Looking for the perfect place to stay while in Thunder Bay, Ontario? Whether you're by yourself, with family, friends, your team, or here for an event in Thunder Bay, The Haven Hostel has everything you could ask for. The city's first downtown hostel accommodation arrived in spring 2018. Located in 'Port Arthur', one block from Lake Superior and even closer to the unique art, entertainment and culinary infusion that is the north shore. Our main mission is to have our guests having the best local experience possible. Superseding backpacker haven's far and wide, let us set you on the right adventure.
Having never stayed in a hostel, I was very pleased with how nice the Haven was. Holly and her staff were friendly, welcoming and helpful to me and my... read more two geezer former roommates from 50 years ago. Everything was clean and well-kept. The location was close to the lake and within an easy walk of several eateries. Boss lady, the dog, and the message board with 600 memes and cartoons were also nice additions. Highly recommended.
Mike Havey September 25, 2023
I can't agree more with other people saying it's a hidden gem!
The place is just awesome. The industrial-modern look is very appealing. The place is trendy, cozy and also super... read more chill!
The staff at front desk was absolutely lovely.
The room was very well decorated and super cozy, the bed was so comfortable! Everything was spotless.
They are pet friendly and well organised.
So worth it! I am glad to have spent a night there.
Ariane Pomminville September 16, 2023
Amazing experience! I spent a night on the way to Calgary from Toronto. Great atmosphere, great Vibe ! Better than hotel . Holly makes delicious pancakes!
polski3267 September 13, 2023
This might be one of the best hostels ever… truthfully I wouldn’t know, because I have definitely not been to as many hostels as the operators of the space. So... read more much thought and effort goes into making your stay as comfortable as it can be for $60/night. If you’re ok with private bunk cubbies in a room of 4-8 ppl then you will do fine, if you’re not do it anyways - it’ll be fun! Thank you to Bethany for the incredible kindness and attention. 5 out of 5 would stay again and definitely recommend!
Also, motorcycle friendly! 🛵
Kevin Bryan August 11, 2023
What a gem! Highly recommend!
Our family of 5 stumbled upon Haven Hostel online and jumped at the chance to stay! The fun and welcoming vibes made us all feel at... read more ease. The room and bathrooms were clean and tidy. The sleeping pods were a fun option and the kids especially loved having their own little space!
Andrea Magill August 3, 2023
I had a great time in Thunder Bay and at Haven Hostel. I was given good food recommendations and received several brochures for historic places to visit and things to... read more do. I can't say enough good things and I've already recommended family stay here. Thanks for everything
J. Sully July 29, 2023
Wonderful staff. I probably asked them 10 requests and they were happy to do everything. There was a mix-up with the beds and they swiftly made accommodations.
Charming interior. Immaculately clean.
Area... read more felt slightly sketchy(?) but I'm not from TB so I really have no idea.
I would have liked to have been able to buy soap/shampoo/conditioner etc.
Minor complaints though. 5/5 and would stay again in a heartbeat.
Rhys Williams June 14, 2023
I got stranded in Thunder Bay for a family emergency and felt totally lost. I was referred to this place for accommodations. Considering I was in such a... read more tragic situation I was open to anywhere safe to get some rest. I was absolutely amazed when I arrived. The staff cared about my situation. They stayed late to ensure my arrival and comfort. They Gave me a tour and I was blown away by the beauty and comfort. Hot shower, comfy bed, kind caring souls. A Warm and cozy spot to relax and regain some composure. Bless your souls and from the bottom of my heart,,,, THANK YOU.
TOYE STORY June 3, 2023
What an amazing stay! This place is highly recommended. Staff are so sweet and kind. One of the best hostels I've stayed in. Absolutely sparklingly clean, comfortable and cozy. Within... read more walking distance to some of the best restaurants in Tbay. I appreciated that they were locally owned and not chains. I cannot praise this place enough! We will be back!
Emily Lloyd May 22, 2023
Where do I start, without getting sappy, I lived here for 4 months and I could not have asked for a better place to live. The private rooms were absolutely... read more perfect and the staff, Holly, Bethany, Hanuman and Darren became by family by the end of my time there. Thank you guys for everything, see you again in the summer!
G Grewal March 20, 2023
Stay here last summer. Very clean and comfortable hostel.
Stasi March 10, 2023
Charming clean and safe! Staff were helpful and friendly. Great location.
Vera Kevic February 10, 2023
Really enjoyed my staying at Haven Hostel. Comfortable and clean room, friendly staff
Samba Swing December 10, 2022
So much nice things to talk about !!!!! I love the interior design and decoration of the private room very much. I also
like the comfort of the mattress, I wish... read more I can have a mattress like this in my home. The room is amazingly clean, especially the private bathroom. The staffs are friendly and helpful, we had a nice chat.
There is only one minor issue: You can't wear outdoor shoes inside the building, make sure you bring a pair of slippers if you don't like the cold floor in the winter.
Nevertheless, it worth the money you paid for 100% !!!! I will choose to stay here for sure if I revisit Thunder Bay.
