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Do you love to ski or snowboard in winter? Or go hiking and biking in the summer? Then it is time to visit breathtaking Whistler and explore some of Canada’s beauty. You may be thinking about where to stay in Whistler, especially on a budget.
There are several hostels in Whistler, situated in British Columbia, to choose from. We’ve also included attractive lodges, cozy suites and affordable B&Bs and hotels in our list of cheap places to stay in Whistler.
You can book your accommodation through one of our links, at no additional fees.
Whistler’s Cheap Hostels and Accommodations
HI Hostel Whistler – Clean and Chilled Hostel
HI Hostel certainly has an interesting and brief history. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, the building was used to host athletes and then converted to a HI Whistler hostel.
This Whistler youth hostel is right at the border of Garibaldi Provincial Park, Squamish’s biggest wilderness park. The hostel sits at the bottom of Whistler mountain which is outside of Whistler Village itself. A bus can easily take you into Whistler in around 25 minutes.
Rooms are modern and comfortable. Single-sex and dorms are available. People have complained of creaky beds.
[x_icon type=”bolt”] Don’t forget your noise canceling earplugs!We stayed here and found the place to be immaculate, the dorm room was warm and snug. Although we had a car, we parked at Whistler Village as it is still some distance to the slopes. Take this into consideration when booking.
Wifi, bed linen and towels all available for free. A (slightly smelly!) storage room for all your snowboarding and skiing equipment is available for your use.
Chill in the media room, play a free game of pool or lounge in the cafe ‘Cheaky’s’ downstairs. You can also purchase food and drink here.
No need to struggle with luggage as there is an elevator.
The fully equipped kitchen is never closed so you can make your own meals 24/7.
√ Pros: HI/YHA members enjoy a 10% discount, clean rooms, free guest parking.
× Cons: Further away from Whistler Village, not many planned hostel activities.
→ Best for budget backpackers and visitors.
» HI Hostel Whistler Address: 1035 Legacy Way.
Whistler Lodge Hostel – Historic Hostel
Whistler Lodge Hostel was built in 1965 by students from the University of British Columbia’s Varsity Outdoor club and until 2015 was still owned by the university. Now the lodge is under new management.
Whistler Lodge is located between Whistler Village and Whistler Creekside, in the woods, surrounded by awesome scenery. Hiking trails and Lost Lake beach are only an 11-minute drive away.
The lodge has real ski lodge charm with an added bonus of a sauna – perfect for aches after a long day exploring.
There are 42 beds in private rooms, mixed dorms, and two-bed dorms. The lodge has onsite laundry, spacious shared kitchen and dining area.
There is a large outdoor deck and patio surrounded by woodland. Another place to hang is the roomy lounge with a pool table and there’s also a quiet study room.
√ Pros: Sauna, free parking, outdoor terrace, clean.
× Cons: No air con for summer, may need to drive/take public transport.
→ Best for couples and travelers.
» Whistler Lodge Hostel Address: 2124 Nordic Drive.
» » Book here « «
» Looking for a ski/board packing list? Look no further!
Fireside Lodge – Traditional Ski Lodge
Fireside Lodge is a quiet location for a stay in Whistler close to Creekside and Whistler Village. This lodge has newly renovated dorms and private rooms accommodating two people or loft rooms for four or five people.
Toilets and showers are shared.
The Lodge is family-friendly, ideal for bringing children.
There is a large, recently renovated communal kitchen and the dining area is fully equipped and can accommodate 20+ people. The big lounge area boasts a fireplace for the ultimate winter ski lodge feel.
The recreation room has football, pool table, and table tennis all free of charge. There is a lovely porch to relax on outside too.
Let’s not forget about the sauna on-site; a perfect way to wind down after a busy day hiking or skiing.
√ Pros: Very clean and comfortable, the sauna is a plus, friendly staff.
× Cons: Strict check-in time, may need a car if carrying skis etc.
→ Best for families
» Fireside Lodge Address: 2117 Nordic Drive.
» » Book here « «
Golden Dreams B and B and Suites – Homely Stay
Anne and Terry have been running their Golden Dreams B&B since 1987 so they certainly have plenty of experience with hosting guests. The reviews of this place are glowing.
