Dancing Bear Inn Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel with free parking, 6-minute walk to Cottonwood Falls Park

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Dancing Bear Inn Hostel

Beach
Courtyard
Living area
Front of property
Courtyard

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
171 Baker Street, Nelson, BC, V1L 4H1
  • Place, Baldface Lodge
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Cottonwood Falls Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Nelson & District Community Complex
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Castlegar, BC (YCG)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

Twin Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)
  • 120 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Double Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Quadruple Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 120 sq ft
  • Bay view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Beds

Family Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the neighborhood

Nelson

Dancing Bear Inn Hostel places you within a 10-minute stroll of popular attractions such as Cottonwood Falls Park and Touchstones Museum. This 11-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a computer station.

What's nearby

  • Baldface Lodge - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Bodhi Day Spa - 4 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Cottonwood Falls Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Touchstones Museum - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Nelson & District Community Complex - 9 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Castlegar, BC (YCG) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Kootenay Baker Cafe Coop - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Smash Burger - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Oso Negro café - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Main Street Diner - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Dancing Bear Inn Hostel

Hostel with free parking, 6-minute walk to Cottonwood Falls Park
A local mainstay since 1908, Dancing Bear Inn Hostel offers free WiFi in public areas, a computer station, and a library. If you drive, put free parking to good use. Front-desk staff can assist with access to locker space and luggage storage. Other amenities at this hot springs hostel include a terrace, laundry facilities, and a garden.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Beds sport premium bedding. Portable fans are also standard.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Ski shuttle nearby
  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking (max 8 spaces per unit)

Things to do

  • Library
  • Ski storage

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • 3 floors
  • Built in 1908
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Heating
  • Portable fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Guests will receive an email within 48 hours before arrival with check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM—-8:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.
Property Registration Number 752370478

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • Noise-free rooms can't be guaranteed.

Property is also known as

Dancing Bear Inn Hostel Nelson
Dancing Bear Inn Hostel
Dancing Bear Nelson
Dancing Bear Inn Hostel Nelson
Dancing Bear Inn Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Dancing Bear Inn Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Nelson

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Dancing Bear Inn Hostel?

Dancing Bear Inn Hostel offers free cancellation on certain room rates. For specific requirements, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What's there to do near Dancing Bear Inn Hostel?

This hostel is located in Nelson, just steps from Baldface Lodge and Cottonwood Falls Park, and within a short walk of Nelson & District Community Complex. You'll also find Bodhi Day Spa and Tea Garden Salon & Spa less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Dancing Bear Inn Hostel?

Yes, uncovered self parking is offered for free at the hostel. You'll find a max of 8 spaces per unit.

Does Dancing Bear Inn Hostel feature a casino on the premises?

No, Dancing Bear Inn Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Dancing Bear Inn Hostel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Dancing Bear Inn Hostel?

Couples staying at this hostel will appreciate amenities like premium bedding as well as a terrace and a library.

Are there hot tubs at Dancing Bear Inn Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Dancing Bear Inn Hostel have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

No, Dancing Bear Inn Hostel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Dancing Bear Inn Hostel allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Dancing Bear Inn Hostel though service animals are welcome.

Does Dancing Bear Inn Hostel have connecting rooms?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostel.

How close is the airport from Dancing Bear Inn Hostel?

The closest major airport to Dancing Bear Inn Hostel is Castlegar, BC (YCG), which is 25.2 mi away (34 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Dancing Bear Inn Hostel?

Yes, some rooms at Dancing Bear Inn Hostel offer a patio and may feature bay views.

Dancing Bear Inn Hostel Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 139 out of 211 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 57 out of 211 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 211 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 211 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 211 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Katharine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay on a budget
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Bryson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is our second time staying and The Dancing Bear is an incredible spot. The showers are hot, the mattresses are comfortable, and the staff are relatable. Highly recommend.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lena

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Simple accommodations for our one night. There's a nice back garden to sit in and a cozy lobby/living room to relax in. Bathrooms are clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Love this place!!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kris

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Great setting for talking with other travelers and location for knocking around Nelson. Nice lobbies and kitchen areas Shared bathrooms are on all the floors so that worked out OK So altogether a fun alternative to conventional hotels and beats tenting surrounded by RV's.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katherine

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great stay
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Pleasant staff, easy to work with
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kievan

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natalya

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really friendly and helpful staff, great property and good location
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful place with reasonably priced rooms and great vibes.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marlo

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff and clean facility
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Always a cozy stay when visiting Nelson!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Loren

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Exceptional for a hostel.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great value!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia L

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved my stay here. Will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It's a nice, affordable place to stay, and I will recommend it to others. I gave 4 stars for Property condition and facilities because there is a broken chair in the hall, and it seems the paint of the doors is quite old.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marlo

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and convenient
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

David

Comfy dorm bed
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

shelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marlo

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Theresa

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location parking was only problem
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dianne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had the most wonderful experience at the Dancing Bear Hostel. I stayed there for a night while I was evacuated due to fires. It was a very difficult situation for me. However, the accommodations were excellent. Most of all, Cindy at the front desk was absolutely incredible. She went above and beyond for me as I saw her doing for other customers as well. Cindy was friendly, professional and again, so incredibly helpful. She made my stay very comfortable and I would recommend the Dancing Bear, but most importantly, Cindy, very highly and I am looking forward to staying at this delightful establishment again soon.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phyu Mar

clean
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marlo

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. Clean facility
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024