You may think Winnipeg, a city located in Canada’s unforgiving plains, is a frigid city on the edge of the map. But what you won’t expect is the cosmopolitan city with a thriving culinary and art scene. With its rich history and booming modern culture, Winnipeg is a place that will keep on surprising you!

Although you will find everything to keep a backpackers happy, such as craft beer and an amazing music scene, you will not find a lot of youth hostels in Winnipeg

Luckily for you, we created this ultimate list, bringing all the best hostels in Winnipeg to one place! From your classic backpacker’s hostels to budget BnBs, you are sure to find that perfect place to fit your budget!

Zip up your coat and get ready to explore all the markets and art in trendy Winnipeg!

best hostel in winnipeg

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The Best Hostel in Winnipeg

In just a few seconds you will be taking a ride through all the best youth hostels in Winnipeg. From dorm rooms to Bnbs, you will find all kinds of budget stays here!

UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel – Overall Best Hostel in Winnipeg

UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel

As a solo backpacker, it is easy to get lonely while traveling on the road. Fortunately for you, this homestay will have you staying in a budget room with common spaces that are perfect for meeting other travelers! With a location putting you right by the zoo and some of the best restaurants in Winnipeg, you couldn’t ask for a better place to call home! 

What will really make you fall in love with this BnB/hostel is the laid-back atmosphere that will have you making new travel buddies from the second you hit the door. And there you have it, one of the best places to stay in Winnipeg!

Although this is currently the ONLLLYYY hostel in Winnipeg (c’mon, Winnipeg!), it’s actually a pretty decent spot to stay.

More EPIC Budget Stays in Winnipeg

Although there is only one hostel in town, don’t you worry, Winnipeg has a load more options for us backpackers in the form of guesthouses, B&Bs and budget hotels. So, let’s get into a few more options for us backpackers heading to Winnipeg 🙂

Merj’s Guest House in Wolesly

Merj's Guest House in Wolesly Winnipeg Canada

Merj’s Guesthouse is a great option for backpackers heading to Winnipeg and after a homely but budget-friendly place to crash. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there are desks in the rooms too (ideal if you’re working online). 

The location is perfect, not too far from the city center and it’s based on good public transport lines making it easy to get to where you need to go! The neighborhood is very cute, with small arty shops and a delicious bakery! 

When you aren’t out exploring Winnipeg, the best place to call it a day is from your home away from home at Merji’s Guesthouse in Wolesly.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
Aether Backpack

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 Osprey View on REI

Homestay in cozy River Heights home

Homestay in cozy River Heights home Winnipeg Canada

If you’re looking to stay in the Riverheights neighborhood, you can’t look past this gorgeous homestay. Not only is it an absolute BARGAIN, but the host (Ali) is one of the most welcoming hosts I’ve ever met. The room itself is pretty small, but it’s all you need if you’re a backpacker looking for a nice, clean space to stay. 

There are a few bits of gym equipment, a shared kitchen, a laundry space, and a lounge to relax in. You can make this space your own away from home. I can’t recommend this spot enough!

Winnipeg Peace Home

Winnipeg Peace Home

Another banger for backpackers – this room in a shared home is perfect for visiting Winnipeg on a budget. This rental comes with a small but clean room with a SUPER cozy bed plus the use of shared spaces including a kitchen. You’ll be located a short drive from downtown, if you don’t have a car, it might be a bit tricky to get around. However, if you do – there’s plenty of street parking available and a groceries store nearby. 

The check-in and check-out are a breeze as everything is fully automated. There are also big smart TVs and decent wifi which is always a nice extra!

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.
Active Roots Security Belt

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!

Winnipeg Holiday

Winnipeg Holiday best hostels in Winnipeg
Winnipeg Holiday is our pick for the best cheap hostel in Winnipeg

For the exact same price as a dorm bed in a backpackers hostel, you could also get your very own private room in this homestay! Located right by the Human Rights Museum, Train Museum, and some of the other best sights in Winnipeg, this BnB will have you staying in the heart of the city! With its warm vibes and welcoming atmosphere, you will feel just like you are staying with friends rather than in an impersonal hotel. Top it off with the airport being nearby and

St. Norbert Hotel

St. Norbert Hotel Winnipeg Canada

This budget hotel is a great option for backpackers with a little more cash to splash. Although it’s not mega bucks, it’s a bit more comfy (and private) than a room in a shared home. The St. Norbert Hotel offers lovely double and queen rooms that are clean and comfortable. The hotel is motel-style, so you can park your car right outside your door! 

