As an avid backpacker and budget traveler, I’ve mastered the art of having an epic trip in Canada without going broke. Hostels are the best way to meet fellow travelers while keeping costs low. Follow my hostel hacks to save your cash for adventures instead of lodging.
Take Advantage of Free Meals and Activities
Most hostels offer freebies like breakfast, weekly barbeques or family-style dinners. Time it right to score free meals. Attend the free nightly events like pub crawls, hockey games, improv comedy, city walking tours and more. You’ll make friends fast while enjoying the local scene on a budget.
Cook Your Own Meals
Skip eating out for every meal. Grocery shop so you can whip up pasta, sandwiches and oatmeal in the communal kitchen. Bring your own spices, olive oil and coffee to transform basic ingredients. Meal prep a batch of burritos or overnight oats. Pack snacks like trail mix, fruit and protein bars. Fuel up on the cheap and pocket the cash for beers with new friends instead.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bedding)
Most hostels just provide a basic sheet. Bringing your own liner and sleeping bag will make you more comfortable. I even pack extra blankets in winter. A sleep mask and earplugs help ensure you get decent rest in the dorms.
Get the Right Travel Tech
A portable charger and travel adapter are essentials. Download offline maps and playlists if wifi is spotty. Secure your valuables; many hostels have lockers. I bring my own combination lock to use on the dorms. A small tabletop tripod supports hands-free video calls with family back home.
Don’t Pay for Incidentals
Most hostels charge extra for towels, lockers and wifi. Bring a quick-dry travel towel, your own lock and download content when you have free wifi in cafes. Also pack a reusable water bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles from the hostel vending machines.
Become a Booking Pro
Use hostel booking sites to find the best rates, filter by amenities and read reviews. I book direct when possible to avoid fees. Email the hostel ahead of time for special offers, free shuttle info and local deals. Book in shoulder seasons for lower rates. Snag private rooms for couples by booking dorms with only 2 beds left.
Get Free Local Transportation
Bikes, walking and transit passes are usually free or cheap through hostels. Borrow a bike to explore rather than pay for cabs and Uber. Take public transit from the airport and walk around cities. Ask the front desk for transit cards to save on buses and trains.
Shop the Free Bin
Find freebies in the hostel’s free bin. I’ve scored hiking gear, toiletries, umbrellas and city maps. At checkout, raid the lost and found for left behind chargers, shoes and rain jackets. Leave your own unused items for other travelers.
Head to Grocery Stores Instead of Restaurants
Cook group dinners using grocery store finds like pasta, local cheese and cured meats. Hit up bakeries, markets and bulk food stores. My go-to move is getting fresh bread, hummus, produce and budget wine. Avoid tourist traps and overpriced cafes.
Take Advantage of Free Tours and Activities
Attend the hostel’s free walking tours, pub crawls and group hikes. Many also offer cheap day trips to attractions and areas outside the city. You’ll get insider sightseeing tips and make fast friends. Check the events board and ask staff.
Pack a Versatile and Lightweight Wardrobe
Bring quick-dry, odor-resistant clothes that layer and mix-and-match. My backpack never weighs me down. I make endless outfits with my trusty leggings, tank tops, long sleeve shirt, jeans and yoga pants. Accessorize with scarves and jewelry. Only pack neutrals to simplify.
Splurge on One Nice Outing
Find one special activity like a food or cultural tour for a unique experience. My favorites are indigenous culinary experiences across Canada. Don’t blow your budget, but spending a bit more on a once-in-a-lifetime experience enhances any trip.
With these hostel hacks, you can save big while having the trip of a lifetime in Canada. Get off the tourist track by tapping into free meals, activities and transportation. Use these tips to meet awesome people, save cash and have crazy fun.