The house is directly located on Whistler Valley Trail for hiking and only one mile from Whistler Olympic Village, with plenty of shops and restaurants. It is a five-minute drive from Whistler Blackcomb Ski lifts too.
Each room is decorated uniquely with feature wood furnishings and either private or shared bathrooms. Bathrobes and slippers are provided as a nice touch to the rooms.
There are barbecue facilities on the outdoor covered terrace alongside a much appreciated hot tub.
There is a shared kitchen to make meals on a budget and the free breakfast includes fresh bread and homemade jams. There is a communal lounge with a roaring fire too. Bliss!
√ Pros: Very accommodating hosts, location, excellent facilities, free parking.
× Cons: Young families not allowed, minimum stay.
→ Best for couples.
» Golden Dreams B and B and Suites Address: 6412 Easy Street.
» » Book here « «
» Don’t miss our guide to BC’s Sunshine Coast aka paradise
Glacier Lodge by Bill – Lodge close to Lakes
Glacier Lodge is a ten-minute walk from the Black Tusk Gallery train station and local bus stops are close by. The location of the lodge allows guests to take short walks to parks and lakes as well as the chair lifts.
Lost Lake is approximately 15 minutes walk away which is a nice spot for a dip during summer or some snowshoeing in winter. The famous Wildflower Restaurant at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is within 110 yards of the property if you fancy trying some local Canadian cuisine, like the delicious wild BC salmon.
Rooms have cable TV, free wifi, a work desk, and each room has its own bathroom. The lodge offers guests free parking. There is an elevator and a shared kitchen for saving money on dining out.
The fitness center and the outdoor swimming pool is an added bonus too.
√ Pros: Clean, comfortable beds, swimming pool.
× Cons: Some guests complain the rooms are too small.
→ Best for couples and families.
» Glacier Lodge by Bill Hotel address: 4573 Chateau Boulevard.
» » Book here « «
Alpenglow Lodge by Bill – Lodge in Heart of Whistler
Alpenglow Lodge is very central, the Excalibur Gondola and Whistler Village Gondola are only 700 yards away. You can simply roll out of bed in the morning and be on the slopes in no time.
The lodge building from the outside has a very rustic charm to it.
Each unit has a dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine, toaster, and kettle so you are able to make basic food and drinks to save your dollars. Units have a balcony and TV, along with a balcony.
There is an outdoor swimming pool as well as a sauna and fitness center.
√ Pros: Fitness center and comfortable rooms.
× Cons: Parking at hotel is expensive and reports that wifi was slow.
→ Best for couples and families.
» Alpenglow Lodge by Bill Hostel Address: 4369 Main St.
» » Book here « «
Recommended Affordable Hotels in Whistler
Pangea Pod Hotel – Unique Privacy Pods
Pangea Pod Hotel is an ideal Whistler lodging, right in the heart of Whistler village.
Located right on the pedestrian Village Stroll, which means you are only 218 yards from the base of the ski slopes. This is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, no need to walk and drag your equipment for miles! Close to both Village Square and Mountain Square.
You’ll be able to meet fellow travelers, enjoy some drinks on the rooftop patio or in the living room in the hotel.
There’s a 24/7 reception, with no curfew. Although there are very considerate quiet hours in the pods from 10pm-7apm so you can get a good night’s sleep.
This hotel offers unique ‘pod’ accommodation that is affordably priced for Canada. There are single pods and double pods, offering privacy with a curtain. There are shelves, fans and mirrors in each pod for your comfort.
[x_icon type=”bolt”] Lockboxes are provided although you will need to purchase your own lock.
Late check-out can be requested for a fee if you want to chill for longer before moving on.
Hostelworld reviews give this hostel a 9.3 out of 10 as travelers praise the cleanliness!
√ Pros: More privacy in dorm rooms, bike, and ski/snowboard storage, very central.
× Cons: Not suitable for families, no elevator, no free parking.
→ Best for» couples and visitors.
» Pangea Pod Hostel Address: 4333 Sunrise Alley.
