Cottonwood Falls Park
Cottonwood Falls Park, Downtown, Nelson, BC, Canada- Park
English
Hotels in Nelson8.8Excellent(569 reviews) 
83% match
77% match
77% match
Dancing Bear Inn
Similar hotels nearby
Compare nearby stays with similar location, guest experience, amenities, and class.
83% matchVictoria Falls House Inn
Nelson, CA
0-star9.2/10 guest score225 reviews
0.11 km (0.07 mi) away
LocationGuest Experience
77% matchStirling All Suites Hotel
Nelson, CA
0-star9.6/10 guest score104 reviews
0.68 km (0.42 mi) away
LocationGuest Experience
77% matchThe Oak Hotel
Nelson, CA
0-star9.1/10 guest score406 reviews
0.53 km (0.33 mi) away
LocationGuest Experience
About this hotel
Welcome to The Dancing Bear Inn Hostel!
Convenient Location: Situated in the heart of beautiful British Columbia, our hostel is surrounded by charming restaurants, quaint cafes, scenic walks, and a mesmerizing waterfall, offering guests a true taste of local life.
Comfortable Accommodations: Each room and dormitory is equipped with both cooling and heating systems for your comfort. Shared bathroom facilities are well-maintained, while select rooms feature a vanity and ensuite sink for added convenience.
Entertainment and Recreation: Unwind in our cozy shared lounge, where guests can socialize, relax, and enjoy a variety of board games, creating unforgettable memories during your stay.
Ready to experience the perfect blend of comfort and adventure at The Dancing Bear Inn Hostel? Book now for an unforgettable getaway!
Nearby Attractions
Hall Street Park
Hall Street Park, Downtown, Nelson, BC V1L 4L2, Canada- Park
NDCC park
NDCC park, Downtown, Nelson, BC, Canada- Park
Stop of Interest 138 - Baker Street
Stop of Interest 138 - Baker Street, Highway 3A & 6, Area E (Balfour/Cottonwood Lake), BC V1L 6T4, Canada- Attraction
Gyro Park
Gyro Park, Gyro, Nelson, BC, Canada- Park
Lion's Uphill Park
Lion's Uphill Park, Uphill, Nelson, BC, Canada- Park
Art Gibbon's Park
Art Gibbon's Park, Rosemont, Nelson, BC, Canada- Park
Rosemont Bike Park
Rosemont Bike Park, Rosemont, Nelson, BC, Canada- Park
Pulpit Rock
Pulpit Rock Trail, Area F (Kokanee Range), BC V1L 6J1, Canada- Viewpoint
James Johnstone Regional Park
James Johnstone Regional Park, North Shore, Area F (Kokanee Range), BC, Canada- Park
- Area
Lakeside Park
Lakeside Park, Fairview, Nelson, BC, Canada- Park
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park, Fairview, Nelson, BC, Canada- Park
Flagpole
Flagpole Trail (Difficult), Area F (Kokanee Range), BC V1L 6H9, Canada- Viewpoint
Important Information
House Rules
To ensure a comfortable stay, guests are required to conduct themselves in a responsible manner within the hostel and must not act in any way that disturbs other guests. Any guest(s) who, in the opinion of staff, compromise the comfort, safety or security of other guests, staff or local residents, will be asked to leave the hostel premises and will not be given a refund. There is a zero tolerance policy for any blatant disrespect to staff. Outside visitors of guests are not permitted in the hostel past 8pm.
There is no smoking, vaping or use of illegal drugs permitted anywhere on the property. A $250 fee will be charged to the room should the no smoking policy be disregarded and you will be asked to immediately leave the property. The burning of incense or candles on site is not permitted.
Quiet hours are 10pm-7am. Please be mindful of other guests sleeping during this time and keep noise to a minimum. The Dancing Bear Inn is intended for travelers. Guest stays are limited to 14 days and we reserve the right to ask for onward travel. We reserve the right to restrict the usage of the hostel by locals living within 31 mi of Nelson.
Age Requirements
The age requirement for booking is 18 years old. Anyone under the age of 18, must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. To book a dorm. the age requirement is 18 years old. Children ages 14 to 17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian in a SHARED dormitory. Children 13 years of age or younger are not permitted in dorm rooms unless the room has been booked privately.
Booking Policy: A valid Visa or Mastercard is required to make and confirm all bookings. We do not accept American Express Cards. We have the right to pre-authorize the card to ensure it is valid of up to $100.
