3 Best Hostels in Calgary: Budget-Friendly Options in the Stampede City

With its array of activities, Calgary draws in more than seven million tourists annually. Whether taking in the excitement of the Calgary Stampede, visiting WinSport for some Olympic history, or trying the ever-evolving culinary scene at some of Canada’s finest restaurants, there’s something to suit every visitor. Moreover, Calgary’s proximity to Banff National Park, just under two hours away, allows for a city vacation with the added perk of day trips to the Rocky Mountains.

Finding affordable accommodation in a city that offers so much can be challenging. Hostels are a great way to do just that. While there are only a few hostels in Calgary, they’re all great stays. Keep reading to discover the ins and outs of the three best hostels in Calgary.

Coming up in this guide:

• Budget-friendly accommodations
• Rocky Mountain day trips
• Craft beer, veal chops, and tiramisu
• Calgary Stampede

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Hostels in Calgary?

Budget-Friendly Hostels in Calgary

Wicked Hostels Calgary

First up, we have Wicked Hostels. Wicked Hostels takes the top spot because I find it to be in a more walkable area than Hi Calgary. I’m all about location location location. That, and it’s closer to my favorite restaurants in the city.

If you want to connect with fellow travelers in Calgary, Wicked Hostels is a great spot to do just that. They have a shared kitchen, daily social events, complimentary breakfast, communal lounges, on-site laundry facilities, and reliable WiFi.

Local’s Insider Tip

Head south two blocks to Bridgitte Bar on 10th Avenue, only a 7-minute walk from Wicked Hostels. Their cocktails are incredible, along with the food, and their exposed brick and industrial-style ceilings set the mood for a great evening out.

For one of the best restaurants in Calgary, let alone Canada, head to the D.O.P. Order the Grilled Bread to go with their spreads like Nduja or Whipped Ricotta, a pasta dish, and one of their renowned veal chops. Finish it up with their tiramisu. To die for.

HI Calgary City Centre Hostel

Next up, we have HI Calgary. HI has some of the best hostels in Canada, and HI Calgary is no different. While it may not be as centrally located as Wicked Hostels, it has its own benefits. One reason to consider HI Calgary over Wicked Hostels is its availability of private rooms.

HI Calgary has communal spaces to mingle with fellow guests, swap travel stories, and plan your Calgary or Rocky Mountain adventures. You’ll find essential amenities such as free WiFi, a shared kitchen, and common areas to unwind after a day of exploration. What’s more, they’re only a two-minute walk from the CTrain.

Local’s Insider Tip

Make your way to Parlour Ice Cream, just one block north of HI Hostel, then stroll down the Riverwalk.

If craft beer is more your scene, take a short Uber to Cold Garden and Ol’ Beautiful. They’re two of Calgary’s best microbreweries and are side-by-side in the trendy Inglewood neighborhood.

The Calgary Hub Hostel Style Home

Lastly, settle into a hostel within a home at the Calgary Hub Hostel. This hostel-style home is in the suburbs of Northwest Calgary and is a mere 15-minute drive from the airport. While it’s a little more secluded from the downtown action, staying here is an excellent option if you want to be in a quieter area after exploring the city or need to catch a flight.

Bob and Marthika are highly-rated hosts; it’s incredibly homely compared to traditional hostels, the beds are comfy, and the waffles are great.

Local’s Insider Tip

If you’re planning a trip to the Rockies, the logistics of finding an affordable place to stay in Calgary the night before your flight can be quite challenging.

Here’s a great solution — book a stay at the Calgary Hub Hostel on your way back from the mountains. This way, you can avoid the hassle of paying a premium for a hotel and enjoy the luxury of an extra night without rushing back to catch your flight from Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, or any other spot you’re exploring.

Things to Do in Calgary

Whether you’re interested in the Calgary Stampede, want a city home base for the Rocky Mountains, float down the Bow River, or enjoy some of Canada’s best restaurants, there’s something for everyone in Calgary. One of the best options when booking these exciting activities is through GetYourGuide. Discover their range of Calgary experiences below:

FAQs about Hostels in Calgary

What is the average price for a hostel in Calgary?

The average price for a hostel in Calgary can vary depending on the time of year, location, and amenities offered.

Generally, you can expect to find hostel prices in Calgary as follows:

• $40 to $50 per night for a bed in a shared dorm room
• $125 to $150 per night for a private dorm room

Prices might be higher during peak tourist seasons, like ski season or during the Calgary Stampede.

Where can I book Calgary Hostels?

Our favorite place to book Calgary hostels is through Hostelworld and Booking.com to compare prices and read additional reviews.

Further Reading

Looking for more accommodations in Canada? Read our articles below:

• 13 Best Hotels in Downtown St. John’s
• 6 Best Hostels in and around Whistler
• 3 Best Hostels in Jasper National Park
• 18 Best Hotels in Calgary

???? Ready to Jet-Set on a Budget? ✈️

Maximize your savings with these travel essentials:

✈️ Sky-high Savings: Book budget-friendly flights with Skyscanner.
???? Rest Easy: Find the perfect accommodation on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
???? Travel Light: Store your luggage securely with Bounce.
???? Stay Connected: Grab affordable eSIMs from Airalo or SimOptions.
???? Unforgettable Adventures: Find tours and experiences with GetYourGuide.
????️ Travel Worry-Free: Stay protected with travel insurance from SafetyWing!