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Experiencing the power and beauty of Niagara Falls is on everyone’s bucket list. That’s why millions of visitors flock to see them each year. There are so many ways to experience the falls: let the Maid of the Mist ferry bring you right up to its base, or view them from behind by doing the Journey Behind the Falls or visiting the Cave of the Winds. If you want to get the aerial view, hop on a helicopter ride to get the full picture.
Beyond the falls, Niagara offers so many other things to do. Tour the local wineries and breweries, return to nature in Niagara State Park, even try your luck at one of the casinos. Wherever your adventure takes you, it’s easy to get around Niagara on foot, by bike, car or even reliable public transportation. Just remember to bring your passport so you can easily pass between the US/Canadian border.
Although, historically the falls have attracted honeymooners and families, the area has developed into a tourist destination for all ages. With so many people coming each year, there are a variety of places to spend the night. Options range from high-end four-star hotels to roadside motels. Even the locals have joined in by listing spare rooms for short-term rental. Hostels provide a unique experience at affordable rates for the traveler on a budget. Our best hostels in Niagara Falls gives insight into the best the area has to offer.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Best Hostel in Niagara Falls
A visit to Niagara Falls guarantees a majestic, sightseeing experience…but unfortunately, it’s not always a cheap one. Like the rest of the states, there isn’t a whole load of hostels to choose from in Niagara Falls but luckily for you there’s still one! Let’s check it out.
Gorge View – Most Affordable Hostel in Niagara Falls
Gorge View is a great hostel for an exceptional price. Designed for the traveler on the go, the dorm rooms are perfect to bunk up for a night or two after a day of sightseeing. Located just a block from restaurants, bars, and clubs, you’ll never be at a loss of places to eat, drink, and be merry. There is so much within walking distance (including the falls and the Rainbow Bridge to Canada) so you can park your car on site for free and explore Niagara on foot. Luggage storage and lockers make it super easy for a traveler to secure their stuff while out and about. To optimize your stay, be sure to bring along a towel and a lock.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Walking distance to the falls
- Close to Niagara Gorge
- Across the street from the Aquarium
The location of Gorge View is perfect. Located on the American side of the falls, it’s only a short walk to the main attraction, but better yet, across the street are some of the best bike and hiking trails along the Niagara Gorge (its namesake). So instead of taking the streets to the falls, walk along the trails and experience the river from its edge as you approach the powerful falls. If the weather is a bit iffy, hop into the Aquarium of Niagara which is across the street from Gorge View. There you can see the wonders of nature without being too cold or wet outside when the weather isn’t too stellar.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on OspreyOther Epic Budget Stays in Niagara Falls
Still looking for the right Niagara Falls hostel for you? Unfortunately you’re outta luck! The hostel scene in Niagara Falls is pretty thin but don’t sweat it, I’ve rounded up the best budget stays in the area so you can keep within that backpacker budget of yours.
BoHo Studio – Best Overall Hostel in Niagara Falls
Experience a cozy and eclectic BoHo bachelor apartment that’s got serious charm. Right next to the Canada One Outlet Mall, this Airbnb is only a nine-minute drive from Niagara Falls, Casino Niagara, and the chaos of Clifton Hill.
Perfect for two, it’s kitted out with everything for a comfy stay. There are handy notes on local eats and attractions, so no need to stress about where to head first. Wine lovers can hit up nearby wineries just twenty minutes away, and if sushi’s more your vibe, there’s an all-you-can-eat spot right across the street.
Niagara Comfort Suites – Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Niagara Falls
This cosy spot near Glen Falls ticks all the right boxes—clean, comfy, and perfectly placed between the train station and Niagara Falls. It’s got all the basics to keep that backpacker budget in check, with a small cooktop, microwave, and even some spices to level up your instant noodles.
The host is super friendly and makes check-in a breeze with clear instructions sent before arrival. He goes the extra mile too, giving the lowdown on local events so you don’t miss out on anything happening nearby. It makes for a chilled and easy stay.
Lets Bunk – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Niagara Falls
Cool, colorful, and convenient. Lets Bunk is a modern hostel with a totally cool concept. Instead of staying in an open dorm room where you can see and hear everyone else, Lets Bunk provides a semi-private space for travelers. Traditional bunk beds are transformed into pods – a simple concept that is stellar for travelers who want the low price of sleeping in a dorm but could use more physical space between beds. Each pod is separated from others by a solid wall on all but one side. Complete your semi-private space by closing the blackout curtains and enjoy. Although each is the size of a standard twin-sized mattress, it has enough headroom to sit up comfortably. The communal spaces, like the lounge are great places to meet and mingle with other travelers.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Blackout Curtains
- Lockers
- Free Parking
Each pod is outfitted with a charging station, lamp, and locker, so you will have everything you need at your fingertips. Unlike many other dorm options in the area, blackout curtains are a blessing at Lets Bunk. This way you can feel secure in your own visual privacy. It might be a good idea to bring headphones or earplugs so you can feel like you’re truly in your own space.
OYO Hotel Niagara Falls
The perk of staying at a hotel is that you get your own room with your own bathroom. You don’t have to share it with anyone. Ahhhhh, relief.
Yes, OYO is a hotel, but it has such decent rates and a location to die for, that we just needed to put it on the list of best hostels in Niagara Falls.
First the cost – the per night rate rivals the cost of getting a private room at a local hostel. But, at OYO the rooms are en suite and large enough that you can share the room with a friend or loved one. And let’s get real, splitting the bill definitely helps.
Now, consider the location – OYO is in the heart of Niagara Falls, Canada. Steps from the casinos and only a short walk from the falls, there’s no need to bother with a car. It’s true that a hotel does not have the same chill, communal feel as a hostel, but when you can keep costs down on the accommodations, it’s worth considering.
Shared Room in Niagara Falls
Instead of staying at a sterile hotel or motel, this space that feels like you’re staying with a friend. Although it is located in the Deveaux neighborhood which is a bit further out from the city center, local bus routes are conveniently located nearby. If you choose to drive, parking is easy to find on the street or park on the premises – it’s included in the cost of the stay. The host is ready with advice about the area, how to get around, and what’s not to be missed. Feel free to hang out in the living room and on the porch. However, as kitchen facilities are not available, just ask for recommendations of a place to eat before your next adventure.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!What to Pack for your Niagara Falls Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Niagara Falls Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Niagara Falls cost?
Both sides of the Niagara Falls are equally affordable. While the price depends on the season, dorms usually start from $26 USD and private rooms from $71 USD.
What are the best hostels in Niagara Falls for couples?
Just a 10 mins drive away from the falls is my top budget accommodation, Blue Moon Motel. This motel gives a great value for your money with clean rooms and well equipped facilities.
What is the best hostel in Niagara Falls near the airport?
Niagara Falls International Airport is the closest airport in Niagara, be aware though that it is within the US boundary so you’ll need your passport to cross the Canadian border. Gorge View is my recommended hostel within the US border while Susan’s Villa is my top pick in Canada that has airport shuttle.
Travel Safety Tips for Niagara Falls
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong with a trip to Niagara Falls – it’s been a tourist hotspot for over 200 years. The spots listed we’ve chosen are known for giving travelers on a budget what they need – a great stay at affordable rates. BoHo Studio does even more by providing options and an experience that is exceptional, that’s why we named it best overall hostel in Niagara Falls.
There are so many places to stay in and around the falls that if you choose to stay on the US side or Canadian side, it doesn’t matter, you’ll have an awesome time.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Canada for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the beautiful places in Canada covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Canada if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Niagara Falls before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Canada to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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