Toronto.
A truly legendary place where you can vending machine a book, build half of a house before calling it a day, and be invited for a lovely afternoon wandering the sewers.
Niagara falls is reasonably near too.
Alas, winter is coming, and the streets are filled with Canadians. You’re going to need a fine collection of synthetic and/or ex-bird material to make it through those chilly evenings. And I am not cuddling you.
Luckily, my SUSPICIOUSLY USEFUL guide to the best hostels in Toronto will be there for you, ready to dish the dirt on the hostel situation, drop that average nightly price, and turn your ‘oh my gawd, where am I gonna sleep’ angst into an overrated selling point.
Let’s drop in!
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answers: The Best Hostels in Toronto
- Overall Best Hostel in Toronto – Planet Traveler
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Toronto – Samesun Toronto
- Best Cheap Hostel in Toronto – All Days Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Toronto – The Only Backpackers Inn
- Best Hostel for Couples in Toronto – The Clarence Park
What to Expect from Hostels in Toronto
Have you been backpacking in Canada for months on end and accidentally ended up in Ontario? Are you just waiting to collapse against a central heating unit, because winter has come and it is frickin cold?
Excellent! The hostels of Toronto eagerly await to take your money *ahem* provide you with whatever you need for an outlook-expanding stay. There are many outrageous things to do in Toronto, and some of these hostels will not only help you do them, but provide you with a useful sidekick too…
Ok, the truth about Torontonian hostels (yes that is a thing), there aren’t that many of them. There might be many places to stay in Toronto, but hostels have clearly been a little overlooked. The quality of your stay can vary massively as well, depending on when you go and if you have good bunk mates or not.
There are only really two hostels I would truly call ‘hostels’ – Planet Traveler and The Only Backpackers Inn. They have a vibe and the usual amenities. Booking outside of these two can net you a cheap bed, but the experience you have can be much more varied.
Oh, and someone please tell them to take better photos!
The 5 Best Torontonian Hostels
Wonderful! It is time to get stuck into the juiciest 5 Toronto hostels I could lay my grubby mitts upon.
Whether you’re looking to spend a chaotic weekend, an exhausting month or an entire year hostelling, these are the finest lodgings money can’t buy…
1. Overall Best Hostel in Toronto – Planet Traveler
Over the past 5 years, Planet Traveler has won a ton of awards for their great customer service and on-point hostel vibe, because what’s not to love?! This excellent Toronto hostel cultivates a great backpacker vibe, which means you’re bound to meet some characters and generally have a loose time.
Heads up lazy bods, they serve breakfast until 1 pm, no need to set the alarm when staying at Planet Traveler in Toronto! Since there aren’t too many hostels in Toronto, and the quality of them is variable, I would sincerely recommend staying here. The backpacker vibe is true…
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Incredible Location
- On-site cafe
- Buzzing Rooftop Terrace
We can’t emphasize enough how cool the location is. Chinatown and Kensington Market are within a few blocks. This means you’re sitting on top of half the top Toronto attractions! On top of that, you’ll be living the responsible backpackers’ dream in the greenest hostel in Canada.
Their heating’s geothermal and solar-powered, so you can comfortably sit inside and enjoy the cosy common room!
There are private rooms for parties of up to four with private bathrooms, dorm rooms that can accommodate up to six people, same-sex or mixed dorms, and shared rooms with private washrooms and reading lights. There is also a cool rooftop terrace where you can hang out and make some buddies. It also has killer views over the CN Tower!
2. Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Toronto – Samesun Toronto
Is that great value for money? An excellent breakfast? Organised fun?!?!?
It is all that and (of course) more at Samesun Toronto. With a location that would bring a geographer to their knees, this hostel sits in one of the most interesting and exciting parts of town and has great access to the Kensington Market. Perfect for nailing a top Toronto Itinerary.
