5 Best Hostels in Canmore: Budget-Friendly Gems in the Rockies

In this entry of Budget Travel Plans, I’m stoked to highlight the five best hostels near Canmore. Given there are only three hostels in Canmore, I’ve listed two alternatives in nearby towns like Banff and Kananaskis.

During a week-long trip in Canmore last summer, my friend and I hiked, ran, and went on a 100-mile bike trip. Along the way, we gathered some tips from locals and found new favorites, including cafes, shops, and trails. I’ve included some of these spots to help you plan your trip beyond just finding accommodation. Let’s get to it!

Note: All prices referenced in this guide are in Canadian Dollars (CAD).

Coming up in this guide:

• Affordable accommodations
• Hikes, cycling trips, and ski resorts
• A nordic spa
• Cafes, microbreweries, and local art

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Hostels in Canmore?

Budget-Friendly Hostels in Canmore

Canmore Downtown Hostel

Canmore Downtown Hostel is in the heart of Canmore, surrounded by stunning views, and close to everything you need. It’s a popular pick among remote workers and has great weekly rates on shared rooms.

The building itself is beautiful and the facilities are immaculate. There’s a large kitchen, lounge, laundry, lockers, WiFi, free parking, and more. It’s also within walking distance of grocers, retail and rental equipment shops, cafes, restaurants, public transportation, and more.

If you’re visiting Canmore from another province or country and prefer not to rent a car, you can reach the Canmore Downtown Hostel by using the Calgary Airport Shuttle or the Banff-Canmore Shuttle.

Local’s Insider Tip

Walk the 15 minutes to 8th Street, where you’ll find many of Canmore’s most frequented shops.

If you want to rent bikes while in Canmore, I highly recommend Rebound Cycle. They have top-of-the-line bikes at reasonable rates — we rented $5,000 Trek carbon road bikes for around $100/day.

HI Canmore: Alpine Club of Canada

HI Canmore isn’t your run-of-the-mill Canmore hostel; it also serves as a clubhouse for the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC), and they host events like weddings and school trips. As such, it’s sometimes difficult to find accommodation here.

This beautiful chalet-style hostel boasts three cabins: the main Clubhouse, Boswell Cabin, and the Bell Cabin. You’ll be treated to incredible views of the Three Sisters, an outdoor deck, a large kitchen, a pool table, and all the essential amenities.

As this is one of the Alpine Club of Canada’s clubhouses, it’s a great spot to meet new friends and like-minded individuals wanting to hike, ski, rock climb, and more. You may even end up joining the ACC!

Local’s Insider Tip

Make some friends at the ACC and head out for a day hike. Some nearby shorter-distance hikes with rewarding views include Ha Ling Peak and East End of Rundle.

Cap off the day by hitting a microbrewery in town. Canmore Brewing Company, Sheepdog, and The Grizzly Paw Taproom (Brewery Location) all have great beers.

HI Banff Alpine Centre

Let’s take the 20-minute trip up to Banff National Park. The HI Banff Alpine Centre is a gorgeous lodge-style hostel just a 5-minute drive from the center of Banff.

They offer some of the most budget-friendly private rooms on this list, making them a great option if you’re traveling with a friend or partner and would rather not stay in a shared dorm. If you want to splurge a little, they even have private cabins.

As HI’s largest hostel in Alberta, you’ll find all the amenities here, including free WiFi, an on-site bar, bike and ski storage, and more.

Local’s Insider Tip

If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a more strenuous hike, try Cory Pass. It’s a 13km loop taking you through breathtaking views of Mount Louis.

If hiking’s not your thing, consider renting a bike and heading out on the Bow Valley. It’s arguably the most stunning bike ride I’ve done. The highway is even closed to cars from May 1 to June 25 and September 1 to October 1, giving more space for cyclists.

HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel

Next up is another hostel from HI, this time in the Kananaskis region. About a 40-minute drive from Canmore, the HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel offers a fantastic introduction to wilderness accommodations, with indoor plumbing and electricity.

One of the best perks of staying here is the lack of light pollution, providing guests with incredible stargazing at night. This hostel is also an ideal base for those wanting to spend their days outside in the mountains and want to end their day with a warm shower.

Local’s Insider Tip

HI Kananaskis is just a two-minute drive from Nakiska Ski Area, making it the perfect crash pad during ski season.

If you want to unwind after a trip to the Rockies, head over to Kananaskis Nordic Spa for hot and cold therapy, including saunas, cold plunges, and more. It’s only a few minutes’ drive from HI Kananaskis.

Canmore Hotel Hostel

Canmore Hotel Hostel is the only hostel on Canmore’s Main Street (8th Street). It’s the most affordable hostel on this list and has a reputation as being Canmore’s party hostel.

Setting expectations before booking this hostel is important as it can be dirty, and the bar below gets noisy. But it deserves consideration if you’re looking for an affordable place to stay in a great spot.

Local’s Insider Tip

Built in 1890, this Canmore hostel holds the unique distinction of being the second oldest continuously operated hotel in Alberta.

If you’re looking for a beautiful, local souvenir before returning home, head to PROJECT A on 8th Street. There, you’ll find ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and more from hundreds of Canadian artists.

Things to Do in Canmore

There are loads of things to do in Canmore, including hikes, guided bike tours, whitewater rafting on the nearby Kananaskis River, and even beginner-level canyoning. If you’re interested in a guided tour, one of the top choices for booking these thrilling activities is through GetYourGuide. Explore their selection of Canmore experiences below:

FAQs about Hostels in Canmore

What is the average price for a hostel in Canmore?

Finding accommodation in mountain towns like Canmore can be challenging, especially when affordable accommodation is the goal. Fortunately, hostels provide an excellent solution.

The average price for a hostel in Canmore can vary depending on the time of year, location, and amenities offered.

Generally, you can expect to find hostel prices in Canmore as follows:

• $40 to $60 per night for a bed in a shared dorm room
• $100 to $150 per night for a private dorm room

Prices might be higher during peak tourist season, generally July and August.

Canmore hostels are cheaper in the low season, the shoulder months between winter and summer. For the best prices, try to visit between April and May or from October through November.

Where can I book Canmore Hostels?

Our favorite place to book Canmore hostels is through Hostelworld and Booking.com to compare prices and read additional reviews.

Further Reading

Looking for more accommodations in Canada? Read our articles below:

• 13 Best Hotels in Downtown St. John’s
• 6 Best Hostels in and around Whistler
• 3 Best Hostels in Jasper National Park
• 18 Best Hotels in Calgary