We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

SameSun Backpacker Lodge: Traveler Reviews

433 Banff Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1A5, Canada (Formerly Global Village Backpackers)
Hotel amenities
SameSun Backpacker Lodge
Enter dates & see best prices*
Show Prices
*from our partners
Write a Review

36 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
    14
    10
    8
    2
    2
Date Rating
Calgary, Canada
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Great Place all round”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 31, 2013

Had an awesome time staying here. Friendly & helpful staff with any questions I had. Great Breakfast - loved the muffins. Location great too. Meet alot of great people here both in my room and in The Beaver Bar! Would totally stay here again and other Samesuns as well..:D

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Amanda N about SameSun Backpacker Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Toronto, Canada
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
20 hotel reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
“Well..it had a good location..”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed January 16, 2013

Stayed here around New Years for a couple nights. Stayed in the 6-bed dorm with three other friends. The room itself was quite spacious, as was the washroom. The location of the lodge was also really good- about 15 minute walk into the downtown centre where the restaurants/pubs/etc were located. Stayed at the hostel on the first night for dinner- the service was poor as it took a very long time to receive our food. The second night my friends and I went down to the bar to get some drinks, however the bar staff seemed much more interested in serving other staff and chatting with them so it took quite awhile to get a drink. It was only our group and one other backpacker in the bar, the rest were staff. I didn't find that this backpackers had the same 'welcoming' atmosphere as other places I have stayed around Canada, and around the world. This was my first time staying at a Samesun, and quite possibly my last. My friends staying with me all thought the same about the actual lodge and the staff. If you are looking for a place just to sleep then it's fine- but the social aspect for us really lacked here. Breakfast was served starting at 7am- note: get there at 7am if you want something more than toast! They had pancake mix, fruit, muffins, toast and cereal at 7am, but one morning we got there after 8am and only cereal remained. Overall pretty average place.

Room Tip: I found the 6-bed dorms very spacious and comfortable. We had a room on the second floor.
See more room tips
  • Stayed December 2012, traveled with friends
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 2 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask TheCanuckTraveller about SameSun Backpacker Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Banff, Canada
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Friendly Staff and Fun Environment!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 13, 2013

I stayed at the Samesun for a few days over New years. originally the hostel was completely booked for the last few nights i was hoping to stay however they offered me a wait list and called to inform me that I was able to stay for my requested amount of time. The Staff at the Samesun are very friendly and helpful. I love the planned nightly activities ie. Bingo and Trivia which take place at the Beaver Bar conveniently located in the hostel. The Beaver was a great place to hang out with friends and meet new people. They have a $6 dinner every night and drink specials! The common room and kitchen were also a great place to hang out and again, a great place to meet fellow travellers. I’ve stated in many hostels in my day and this one is definitely a Gem!

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Jen M about SameSun Backpacker Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Love the Samesun”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 1, 2013

My first hostel experience, and it was awesome. Staff was friendly, the stay was inexpensive, and the hotel bar, The Beaver, had great drink and food deals daily. Staff was very helpful when it came to finding things to do in the area. Definitely a party hostel if that is what you are looking for, everyone is trying to have a good time.

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled solo
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Frankelm305 about SameSun Backpacker Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
London, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 hotel reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
“Party Hostel”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed December 29, 2012

Positives
-Good place to meet people with the busy beaver bar
-Good cheap food although did take quite a while when busy
-Friendly helpful staff
-Big dorm rooms with TV and fireplace
-Good location
Negatives
-Uncomfortable beds
-Lots of noise at night being a party hostel so not the place to stay if you fancy an early night.
-Kitchen was quite small for the number of guests as was the common room.

  • Stayed December 2012, traveled solo
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask Jon O about SameSun Backpacker Lodge
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hidden Ridge Resort
Great value on a similar hotel
Banff, Banff National Park
4.5 of 5 stars 782 Reviews
Show Prices
Still looking for a hotel?
Travelers also viewed these Banff hotels
HI-Banff Alpine Centre 4.0 of 5 stars 77 reviews Banff Aspen Lodge 4.0 of 5 stars 527 reviews Hidden Ridge Resort 4.5 of 5 stars 782 reviews Castle Mountain Chalets 4.0 of 5 stars 96 reviews
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d634882?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d182230?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d184485?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
Show Prices ABS:HotelCheckRates-d295445?&src=ShowUserReviewsHotels&fromServlet=ShowUserReviews&Action=QC_AlsoViewed_Hero
View all 33 hotels in Banff, ranked by popularity

Been to SameSun Backpacker Lodge? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Additional Information about SameSun Backpacker Lodge

Also Known As:
Samesun Backpacker Hotel
Samesun Backpacker Hotel Banff
Address: 433 Banff Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1A5, Canada (Formerly Global Village Backpackers)
Region: Canada > Alberta > Canadian Rockies > Banff National Park > Banff
Amenities:
Bar/Lounge Free Breakfast Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Kitchenette Restaurant Suites
Hotel Style:
Ranked #9 of 20 Specialty lodging in Banff
Price Range: $
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
SameSun Banff is located downtown just steps away from everything the town has to offer. A recently converted hotel, we have all the amenities a backpacker could want. With a clean and comfortable environment, we boast spacious dorm rooms, a great atmosphere and friendly, helpful staff. Home to the Beaver Lounge, with Open Mic nights, live gigs and weekly trivia, it is the only backpacker pub directly on Banff Avenue! No membership required! ... more   less 
Reservation Options:
TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, HostelWorld and Priceline so you can book your SameSun Backpacker Lodge reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage SameSun Backpacker Lodge, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing
SameSun Backpacker Lodge
Enter dates & see best prices* (from our partners)
Show Prices