HI Banff Alpine Centre — Hotel in Banff

HI Banff Alpine Centre is a big hostel on Roam Bus route 2, (get off at Douglas Fir stop, you can see the hostel opposite, it's not as far away as Google Maps make it look from the stop). I came from Canmore so got a transfer (from Canmore it's $6 by the way) but it'll cost you $2 if you get on from any Roam bus stop in Banff. However once you get to the hostel they have three day Roam bus passes at reception. You just grab another when the one they give you expires. You can travel for free on routes 1 (to gondala mountain), 2 (the hostel one), 4 (Caves and Basin (waste of time) as well as Bow Falls, I walked there and got the bus back). So the fact that the hostel in not in the town itself is really irrelevant since you can travel to town and from town for free. ||You can't check in until 4pm which is a bit ridiculous, but you can store your luggage for free in huge wooden lockers (you just put one of your luggage's locks on the door). Reception also give you a day card giving you access to the main building and the Mary Belle building facilities such as cooking, showers, toilets, wi-fi. Dorm bed selection inthe room is on a first come first gets it scenario, you put a card in a slot on the side of the bed. Which is good as often you don't know which beds are free if people spread their crap around, with towels and stuff on bed railings etc. This system makes it clear, wish other hostels would do it. ||Beds were comfortable, there's also lockers in the room with the same you put your lock on them. Some under the lower bunks too. If you're in the main lodge you can hear karaoke, more so the staff member on the microphone trying to be cool than the singing though. But it isn't that loud. ||Toilets are good, plenty of paper. There's a urinal in the mens' which is good when you get up in the morning so you don't have to wait. Showers had good water pressure and plenty of space to hang your towel (provided by HI by the way, as are sheets) and your used and fresh clothes so they don't get wet. I thought they were always pretty clean.||Reception staff were very helpful. I had a tour to the three lakes that didn't turn up, they let me ring them on their phone and leave messages. Prices for dorm rooms are pricey by hostel norms but it's Banff, all accommodation is more expensive than the norm. There's free refill your water bottle points with cold filtered water. The only thing I think they could do better, especially with how isolated the place is, is to have some cheap groceries especially fruit for sale themselves, and Someone's name Cougar's cafe could still have the more expensive meals it does, but also some more basic cheaper options. The rest of the hostel is about saving money, why not the only place where you can buy food? ||There's also some really good scenic trails that take you overlooking a river, pretty much opposite the hostel (Tunnel Mountain Bench Loop) but people staying there just head on the bus elsewhere and...

A Memorable Stay at Banff Hostel Thanks to Harry Cann!!!!!! I recently had the pleasure of staying at a hostel called Hi Banff with my brother, who isn't much of a traveler, whereas I am. This was his first time experiencing a hostel, and thanks to an amazing the amazing activity guy named Harry, he absolutely loved it. From the outset, Harry's infectious enthusiasm and charming demeanor set the tone for our stay. His warm welcome made my brother feel instantly comfortable and excited about the days ahead. Our first adventure with Harry was the Hoodoo Walk. Harry's extensive knowledge of the local area transformed this walk into a captivating experience of the journey. He shared fascinating insights about the unique rock formations, flora, and fauna, and local legends, making the landscape come alive. My brother, who usually isn't keen on such activities, was thoroughly engaged and fascinated by it all.

Next, we embarked on a two-hour ride into the depths of Banff. Harry expertly guided us through some of the most stunning and lesser-known spots in the area we tried to kind bears but did not see them regardless we still had the best views and experience . His friendly and approachable nature made it easy to ask questions, and his stories kept us entertained throughout the ride he spoofed all other kinds of nature on route. Me and my brother had a fantastic time and appreciated the natural beauty and history that Harry highlighted.

Another one of the highlights of our stay was the quiz night that Harry hosted. His enthusiasm was contagious, and he had an incredible ability to make everyone feel included and excited to participate. The quiz was well-organized and a lot of fun, with a great mix of challenging and entertaining questions. Harry's charisma and sense of humor added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening. It was a fantastic way to meet other travellers and unwind, and my brother particularly enjoyed the friendly sociable atmosphere.

Overall, Harry made our stay at the Banff hostel unforgettable. His charm, knowledge, and friendliness created a welcoming environment that truly enhanced our experience. My brother, who was initially unsure about staying in a hostel, ended up loving every moment. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer like my brother, Harry's activities and presence will undoubtedly make your stay exceptional. I can't recommend him highly...

I had a truly horrible experience at this place today. I booked a two-night stay and arrived about two hours earlier than the official check-in time. The two male staff members who first assisted me were very kind.

After having dinner downtown, I came back a little after 7 p.m., and there was a woman at the front desk. She checked my reservation and told me my room number was 405. When I went to 405, the key card didn’t work. Coincidentally, another male staff member who had earlier brought us towels kindly opened the door for us. We unpacked our things and went out again.

Later, when we tried to return, the key card still didn’t work. I went back to the front desk to explain, but the woman responded in a very rude manner, questioning me as if I was at fault. It even felt discriminatory.

I showed her a video proving that the key card didn’t work, and only then did she say that my room was actually 407, not 405. I told her that she had clearly said 405 earlier, and even another staff member had delivered towels to 405. She admitted it was her mistake but told us to pack up and move to 407.

By then, hours had already passed, and I was exhausted and just wanted to rest. But when I went to 407, the room was already fully occupied by other guests. I had to return to the desk again, carrying heavy luggage with my younger sister, both of us extremely tired. She didn’t apologize, and instead asked for my ID again. After checking, she suddenly changed her words once more, saying that my room was indeed 405.

Because of this, I spent several hours wandering back and forth, unable to rest properly after arriving. It was very stressful and physically exhausting. In the end, she handed me two breakfast coupons, but I honestly felt like tearing them up because throughout the whole ordeal she kept insisting that I was the one who made the mistake.

She claimed she was new, but that does not excuse the unprofessional behavior, lack of apology, and the distress she caused. This was one of the most frustrating and disturbing experiences I have ever...