Hotel in BC V6B 2N2, British Columbia, British Columbia
Cambie Hostel Gastown
Located in historic Gastown, the Cambie Hostel is one of Vancouver's original budget accommodation options, operating since 1897 as the Cambie Hotel. The hostel features a ground-floor pub, affordable dormitory beds, and an excellent location for exploring Gastown, Chinatown, and the waterfront. Basic but authentic and atmospheric.
Cambie Hostel Gastown occupies a historic building at 300 Cambie Street in Vancouver's Gastown neighbourhood, one of the city's oldest and most atmospheric districts. The property traces its roots to 1897, when it operated as the Cambie Hotel, making it one of the longest-running budget accommodation options in British Columbia. The Victorian-era surroundings and cobblestone lanes of Gastown give the hostel a character that more recent budget properties rarely replicate. The hostel sits within walking distance of several of Vancouver's best-known landmarks. The iconic Steam Clock on Water Street is less than a five-minute walk away, and Gastown's independent boutiques, galleries, and acclaimed restaurants line the surrounding blocks. Chinatown, home to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, is about a ten-minute walk east. The waterfront at Canada Place and the SeaBus terminal to North Vancouver are each reachable on foot in under fifteen minutes. Waterfront SkyTrain station, roughly eight minutes' walk away, provides direct connections across Metro Vancouver including links to Vancouver International Airport. Accommodation consists primarily of dormitory beds in shared rooms, with both mixed and female-only configurations available depending on season. Rooms are functional and basic, suited to budget-conscious travellers who spend most of their time exploring the city. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the building, and coin-operated laundry facilities are available for guests on extended stays. A defining feature of the hostel is its ground-floor pub, which operates independently and serves the surrounding neighbourhood as well as hostel guests. The pub gives the property a notably social character, with regular evenings bringing together travellers and locals in an unpretentious setting. Live music and affordable food and drink make the pub a natural gathering point, particularly for solo travellers looking to meet fellow guests. Nightly rates for dormitory beds typically fall in the CAD $35 to $70 range, placing the hostel among the more affordable options in central Vancouver. The Gastown location provides a practical base for day trips across British Columbia, with ferry connections to Vancouver Island and highway access northward to Whistler both accessible via public transit.
Amenities
- On-site pub
- Dormitory rooms
- Free WiFi
- Gastown location
- Basic laundry
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
300 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N2
49.2836, -123.1072 — View on map
Highlights
- Historic 1897 building in Gastown, Vancouver's most atmospheric heritage district
- Ground-floor pub open to guests and locals, with live music and an easy social atmosphere
- Walking distance to the Steam Clock, Canada Place, and Chinatown's Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
- Waterfront SkyTrain station eight minutes on foot for rapid access across Metro Vancouver
- Budget dormitory beds from CAD $35 per night in the heart of central Vancouver
Tips
- Book dormitory beds well in advance during summer (June to August) when demand across Vancouver peaks sharply.
- The ground-floor pub can be lively on weekends — pack earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
- Waterfront SkyTrain station connects directly to Vancouver International Airport via the Canada Line.
- Chinatown's Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden and its seasonal night market are a short walk east along Pender Street.
- Coin laundry is available in the building — bring loonies and toonies (CAD $1 and $2 coins).
- The hostel has two Vancouver locations; confirm the Gastown address (300 Cambie Street) when booking.
FAQ
Is the Cambie Hostel Gastown suitable for solo female travellers?
Yes. The hostel offers female-only dormitory rooms alongside mixed dorms. Gastown is generally well-lit and walkable, though standard city precautions apply at night as in any urban neighbourhood.
Is the pub in the same building as the hostel?
Yes. The Cambie pub occupies the ground floor and is independently operated, open to hostel guests and the general public. It is a separate business from the hostel accommodation above.
How far is Cambie Hostel Gastown from downtown Vancouver?
The hostel is in Gastown, which borders downtown Vancouver directly. Robson Street and the central business district are roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk west, and the waterfront at Canada Place is equally close.
What is the check-in time at Cambie Hostel Gastown?
Standard check-in is from 3:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability; luggage storage at reception is generally available for guests arriving before their room is ready.
Accessibility
The building dates to 1897 and has limited purpose-built accessibility infrastructure. Guests with mobility impairments or specific accessibility requirements should contact the hostel directly before arrival to confirm room access, step-free routes, and bathroom facilities.