HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel — Hotel in Alberta

The hostel is situated near the beautiful Ribbon Creek and it is surrounded by colourful calm scenic views. The location is conveniently located on main roads with plenty of parking space on site. The property is a great place to relax and enjoy hiking, walking, running, jogging, skiing and even outdoor game activities at a reasonable price. The check-in process is quite easy and the on-site manager gives a comprehensive review of the facility. We were pleasantly surprised with both Anita and Matilda, the kind hostel managers that loved what they did with genuine interest in meeting and exceeding the guests' expectations with great services, very much needed expertise, and the happy and warm atmosphere they created in this clean, modern looking hostel. Matilda played guitar and sang for us for a couple of nights. Anita, with a big smile, was always lending a helping hand to us and she made our stay the most pleasant. No wonder why this hostel has ongoing regulars; it's primarily due to the amenities, convenience of the appliances, quiet and cozy space that this property brings to nature and adventure lovers. Also, what a brilliant idea it is to have Anita’s smart well trained dog on site. The playful dog brought a spirit of joy each time she saw us as if she saw us for the first time. Lastly, there is a telescope on site that could be used to spot the Moon, Venus and Jupiter among other celestial bodies. I am also very thankful for meeting wonderful nature lovers, ranging from those who shared their stories, those who we joined in hiking, those who we cooked the supper together, those who we watched the sunrise together, those who we star gazed at together, those who we built things together on-site and those who we played music together. Overall, you will not be disappointed in your stay in this place. Thank you Anita and Matilda for your effective communication, collaborative leadership and excellent customer service and thanks to all we met who have made this experience a unique and unforgettable memory for me and others! See you...

Absolutely loved our stay at this Hi hostel was my first time ever staying at a hostel ever and was very happy with the experience. The location is very pretty right between the mountains. The receptionist was very nice met us with a smile and showed us all around. Very relaxed environment. Be sure to be respectful and kind as the hostel allows lots of freedom and services as long as you do your part. The whole place was clean, warm and beautiful. Was very affordable at $40 dollars a night. Sleeping with 13 other people in the dorm was perfectly fine the bunks are quiet and soft. They provide you with virtually all the things you’d need to enjoy a stay just walking in with the clothes on your back. Would stay here again for sure. The majority of the travellers were inviting, conservative and down to earth. A full on relaxing and welcoming environment. I’d rather stay at a hostel over a hotel any chance I could if it was like this one every time. For the people complaining about the Wifi and it only being able to be used from 6 to 10 it’s not cause they don’t want you stealing wifi it’s because you are between two mountains and they only have so much band width. Be patient I was able to use it the whole time I was here and it never got slow enough it was a problem with the place full. Anyone staying here should be thankful and understand a hotel in Canmore on peak season is going to cost you hundreds of dollars a night and offer a similar or inferior stay. Its 40 dollars a night realign your standards. Thank you Hi...

When I am in the mountains, I would gladly sleep in a ditch if it means I can continue to breathe in the beauty of it all. Luckily for me, I don't have to.

The HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel is not just a place to sleep, but a warm and surprisingly cozy and inviting space to be in. The amenities are not few, either. There is a lovely outdoor firepit where the like-minded mountain enjoyers of the hostel laugh and eat as a community. There are bathrooms and showers with towels provided. I slept in the men's dorm where there was a modest but perfectly suitable bunk bed with bedding provided(bring ear plugs and maybe an eye mask). There is also a full kitchen, a large fridge, laundry machines, and a comfortable lounge stocked with board games.

As for the shining star here, Nancy(the hostel manager at the time) was one of the kindest humans you will ever meet. Not only was her company warm and kind, but she is very knowledgeable about the mountains themselves, as an avid hiker herself, her advice is wise and you would do well to consult her with your questions. Every interaction with her left me smarter or with a smile.

If you can handle shared spaces, you will not regret your stay here. Thank you Nancy, I hope to...