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HI Banff Alpine Centre

Book Your Stay

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People

See our groups page for bookings of 10 or more friends.

Consulte notre section groupes pour les r�servations de 10 personnes ou plus.

Welcome to

HI Banff Alpine Centre



HI Banff Alpine Centre

801 Hidden Ridge Way
Banff, Alberta

Get a taste of lodge life with all the amenities, and keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife that regularly wanders through town. Choose from shared or private rooms or even your own cabin! Guests get a free local bus pass so you can check out the town and nearby attractions.

Check out our Work for Stay program!

Highlights
  • Stay in one of our cozy private cabins
  • Frequent visits from our wildlife neighbours
  • Free Banff transit pass with most stays
Useful Info

Open: year-round

Check-in: 16:00
Check-out: 11:00

Amenities

  • Free wifi
    Free wifi
  • Bar on site
    Bar on site
  • Restaurant
    Restaurant
  • Bike storage
    Bike storage
  • No Air-conditioning
    No Air-conditioning
All Amenities & Facilities

A glimpse of the hostel

HI Banff Exterior Hero Small
HI Banff Exterior Balcony
HI Banff Cougar Petes 1
HI Banff Common 2
HI Banff Private Double 1
HI Banff Dorm 5
HI Banff Dorm 3
HI Banff Dorm 6
HI Banff Private Queen 1
HI Banff Private Cabin 1
Lobby
Lobby
Main building kitchen
Dining Room
Mary Belle Kitchen
Mary Belle Kitchen
Storm Cellar Pub
Storm Cellar Pub
Storm Cellar Behind Bar
HI Banff Alpine Centre
HI Banff Exterior Cabins 1
HI Banff Exterior 4

Rooms & Beds

Shared Rooms

4-6 Bed Room Ensuite WC

For wired travellers. Each bunk bed comes with a power outlet, reading light, shelf and lockers with a powerpoint to charge devices safely. Ensuite WC too.

  • Individual Locker
    Individual Locker
  • Towels
    Towels
  • Ensuite bathroom
    Ensuite bathroom
  • No Air-Conditioning
    No Air-Conditioning
Check Availability
4-6 Bed Room

Shared rooms that offer more than just a bed. Comes with personal power outlet, reading light, shelf and lockers with a powerpoint to charge devices safely.

  • Individual Locker
    Individual Locker
  • Towels
    Towels
  • Reading light
    Reading light
  • No Air-Conditioning
    No Air-Conditioning
Check Availability

Private Rooms

Private Cabin Suite

Lap up a little luxury in our private cabins in the mountains. These cabins come with two double beds, a fireplace, TV and large ensuite bathroom. Sleeps 4.

  • Towels
    Towels
  • Ensuite bathroom
    Ensuite bathroom
  • TV
    TV
  • No Air-Conditioning
    No Air-Conditioning
Check Availability
Private Queen Room Ensuite

Step it up one more notch in a private room with a queen bed and an ensuite washroom plus a TV, phone and desk. Sleeps 2.

  • Towels
    Towels
  • Ensuite bathroom
    Ensuite bathroom
  • TV
    TV
  • No Air-Conditioning
    No Air-Conditioning
Check Availability
Private Double Room

For those times when you need a bit more privacy, our simplest private rooms have a double bed and a shared washroom down the hall. Sleeps 2.

  • Towels
    Towels
  • Reading light
    Reading light
  • No Air-Conditioning
    No Air-Conditioning
Check Availability

Group Bookings

HI Banff Alpine Centre is the largest hostel in Alberta. Perched above the Bow River and only minutes from the action on Banff Avenue, the hostel is a perfect combination of elbow room and convenience. We can accommodate groups of all sizes and ages. You can hike and bike out the front door and then enjoy the onsite restaurant and pub.

Groups Information

Lodging, amenities and services are well taken care of for the guests. You feel welcome by the friendly staff and safe and comfortable in your room and common areas. You may even get some decent food at Cougar Pete if you're not cooking or going out.

Anders V

If you’re an outdoors kind of person then the HI Alpine Centre in Banff is the perfect place to stay to get involved in loads of summer activities including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, biking and white water rafting! It’s a very sociable hostel...

As I walked to Cougar Petes (the Hostel Restaurante), I couldn’t help but think about how incredible this hostel is. Amazing views, awesome private rooms with all the amenities you’d expect to find in a hotel….”

Tunnel Mountain Hike

Considered one of Banff's best hikes, the Tunnel Mountain trail leads to a panoramic view over the town of Banff and its surrounding valley. The hike is categorized as moderate and its trailhead is only 20 minutes walking from the hostel. Bring a lunch, the mountain top is perfect for a picnic with a view!


