HI Nordegg, HI Castle Mountain, HI Kananaskis and HI Yoho National Park are great options for those new to the Canadian wilderness. You’ll get electricity, indoor toilets and hot showers, but these hostels are still surrounded by nature and provide a true getaway from the city and all the hustle and bustle that comes with it.

Got some backcountry experience under your belt and craving an even more rustic wilderness stay? Head to HI Hilda Creek, tucked deep in the heart of the Rockies along the Icefields Parkway.

This unstaffed, unmonitored hostel offers a true off-grid experience, so be prepared for changing winter conditions. If you're venturing into avalanche terrain—like the stunning Parker Ridge—transceivers, probes, and shovels are essential.

To stay, call Central Reservations to book, sign the waiver, and get the key code required to access the building. Once you arrive, you’re on your own. Follow backcountry hut etiquette: treat the hostel as if it were your own, and take care of it for the next adventurer.