Hotel in ON M5T 1S5, Canada
Planet Traveler Hostel
Toronto's eco-friendly hostel near Kensington Market offering dorms and private rooms. Features rooftop patio, communal kitchen, and carbon-neutral operations with solar panels and geothermal heating.
Planet Traveler Hostel sits at 357 College Street in Toronto's Kensington Market and Little Italy neighbourhood, Ontario, Canada, one of the city's most culturally diverse and pedestrian-friendly areas. The hostel opened in 2011 and built its reputation as Canada's greenest hostel — a claim backed by its installation of solar photovoltaic panels, geothermal heating and cooling systems, and LED lighting throughout that together dramatically reduce the property's grid energy draw. It earned multiple green certifications and attracted international press coverage for demonstrating that budget accommodation could operate sustainably in a major Canadian city.
Accommodation options include mixed-gender and female-only dormitory rooms as well as private rooms, all maintained to a consistently clean standard. The communal kitchen is well-stocked and available around the clock, which significantly offsets the cost of dining out in a city where restaurant prices can be high. A rooftop patio provides outdoor social space and city views unavailable in most hostel properties.
The College Street location places guests within walking distance of Kensington Market — a compact neighbourhood of vintage shops, global food stalls, and independent cafés — as well as the Italian restaurants of Little Italy along College and the bars and music venues of Ossington Avenue. Trinity Bellwoods Park, a popular green space for picnics and outdoor activity, is a short walk south. The University of Toronto's St. George campus is approximately fifteen minutes on foot east along College Street. TTC streetcar service on College Street connects directly to the downtown core and Yonge Street.
The hostel's social atmosphere is deliberately cultivated: common areas are designed for interaction, and the front desk can advise on local tours, events, and budget-friendly food options in the neighbourhood. It is particularly popular with solo backpackers and longer-stay budget travellers spending multiple nights in Toronto.
Amenities
- Communal kitchen
- Rooftop patio
- Free WiFi
- Eco-friendly
- Laundry
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +1 416-929-0909
Location
357 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1S5
43.6570, -79.4057 — View on map
Highlights
- Canada's greenest hostel, powered by solar panels and geothermal heating, certified for sustainable operations in Toronto.
- Rooftop patio with city views — a rare feature among Toronto budget accommodations.
- Prime location in Kensington Market and Little Italy, walking distance to independent shops, global food, and Trinity Bellwoods Park.
- Mixed and female-only dorms plus private rooms, with a fully equipped communal kitchen available around the clock.
Tips
- Book private rooms at least two to three weeks ahead in summer — they fill faster than dorm beds despite higher nightly rates.
- The College streetcar (501) stops directly outside the hostel and connects to downtown Toronto in under twenty minutes.
- Kensington Market is most lively on weekends; Saturday morning is an excellent time to explore its food stalls and vintage shops.
- The communal kitchen is well-stocked with basic condiments; buying groceries at nearby Kensington vendors saves significant money on meals.
- Bring a padlock for dormitory lockers — lockers are provided but locks are not supplied by the hostel.
FAQ
What room types are available at Planet Traveler Hostel?
The hostel offers mixed-gender dormitory rooms, female-only dormitory rooms, and private rooms. Bed linen is provided for all room types.
What makes Planet Traveler eco-friendly?
The property operates with solar photovoltaic panels on the roof, geothermal systems for heating and cooling, LED lighting throughout, and a range of water-conservation measures. It has been recognised as one of Canada's most environmentally responsible hostels.
Is the hostel close to Toronto's main attractions?
The hostel is located in the Kensington Market area, roughly 3–4 kilometres west of downtown Toronto. The Art Gallery of Ontario is about a ten-minute walk east, and CN Tower is reachable via TTC in under thirty minutes.
What is the check-in and check-out time?
Standard check-in is typically from 3:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM, though these times may vary seasonally. Luggage storage is available for early arrivals and late departures.
Accessibility
Planet Traveler Hostel is housed in a multi-storey building with stairs; elevator access is not available, which limits wheelchair accessibility to the ground floor only. Guests with significant mobility requirements should contact the hostel directly before booking to discuss ground-floor options.