you can get down to work. Top it off with privacy curtains in each bunk, and you’ll have all the space you need to finish up that video or article. Complete with its very own sauna, you will be truly tasting the high life at Whistler Lodge Hostel.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Whistler
Chuck & Rebecca’s BnB
If you are wanting to get away from all the touristy lodges and hotels of downtown Whistler, nothing will have you feeling more like a local than staying at this homey suburban BnB.
Putting you 30 minutes away from Whistler, this home will have you up close to the real people of the Canadian wilderness and minutes away from some of the best hiking trails in the area! With the Mamquam River just a few steps from your door, you will be offered stunning views of the mountains and nature from the BnB! With cozy beds and a shared lounge, there is no better to call is a day after exploring Whistler than this BnB!
Ivan’s BnB
Although they may be called a BnB, this home has the heart of a youth hostel. With cheap beds in a shared dorm room, you will be able to meet other travelers just as well as you would in any other backpacker’s hostel. Complete with a patio and a cozy lounge, this stay is perfect for just kicking back and chatting with the host and other guests.
Feeling a bit hungry? This BnB will even hook you up with delicious meals for only 5 dollars! From cheap rooms to laid back hostel vibes, this is one unique stay you will not want to miss.
What to Pack for your Whistler Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Why you should travel to Whistler
Even though you may not have tons of options when it comes to backpacker’s hostels in Whistler, the handful you do have will blow you away! From classic ski lodges to BnBs, there are so many different ways to enjoy the slopes of Whistler!
Are you still torn between a few different stays and need us to point you in the right direction? The one hostel that will give you that classic “backpacker’s experience” is HI Whistler, they also take the prize for being the best hostel in Whistler!
FAQ about Hostels in Whistler
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Whistler.
How much does a hostel cost in Whistler?
Whistler dorm rooms costs an average price of $45 per bed, while private rooms starts at $95 per night.
What are the best hostels in Whistler for couples?
This quiet budget getaway house is just the perfect place for couples. Paul’s BnB has a great view of Mt Currie and the hosts is known for their hospitable service.
What are the best hostels in Whistler near the airport?
There aren’t any airport in Whistler, the nearest you can book is in Vancouver. Here is my top rated hostel in the area instead:
– HI Whistler
– Whistler Fireside Lodge
– Whistler Lodge Hostel
Travel Safety Tips for Whistler
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Over to you
We know you are ready to hit the slopes. So grab your skis or strap on your snowboards, there is no better way to take in the rustic beauty of Canada than by zipping down some of the best ski hills in the country! Even if you stay close to the lodge or hostel, you will still be able to take in the breathtaking beauty of Whistler!
Before you can brush up on your snowboarding, you will have to check into a hostel first. Depending on where you stay in Whistler, your trip will be slightly different. From staying with locals in a BnB to hanging out with other travelers in a hostel, you will find that the first step to a perfect holiday is picking that stay which is right for you!
If you have ever traveled to Whistler we would love to hear about your trip! Let us know if there are any great hostels we may have missed in the comments below!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Canada for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the beautiful places in Canada covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Whistler if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Whistler before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Canada to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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