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

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

Discover HI Canada's
Wilderness Hostels

HI has eleven rustic wilderness hostels tucked among the Rocky Mountains in Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks as well as in Kananaskis Country. Each one is guaranteed to get you right back to the basics, away from screens and distractions, allowing you to appreciate the simple things in life. Take in the fresh air, enjoy some peace and quiet, explore nature on your doorstep and spend time with new friends and old around a toasty fire.

We offer three different types of wilderness hostel experiences that come with different degrees of creature comforts. Keep in mind that seasonal closures may apply and be sure to check our schedule before you head out.

Wilderness Lite

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.

HI Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel

Banff National Park, AB

  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Campfire pit
    Campfire pit
  • Tourist Info
    Tourist Info
  • BBQ
    BBQ
  • Linens provided
    Linens provided

HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel

Kananaskis, AB

  • Free parking
    Free parking
  • Laundry room
    Laundry room
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Free Coffee
    Free Coffee
  • Linens provided
    Linens provided

HI Yoho National Park, Whiskey Jack Wilderness Hostel

Yoho National Park, BC

  • Free parking
    Free parking
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Bike storage
    Bike storage
  • Campfire
    Campfire
  • Linens provided
    Linens provided

HI Nordegg, Shunda Creek Wilderness Hostel

Nordegg, AB

  • Free parking
    Free parking
  • Tourist Info
    Tourist Info
  • Campfire
    Campfire
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Lounge
    Lounge

Classic Wilderness

Kick your rustic hostelling experience up a notch by staying at HI Athabasca Falls, HI Maligne Canyon, HI Mosquito Creek or HI Rampart Creek. You won’t find electricity or running water here, but alternative energy sources power the lights, the kitchen is fully equipped for all your cooking needs and the heated sleeping rooms are the perfect spot to rest your head. It's also said that these wilderness hostels have some of the cleanest and nicest outhouses in the parks! There’s a manager on-site to help you get settled, and easy road access gets you right to the door.

HI Beauty Creek is a classic wilderness hostel in the summer, and gets a bit wilder come winter.

HI Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel

Banff National Park, AB

  • Free parking
    Free parking
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Bike storage
    Bike storage
  • Sauna
    Sauna
  • Linens provided
    Linens provided

HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel

Banff National Park, AB

  • Free parking
    Free parking
  • Campfire
    Campfire
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Sauna
    Sauna
  • Linens provided
    Linens provided

HI Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel

Jasper National Park, AB

  • Free parking
    Free parking
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Bike storage
    Bike storage
  • Campfire
    Campfire
  • Linens provided
    Linens provided

HI Mount Edith Cavell Wilderness Hostel

Jasper National Park, AB

  • Free parking
    Free parking
  • Tourist Info
    Tourist Info
  • Campfire
    Campfire
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Linens provided
    Linens provided

Wildest Wilderness

Got some winter backcountry experience under your belt and want to go it alone? HI Hilda Creek is only accessible on a key-code basis year-round and HI Beauty Creek is key-code access only during the winter.

Because these hostels aren’t staffed or monitored in the winter, prepare for a range of winter conditions. If you're headed into avalanche terrain, transceivers, avalanche probes and shovels are a must. To stay, call Central Reservations to book your trip, sign the waiver and get the key code. Once you’re at the hostel, you’re on your own and expected to operate and care for the hostel as though it were your own.

HI Hilda Creek Wilderness Hostel

Banff National Park, AB

  • Free parking
    Free parking
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Lounge
    Lounge

HI Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel

Jasper National Park, AB

  • Free parking
    Free parking
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Bike storage
    Bike storage
  • Campfire
    Campfire
  • Linens provided
    Linens provided

Rent-a-Hostel

Get an entire wilderness hostel to yourself

Your own private getaway in the Rockies awaits! Rent out an entire wilderness hostel for your exclusive use. Gather around the campfire pit, gaze up at the brilliant night skies and enjoy your own slice of paradise in the wilderness. Each hostel comes with comfortable sleeping quarters for 6 to 40, a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy lounge area with a woodstove, an outdoor campfire pit and a whole lot of peace and quiet.

Ready to book your wilderness adventure?

To book your wilderness hostel experience, book online or contact our Central Reservations Office. Our informed staff will be happy to assist and answer any questions you've got.

For stays at our key code access hostels and for Rent-a-Hostel, you should also know that:

  • Deposits are required
  • A waiver form must be signed
  • Keycode will be given when reservation is completed and paid in full
  • Be sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts in Banff and Jasper prior to heading out.

Inspiring reads for your wilderness trip

Raising adventurous kids through wilderness hostelling

One mom’s reflections on a decade of wilderness adventures with kids.

April 07, 2021
...

HI Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel receives funds to harness the sun

Thanks to your support, we’re now powered by even more sunshine

December 22, 2020
...

My rent-a-hostel staycation in the Rockies wilderness was just what I needed this year

Just you, your bubble and nothing but nature.

December 02, 2020
...

Our favourite bike routes in Kananaskis

Kananaskis offers miles and miles of paved and gravel riding path riding and it's a great way to explore this wilderness playground.

May 13, 2021
...

18 tips for the ultimate Rockies road trip

Where to go is easy, but here’s how to get the most out of this must-do road trip

August 03, 2021
...

September is hands down the best month of the year in the Rockies

Just when you think summer is over...

August 26, 2020
...

9 reasons the Rockies are way better in the winter

Sorry, bears: you snooze you lose.

October 23, 2023
...

How to not be a jerk to wildlife in Canada

They sure look cute and cuddly but they definitely have their etiquette rules.

July 24, 2018
...