Dancing Bear Inn

171 Baker St, Nelson, British Columbia V1L 4H1 Canada
The view from my window
Traveller (15)
View of Nelson from Pulpit Rock
Room & Suite (14)
Common Lounge Check In Area
Dining (1)

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Fully refundable before Sat, Aug 3
No prepayment needed
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C$93
Fully refundable before Sat, Aug 3
No prepayment needed
C$93
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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About

4.5
#1 of 2 inns in Nelson
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Nestled in the heart of Nelson’s historic city centre, The Dancing Bear Inn is the perfect ‘home base’ for travellers in search of backcountry adventures & authentic mountain culture. Our refurbished character estate is warm, charming, friendly — and has everything you need to feel at home.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Skiing
Board games / puzzles
24-hour security
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
First aid kit
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Charming
Languages Spoken
English

Location

171 Baker St, Nelson, British Columbia V1L 4H1 Canada
Getting there
Good for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 89 out of 100
89
Castlegar Airport
32.5 km
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Trail Airport
53.4 km
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113Reviews0Q+A19Room tips
Traveller rating
  • 64
  • 36
  • 11
  • 1
  • 1
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Detailed Reviews
Liam M wrote a review Mar 2024
This hostel exceeded our expectations and as a large group of 30 hailing from Gonzaga for a ski trip, we couldn't have asked for a better location or attention to detail Cindy and her staff were able to offer! The kitchen and each rooms were well equipped and we were a big fan of the shoeless hostel as it keeps it cleaner! We loved this place and can't wait to come back next year!
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad L wrote a review Jun 2022
Portland, Oregon
Nine friends and I stayed two nights at the Dancing Bear Inn. We were warmly met by Cyndi, the manager who bent over backwards to get us settled and made us feel very welcomed. The rooms were far better than expected and facilities well maintained and exceeded our needs. We made a nice dinner in the kitchen and had use of the courtyard to have nice outside dinner. For the price, there is no better option in Nelson for a large group. Thanks for having us.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: The hotel has fans in each room which will help to ventilate the room and provide a soft white...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Enerys J wrote a review Apr 2022
Calgary, Canada
We stay in the suite at Dancing Bear each time we visit our grandchildren in Nelson because it’s the perfect spot for us. The suite is spacious and the kitchen well equipped for us to have our family over for dinner. The times we’ve spent here with family have become precious memories. The location is another plus. It’s downtown, within walking distance of everything yet quietly on one end. Last, but not least, the staff are welcoming and eager to make us comfortable. I want to stay nowhere else when I visit Nelson.
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Date of stay: April 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caitlin GC wrote a review Aug 2021
Canada
We did not know this was a hostel, but the price tag didn't disappoint. We found it quite quirky and had an overall good experience. The floors were creaky and the walls thin, and I was not used to shared accommodations (bathroom for example), but if you need a place to stay for the night for cheap I recommend.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael S wrote a review Mar 2022
Just got home from a week, staying at the Dancing Bear Inn. Brought my 2 teenagers with me and stayed in nicely clean room with 4 comfortable bunks (2 bunk beds). We had a great time. Nelson is beautiful and the stay at the Inn was easy, comfortable, friendly and so affordable. The kitchen is well equipped and it's an easy walk to just about anywhere in town from the Inn (it's downtown). A great week spent visiting friends and exploring around the valley.
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Date of stay: March 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dancing Bear Inn, Owner at Dancing Bear Inn
Responded Mar 22, 2022
Thank you for the great review! We enjoyed having you and your family stay!
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lhattrick wrote a review Apr 2024
Kelowna, Canada
To start, not only is the vibe in the hostel fresh and funky and fun, the building is filled with plants and character, and has an amazing lounge area to relax in. The beds were really comfy, and our private room had two lovely huge windows with lots of light. Also the staff (Cindy, and a lovely Australian?) Were above and beyond helpful and friendly, and were so genuine and down to earth. Thank you for our wonderful stay, we cannot wait to return! Also this location is amazingly located, and I loved the outdoor garden dining area.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Bring slippers or indoor shoes. as the hostel has a homey feeling, and encourages visitors to...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather C wrote a review May 2024
Oakville, Canada
I’m 62 years old and am happy to say I just stayed in hostel!
Not just any hostel… but Dancing Bear Inn!
When I told my friends they were oh no! But don’t feel bad for me! This hostel is so well cleaned, equipped reasonable & comfortable!
I cannot say enough about the staff here! Special shoutout to Cindy and Ashley!! They are constantly moving, cleaning, helping guests and making your stay so comfortable!!! They definitely more than earn their wage!

The location is so central to everything! Downtown part of Nelson, parks, restaurants, wilderness, water!!!!

I definitely would not hesitate to stay here or recommend this place to others!
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeremy D wrote a review Jul 2022
Powell River, Canada
Our room was very comfy! The bed was a bunk bed with double-sized lower. My wife and I slept peacefully and the linen was fresh and white. Yes, you do have to share a bathroom but your room does have a sink which comes in very handy. The whole place is renovated to a high degree and front desk staff are friendly and helpful. You won’t find a better deal in Nelson.
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Date of stay: July 2022
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah O wrote a review Nov 2023
Very clean !
So cozy!
Excellent location!
Beautiful local art hung everywhere .
Knowledgeable & friendly front desk staff.

Plenty of showers and half baths to accomodate the entire hostel .

Would for sure stay again!

Best value for a short stay in Nelson .

I stayed just for one night due to travel plans however this Hostel Would be ideal for a concert night or for a night when you had too many wobbly pops to drive home !
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Bring slippers because shoes are not permitted past the front entrance . Bring lock for dorm room...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elly_C8 wrote a review May 2023
Toronto, Canada
The Dancing Bear has been my home away from home since 2017. It's central in downtown Nelson and affordable. The decor is stylish and simple, with light wood features. It's kept clean and is like a European pension. The staff are consistently friendly and welcoming. There's something about the vibe that encourages lively interaction amongst the guests. All in all its a great place.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Lhattrick wrote a tip Apr 2024
Kelowna, Canada20 contributions1 helpful vote
"Bring slippers or indoor shoes. as the hostel has a homey feeling, and encourages visitors to leave outdoor shoes as the entrance. "
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Sarah O wrote a tip Nov 2023
3 contributions
"Bring slippers because shoes are not permitted past the front entrance . Bring lock for dorm room closet ."
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Brad L wrote a tip Jun 2022
Portland, Oregon5 contributions
"The hotel has fans in each room which will help to ventilate the room and provide a soft white noice."
Read full review
Danny C wrote a tip Mar 2022
Markham, Canada3 contributions
"Pay for a private room instead of dorm."
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LauraSham wrote a tip Jan 2018
2 contributions5 helpful votes
"Choose a private room if travelling with 2 or more people."
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Nelson area.
PRICE RANGE
C$107 - C$108 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CanadaBritish ColumbiaKootenay RockiesNelson
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Dancing Bear Inn - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews & Photos

Frequently Asked Questions about Dancing Bear Inn
Which popular attractions are close to Dancing Bear Inn?
Nearby attractions include Baker Street (0.2 km), The Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery (0.4 km), and Backroads Brewing Company (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Dancing Bear Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free parking, and baggage storage.
What food & drink options are available at Dancing Bear Inn?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Dancing Bear Inn?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Dancing Bear Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Cantina Del Centro Nelson, Broken Hill, and Oso Negro Coffee.
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