18 Hostels in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

About Toronto

The city of Toronto is in the province of Ontario, on the Eastern side of Canada, and sits on the shores of Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes. It has a population of 2.79 million people, making it the fourth largest city in North America. Toronto goes by a few names, the most well-known being “The Six”, which was popularized by Toronto born rapper, Drake. It is also commonly referred to as T.O or T-Dot, where the ‘O’ stands for Ontario. Toronto’s booming film industry and the massive Toronto International Film Festival have earned it the title “Hollywood North”.

Toronto hostels are uniquely decorated and are spread across a range of cool neighbourhoods. Most hostels in Toronto have free Wi-Fi, and loads throw in a free breakfast which is ideal if you need to watch your wallet. Look out for one with a cosy rooftop terrace with comfy sofas and swinging chairs for ultimate chilled vibes. Eco-conscious travellers will love a hostel that follows green initiatives that help you reduce your travel carbon footprint. If you’re looking to party, choose a Toronto hostel with its own live music bar – it doesn’t get much more fun than that!

Staying near the entertainment district is best for those looking to be out on the town and experience Toronto by day AND night. The quieter hostels in Toronto are further out of the city centre (but not too far) in East York or Upper Jarvis. Toronto has several art districts and a bustling entertainment district. The entertainment district has a wide variety of art galleries and culture centres to see everything from modern art to theatrical performances. Old Toronto is also home to bars and restaurants to satisfy any foodie’s desires.

Toronto’s rich music culture, bustling nightlife, and artistic community offer virtually endless activities to partake in while you’re in town; but, you’re also near the famous Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, which was once the world’s tallest tower. You can make a day of the spectacle that is Niagara Falls, and we suggest you make the trip to the CN Tower’s SkyPod too, which sits 447 meters (1,465 feet) above the city! Once you’ve seen these iconic spots, St. Lawrence Market is a great place to pick up anything from fresh vegetables to warm baked goods and beyond (YUM!).

Toronto has a network of subways, buses, and street cars that work throughout the entire city no matter where you need to go. There are also express services that run directly to/from Toronto Pearson International Airport, rideshare services, and rental bikes throughout the city as well! On top of it all, Toronto is rated Canada’s second most walkable city.