Get to know HI Canada
85 years of
hostelling experience in Canada
Hostelling International Canada is part of the world's largest hostel network made up of 3,300 hostels in 64 countries. Over forty of those hostels are right here in Canada, from the Pacific to the Atlantic.
HI Canada is a not-for-profit, member-based organization and all of our hostels are regularly inspected for high quality standards.
Membership is the heart and soul of Hostelling International. An HI membership is more than just an affordable place to sleep. By joining our community of travellers, HI hostels will open the door to meeting new people, learning about amazing places and understanding different cultures. Your HI membership will help you see the world while supporting our mission.
Our Mission
To build a community of conscious travellers who share a greater understanding of people, places and cultures
Our History
Back in 1933, Mary Belle and Catherine Barclay, two sisters from Alberta, established the first hostel in a tent in Bragg Creek, just west of Calgary. Together they officially founded and then registered the Canadian Youth Hostel Association in 1938 (now HI Canada).
Sustainability
HI Canada is committed to accepting sustainability as our responsibility, considering the socio-cultural, ecological and economic impacts of our business decisions, and measuring and sharing our successes and failures as we go.
Starting a Hostel
Ever dream of running your own hostel? Affiliating your privately-owned hostel with HI Canada means you'll be part of a worldwide community of hostels and benefit from HI Canada's national and international marketing efforts.
HI Hostels Around the World
Hostelling International Canada is one of the national youth hostel associations that make up Hostelling International (HI). There are 64 of these national associations around the world representing 3,300 hostels and all are required to meet HI's internationally-agreed assured standards for comfort, so you can rely on consistency wherever you stay.