Canadian Debit Visas cannot be used to make and confirm a booking. A valid passport or government issued photo ID is required for check in and must match the credit card on file.
If arriving later than 8pm, it is your responsibility to contact the hostel as further information/instruction is needed.
A cancellation fee equivalent to one night's stay will be charged to any reservation canceled/modified less than 48hrs (before 4pm local time) prior to check in.
In case of a no-show booking, a fee equivalent to one night's stay will be charged to the card file and all consecutive nights will be canceled.
For group bookings of 8 or more people, a 50% deposit is required. Dependent on the size and length of stay, cancelations can be anywhere from 14-30 days prior to check in. This is regardless of how the booking was made (directly or through a third party website).
A $20 fee will be charged for unreturned room keys.
In the event of any damage to the property or items within it, you authorize The Dancing Bear Inn to charge your credit card for the full cost of repair or replacement.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.
Stay Details
Check-in from
04:00 PM
Check-out by
10:00 AM
Parking
FREE
Children
Allowed
Pets
Not allowed
Amenities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Garden
BBQ facilities
Luggage storage
Cycling
Golf course
Canoeing
Skiing
Ski storage
Non-smoking throughout
Private parking
Sun terrace
Shared lounge/TV area
Board games/puzzles
Allergy-free room
Shared kitchen
Lockers
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Physical distancing rules followed
Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
Cashless payment available
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit available
Contactless check-in/check-out
Invoice provided
Smoke alarms
Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
Guest room sealed after cleaning
Physical distancing in dining areas
Key access
CCTV outside property
CCTV in common areas
Process in place to check health of guests
Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
Face masks for guests available
24-hour security
Live music/performance
Temporary art galleries
Movie nights
Room Types
Twin Room
Up to 2 guests11 sqmBunk bed (Variable Size)
Each private twin room features cooling and heating systems. Twin rooms have an ensuite sink with mirror and one bunk bed (single-sized lower bunk and single-sized upper bunk). Bathroom facilities are shared and located throughout the building. Twin rooms are located on the upper floor.
Sleeps
Up to 2 guests
2 adults · 1 children
Beds
Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
11 sqm
In-room amenities
DeskFanHeatingHardwood or parquet floorsWardrobe or closetLinenUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyClothes rackTrash cansSocket near the bedSmoke alarmKey accessEarplugs
Quadruple Room
Up to 4 guests14 sqm4 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
This quadruple room features a shared bathroom, parquet floors and heating. The unit offers 4 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
4 Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Room details
14 sqm
In-room amenities
FanHeatingHardwood or parquet floorsLinenUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyTrash cansSocket near the bedLockersSmoke alarmKey accessEarplugs
Single Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
Up to 1 guests28 sqmTwin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Each mixed shared dormitory features air cooling/heating system and French doors leading to outside gardens/patio. Dormitories are mixed and hold up to 8 people. There are four bunk beds (single-sized lower bunk and single-sized upper bunk). Bathroom facilities are shared and located throughout the building. Dorms are located on lower floor.
Sleeps
Up to 1 guests
1 adults
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Room details
28 sqm
In-room amenities
ShowerFanToiletHeatingTile/marble floorLinenToilet paperTrash cansSocket near the bedLockersSmoke alarmKey accessEarplugs
Family Room
Up to 4 guests23 sqmDouble bed (131-150 cm wide), Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Offering a wardrobe, parquet floors and heating, this family room includes a shared bathroom. The unit offers 2 beds.
Sleeps
Up to 4 guests
4 adults · 3 children
Beds
Double bed (131-150 cm wide), Bunk bed (Variable Size)
Room details
23 sqm
In-room amenities
FanHeatingHardwood or parquet floorsWardrobe or closetLinenClothes rackTrash cansSocket near the bedSmoke alarmKey accessEarplugs
Double Room
Up to 3 guests14 sqmTwin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Each private double room features cooling and heating systems. Double rooms have an ensuite sink with mirror and one bunk bed (double-sized lower bunk and single sized upper bunk). Bathroom facilities are shared and located throughout the building. Twin rooms are located on the upper floor.
Sleeps
Up to 3 guests
3 adults · 2 children
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide), Double bed (131-150 cm wide)
Room details
14 sqm
In-room amenities
DeskFanHeatingHardwood or parquet floorsWardrobe or closetLinenUpper floors accessible by stairs onlyClothes rackTrash cansSocket near the bedSmoke alarmKey accessEarplugs
Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
Up to 1 guests28 sqmTwin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Each male dormitory room features cooling system and heating systems. Bathroom facilities are shared.