Jimmy Zhu November 10, 2022
Welcoming vibe with very informed staff. The private room was great, and the bed was super comfy, didn't want to get out of it. The hostel felt secure, would visit... read more again.
Hazel Molnar November 10, 2022
After a long day of travels we checked in to our private room. Check in we were greeted by friendly staff who made it quick and simple. Staff showed us... read more around and described a few things of the hostel.
Overall condition of the room was extremely clean and tidy. The bed was really comfy, had a nice A/C unit in the window of the room.
The hostel is located a ten minute walk to multiple stores, bars, and foodie spots.
Highly recommend staying here.
Taylor Bedwell October 10, 2022
Okay. I’m conflicted with my review of this hostel. The amenities, price, and cleanliness were all amazing. The bed was stupidly comfy for $60/night.
However, I was not impressed by the... read more greeting I received from the front desk staff. I have never been to Thunder Bay before so therefore I asked her “Is this a good neighbourhood to leave things in my car overnight?”
She. Flips. Out.
Starts rambling on about how that’s an impossible question to answer (which fair enough I guess). She took it personally because she lives in this neighborhood and then begins the process of CANCELLING MY RESERVATION. I had to apologize profusely to even keep my reservation all the while everyone in the lobby is looking at us.
Unbelievable. I drove 14 hours to get to Haven and I was exhausted only to have to console this disrespectful staff member.
I’m still giving you guys a 4 star review because I’m not going to let the tantrum of one woman-child dismantle everything you folks have worked to build. But my goodness even thinking of that unnecessary altercation still nauseates me. 👎🏻
Düde October 10, 2022
What a place. Holly and her team are great people. Friendly and conscientious. Beautiful well kept interior with all the amenities you could ask for. In the heart of downtown... read more it truly is a haven. Thank you all for your hospitality I look forward to returning on future travels.
Alastair Day October 10, 2022
Stayed in a private room for two nights. Everything was meticulously clean with a warm shower and comfortable bed!
The common spaces were practical and nice aswell. There was a chalkboard... read more with a list of local offerings for a variety of categories and there was a kitchenette and laundry service available for use aswell.
The location was also excellent providing quick walking access to the waterfront and a downtown area full of shops and restaurants on and around Cumberland.
The one downside which is of no fault to the hostel is the street directly outside can feel uncomfortable at times, and I would personally avoid walking at night alone.
The hostel is really a magnificent business and the owners have made it a truly special location!
Filip Hasson October 10, 2022
We were just stopping for the night, and this was a fantastic place to stay. Save yourself from the sketchy hotels in town and come here instead!! This hostel is... read more located right in downtown which is much more pleasant than being on the side of a busy road.
The hostel was very clean, had cool decor and we felt super comfortable staying. The staff were really nice too. Full kitchen, lots of lounge space and cool books. Rooms are spotless and the sleeping pods are very comfortable. You get your power outlets and a little fan.
Bathrooms and showers were very nice looking and clean. No issues. There is parking onsite. This was my first hostel experience and it was a really good one. I’d stay again if I’m ever in the area.
Felix Larouche September 10, 2022
We're so lucky to have gotten a room at The Haven. Not only was it incredibly clean, but all the staff were endlessly kind and helpful. It's the perfect stop... read more for anyone who needs a bit of reprieve from their travels, with a well stocked kitchen and an easily accessible location. It's dog friendly and our dog was so excited to hang out with the resident pup, Boss. We recommend The Haven to everyone!
Shauna Miller September 10, 2022
Clean and quiet with a great common area set-up. Hostel staff were very helpful both over the phone and in person. The local recommendations in the front desk... read more area were a nice touch (and
I had a great experience at the restaurant I picked from the list!).
Alexandra September 10, 2022
It was a first time experience with stay at hostel for me. I was so lucky. Pretty nice, clean place and friendly staff. Thanks for everything.
Ahmet Bük September 10, 2022
I needed a place to stay for the evening in a pinch and everything from the phone call to book the room to staying in the immaculate and well kept... read more room was a super positive experience. Unfortunately I didn’t get to mingle with any guests or employees because I arrived after hours and left for the airport very early. I was bummed to leave! I wanted to get the full experience! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Keep up the great work ✌🏼
Brady Zelenka August 10, 2022
We loved this place and its staff!! Lovely atmosphere, super clean, safe vibes, on-site laundry service, and kind people. Enjoyed sitting around the fire with other visitors and staff. Thanks... read more for having us!! <3
Brin S July 10, 2022
The staff does your laundry so it gave me lots of time to do other things. I also loved the kitchen because I got to cook so I saved money... read more instead of eating fast food and there was food there that people shared so I got some for free!
Nina Gamble July 10, 2022
On of the best hostel I ever been. Great people at front desk. Lovely concepts for everything. Place full of positive energy ♡ had an amazing sleep such beautiful rooms
Ruth Simoes June 10, 2022
Friendly staff, nice private bedroom and nice location. The common areas were clean and the kitchen is fully equipped. Sad we did not get to meet the dog.
Quentin Guillot June 10, 2022
I rarely put a five stars but it is really deserved!!!
