last update: 23/12/13 | December 13, 2023
Toronto is Canada's version of New York. No matter what season you visit, it's a diverse, multicultural city with a vibrant nightlife, amazing food scene, and plenty to see and do.
It may lack the historic charm of Montreal or the natural beauty of Vancouver, but Toronto is a sprawling metropolis that will keep you entertained.
However, it can also be an expensive city to visit.
Budget hotels are inconveniently located and Airbnb prices are rising every year. Luckily, the city has several budget-friendly hostels that can help you save money. For the money you can spend enjoying the city and all it has to offer!
That said, there are a lot of things to consider when choosing a hostel. When choosing the best hostels in Toronto, the top four are:
- location – Toronto is large so it may take some time to get around. Choose the places you want to see and the ones that are the center of nightlife. All hostels listed here are in central locations.
- price – In Toronto you only get what you pay for, so if you choose a really cheap hostel you will probably end up with a hostel that is small, cramped and doesn’t offer great service.
- manners – All hostels in the city offer free Wi-Fi and most offer free breakfast. But if you want more than that, search to find the hostel that best suits your needs!
- employee – All of the hostels listed here have great staff! They are very friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you can't stay at one of the places listed below, check out the reviews and make sure you're staying somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!
Best hostels for budget travelers:
Best hostel for couples/families:
The best hostel for female solo travelers:
Best hostel for parties:
Want to know the details of each hostel? Here is a list of the best hostels in Toronto:
Price legend (per night)
- $ = less than $40 CAD
- $$ = $40-50 CAD
- $$$ = $50 CAD or more
1. Planet Traveler Hostel
Planet Traveler is a fantastic hostel because it really gives us travelers what we need. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms (including all dorm rooms), a full kitchen with free breakfast until 1pm (which is actually pretty good), two personal lockers for every guest, and best of all. There is a nice rooftop terrace. It offers amazing views of downtown Toronto.
This is a fun hostel and it's very easy to meet people here. The very friendly staff organize regular weekly events such as quiz nights and pub crawls. The beds are also very comfortable, allowing for a good night's sleep (a big plus in my book!), and several rooms offer pod-style beds for extra privacy. The hostel is located in Kensington Market, one of Toronto's hippest neighborhoods, with plenty of cheap eats and interesting shops right on your doorstep.
Planet Traveler Hostel Overview:
- $$$
- We hold many events
- Free breakfast (until 1pm)
- great central location
Beds start at CAD 60 per night, private rooms start at CAD 180 per night.
2. The Only Backpackers Inn
This is your standard chill backpacker hostel. There is a bar (serving more than 200 beers), a café, multiple common areas (including an outdoor patio), and complimentary breakfast.
The staff are very friendly and it's close to the subway, making it easy to get around and explore the city. It's also one of the cheapest hostels in the city. In short, this is a laid-back, classic backpacker hostel and a good choice for solo travelers looking to meet people.
About The Only Backpacker's Inn:
- $$
- free breakfast
- helpful staff
- cool outdoor terrace
Beds start at CAD 50 per night, private rooms start at CAD 130 per night.
3. Parkdale Hostellery
This is the cheapest hostel in the city. There is no free breakfast, but the money you save can make up for it. There is a common space and a shared kitchen. Although it's not as central as other hostels, it's close to the city's up-and-coming vegan neighborhood, Vegandale, as well as Echo Beach and Fort York (a National Historic Landmark). The amenities and design may not be the most modern, but they are very affordable and have a warm, homely feel.
Overview of Parkdale Hostellerie:
- $
- very affordable
- social atmosphere
- There are many great restaurants nearby.
Beds start at CAD 40 per night, private rooms start at CAD 89 per night.
4. Clarence Park
This centrally located hostel is just blocks from the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Port of Toronto and many other popular attractions. It's a great place to stay if you want to be in the center of everything.
Clarence Park is a social hostel with a cozy lounge with free tea and coffee, weekly events, a rooftop terrace and barbecue (seasonal – this is Canada after all!). There's also a spacious, fully-equipped modern kitchen where you can cook your own meals to save money. All rooms have a desk and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, so it's easy to use your laptop if you need to.
Clarence Park Overview:
- $$
- shared kitchen
- Weekly Social Events
- Rooftop terrace and barbecue
Beds start at 50 CAD per night, private rooms start at 130 CAD per night.
Toronto is a world-class city. Hostels here are particularly sociable and fun, making it easy to meet people and have fun with other travellers. There aren't many hostels here and they fill up quickly (especially during the busy summer months), so book your stay in advance!
Book a Trip to Toronto: Logistics Tips and Tricks
flight reservation
Find cheap flights with Skyscanner. It's my favorite search engine. We search websites and airlines around the world so you always have all the information!
Accommodation Reservation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld, which offers the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, try Booking.com. We consistently offer the lowest rates on guesthouses and budget hotels. Some of my favorite places to stay are:
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. Comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I can't go on a trip without it, as I've had to use it several times in the past. Here are some of my favorite companies that offer the best service and value:
Are you looking for the best company to help you save money?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list everything I use to save money on the go. You can also save money when traveling.
Want more information about Toronto?
Visit our powerful destination guide to Toronto for more planning tips!