Please note that guests under 18 years old cannot be accommodated in this room type.
Sleeps
Up to 1 guests
1 adults
Beds
Twin bed (90-130 cm wide)
Room details
28 sqm
In-room amenities
FanHeatingTile/marble floorLinenTrash cansSocket near the bedLockersSmoke alarmKey accessEarplugs
Ask about this hotel
Get answers about amenities, policies, and more — e.g. “Are pets allowed?” or “Is parking available?”
Guest reviews(569 total)
Provider-sourced guest reviews.
8/10
Reviewed Sep 13, 2026Loved it
The bathroom downstairs needs a mirror and the downstairs windows are very dirty
10/10
Reviewed Sep 12, 2026Location and HI member
Bed was too hard for my body
8/10
Reviewed Sep 11, 2026The location was perfect right on Baker Street walking distance to everything downtown. The front desk attendant was very friendly and professional. The building was older but I liked the character and vibe.
Nothing I didn’t like, it was as stated in the reviews I read.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 10, 2026Excellent stay
10/10
Reviewed Aug 18, 2026Great central location, friendly staff, decent amount of parking and a great price for a double room!
Could've used one or two more toilets/washrooms
9/10
Reviewed Aug 17, 2026Friendly, well located, good value.
Would be helpful to have skeleton staff onsite outside of current working hours.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 17, 2026So clean and comfortable .
It’s awesome
10/10
Reviewed Aug 14, 2026Exactly what I was looking for and easy to find.
N/A
10/10
Reviewed Aug 11, 2026Ils ont réussi à m’accommoder malgré la saison haute.
Le système de réservation, comme a bien des endroits serait mieux si on pouvait communiquer avec une vraie personne.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 10, 2026The location was ideal for our purposes; not highly trafficked so not a lot of noise at night.
9/10
Reviewed Aug 6, 2026location garden kitchen
7/10
Reviewed Aug 3, 2026It was convenient to have a kitchen. The lobby was attractive. The room was clean and fine for a place to sleep.
It was a hot day and there was no air conditioning on the third floor, but at least there was a fan.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 2, 2026Perfect location and lovely environment inside
That I didn't stay longer
6/10
Reviewed Jul 24, 2026The amenities are complete in the kitchen.
Kitchen doesn't have a freezer, just chiller. Also, we were frustrated on the second day that we didn't got a new bath towel so we used those that are in the unused bed. Also, parking is minimal, though i was an advantage that 5pm onwards, it's free parking on the street.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 22, 2026It was so close to everything! The staff is so helpful getting me ice for a knee injury and just generally being lovely. The bed is comfy and most people here are quiet and respectful. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat.
10/10
Reviewed Jul 16, 2026Awesome location and clean and reasonable
No shoes. Kinda weird especially with fungas worries.
8/10
Reviewed Jul 13, 2026L'emplacement est exceptionnel, en plein centre de Nelson. La cuisine est très bien équipée et les espaces communs sont chaleureux. C'est aussi très propre.
Je suppose pour des raisons de sécurité, les fenêtres et portes des espaces communs ne sont pas ouverts pour faire passer un brin de fraîcheur. Il a fait très chaud à l'intérieur quand nous y étions
7/10
Reviewed Jul 9, 2026Location is Great, the basement room need to have air flow there are no windows. The Bathroom could used some cleanliness, bamboo shower pad.
10/10
Reviewed Jun 25, 2026Gastvrij en gezellig
Geen idee
10/10
Reviewed Jun 22, 2026Super auberge de jeunesse en ville. Accueil tres chaleureux. Petit extérieur sympa. Parking privé appréciable. Bien située.
Cuisine un peu petite.
8/10
Reviewed Jun 5, 2026Comfy bed and good kitchen facilities.
Noisy floorboards at entrance.
8/10
Reviewed Jun 3, 2026Well run hostel accommodation with a lounge kitchen washing machines Nice feel , efficient friendly staff
Nothing comes to mind
7/10
Reviewed May 27, 2026Bed and facility was clean upon arrival
Washrooms can be a little dirty especially going in after a few people have already used it. Towels provided are a little raggedy. For the value it is worth it for short stay!
