Last Updated: 5/2/23 | May 2nd, 2023
Montreal is one of the world’s best cities (at least in my opinion). From its lovely parks and historic downtown to its incredible music, art, and foodie scenes, Montreal is amazing.
I’ve been visiting Montreal for a decade and have stayed in dozens upon dozens of places, but always come back to my favorites listed below. To me, these are the best!
There are a lot of things to consider when selecting a hostel. The top four when picking the best hostel in Montreal are:
- Location – Montreal is huge and it can take some time to get around. Pick a place that is central to the sites and nightlife you want to see. All the hostels listed here are in central locations.
- Price – In Montreal, you really get what you pay for, so if you go with a really cheap one, you’re probably going to get a hostel that is small, cramped, and doesn’t offer great service.
- Amenities – Every hostel in the city offers free Wi-Fi, and most have a free breakfast, but if you want more than that, be sure to do your research to find the hostel that best meets your needs!
- Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff! They are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews to ensure you end up somewhere where the staff is helpful and friendly! They can make or break a hostel!
To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the hostels in Montreal that I like the most. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:
Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: The Alternative Hostel of Old Montreal
Best Hostel for Families: Auberge Saintlo Montréal
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: M Montreal
Best Hostel for Partying: Samesun Montreal Central
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: M Montreal
Best Overall Hostel: Auberge Saintlo Montréal
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Montreal:
Price Legend (per night)
- $ = Under 40 CAD
- $$ = 40-50 CAD
- $$$ = Over 50 CAD
1. M Montreal
M Montreal is huge, with nearly 500 beds. The facilities are pretty great: there’s a rooftop terrace, two jacuzzis, nightly activities in a basement bar open from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., a café, and free breakfast (though it’s not anything special). The hostel is a quick 10-minute walk from Old Montreal and also close to both the popular Latin Quarter and Festival District. There is often a 2-3 night minimum during some months.
M Montreal’s super clean rooms run the gamut from female dorms to private apartments, and all have en suite bathrooms. I liked the pod-like feel of the beds; they include a curtain so you can get some privacy. There are also as outlets (so you can charge your electronics) and a light. The mattresses aren’t that comfortable (they’re basically gym mats), but the social vibe, plethora of activities, and friendly staff more than make up for that.
M Montreal at a glance:
- $$$
- Great place to meet other travelers
- Female-only dorms for extra privacy and security
- Rooftop terrace, jacuzzi, and bar on-site
Beds from 57 CAD, private rooms from 177 CAD.
2. Auberge Saintlo Montreal
This is a pretty standard hostel but perhaps one of the best situated in town: it’s a two-minute walk from the metro, which delivers you straight to breathtaking Old Montreal. The hostel offers both spotless dorms and private rooms that are clean and comfortable. They also have co-working spaces if you need to work while you’re there.
The common room comes with a pool table, plus the hostel has a large kitchen stocked with basics so you don’t have to lug them around with you, a café, a bar, and free breakfast daily. It also offers daily activities, including bike tours, walks, a pub crawl, and even poutine tastings. The bunks are basic and don’t have curtains, but the mattresses are decent.
Auberge Saintlo Montreal at a glance:
- $
- Organizes lots of activities (poutine tours, walking tours, pub crawls)
- Great place to meet other travelers
- Free breakfast
Beds from 36 CAD, private rooms from 140 CAD.
3. Samesun Montreal Central
Samesun Montreal Central is what some would consider a party hostel, thanks to its happy hour and bar getting a lot of action. Rooms here are clean and comfortable, and each features a microfridge, plus reading lights and outlets for each bed. The recently renovated private rooms are some of the best for the price and include cable, a fridge, and a desk.
There’s a complimentary breakfast that includes freshly made muffins, waffles, and eggs. Located in the same area as M Montreal, this hostel is smaller and has a more community, homey feel to it. If you’re looking for something more old school and traditional, stay here.
Samesun Montreal Central at a glance:
- $$
- Party atmosphere makes it easy to meet people
- Bar on-site with cheap drinks
- Free breakfast
Beds from 50 CAD, private rooms from 176 CAD.
4. Auberge du Plateau
Auberge du Plateau is a five-minute walk to Rue Saint-Denis, only 10 minutes to Old Montreal, and 20 to the famous Parc du Mont-Royal. The hostel itself is bright and colorful, and offers clean and cozy rooms and shared bathrooms. Rooms range from dorms to studios and have sinks; if you opt for a dorm, take note that there are only two bathrooms per floor, so sometimes there’s a wait. Each room has a mini-fridge and lockers for storage.
There’s also a common area to chill out in, plus a rooftop terrace to enjoy when the weather warms up. Breakfast with waffles, eggs, fresh fruit, baked goods, ,and maple syrup is free. There is occasionally a two-night minimum, however.
Auberge du Plateau at a glance:
- $$
- Rooftop terrace for hanging out and mingling
- Social vibe so it’s easy to meet people
- Free pancake breakfast (with real maple syrup!)
Beds from 40 CAD, private rooms from 105 CAD.
5. The Alternative Hostel of Old Montreal
If you’re looking for a place with a boho feel, this is it. Located in the historic area of the city and a short jaunt to the city center, this vibrant hostel is in a restored warehouse that was built more than a century ago (1857) and has retained the quirks that make it special, like high ceilings, arched windows, exposed stone, and hardwood floors. Keep in mind they often have a two-night minimum.
Besides its eclectic and artsy vibe, the hostel includes a common room, a kitchen, all-you-can-eat continental breakfast, and Wi-Fi that reaches up to its top floor. What it doesn’t have is an elevator — and rooms start on the third floor, so it’s a walk up with your gear.
The Alternative Hostel of Old Montreal at a glance:
- $$
- Laid-back and chill atmosphere
- Eco-friendly
- Cafe on-site so it’s easy to hang out and meet people
Beds from 44 CAD, private rooms from 150 CAD.
While there aren’t a ton of hostels in Montreal, there are enough that it can be hard to choose the best one for your needs. I stayed in all the hostels here so that you don’t have to! If you’re looking for the best hostels in Montreal, stay at one of those listed above. You won’t be disappointed!
Book Your Trip to Montreal Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Montreal?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Montreal for even more planning tips!