There is a cool bar on-site where you can get a coffee each morning for freeeee, gotta love a free coffee. Head to the Nobside Cafe for breakfast, it’s delish 🙂

The Home Sweet Home

The Home Sweet Home Winnipeg Canada

The value for money here is 10/10 and makes for an awesome place to crash in Winnipeg. The hosts are extremely friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. The home is equipped with everything you could need during your stay – even a TV! Which is nice to relax in front of after a day out in Winnipeg. There is a small kitchenette that you can use with a coffee machine, microwave, and a toaster.

Huan’s Place

Huan's Place best hostels in Winnipeg
Huan’s Place

Located in South Osbourne, this cozy and homey BnB will have you within a stone’s throw of downtown Winnipeg! With all the best sights, bars, and restaurants at your doorstep, you will never have to scratch your head and think about what to explore next! With its private entrance, this entire apartment will be yours while adventuring through Winnipeg. With its natural light, laid back vibes, and boutique decor, there is no better place to base yourself out of in the city! Top it off with hosts that will make you feel welcome to Winnipeg, you are sure to be feeling right at home in the downtown!

House By The Forks

House by the Forks best hostel in Winnipeg
House by the Forks

This is another homey BnB that puts the dorm rooms and hostels to shame with its budget-minded rooms and laid back atmosphere, perfect for backpackers traveling through Winnipeg! At the House by the Forks, you are not only getting a cheap room to rest your head, but this BnB also comes with its very own garden, a terrace, and a lounge great to kick back and relax in after a long day of exploring Winnipeg! Putting you within a stone’s throw of the Forks Market, Human Rights Museum, and all the rest of the best sights in the city, you couldn’t ask for a better place to call home!

Brandy’s BnB

Brandy's Bnb best hostel in Winnipeg
Brandy’s BnB

And the prize for the cutest, most charming homestay in Winnipeg goes to Brandy’s BnB! Located in a small cottage, this boutique stay will make you fall head over heels in love with the undeniable charm and trendy design of this home. With its sunny rooms and cozy atmosphere, this is the kinda place that you could see yourself moving into for good! Situated in a wooded area, with babbling brooks and hiking trails, this BnB is perfect for travelers looking to experience a quieter side of Winnipeg! When you thought things couldn’t get any better, this BnB will have you sold the second you see their inviting hot tub!

Winnipeg Home

Winnipeg Home best hostels in Winnipeg

Putting you in one of the more quiet suburbs of Winnipeg, you will be keeping all the noise of the city at an arm’s length distance while enjoying the simple life in this peaceful neighborhood! With its homey vibes and thoughtful touches, you will feel more like you are staying with a friend than just another impersonal hotel. With its cozy rooms that will have you jumping in bed every night to catch up on your favorite shows, you can adventure during the day while getting all the comforts of home at night!

FAQs About Hostels in Winnipeg

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Winnipeg.

What to Pack for your Winnipeg 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.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

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.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

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.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

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.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

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.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

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!

How much does a hostel cost in Winnipeg?

On average, the price of a hostels in Winnipeg starts at $57 per night.

What are the best hostels in Winnipeg for couples?

Check out these ideal hostel for couples with private rooms:
UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel
Winnipeg Holiday

What are the best hostels in Winnipeg near the airport?

Winnipeg Holiday, the best cheap hostel in Winnipeg, is just 14 minutes by car from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.

Travel Safety Tips for Winnipeg

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 on Hostels in Winnipeg

No matter if you are in Winnipeg for the craft beer, art galleries, or the stunning national parks, this is a city that will showcase all the best of what Canada has to offer. You will spend your days exploring the rich history and the nights tapping your feet at one of the many live music venues!

Although you may find it hard to find a place to stay for cheap, you made it easy with this guide! Now budget travelers can kick back and relax in Winnipeg without having to worry about forking out an arm and a leg!

Did we miss any other great backpacker’s hostels in Winnipeg? Let us know in the comment below!

the forks, winnipeg
Looking for more info on travelling to Winnipeg and the Canada?

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the broke backpacker team at the water temple in bali
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