Get there

The Hoodoo's

This leisurely, 1.5 hour hike, is right near the hostel and considered a must-do. With rock spires rising from the river banks, take in this unique view of the river valley floor, the golf course, and discover why Tunnel Mountain's true name is Sacred Buffalo...

Get there

Sulphur Mountain Trail

Skip the gondola ride and save your coins for a treat at the top at Sky Bistro. Sulphur Mountain Summit is a 2-hour grind, but the reward is a vista far above the Bow Valley. Stroll the popular boardwalk along the ridge and discover the mountain's historical weather station.

Get there

Bow Falls

While on the south side of the Bow River, make your way beneath the famous Fairmont Chateau to enjoy Bow Falls. From here, you can connect to the Spray River trail system, the Golf Course (we recommend renting a bike for this), or simply stroll along the river.

Get there

Cave and Basin Historic Site

Site of the original hot springs, Cave & Basin is effectively the beginning of Canada's national park system. Discover local indigenous history while learning about the hot springs, their endemic snail species found nowhere else, and enter the cave where it all began.

Get there

Surprise Corner

Surprise Corner is the perfect pit stop along the Bow River, with a gorgeous view of the Fairmont Chateau Banff Springs -- Banff's castle in the mountains.

Get there

Lake Minnewanka

The Rockies' largest freshwater lake is Minnewanka, or Lake of the Spirits. With an expansive shoreline it features several day hike trailheads. It's also the only lake in the park system that permits motorized watercraft, which means boat tours are available. Like any lake in the rockies, it's often a great spot for ice skating.

Get there

Johnson Lake

Johnson Lake is our local swimming spot, but it's a great place for a picnic and a stroll around the entire lake. This lake remains popular in the winter for ice skating and hiking.

Get there

Cascade Ponds

Cascade Ponds is your idyllic picnic area in the rockies, with little islands, bridges, picnic tables, free firewood and open grassy areas to throw a ball around. Just minutes outside of town, featuring a unique view of the towering Mount Rundle (Waskahigan Watchi).

Get there

Mont Norquay

Mount Norquay is one of Canada's oldest ski resorts, but is the hub for a number of summer attractions including hiking trailheads, a sightseeing chairlift, and the Cliffhouse Bistro.

Get there

Banff Ave Brew Co

Banff's First and premier local Brewery and restaurant. Serving food and in-house brewed beer until late.

Get there

Eddie Burger

Famous Burger joint, open daily for lunch and dinner. Try the famous "TrashCan" cocktail.

Get there

Nourish Bistro

Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant with Patio seating, inventive and delicious cocktails and a large varied all vegan menu.

Get there

Bear Street Tavern

Banff's favourite Pizza Restaurant and Bar. With daily happy hours specials and the best pizza in town!

Get there

Park Distillery

Banff's only distillery, with a huge vairety of cocktails using in-house distilled spirits. Accompanied with a beautiful balcony, patio seating and an impressive 'rustic' style lunch and dinner menu.

Get there

Magpie and Stump

The locals' favourite Mexican 'Cantina'. Tacos, burritos and margaritas with a large modern roof top patio are just some of the reasons this is a must-eat at spot in Banff.

Get there

Snowtips-Backtrax

Ski, hike and bike rentals and retail shop. Get an exclusive discount with your HI Membership!

Learn more

Banff Cycle

Bike rental shop and bike tour provider. Get an exclusive discount with your HI Membership!

Learn more

Visitors Centre

National Parks Visitor Information and transport centre. A one stop shop to all your Banff National Park related questions and trip planning. Stop in here a discuss backcountry campgrounds in the National Park.

Get there

Hostel Bus Stop

The "Tunnel Mountain Hotels" is the bus stop of local transit close to HI Banff. Save your legs and take the public bus up the hill!
Schedule available on Google Maps or on the Banff Roam Website.

View Schedule

Train Station

The iconic and heritage listed Banff train station and bus depot for many local tour operators.

Get there

Brewster Bus Stop

Bus station for Brewster/Pursuit tours.

Get there

IGA Grocery Store

Best local grocery store. Save up on your trip by getting your own groceries and come cook with other travellers in the hostel's common kitchen!

Get there

Cougar Pete's

Cougar Pete's Restaurant & Lookout is our hostel café featuring breakfast and dinner service. Visiting in the summer? Come early and grab a seat on our wrap-around patio, highlighting unobstructed views of our surrounding mountains.

See our menu

Visitor Centre

Looking for info on Banff National Park? Head to the Banff Visitor Center—your one-stop shop for all things park-related! Whether you need help planning your trip or want to chat about backcountry campgrounds, they’ve got you covered.

Learn More

Mount Norquay

Mount Norquay is one of Canada’s oldest ski resorts, but it’s also a summer hotspot! You’ll find hiking trailheads, a scenic chairlift ride, and the Cliffhouse Bistro for a bite with a view.

