7 Best Banff Hostels & Guesthouses in Downtown Banff, Canada!

Looking for where to stay in Banff on a budget? You’ve come to the right place to discover cheap accommodation especially in the best Banff hostels.

In this list you’ll find basic but comfortable places to rest your head and no matter where you are you will have views of the unbelievable mountains that surround the entire town!

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While Banff National Park is a large and incredible place to visit, downtown Banff isn’t huge and this is a great base to explore the neighbouring lakes, waterfalls, mountains and hikes.

How to Get to Banff From Calgary Airport

Being one of the most popular destinations in Canada, hostels in Banff National Park doesn’t come that cheap. Have no fear though because I’ve provided a list of the cheapest places to stay in Banff including hostels, Bed & Breakfasts and lodges.

7 Best Hostels in Banff

Need a quick overview? See my ‘best for’ list of Banff hostels and guesthouses here:

Best all round Banff hostel – Hi Banff Alpine Centre
Best Banff Youth Hostel – Samesun
Banff Hostels Cheap and Sustainable – YWCA
Hostel For Best Location in Banff – Banff International Hostel
Place Most Like Banff Hotels in Banff (Including a Swimming Pool) – Bow View Lodge
Best all round Guesthouse – A Good Nite’s Rest Bed and Breakfast
Highest Rating & Best Self Service – The Dorothy Motel

Map of Cheap Banff Hostels

Banff Alberta Hostels, Motel and B&B

Here you’ll find the Banff cheap hostels with rating is based on Banff hostels reviews from booking, an overview of location, amenities and fun features of these Banff hostels Alberta and link to book the place for your trip!

Hi Banff Alpine Centre

Rating = 7.9

HI Hostel Banff has the most scenic location of all the hostels in Banff as it’s found on Tunnel Mountain. Don’t let this put you off as there is a local bus route that will take you right outside the hostel, take a taxi or you can walk 15 minutes from downtown Banff. This was the very first place we stayed when we arrived in Banff and have absolutely no complaints, can highly recommend staying here and the hostel bar became sort of a hotspot for birthdays while living in Banff so I frequented many times!

There’s private and dorm-style rooms to choose from (note the bathrooms are all shared), free wifi, shared kitchen, free parking, access to free local information and epic views of the mountains.

Features of this accommodation include 24/7 reception, organised activities and trips, on-site cafe, on-site bar with Karaoke and games room where residents and locals hang out, and events throughout the summer such as BBQs, live music and parties. This would be the perfect place to meet new people, make connections and mix with locals!

Ready to book the Banff Hi Hostel? Check the prices and vacancy here!

Samesun Banff

Rating = 7.8

Samesun Hostel is ideally located on the main street of the town called Banff Avenue with a bus stop right outside that will take you to places like Banff Gondola, Canmore, Johnston Canyon, nearby lakes and Tunnel Mountain.

With dorms and private rooms, you can stay in Banff however you prefer at excellent prices. Connect with other travellers in the common room, shared kitchen, cafe and on-site Beaver Bar known for its cheap beer, shot roulette on the wall and trivia nights.

Facilities at this hostel include free parking, laundry, discount on local tours, storage, 24/7 reception and free wifi. This is the most ideal for Banff backpacking!

See prices and availability for Samesun here.

Banff YWCA Hostel Banff Canada

Rating = 7.1

YWCA is a hostel-style accommodation found opposite Cascade Gardens and adjacent to the Bow River in downtown Banff, walkable to all the museums, facilities and sightseeing. This place even has its own bus stop for Route 1, taking you to Banff Hot Springs and Banff Gondola and Route 2, taking you to Tunnel Mountain and the Fairmont.

There’s affordable, basic, private rooms both with a private bathroom and some with shared facilities. All guests have access to laundry, wifi, on-site parking (limited so check first) and staff present 24/7.

A bonus for staying here is that “YWCA Banff is a social enterprise hotel. This means that by booking a stay with us, guests are investing their vacation dollars into social services that empower local women and their communities for a better future”.

Click here to book a room at YWCA Banff Hostel.

Banff International Hostel

Rating = 7.6

With the most convenient location, Hostel International Banff can be found in downtown Banff, walkable to everything including bus stops for trips around the park. It’s also the ultimate hostel for all ski hill lovers with an excellent location just 15 minutes from Norquay and a few minutes’ walk to the free shuttle bus to Sunshine ski resort.

The hostel has shared dorm rooms with each bunk having a curtain for privacy, (note only some rooms have private bathrooms), kitchen, free wifi, 24/7 staff, included breakfast, free parking on-site and a large outdoor communal area.

Check availability and rates for Banff International Hostel on booking.com here.

Bow View Lodge

Rating = 7.2

Bow View Lodge is located on the stunning Bow River and close proximity to downtown Banff, Cave & Basin Historical Site, Tunnel Mountain and has a nearby bus stop to take you beyond the town.

The lodge is more like a hotel than a hostel but at hostel prices and includes a swimming pool, free parking, restaurant, free wifi and an airport shuttle option!

Each room has a private bathroom and kitchen facilities but you will pay more for a balcony or a river view.

Click here to book a stay at the Bow View Lodge!

Good Nite’s Rest Bed and Breakfast

Rating = 8.1

For a more cosy stay at the same prices as a hostel, check out one of the cheap hotels in Banff, A Good Nite’s Rest Bed and Breakfast in downtown Banff with everything within walking distance from this Banff accommodation.

Staying here will give you free wifi, free breakfast, free parking, balcony space to enjoy the scenery and kitchen facilities in private rooms.

Check rates and availability for A Good Nite’s Rest here.

Dorothy Motel

Rating = 8.6

The Dorothy Motel is near Banff Avenue and close to the entrance of Banff National Park but still walkable to downtown. It’s also right next to the Banff dog park which makes for a sweet stroll so if you’d prefer not to stay in the hostels in Banff, try this accommodation.

Each room has facilities like a kettle, microwave and air conditioning and with self check-in it makes you feel as though you’ve got private digs rather than staying in shared accommodation. The prices are close to those of the hostels too so this place is definitely a bargain.

They also provide guests with a free bus pass for the duration of their stay which will save you money and let you roam around Banff National Park for free. But if you have a vehicle, there’s free parking at the motel.

Book your stay at The Dorothy Motel through booking.com here.

Notes On Hostels in Banff Alberta Canada

Banff properties sell out SO FAST! Like, seriously if you don’t book in advance you will either have to stay in a whole other Albertan town or pay well over the odds!
The location is at high altitude so come prepared and remember that the air is very dry here so pack accordingly.
Be mindful of the time of year and ensure that your room either has air conditioning in the Summer or heating in the Winter.
Decide if you want to rent your own car or use public transport before you arrive to make life easier 🙂

Booking.com