Last Updated: September 14, 2023
Canmore is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering incredible hiking, running, and cycling opportunities. I’m keen to return after recently completing a 100-mile bike ride from Canmore to Lake Louise and back.
While finding affordable accommodation in mountain towns can be challenging, hostels provide an excellent solution. There are only two hostels in Canmore that I’d recommend, so I’ve included some more in nearby towns like Banff and Kananaskis in case Canmore is booked up. Keep reading to discover the four best hostels near Canmore.
Coming up in this guide:
- Affordable accommodations
- Hikes, cycling trips, and ski resorts
- Nordic spas
- Cafes, microbreweries, and local art
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Hostels in Canmore?
| Best Location | Canmore Downtown Hostel |
| Best Hostel for Solo Travelers | HI Canmore: Alpine Club of Canada |
| Best Hostel for Couples | HI Banff Alpine Centre |
Budget-Friendly Hostels in Canmore
Canmore Downtown Hostel
| Address: | 201-302 Old Canmore Rd, Canmore, AB T1W 0L5 |
| Phone: | (403) 675-1000 |
| Location score: | 9.5/10 |
| Booking.com rating: | 9.1/10 |
| Google rating: | 4.8/5 |
| Shared dorm starting price: | $50/night |
| Private room starting price: | $149/night |
Canmore Downtown Hostel is the closest to the action in Canmore. It’s within walking distance of most things you need, including grocers, retail and rental equipment shops, cafes, restaurants, and more.
The facilities include a kitchen, lounge, laundry, lockers, WiFi, and more. Moreover, the property has stunning views even from the inside, and the facilities are immaculate.
If you’re traveling from out of province or country, the Canmore Downtown Hostel is conveniently accessible via the Calgary Aiport Shuttle and 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 prices — we rented $5,000 Trek carbon road bikes for around $100/day.
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.
HI Canmore: Alpine Club of Canada
| Address: | Station Main, 201 Indian Flats Rd Box 8040, Canmore, AB T1W 2T8 |
| Phone: | (403) 678-3200 |
| Location score: | 8.9/10 |
| Booking.com rating: | 8.3/10 |
| Google rating: | 4.5/5 |
| Shared dorm starting price: | $65/night |
| Private room starting price: | $290/night |
HI Canmore isn’t your run-of-the-mill hostel in Canmore; 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, and all the essential amenities.
As this is one of the Alpine Club of Canada’s clubhouses, it’s a great spot to meet 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
| Address: | 801 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB T1L 1B3 |
| Phone: | (403) 762-4123 |
| Location score: | 8.5 |
| Booking.com rating: | 9.4 |
| Google rating: | 4.3/5 |
| Shared dorm starting price: | $40/night |
| Private room starting price: | $118/night |
If you can’t secure accommodation at one of Canmore’s hostels, your next best option would be to travel 20 minutes up the road to Banff. 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
| Address: | 1 Ribbon Creek Rd, Kananaskis, AB T0L 2H0 |
| Phone: | 1 (866) 762-4122 |
| Location score: | 9.3/10 |
| Booking.com rating: | 9.0/10 |
| Google rating: | 4.6/5 |
| Shared dorm starting price: | $36/night |
| Private room starting price: | $100/night |
Last on the list 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
You’re 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.
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?
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.
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
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Scott has lived, travelled, and worked in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. He’s a big foodie and loves running and skiing, and these interests have been the main drivers behind most of his trips and moves.
Outside of writing and travelling, he’s an SEO and Growth Consultant advising early-stage startups and small businesses.