Ottawa Backpackers Inn is a long-running hostel in the ByWard Market, on York Street, offering dorm beds and private rooms at a fraction of hotel prices. For solo travellers and budget-minded groups, it puts the market, the National Gallery and Parliament Hill within an easy walk.
Location and getting around: the hostel is in the ByWard Market, so you can walk to the National Gallery, Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and the Rideau Centre. The market's restaurants and pubs are on the doorstep, which keeps food costs down, and the LRT at Rideau is close for the War Museum and the airport connection. In November, walking in the cold is a manageable few minutes between sights.
Rooms and atmosphere: expect a mix of shared dorms and private rooms, shared bathrooms in most cases and common areas where travellers meet. Facilities vary by room type, so read the listing for linen, lockers, kitchen access and bathroom arrangements before you book. Since we found no official website we could verify, the link goes to the Expedia listing, which shows current room types and rates.
Who it suits: solo travellers, backpackers, students and anyone who wants to spend on tours and museums rather than a room. Good to know: the market area is noisy on weekend nights, so earplugs help, and you should check the cancellation terms and any age restrictions for dorms. If you want more privacy at a similar price, ask about the private rooms, and bring a padlock for lockers. Compared with a downtown hotel, you give up comfort and space but gain location and savings, and it is a good base for combining a ByWard Market food tour, a haunted walk and the museums. Travelling in November is easy on a budget, since hostel rates are low and the covered market eateries and museums are all close enough to reach in a few minutes.
Why stay here
- ✓Dorms and private rooms
- ✓ByWard Market location
- ✓Walk to Parliament Hill
- ✓Walk to National Gallery
- ✓Shared common areas
- ✓Near Rideau LRT
- ✓Budget rates
- ✓Social atmosphere
Good questions
Where is Ottawa Backpackers Inn?+
It is at 203 York Street in the ByWard Market, within walking distance of Parliament Hill and the National Gallery.
Does it have private rooms?+
Hostel listings typically include private rooms as well as dorms. Check the current listing for room types and bathroom arrangements.
Is it noisy?+
The ByWard Market is lively on weekend nights, so earplugs are a good idea for light sleepers.
