Winnipeg sits on Canada's open plains, and plenty of people picture it as a frozen outpost at the edge of the map. What that image misses is a cosmopolitan city with a busy food and art scene. Between its deep history and its lively contemporary culture, Winnipeg has a habit of surprising visitors.
Craft beer and a strong music scene are there for backpackers, but youth hostels are another matter: the city has very few of them.
That is where this guide comes in. We have gathered the best budget stays in Winnipeg in one place, from classic backpacker hostels to inexpensive B&Bs, so you can find a room that suits your wallet.
Zip up your coat and get set to wander the markets and galleries of this trendy prairie city.
Top Pick Overall: UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel
- Price: $$
- Shared Kitchen
- On-Site Restaurant
The Best Hostel in Winnipeg
In a few moments you will have run through every worthwhile youth hostel in Winnipeg. Whether you want a dorm bed or a B&B, the budget options are all here.
UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel – the Best Overall Hostel in Winnipeg
- Price: $$
- Shared Kitchen
- On-Site Restaurant
Travelling alone on the road gets lonely easily. This homestay helps with that: you get an affordable room plus common areas that are well suited to meeting other travellers. The location puts you near the zoo and some of Winnipeg's best restaurants, which is hard to beat as a home base.
What tends to win people over is the relaxed atmosphere, which can have you making travel friends from the moment you walk in. That makes it one of the best places to stay in Winnipeg.
It is currently the ONLY hostel in Winnipeg (come on, Winnipeg!), but it is genuinely a decent spot.
More Great Budget Stays in Winnipeg
One hostel is all the city has, but there is no need to worry: Winnipeg offers backpackers plenty more through guesthouses, B&Bs and budget hotels. Here are a few further options for backpackers heading to Winnipeg.
Merj's Guest House in Wolseley
- Price: $$
- Good Location
- Desk in Room
Merj's Guesthouse suits backpackers who come to Winnipeg wanting a homely, wallet-friendly place to sleep. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, and each has a desk, which is handy if you work online.
The location works well: it is not far from the city centre and sits on good public transport lines, so getting around is easy. The neighbourhood is charming, with small arty shops and a tasty bakery.
When you are done exploring Winnipeg for the day, Merji's Guesthouse in Wolseley is a comfortable home away from home to return to.
Homestay in Cozy River Heights Home
- Price: $
- Small Gym
- Welcoming Host
For a stay in the River Heights neighbourhood, this lovely homestay is hard to overlook. It is an absolute bargain, and the host, Ali, is among the most welcoming hosts I have met. The room is fairly small, but that is enough for a backpacker who wants a clean, pleasant space.
You will find some gym equipment, a shared kitchen, laundry space and a lounge for relaxing. The place can feel like your own home away from home. I cannot recommend it enough.
Winnipeg Peace Home
- Price: $
- Laundry Facilities
- Cozy Bed
Here is another strong pick for backpackers: a room in a shared home that works well for a budget visit to Winnipeg. The rental includes a small but clean room with a very cozy bed, plus access to shared spaces such as the kitchen. It sits a short drive from downtown, so getting around can be tricky without a car. With a car, though, there is plenty of street parking and a grocery store nearby.
Check-in and check-out are simple because the whole process is automated. Large smart TVs and decent wifi are a nice bonus.
Winnipeg Holiday
Winnipeg Holiday is our pick for the best cheap hostel in Winnipeg
- Price: $$
- Pet-Friendly
- Shared Kitchen
- Near the Airport
For roughly what a dorm bed in a backpackers hostel costs, you can have a private room of your own in this homestay. It sits right by the Human Rights Museum, the Train Museum and other top Winnipeg sights, putting you in the heart of the city. The warm, welcoming atmosphere feels more like staying with friends than checking into an impersonal hotel. Add the nearby airport, and it is an appealing package.
St. Norbert Hotel
- Price: $$
- Free Coffee
- Bar On-Site
This budget hotel suits backpackers with a bit more money to spend. It is not expensive, yet it is more comfortable and private than a room in a shared home. St. Norbert Hotel has pleasant double and queen rooms that are clean and comfortable. It is motel-style, so you can park right outside your door.
There is a cool bar on-site where you can get a free coffee each morning — who doesn't love free coffee? For breakfast, head to the Nobside Cafe; it is delicious.
The Home Sweet Home
- Price: $$
- Coffee Machine
- Excellent Hosts
The value for money here is excellent, making it a great place to stay in Winnipeg. The hosts are very friendly, welcoming and accommodating. The home has everything you could need during your stay, including a TV, which is nice to relax in front of after a day out in Winnipeg. A small kitchenette comes with a coffee machine, microwave and toaster.
Huan's Place
Huan's Place
- Price: $$$
- Private Entrance
- Kitchen
Set in South Osborne, this cozy, homely B&B puts downtown Winnipeg within easy reach. With the best sights, bars and restaurants on your doorstep, you will never be stuck for something to explore next. A private entrance means the whole apartment is yours while you travel around Winnipeg. Natural light, a laid-back feel and boutique decor make it a fine base in the city. The hosts help you feel welcome in Winnipeg, so you should feel right at home downtown.
House By The Forks
House by the Forks
- Price: $$$
- Garden
- Shared Lounge
- Near Forks Market
This is another homey B&B whose budget-minded rooms and relaxed atmosphere put dorm rooms and hostels to shame — ideal for backpackers passing through Winnipeg. At House by the Forks you get a cheap room for the night, and the B&B also has its own garden, a terrace and a lounge that is great for unwinding after a long day exploring the city. The Forks Market, the Human Rights Museum and the rest of Winnipeg's top sights are close by, so it is hard to ask for a better home base.
Brandy's BnB
Brandy's BnB
- Price: $$$
- Hiking
- Shared Kitchen
- Shared Lounge
- Hot Tub
The prize for the cutest, most charming homestay in Winnipeg goes to Brandy's BnB. Set in a small cottage, this boutique stay will have you falling for the home's undeniable charm and trendy design. With sunny rooms and a cozy atmosphere, it is the kind of place you could picture moving into for good. It sits in a wooded area with babbling brooks and hiking trails, making it perfect for travellers who want a quieter side of Winnipeg. And just when you think it cannot get better, the inviting hot tub will seal the deal.
Winnipeg Home
- Price: $$$
- Terrace
- Shared Lounge
This one places you in a quieter Winnipeg suburb, keeping the city's noise at arm's length while you enjoy simple life in a peaceful neighbourhood. Homey vibes and thoughtful touches make it feel more like staying with a friend than at an impersonal hotel. The cozy rooms will have you jumping into bed each night to catch up on your favourite shows, so you can adventure by day and enjoy home comforts at night.
Final Thoughts on Hostels in Winnipeg
Whether you come to Winnipeg for craft beer, art galleries or the striking national parks, this city shows off much of what Canada does best. Days go to exploring its rich history, and nights to tapping your feet at one of the many live music venues.
Finding a cheap place to stay can be hard, but this guide makes it easier. Budget travellers can now relax in Winnipeg without spending a fortune.
Did we miss any other great backpacker's hostels in Winnipeg?