» » Book here « «
» You may also like: Vancouver’s best hostels guide
Whistler Village Inn and Suites – Accommodation with an Outdoor Pool
The location of the Whistler Village Inn and Suites is excellent with Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola only a two-minute walk away. Walking to Whistler Mountain will never be easier!
The hotel has a fitness center, hot tub, dry sauna and a heated, year-round outdoor pool for ultimate relaxation.
Each room has a flat-screen TV, free wifi, air conditioning and there is a restaurant and bar onsite. Reviews say the rooms are very spacious, clean and comfortable.
Suites and family rooms are available and guests must be over the age of 21 unless staying with a parent or guardian.
√ Pros: Very central, clean and comfortable, underground car park.
× Cons: Some guests complain that the location can be noisy.
→ Best for: families and couples.
» Whistler Village Inn and Suites Address: 4429 Sundial Place.
» » Book here « «
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside – Complete Hotel Spa Experience
Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside hotel is located in Whistler Village, only 150 yards from Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola. This hotel is completely central to all your needs, you can ski to the door!
The fitness center is exceptional, with an outdoor heated saltwater pool and two whirlpools where you can sit and enjoy stunning mountain views. Inside there is a gym and steam room with complimentary pool towels.
Each suite has a private balcony and floor to ceiling windows to appreciate the iconic views of the mountains and valleys in Whistler. There is a fireplace for coziness in each suite too.
TVs are provided, along with a suite telephone that allows free calls to local and toll-free numbers. Perfect for organizing tours and food deliveries.
A full kitchen for cheap dining in is provided and there is free wifi in the suites.
There is an on-site Dubh Linn Irish pub, where you can enjoy tasty breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and drinks. There is a Happy Hour three times daily with discounted drinks on offer.
A free shuttle service runs throughout the resort and there is complimentary ski, bike and golf storage.
√ Pros: Great facilities, bustling pub, fantastic location.
× Cons: Some noise complaints, parking spots were small.
→ Best for couples, families and those wanting to be close to the slopes.
» Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Hotel Address: 4320 Sundial Crescent.
» » Book here « «
» Heading to Toronto? Check out our budget accommodation review
Alpenglow Lodge by Elevate Vacations – Close to Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Alpenglow Lodge is located in Whistler Village North, 750 yards from Whistler Mountain Bike Park and Whistler Olympic Plaza which is 350 yards away.
The gondolas, including Excalibur and Whistler Village, are very close by within a 5-7 minute walk. The location is very central to restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and liquor stores.
There is an on-site fitness center for guests to enjoy, with an outdoor swimming pool, dry sauna and hot tub to relax in after a busy day.
Each apartment has a patio to enjoy the marvellous views of the mountains and the apartments have a kitchen featuring a stove, oven, microwave and small fridge. You can make an affordable dinner in the comfort of your very own apartment if you wish.
√ Pros: Central location and car parking available.×
× Cons: Rooms small.
→ Best for families and couples.
» Alpenglow Lodge Address: 4369 Main St.
» » Book here « «
How to get to Whistler from Vancouver
Highway 99 is the scenic mountain highway used to drive the distance from Vancouver to Whistler. The journey takes approximately two hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
If you drive during winter be prepared with a snow shovel and have extra food, water, and clothing. Drive with care and always have snow tires on your vehicle.
The Sea to Sky Highway is well worth the drive although you may consider taking the hassle out of driving by opting for the shuttle bus instead.
Skylynx, Epic Rides and Snowbus (in winter only) offer daily shuttle transports from Downtown Vancouver and from Vancouver International Airport to Whistler with some baggage included. Fares vary from around $23 upwards.
Final Words
From cheap hostels in Whistler to other types of affordable accommodation, we know you’ll find something to suit your budget. From Whistler backpackers to a family with children, there are plenty of options for all. Final tip, check out Ingrid’s Village Cafe for the best falafel wraps! You may also like our guide to hostels in Banff.
Author – Karen is a school teacher who enjoys both long and short-term travel. She has backpacked around Australia, lived and worked in Canada and snowboarded in Japan. Her dream trip is to visit the Faroe Islands.
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