It exceeded expectations for me! Everything was perfect. I really liked the attention on the bed with earplugs and chocolate!... read more Wifi was perfect for work (and meetings). They even accept dogs 🙂 I will definitely come back and talk about it around me! It made me want to stay more and explore Thunderbay!
Dorine Allali November 18, 2021
Let me tell you this place will blow your mind. The service is excellent, place is very clean, and rooms are awesome. I highly recommend the stay over a hotel.
Keep... read more up the good work Hanuman and Jasmine.
Mohsin Yaqoob August 18, 2021
The Haven Hostel was perfect for my husband and I on a getaway from the kids for a few days. We had planned to stay one night and had a... read more King Suite booked at the Holiday Inn for another night, but we loved it so much we cancelled our King room and stayed at the Haven again! It was very clean and comfortable, with everything that we needed and none of the extras that we don't use anyway (ie. TV, hair dryer...). The location was perfect! Close to the Marina for beautiful evening walks and lots of great restaurants nearby. We would definitely recommend this beautiful, friendly little Tbay hostel!
Tabitha Kroeker August 18, 2021
So i recently stayed here.
There is a ton positive to say.
Clean, beautiful, cheap, comfortable.
The staff are amazing.
I could write pages, but.. find out for yourself.
The Negative:
I thought alot about... read more how to present the 1 negative thing that happened to me, and I present it as this..
My stay had to come to an end...
Yaz, Hanuman..
You both rock !! I'll never forget you ♡♡
Chris Lemieux July 18, 2021
Fantastic hostel. The staff here are amazing and extremely friendly, and they're always so helpful when you have questions. Furthermore, the hostel is gorgeous. There are all these little designs... read more all over the place which really make you feel at home. It's such a welcoming location. I will most certainly return here if I go back to Thunder Bay. The rooms are 100% clean, the beds have high-quality mattresses, and the kitchen is fully functional (and beautiful). The common area inside and outside is a great place to meet other travellers. I made some good friends here.
Alik Volkov July 18, 2021
What a rejuvenating, intimate and soul refreshing stay I had at the Haven Hostel! Holly, Hanuman, and Yasmine's warm welcome made it feel like I was visiting my family home... read more rather than a novel hostel. Especially considering the pandemic when it is so challenging to connect with people in real life over real conversations and laughter, their warm company during the bonfire on my first night as well as having dinner together on my second night gave me a much needed dose of pre-covid nostalgia.
I only had the pleasure of staying for 2 nights but frankly wished I had booked more time. I've stayed in hostels all over the world from Europe to Australia and South America, and am proud as a Canadian that there is finally a hostel on home soil that delivers the same essence of human connection, warmth, friendship, spontaneity and belonging often associated with memorable hostels experienced in other countries.
Whether you are simply making a pit stop on your drive across the province, or are considering visiting Thunder Bay as a mini getaway from Toronto (like I did), I highly recommend this hostel, not just as place for resting your head, but as a place for nourishing your soul.
Thank you again "RuHolly", "Honeyman" and "Yesman" 😉 for such lovely conversations, for your genuine company and for an absolutely lovely stay in your precious hostel!
Until next time,
Ryan
Ryan Almeida June 18, 2021
I only stayed here for one evening while passing through, but it was a great place to spend the night. The hosts were friendly, the space was clean and there... read more were good vibes all around
Definitely comes recommended from me
Matt Brymer October 6, 2020
Absolutely satisfied with my stay! Staff was so nice and welcoming! We arrived late, so reception was closed but a cute personalized letter was waiting for us explaining the surrounding.... read more My boyfriend let them know it was my birthday and they left a cake on the bed as a surprise! What a lovely idea! Room was clean and bed and pillows was so comfortable!
sophie bergeron September 12, 2020
Absolutely amazing hostel! We stayed for one night in the private suite which was extremely clean, cozy and spacious. The whole hostel is very unique and zen. The staff was... read more super nice and friendly. Great experience! Convenient parking right infront of the hostel.
Tereza H. September 4, 2020
Our Ocean Bridge group stayed here for 2 nights - what a wonderful spot. Everything is clean and the beds are warm and welcoming. Common area was great for programming... read more and sweet chill time. Did I mention adorable dog checkin in on the space?! Best fuzzy manager ever. A perfect spot to kick your feet up. Highly recommend!
Kaitlin Richard August 31, 2020
This is literally the cleanest hostel I have ever been in. We stayed in the dorm for the first night, which was very clean and neat. Individual lockers, bunk beds.... read more There was a shared female washroom which was pristine. The water pressure of the shower is better than the one we have at home.
We stayed in the main floor private room for the second night (pictures attached). They sanitized it VERY well after the last guest, and the washroom is very roomy. The bed is super comfortable.
The staff are always helpful and super friendly. Each and every one of them cares about the upkeep of the hostel. Great environment, good vibes, chill place.
s r August 30, 2020
Great place to stay. We stayed in the private suite room which was very spacious with a huge bathroom and shower. Breakfast was simple but good. The staff were very... read more friendly and accommodating and our pets were welcomed and comfortable during our stay. The staff even waived one of our pet fees because they were just opening up to the public after the pandemic 🙂