The hostel itself boasts a quasi-Japanese vibe, which means vibrant decoration, clear and open spaces, and a high standard of cleanliness. For the digital nomads out there, there is a great space to work in and free WiFi!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Sign Up Sheets
- Comfy hang-out zone
- Great Location
Another aspect of this hostel worth picking up on is the activities sign up sheet. If there is enough interest, there are a bunch of trips, tours and adventures to be had! It makes it super easy to pick up some travel buddies too.
Beds are comfy, the WiFi is strong, there is a cupboard labelled free food, and female dorms are available. Bunks are equipped with reading lights (which are always so well used) and there are security lockers for making sure your stuff stays where it is.
If I’m frank about this hostel, I would say that it is a “seasonal” hostel. That is, it is pot luck whether you get a dorm of amazing and friendly voyagers, or some grungy locals. The vibe is also a little quiet (unless you’re lucky), so if I were a solo traveller in Toronto, I would be going for Planet Traveler if possible. Definitely mark as a second choice though!
3. Cheapest Hostel in Toronto – All Days Hostel
If you’re looking for a bed in Toronto on the cheap, take a look at All Days Hostel, one of the cheapest hostels in Toronto. The All Days staff are super helpful and a great source of information. Be sure to ask them directions if GoogleMaps seems a bit confusing; local knowledge is always best (ED: Google is pretty good too though…)
As a budget hostel, All Days do their best to give their guests great value for money. Swing by the tours and travel desk to see what deals you can snap up.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Subways Subways Subways
- Comfy Common Room
- Fully Equipped Kitchens
A stay at All Days promises incredible value for a very affordable price. On top of that, you’ll also get the chance to exchange travel stories and make new friends in the comfy common areas.
All Days Hostel is located two blocks away from Yonge/Bloor and two subway lines, as well as just a few steps from Sherbourne subway station and shopping center. Toronto is pretty safe too, and you should have no trouble walking home after dark (although ladies you should probably still find a friend). It’s also near many restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, the ROM museum and the University of Toronto.
There are quite a lot of different accommodation options to choose from with this hostel. The dorm rooms accommodate 4 people and have bunk beds, while the private rooms have single or double-sized beds. If you’re travelling with a group of friends or your significant other, the private room with capacity from 2-4 people works out best for you!
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 REI4. Best Party Hostel in Toronto – The Only Backpackers Inn
If you’re looking for a wild time in Canada, be sure to book a bed at The Only Backpackers Inn. With a perfect hostel vibe and a bar downstairs, it is the complete package. As a great budget hostel, they offer guests a free breakfast, free WiFi and free cable TV in the chill-out room too!
Their bar has over 200 beers in stock at any given time, sourced from all corners of the world. You can make new travelling pals over a cold pint on the hostel decking.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Top Hostel Vibe
- Outdoor Patio
- Fantastic Selection of Beers
Out of the heart of the city, The Only Backpackers Inn offers a moment of peace in bustling Toronto. With many other savvy travellers stopping by for a cheap bed and tasty beer, you can lounge around the communal space sharing stories, and making plans.
They also do a pretty substantial free breakfast, which is perfect for getting ready to unleash yourself on Downtown Toronto or the Royal Ontario Museum.
With a combination of bunk and private rooms, there is a perfect bed for everyone. You don’t want to miss out on the best party hostel in Toronto!
5. Best Hostel for Couples in Toronto – The Clarence Park
Chic and charming, the best hostel for couples in Toronto is The Clarence Park. Their huge rooftop deck offers great views over Toronto. After a long, cold day exploring be sure to pop by the onsite cafe – Le Neuf Cafe. Le Neuf Cafe is a French-style cafe serving cracking coffee and melt-in-your-mouth croissants.
The hostel rooms are bright, immaculately clean and have stylish en-suites. The Clarence Park is a wonderful Toronto backpackers hostel, perfect for couples who want a touch of class, great coffee and an amazing customer service experience.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Great Central Location
- Rooftop Deck
- Comfortable, Clean Rooms
You couldn’t be more central if you tried. The Clarence Park is right in the heart of the action, just a few minutes away from the best entertainment and must-see sights of Toronto. Take your loved one out for a romantic day of exploring the town, with a cosy private room to return to.
