Working at HI Edmonton

Living and working in Festival City

Edmonton's really got the best of both worlds. This vibrant city will give you your culture fix, while allowing you to escape to nature whenever you'd like — in fact, Edmonton's downtown itself is basically surrounded by parkland. At HI Edmonton, we're a team of travellers that equally love to hit up a festival in the city after work and spend our weekends exploring the mountains of Jasper. If you're keen for chill workdays, you love the backpacker vibe, and you're ready to make new friends, look no further. Apply now to join our fam!

Meet your managers

Greg Waskul, General Manager

Greg is a well-seasoned traveller who started his HI career as a front desk agent and housekeeper at the HI hostel in Jasper. He eventually accepted a position as the Group Reservations coordinator for the five HI hostels in the Jasper National Park. In 2006, Greg moved to Edmonton and became the assistant manager of HI Edmonton until the spring of 2009, when he was promoted to General Manager. When he's not on duty, you'll find Greg playing guitar, reading, and going for walks in the river valley.

Freddy Joyal, Assistant Manager

Freddy is originally from India. He moved to Toronto in 2012 and got there his post graduate diploma in Hospitality Management. He then moved to Edmonton late December in 2014 when he accepted the position of assistant manager at HI Edmonton— he has been with HI ever since. When he is off work, he enjoys going for walks in River Valley and Whyte Ave, and spending time with friends and family.

Staff Amenities
Living Here
Our Stories

Staff Amenities

Being part of our team means meeting people from all over the world - our guests, of course - but you'll also find new friendships among our super diverse staff. You'll become a part of our family- where we're constantly supporting each other both at work and at play.

On top of all that, you'll even have the opportunity to stay at other HI hostels for free on your days off, thanks to our HI FAM trips program – hello, weekends in the Rockies!

  • Free coffee and tea all day
  • Free cereal bars and instant oatmeal if you feel a little peckish
  • Free meals during social events for guests
  • Free bike rental
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Free FAM trips

Live your best life

in Edmonton

Edmonton is home to a super diverse population and is known as one of the most affordable cities in Canada. Besides, because of its proximity to nature, it really is a great compromise for those who love the outdoors but still need that lively city vibe - there's tons of things to do here!

Here's a few of our team's favourite Edmonton outings:


EXPLORING THE RIVER VALLEY

The North Saskatchewan river that winds through the city is boarded with beautiful and immense parkland, the River Valley. Explore it all while canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, hiking and biking, and even gold panning!

HIT WHYTE AVENUE

Go on the perfect afterwork stroll straight outside the hostel! Get to know the shops, cafes, bars, and don't miss the live entertainment on Whyte Avenue and our Old Strathcona neighbourhood.

EXPLORE WEST ED

West Edmonton Mall is simply the largest shopping mall in North America. Have you ever seen a mall with such rad activities like an entire amusement park (with roller coasters and all!) a swimming pool, a water park with marine life shows, a mini golf, laser tag or a skating rink? We have.

ATTEND THE FRINGE FEST

If you're gonna be living in Edmonton, you HAVE to go to its festivals, especially the Fringe! Did we even mention Edmonton is nicknamed Festival City? You'll get why.

Hear it From Our Staff

"We are all a family at HI Edmonton and working here is always fun and exciting. I get to build great connections with fellow travelers and help them experience the city a bit more with all the info and details that only a local would know."

Fel, MIT


"I have been working at HI Edmonton for around 10 years and have met countless awesome people from all around the world, worked with amazing staff and management. Everyday is something new at the hostel and I look forward to many more years of memories with amazing people all around."

Dan, Maintenance


"The thing I love most about working at the hostel is getting to meet people from all over the world. Everyone has an interesting story about their journey and where they are travelling from. Working here, I have learned more about different cultures than I have anywhere else, and I absolutely love it."

Amanda, Front Desk