If you’re considering a trip to Whistler, it’s highly likely you’re going to enjoy one of the largest ski resorts in North America. But what about the best hostels in Whistler, Canada – why consider one?
Well, if you’re a budget traveller that wants to keep costs down, we highly recommend staying at a hostel here.
Ski resorts are pricey and the hub of chalet-style pedestrian village of Whistler is no exception.
In this guide, we bring you the coolest hostels in Whistler which are both fun and affordable.
Your shortcut:
- HI Whistler – top pick for budget travellers
- Pangea Pod Hotel – best for flashpackers
- Whistler Lodge Hostel – perfect for couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
Any questions about hostels in Whistler?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Actually, we’ve included a range of hostel types here to suit different budgets and styles. Yep, we cover all grounds to save you time and money.
BRAND NEW: 17 Best Hostels in Canada
Instead of staying in an expensive chalet, hostels give you all the ski-related luxuries at a cheaper price, plus a social atmosphere that can’t be missed.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
On your way to the mountains you may want to check out the best hostels in Vancouver.
Psst! Just across the border the best hostels in Seattle, USA includes a great party hostel.
What we cover in this article?
- Introduction
- 3 best hostels in detail
- cheapest hostels in Whistler
- best hostels in Whistler for solo travellers
- fun party hostels in Whistler
- more hostels worth a mention
- discounts and promo codes
- How to book?
- all hostel and sights on a map
- Flights
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Whistler
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Whistler cost 30€ – 35€ per night for a bed in a dorm room. A private room starts from 40€ up to 55€ per night. This is a rough average just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Is Whistler a city? Nope! Whistler is a mountain town north of Vancouver and home to one of the largest ski resorts in British Columbia; Whistler Blackcomb.
Visiting Whistler in Winter: As you can imagine it will be super busy in high season, which will be the winter months. Therefore, book your stay asap!! It is not recommended to come here without a reservation.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Whistler
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels in Whistler.
We put all three accommodation on the map, you will find the map at the end of the article.
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | HI Whistler |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Pangea Pod Hotel |
| 👫 For Socializing: | Pangea Pod Hotel |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Whistler Lodge Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Whistler Lodge Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | HI Whistler |
| 🧳 For Flashpackers: | Pangea Pod Hotel |
1. HI Whistler
Ok folks, we wanted to kick start with the most affordable and best budget option in Whistler village; welcome to HI Whistler Backpackers. This custom-built hostel was actually part of Whistler’s athlete’s village for the 2010 winter Olympic games – cool!
From male & female-only dorms to a private queen room with private bathroom, this hostel is suitable for many traveller types.
No matter which room you choose, it’s likely that you’ll get awesome mountain views from the window.
There’s certainly a modern and no-frills feel to this hostel, and it’s perfectly set up for any backpacker that wants to enjoy the luxury of a hotel in a hostel environment.
Come on, let’s have a glance at some of the highlights:
- Onsite Cheaky’s cafe (7am-late)
- Ski & bike storage room
- Pool table & TV room
- Big common room
- Free WiFi
Cheaky’s Cafe is well worth another mention as it’s the main place travellers hang out and socialise.
This is where you can enjoy your favourite refreshing drink, house-made meals and speciality coffees throughout the day. It’s certainly cheaper than eating in the village.
To top it off, there’s a kitchen you’re also welcome to use! During the warmer months the balcony area is a peaceful place to relax. There’s a BBQ for use and plenty of sunshine hitting the area.
Good to know: There are a whopping 188 beds here, so groups are welcome and there is even a dedicated meeting room for business people.
Location: Just minutes from the resort Whistler Olympic Village, it’s super easy to wander there by foot and explore.
This is one of the best hostels in Whistler for
- Budget travellers
- Groups
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
2. Pangea Pod Hotel
Calling all flashpackers that are willing to spend a few extra coins – hello! We’re excited to introduce to you Pangea Pod Hotel. Let’s sum it up in three easy words…
- Chic
- Shared
- Central
“Imagine you could stay in a boutique hotel but only pay for the part of it you actually use. At Pangea, that’s what we’ve created – designer pod accommodation that’s affordable, central, and social.”
So yeah, whilst ‘hotel’ may be in the name, these guys don’t actually class themselves as a hotel or a hostel. That’s because this Whistler accommodation is the best of both worlds!
The pod bed design here is truly unique.
They’ve done well to create sizeable spaces that are private, comfortable and money-saving. So even though you’ll be sharing a room, it’s easy to forget once you’ve got cosy in your pod for the night.
Ok ok let’s stop with the teasing. Each pod bed includes…
- USB & standard charging sockets
- Lockable private cabinet
- Soft LED lighting
- Individual fan
- Mirror, hangers & shelves
Erm, wow! Not only that, but there are different pod types which include: front-entry, side-entry, mezzanine and female-only.
Super cool: Quiet time in the sleeping areas is from 10pm-7am.
Moving on to the social aspects of Pangea Pod Hotel now, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Onsite there is a cafe and bar that serves up delicious food and drinks that doesn’t break the bank.
Up on the rooftop is another little bar overlooking the pedestrian stroll down to village square. This is THE place for enjoying a cocktail and sunset vista!
