Hostels for Sale in Canada

Thinking about buying a hostel in Canada, or ready to pass yours on to the next owner? This page lists independent hostels, backpacker lodges, campground-hostels and guesthouses for sale across Canada, from ski-town hostels in British Columbia and Alberta to coastal guesthouses in the Maritimes and Newfoundland.

Current hostels for sale

Selling an independent hostel in Canada

Selling a hostel is different from selling a house or a hotel. The right buyer usually knows hostelling already: a former manager, a long-time traveller, or an owner looking to expand into another town. Listing here puts your property in front of people who already browse Canada’s independent hostel network.

A listing for a hostel for sale includes:

• Photos of the property, common areas and dorms
• Location, with the town and province
• Number of beds and room types, plus seasonality (year-round or seasonal)
• An asking price, or “price on request”
• How interested buyers can reach you or your broker

Every for-sale listing is verified by hand before it goes live, the same as our hostel listings.

Buying a hostel in Canada: what to check

Buying an existing hostel can be a faster route than starting one from scratch, because the building, licences, reviews and repeat guests are already in place. Before you make an offer, it’s worth checking:

• Zoning and permits. Confirm the property is zoned for short-term or hostel accommodation. Rules vary by province and municipality, so check with the local planning department.
• Fire, safety and health inspections. Ask for recent inspection reports and any outstanding work orders.
• Licences and short-term rental rules. Some cities have changed their short-term rental bylaws, which can affect how a hostel operates.
• Occupancy and booking history. Look at several years of occupancy, seasonality and booking channels, not just the busiest summer.
• Building condition. Older buildings often need roof, plumbing, electrical or energy-efficiency work, especially for winter operation.
• Staff and volunteers. Understand how the hostel is staffed and whether any work-for-stay arrangements meet provincial employment standards.

If you’re still deciding whether to buy or build, read our guide on how to start a hostel in Canada .

Frequently asked questions

How do I list my hostel for sale?

Email us using the button below with your property details and photos. We verify every listing before it’s published.

Do you list campgrounds and guesthouses too?

Yes. Independent campgrounds, hostel-campground combos and backpacker-friendly guesthouses in Canada are welcome.

Can I list my hostel for sale anonymously?

Yes. You can choose to show the town and province without the exact address, and have enquiries come through your broker.

Is Backpackers Hostels Canada a real estate broker?

No. We list properties so buyers can find them; sales and negotiations happen directly between buyers, sellers and their brokers or lawyers.