Learn More

Park Distillery

Park Distillery is Banff's only distillery that offers a wide variety of cocktails made with their own in-house distilled spirits. Enjoy a rustic lunch and dinner menu, plus stunning views from the balcony or patio seating!

Get There

Nourish Bistro

Nourish Bistro is a must-visit for plant-based food lovers! They’ve got a creative all-vegan menu, delicious cocktails, and a cozy patio for outdoor dining.

Get There

Cascade Ponds

Cascade Ponds is the perfect spot for a picnic! Just minutes from town, it has little islands, bridges, picnic tables, free firewood, and grassy areas for games. Plus, you’ll get a stunning view of Mount Rundle!

Learn More

Johnson Lake

Johnson Lake is Banff's go-to swimming spot, perfect for a picnic and a stroll around the lake. In winter, it’s a favorite for ice skating and hiking!

Learn More

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka, the Rockies' largest freshwater lake, is a must-see! It offers day hike trailheads, boat tours (the only lake in the park where motorized boats are allowed), and in winter, it's a popular spot for ice skating.

Learn More

Surprise Corner

Surprise Corner is just a 5-minute drive from HI Banff Alpine and offers a stunning view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel—Banff’s iconic castle in the mountains

Get There

Cave & Basin

Cave & Basin, just a short drive from HI Banff Alpine, is the birthplace of Canada’s national parks! Explore local Indigenous history, learn about the unique hot springs and their rare snail species, and step into the cave where it all began.

Learn More

Bow Falls

While on the south side of the Bow River, head below the famous Fairmont Banff Springs to visit Bow Falls! From there, you can connect to the Spray River trail system, explore the Golf Course (renting a bike is recommended!), or enjoy a relaxing stroll along the river.

Learn More

Sulphur Mountain Trail

Skip the gondola and hike up Sulphur Mountain instead—it’s a 2-hour challenge, but the views from the top are worth it! Treat yourself at Sky Bistro, stroll the ridge's boardwalk, and check out the historic weather station.

Learn More

Banff Hoodoos

This easy 1.5-hour hike is right near HI Banff Alpine and is a must-do! Enjoy the rock spires along the riverbanks, take in views of the river valley and golf course, and learn why Tunnel Mountain’s true name is 'Sacred Buffalo.

Get There

This week at the hostel

MONDAY

Games Night in the bar

Giant Jenga, Monopoly Deal, Pass the pigs, FIFA 22, plus a lot more. And as always, free pool & darts!

WEDNESDAY

Pub Quiz in the Storm Cellar

Join us at the bar for a team Trivia night or Disco Bingo with cool prizes to win every week!

THURSDAY

Tournament Night at the Storm Cellar

Elimination pool tournament or pong tournament down at the bar. All skill levels welcome.

FRIDAY

Storm Cellar's Karaoke Night

Absolutely no talent required. In fact, the less talent the better. Drink specials all night!

SATURDAY

Group Hike

Join this easy to moderate group hike of 2.5 hours return to either Tunnel Mountain or Surprise Corner. Check front desk for details.

SUNDAY

Pub Crawl

Join us for Banff's locals' night and tour the best bars in town! The tour departs from the Storm Cellar.

Work for Stay

Earn your stay, make some friends, and extend your adventure with our volunteering program.

Restaurant & Bar

On-site cafe & restaurant

COUGAR PETE'S

Serving a full menu for breakfast and dinner, with mountain views on the patio!

Check out the menus

On-site newly renovated bar

THE STORM CELLAR

Pool table, karaoke, jams, trivia nights, and happy hour everyday from 7 to 8pm!

Learn more

Packages & Promos

Banff Job Seeker Package

HI Banff Alpine Centre

Special on 14 nights to start your job hunt in Banff.

Details

HI Member Discounts

CELITECH

Save 15% on your eSIM data plan

More Info
Moose Travel Network

10% off your next adventure with Moose

More Info
Hertz Car Rental

Get up to 10% car and van rentals around the world

More Info
Bounce

15% off your luggage storage

More Info
Banff Cycle
Banff, AB

10% off all bike rentals and tours

More info
Freeheelin' Adventures

Get 10% off on all hiking, snowshoeing and nordic ski tours

More info
Sundog Transportation

Get 20% off bus transfers between hostels in the Rockies

More Info
Poparide

Get $5 off your first ride on Poparide

More Info
Radium Hot Springs

Get 15% off regular admission at the hot springs

More Info
Snowtips-Bactrax
Banff, AB

Get 10% off all gear and equipment rentals

More Info

Tap into HI's huge network of discounts the moment you get your membership card. You can keep saving while you travel and long after you get back.

More Discounts

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