This is one of the best hostels in Whistler for
- Flashpackers
- Female solo travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. Whistler Lodge Hostel
As our final recommendation, we want to include a more traditional mountain lodge that is ideal for backpackers.
Whistler Lodge Hostel offers a warm, cosy and authentic Whistler experience with a total of 42 beds.
You can choose between bunk style rooms as well as private and semi private rooms. What’s great about the dorms is that each bed comes with a privacy curtain and handy little shelf area.
Important: Whistler Lodge Hostel is centrally located between Whistler Village and Whistler Creekside. Nearby you find the Whistler Fireside Lodge. They are not the same hostel. It can be a bit confusing since the location and name, and even photos are similiar.
Alongside the beautiful wooden ski lodge charm, the property features are A-maz-ing:
- Sauna
- Spacious lounge w/ pool table, couches & cathedral ceilings
- Outdoor work deck & patio
- Quiet study room
- Ski/board/bike storage & waxing area
To help keep the costs low, the huge hostel kitchen is a big bonus for any traveller. Its fully kitted out with everything you need to rustle up hot, filling meals.
Honestly, considering the small size of the lodge, we’re seriously impressed with the effort that has gone into this kitchen. For anyone that prefers a more relaxed vibe and aren’t worried about being central, this hostel is ideal.
This is one of the best hostels in Whistler for
- Couples
- Older travellers
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelz.com | Hostelworld
What about cheapest hostels in Whistler?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels and cheap accommodation in Whistler. Forget Whistler hotels!
We think, it’s not worth it to go with the cheapest hostel out there.
Why?
The difference is usually 1-2€ ($1-2) per night, and a lot of amenities are not included. This can be breakfast or linen.
However, if you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you wanna save every penny, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Whistler.
- Open Hostelworld with full list of budget places to stay in Whistler
- Order the listing by price
Simple as that.
Read: 15 hacks for booking hostels
Make sure you use then the other filters and rank per price. Also keep a close eye on the ratings, especially the “extreme ratings”. Meaning, the best and worst. These ratings can give great insight on what to expect.
If you’re looking for an affordable hostel for families, have a look at Whistler Fireside Lodge. Just be aware that the rating isn’t very high (below 8).
Some of you are also searching for Alpine Lodge Whistler – aka Alpine Lodge Hostel – but unfortunately this hostel is not listed on HW or booking.com.
Best Hostels in Whistler for Solo Travellers?
Which of the hostels Whistler are good for solo travellers?
We actually have a few recommendations depending on what kind of solo traveller you are…
- Budget solo traveller: HI Whistler
- Female solo traveller: Pangea Pod Hotel
- Solo traveller that enjoys quiet atmosphere: Southside Lodge
HI Whistler gets our vote overall because it’s affordable, central and offers great amenities such as onsite cafe which make it easier to meet other travellers.
Party Hostels in Whistler
It’s important to know that there is no wild party hostel in Whistler.
Instead, book your stay at Pangea Pod Hotel and enjoy an onsite bar that offers affordable drinks. There are actually two bars here, and one of them is up on the rooftop.
The best bit is from 1opm onwards it’s quiet time in the sleeping pods, so once you’re done at the bar you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
More Hostels worth a Mention
It’s likely that you will drive along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) between Vancouver and Whistler. If so, you might consider staying a night or two in Squamish along the way.
So, what about a Squamish hostel?
Squamish Adventure Inn is a popular hostel in town and for good reason.
The building itself is nestled next to a big rocky mountain and flowing river, and the interior creates a homely and warm space which is appreciated after a long drive.
The room types offer something for everyone, from solo travellers right through to families.
Lounge in the big living room in front of the TV, or head out into the garden and patio areas to enjoy the scenery.
Squamish city centre is less than a 10-minute walk where you can enjoy shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.
Note: Whistler Village is a 45 minute drive from here. Free parking is available.
Also: Squamish Lil’ wat Cultural Centre is worth a visit whilst you’re in the area.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
What about the cheapest hostels in Whistler?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Whistler.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Whistler
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Whistler best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Whistler?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Whistler put on a map + sights
Let us have a look on the map. Below we list all three best Whistler hostels on a map.
Personally, we love to plan our trips with a map having all sights and potential hostels on it. We thought this map will help you with planning your trip too.
We also included the main tourist attractions you’ve to know in this list:
- Whistler Blackcomb
- Whistler Mountain
- Garibaldi Provincial Park
- Whistler Mountain Bike Park
- Scandinave Spa Whistler
- Brandywine Falls Provincial Park
What about getting around Whistler? You’ll be pleased to hear that Whistler village is 100% pedestrian!
Any questions about hostels in Whistler? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Whistler?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Whistler BC. Discover all the best hostels in Canada here.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- best hostels in Toronto
- best hostels in Jasper
- best hostels in Montreal
- best hostels in Vancouver
- best hostels in Banff
- 45 best hostels in USA
- best hostels in Ottawa
- best hostels in Quebec City
- best hostels in Calgary
- best hostels in Niagara Falls
You can find all our new and updates articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Whistler guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
– – –
pin it for later