8/10
Reviewed May 19, 2026I loved the atmosphere. In the mornings people would just be in the lobby and chat, also the rooms were pretty nice. Everything was pretty clean. Also, staff were friendly and helpful. One of the staff told us about one spot for us to visit, and it was the lighthouse. It was beautiful, we are grateful that she told us about it.
Only 2 things. One were the bed sheets/mattress. The mattress was sunken in the middle so it was a bit uncomfortable. Also, the bed sheets, they were clean I believe, but every night before bed it left me really itchy, and I would scratch myself to sleep. Second, was one of the showers on the top floor with the toilet. The showerhead is a bit too high, and it couldn't be adjusted, it was hard for me and my family to shower well because we are on the shorter side.
9/10
Reviewed May 4, 2026We only stayed one night in a private bunk room but loved the simple but cozy hostel accommodations. It was spotlessly clean and tidy. Prime location on the main street of Nelson so you can easily walk to eat and shop. The staff who helped us check in were so nice and accommodating. This is a fantastic value for a place to stay with no frills.
I loved having a sink in the individual room. It would have been even better to have a hand towel and a little table beside the pedestal sink to set makeup and things on.
10/10
Reviewed May 4, 2026Wonderful staff, great location, amenities (bathrooms & kitchen) very nice.
Nada
9/10
Reviewed Apr 9, 2026It was great
Parking could be organized better
10/10
Reviewed Apr 6, 2026Free ski rack and also to dry your ski boots. well located. Baker Street is the main street of Nelson. lots of bars and restaurants at walking distance. Nice place to meet backpackers
not enough showers/ bathroom , you have to go up or downstairs.
6/10
Reviewed Apr 5, 2026Perfect location and super reasonable price. Was very grateful for somewhere to stay (:
Rooms were kept very warm which made resting uncomfortable. I was confused about the parking.
10/10
Reviewed Apr 2, 2026This was a beautiful spot that was very clean. The bunk beds are so comfy, the showers were very clean, and the staff was super friendly and accommodating. Plus the location was perfect - you just walk right out of the building and you're on the main drag. We couldn't get there our first night because the ferry was down, and the staff were very accommodating. 5/5 stars!
It was all great!
7/10
Reviewed Mar 28, 2026We meet people and you have instant friends when you go out around town.
Hard to get out of top bunk when your roomie is below and a night table is also at the bottom of the stairs provided.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 24, 2026Comfortable beds, great location, very clean
10/10
Reviewed Mar 18, 2026Great communication. Good value. Comfortable.
10/10
Reviewed Mar 2, 2026I enjoyed no tv, friendly staff and people. Great hostel type atmosohere
More bathrooms..
10/10
Reviewed Mar 2, 2026Well kept hostel, cozy communal area, clean dorms
Nothing!
10/10
Reviewed Mar 2, 2026Cozy place, well kept, and well stocked in kitchen. Excellent location, 25min to Whitewater, right downtown.
10/10
Reviewed Feb 28, 2026Everything was great! No faults. Stayed in an 8 room dorm, clean beds clean dorm and good vibes amongst travellers. Awesome kitchen facilities with fridge and gas-top. Bathrooms were great with plenty on each level. Super close to everything you want to see in the town of nelson. Cyndi manages the hostel, she is more than welcoming. Great place to stop in for a night or a week!
Nothing
9/10
Reviewed Jan 30, 2026Location, parking, beds. The sleep was very good. Mattress and pillow super comfy. I checked the carbon dioxide level (I’m geek) - and ventilation was better, than in a tent (around 1000 ppm)! Taking in account I was hiding on a lower shelf behind towels. Stuff is awesome.
The kitchen and overall the downstairs space felt kinda industrial. Not very cosy.
10/10
Reviewed Jan 19, 2026I like the place even though we rent the bed space, the place are clean. It's good for travelers that need to stop for 1 night.
8/10
Reviewed Jan 19, 2026The facilities are excellent. Other clients were respectable and cleaned up after using the kitchen.
Depending our room could geta little chilly
8/10
Reviewed Jan 19, 2026Great cooking facilities, love the patio off the kitchen
Minimum parking
10/10
Reviewed Jan 19, 2026Clean af
A little expensive, but we also had nice rooms and the world exploded in 2020
8/10
Reviewed Dec 15, 2025Convenient location for where we needed to be at a good price. Staff were very friendly and helpful when we had to extend our stay.
We finished our task early and would have liked to have headed out on the road the same day as we had a long trip to make, but were told it was too late to cancel our last night, so ended up staying and being held up by all the road closures.