It’s also got a great kitchen, meaning you can whip up a bougie dinner, or just a dirty spag bol. Towels are included at this hostel! You will not be reusing the same dodgy towel here my fellows.
In case all of this wasn’t enough, there is also a BBQ, air conditioning, and free WiFi. Maybe free WiFi is a given nowadays. Who knows?
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
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 Excellent Hostels in Toronto
If I have not satisfied your craving for hostel magic well enough (pff, never), here are some optional extras I have dragged up. Or you could turn to a nice, quiet, cosy Toronto Airbnb…
The Parkdale Hostellerie
Straying just outside the top 5, we have the Parkdale Hostellerie. The vibe here is classically homely, with all the comfortabilities and quirks of a local apartment. The living area is comfortable, relaxing, and provides great chances to meet other travellers.
Located outside the downtown, it’s location is a little further flung than some of the other Toronto Hostels, but there are reasonable transport connections, and actually some of the city’s top attractions close by! There is a kitchen that comes well equipped for simple meals too.
The Palmerston
The Palmerston is host to cheap backpacker accommodation right in the centre of town. The Queen Streetcar is at your disposal 24 hours a day and stops pretty much at your doorstep. Can’t get much more convenient than that can it?
Rooms are cosy, clean and comfortable. There is no living space or kitchen, so staying here really is just a bed, but the bar downstairs, coupled with great access to restaurants, cafes and nightlife, still make it a formidable stay.
Wilson Hall Residence @ University of Toronto
Ok, this one is pretty ideal for anyone who wants a private room for low prices. It is student accommodation, but we can’t have everything, right? Whilst there is no hostel vibe, it provides a comfy place to stay in a good location, for a low price. If that’s what you’re after, this fits the bill nicely!
Guests will also be allowed to use the university’s fitness centre (for a small surcharge) and whack the air conditioning down to whatever temperature they choose…
Downtown Toronto location, which makes it super convenient for sightseeing!
The Two Peas Pod Hostel Toronto
Okay, so maybe I was holding this one back. The Two Peas Pod Hostel is excellently located in Downtown Toronto, near landmarks like the Royal Museum of Ontario and The Entertainment District. Its facilities are second to no other hostel in the city, with a rooftop patio, two lounges, a media room, a store and a cafe.
Each bunk consists of a memory foam mattress, a smart TV, bamboo pillows, a charging station and a privacy screen. It’s like being in an exceptionally social hotel really. Two Peas Pod Hostel is definitely a top Ontario hostel.
Travel Safety Tips for Toronto
Even in Ontario, you can still get wiped out by a northern virus, a spot of bad fortune, or a tram. Make sure you are prepared for these scenarios! Get insured baby 😉
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.
What to Pack for your Toronto 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 our definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQs on Toronto’s Best Hostels
Here’s what we are usually asked about the cheapest backpacker accommodation in Toronto.
How much does a hostel cost in Toronto?
It all depends on whether you prefer a private room with an ensuite bathroom or a bed in a shared dorm. Prices start at USD$27 for a bed in a shared dorm room, heading up to USD$43+ for a private room.
What are the best hostels in Toronto for couples?
The Clarence Park is a great hostel for couples in Toronto. It’s comfy, has a rooftop deck, and is right in the heart of Toronto.
What are the best hostels in Toronto near the airport?
The Clarence Park, our best hostel for couples in Toronto, is 2 km from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Toronto
While Toronto’s hostel scene is still developing, I am sure that these hostels I have laid down here will bring you right through!
And remember, if you can’t decide, check out Planet Traveler. With free breakfast, free lockers and great reviews, it’s hard to beat.
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- 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 best places to visit in Toronto covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Toronto if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Toronto 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.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