10/10
Reviewed Nov 19, 2025Great location on the main street.
8/10
Reviewed Oct 21, 2025The location and the friendly staff
Room was a bit cramped
8/10
Reviewed Oct 16, 2025The communal kitchen is wonderful. As is the sitting room. People staying at a hostel have interesting stories and seem to be more authentic.
The mattress was a bit thin. Very basic, but then again, this is a hostel.
10/10
Reviewed Oct 14, 2025Excellent location, clean, quiet, cozy and tons of character.
That I had to leave
8/10
Reviewed Oct 11, 2025Fin og rimelig overnatting midt i Nelson
10/10
Reviewed Oct 9, 2025So friendly, comfortable and peaceful
1/10
Reviewed Oct 8, 2025When I got there alone it was locked, I did not check in and they charged me for my stay even though I never checked in or stayed the night
Being charged without my consent
8/10
Reviewed Oct 6, 2025Clean, quiet (I had a room at the back) and comfortable. Check-in was a bit messy as someone didn’t show up for their shift at 4, and I had not received the email with check-in instructions. I was fortunately able to get in with someone else who called the appropriate number. The young Australian woman who took over was very professional and things went smoothly from there. I would definitely stay at the Dancing Bear pagain.
6/10
Reviewed Oct 4, 2025Location. Great front desk staff (sydney). Many washrooms and showers.
Insanely expensive for a hostel.
6/10
Reviewed Oct 1, 2025Great location in downtown Nelson.
10/10
Reviewed Sep 14, 2025Location was perfect.. Extremely clean and facilities were excellent.. Would stay again when in Nelson
9/10
Reviewed Sep 9, 2025Location; price; cleanliness
Limited parking
7/10
Reviewed Sep 8, 2025We liked having a kitchen to cook our breakfast and lunches.
Room was too hot at times
9/10
Reviewed Sep 5, 2025Everything was great
Parking spot was hard to find. On the back side of the building there was a small parking and some people parked their car the way that no els can fit his car even though there was enough space, and no one was checking on the one.
8/10
Reviewed Sep 4, 2025Rooms clean and comfortable
6/10
Reviewed Sep 3, 2025Location on the Main Street was handy.
It was a very basic tiny room with a bunk bed. The place could use some freshening up. Hallway floors seemed dirty and guests are asked to remove their shoes.
8/10
Reviewed Aug 25, 2025Bathroom a little fresher
8/10
Reviewed Aug 25, 2025Good location, some parking spots in the alley behind the hostel
Few washrooms. Shower and toilet together, so had to wait sometimes.
9/10
Reviewed Aug 21, 2025Great location allowing you to walk through the city center. The co-ed dorm was booked full but still clean with friendly occupants. The large fully stocked kitchen allows you to cook and store food on your stay. The hostel has an easy layout with multiple common areas to unwind and connect with others.
7/10
Reviewed Aug 18, 2025Très bien situé, c’est l’option la moins chère car en plus de sauver des sous sur l’hébergement, il est possible de cuisiner sur place et d’y déposer sa nourriture.
Dormir à plusieurs peux occasionner des difficultés avec les horaires. Il manquait mon drap, j’ai pensé qu’il n’en fournissait pas, lorsque je me suis informé, on m’en a donné un. Il faut juste le savoir.
10/10
Reviewed Aug 18, 2025The location was excellent, staff were so nice, and the room was very clean and spacious.
The parking is very limited
Guest Feedback
Feedback themes are sourced from guest reviews provided by our data provider.
What guests love
- •Friendly staff
- •Great location
- •Clean rooms
- •Useful amenities
Areas to consider
- •Limited parking
- •Cramped rooms
- •Basic accommodations
Cleanliness
8.26/10Some reviews mentioned clean rooms, but issues with the building's hallways.
Service
9.23/10Staff were friendly and helpful, especially during check-in.
Location
9.27/10Convenient location for access to the city and main street.
Room Quality
8.22/10Rooms were mostly clean; some guests found them cramped or basic.
Amenities
8.75/10Communal kitchen and sitting room enjoyed, though basic amenities reported.
Value for Money
8.71/10Some felt it was expensive for a hostel, while others appreciated the price.
Food and Beverage
8.76/10Guests liked the kitchen amenities to prepare their own meals.
Overall Experience
9.23/10Overall very positive experiences reported, with a high likelihood of returning.