In this entry of Budget Travel Plans, I’m excited to highlight the six best hostels in Jasper.
While less than 5,000 people live in the small town of Jasper, 2.5 million tourists visit Jasper National Park each year. Backpackers and outdoor lovers find themselves at home regardless of the season, with plenty of day hikes and multi-day treks to choose from in the warmer months and alpine and XC skiing in the winter. Maligne Lake, Marmot Basin ski resort, and the Icefields Parkway are just a few spots that make Jasper special.
The goal of this guide is to cater to various preferences and budgets, including wilderness lodging with breathtaking mountain views and centrally located accommodations within the town of Jasper. After visiting Jasper National Park several times, I’ve added some of my favourite camping spots, hikes, lakes, and ski trips to help plan your trip beyond finding a place to stay.
Let’s get to it!
Note: All prices referenced in this guide are in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Coming up in this guide:
- Budget-friendly accommodations
- Deals on lift tickets
- Hiking and XC skiing trails
- Work for Stay programs
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Hostels in Jasper?
Best Location | Jasper Downtown Hostel |
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers | HI Jasper |
Best Hostel for Couples | HI Mount Edith Cavell |
Best Hostel for Budget Travelers | HI Athabasca Falls |
Budget-Friendly Hostels in Jasper
Jasper Downtown Hostel
Address: | 400 Patricia St, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 Get Directions |
Phone: | (780) 852-2000 |
Location score: | 9.8/10 |
Hostelworld rating: | 9.1/10 |
Google rating: | 4.5/5 |
Shared dorm starting price: | $39/night |
Private room starting price: | $118/night |
Best for: deals on Marmot Basin lift tickets, proximity to public transit, and staying in town
Jasper Downtown Hostel is one of the best hostels in Jasper because of its central location. As one of two hostels in the actual town of Jasper, it’s an excellent option for being within walking distance of the town’s amenities, like grocery stores, restaurants, and bars. It’s also just a block from Jasper’s train and bus station, offering easy access for out-of-town travellers.
As for amenities, Jasper Downtown Hostel has clean dorm and private rooms, a sizeable kitchen, on-site laundry facilities, and secure locker storage. The private rooms also come with ensuite bathrooms for those looking for extra privacy.
Local’s Insider Tip
Pack your skis and head to Marmot Basin with Jasper Downtown Hostels’ exclusive deals on lift tickets. Book a night’s stay at the hostel and get a 10% discount on weekend lift tickets or a 25% discount on weekday lift tickets.
The ski resort is a 20-25 minute drive from Jasper Downtown Hostel, and there are four parking lots at the mountain’s base. SunDog Tours runs daily return shuttles from Jasper to Marmot Basin for only $22 if you don’t have a car. The closest pickup and dropoff location to Jasper Downtown Hostel is at Astoria Hotel, a two-minute walk away.
Marmot Basin has 900 meters of vertical with tons of terrain, including bowls, trees, glades, and groomed runs. Pack some hand and toe warmers, though, as Marmot Basin can get pretty cold.
HI Jasper
Address: | 708 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 Get Directions |
Phone: | (587) 870-2395 |
Location score: | 9.2/10 |
Hostelworld rating: | 9.3/10 |
Google rating: | 4.3/5 |
Shared dorm starting price: | $39/night |
Private room starting price: | $101/night |
Best for: digital nomads, Work for Stay programs, and day trips to Maligne Lake
HI Jasper is the second of two hostels directly in the town of Jasper. It’s also one of five hostels in Jasper National Park operated by HI Canada.
The shared facilities at HI Jasper are top-notch, with an on-site cafe, a massive kitchen, games room, ski storage, and even a small sauna.
HI Jasper is one of the best hostels in Jasper for digital nomads and backpackers because of its large shared lounges with work areas. You’ll find fast WiFi, tables, booths, chairs, and a pool table.
Like many other hostels in the HI family, HI Jasper offers a Work for Stay program. The program is excellent for those looking to barter a bed for their labour and earn extra money. Work for Stay is also a great option if you plan on living in Jasper for a season, as local accommodation can be hard to come by.
Local’s Insider Tip
Take a day trip to Maligne Lake. It’s about a 50-minute drive, door to door from HI Jasper. The 22-km long lake is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies.
If you want to get out on the lake, there’s a canoe and kayak rental on the shoreline at Maligne Lake Boat House. Rentals start at $65 an hour for a kayak and $80 for a canoe.
If you’d prefer to hike, the area has plenty of day hikes, including Mary Shaeffer Loop and Maligne Lake Viewpoint.
HI Athabasca Falls
Address: | Latitude: 52.6607379870158 Longitude: -117.87567790243334 Get Directions |
Phone: | 1 (866) 762-4122 |
Location score: | 9.6/10 |
Hostelworld rating: | 9.5/10 |
Google rating: | 4.7/5 |
Shared dorm starting price: | $36/night |
Private family room starting price: | $100/night |
Best for: staying off-grid, campfires, and being close to hiking trails near Athabasca Falls, Tonquin Valley, and more
As mentioned earlier, HI Canada operates five hostels within Jasper National Park. Four of these hostels are specifically categorized as wilderness hostels, with HI Athabasca being one of them.
HI Athabasca Falls offers a unique lodging experience in a wilderness setting. Staying here is like upscale, off-grid living in a cabin rather than a tent. Typical hostel amenities such as running water or showers are not available, but there’s well water from mountain runoff, a beautiful kitchen, a campfire, and even WiFi. While not in the main town of Jasper, it’s only a 25-minute drive away.
HI Athabasca Falls is our top pick for those looking to save money on a cheap hostel in Jasper. A stay in one of the shared dorm’s bunk beds starts at just $36 per night. They also have private rooms, which start at $100 per night. The private rooms are perfect for a group of friends or a family, comfortably sleeping up to six individuals.
The hostel is within walking distance from Athabasca Falls and has access to great hiking and XC skiing trails.
Overall, this is one of the best hostels in Jasper because of its affordability and proximity to hiking and the town.
Note: HI Athabasca Falls is closed during the day between 10:00am and 5:00pm, so plan your days accordingly.
Local’s Insider Tip
Take the short 30-minute hike from the hostel to Athabasca Falls.
But if you like multi-day hikes, book a permit at Amethyst Lake Campground to take in the incredible views of the Tonquin Valley and the Ramparts mountain range. A two-day out-and-back to Amethyst Lake from the Portal Trailhead will take you through beautiful landscapes with wildflowers, mountains, caribou, and more. To date, it’s one of my favourite hikes in Alberta.
Portal Trailhead is about a 30-minute drive from HI Athabasca Falls. Remember to pack bear spray, as Jasper is home to over 100 Grizzly Bears. You can find more information about campsites and the trail here.
HI Mount Edith Cavell
Address: | Cavell Road, Edith Cavell Trail, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 Get Directions |
Phone: | (778) 328-2220 |
Location score: | 9.1/10 |
Hostelworld rating: | 8.8/10 |
Google rating: | 4.6/5 |
Shared dorm starting price: | $44/night |
Private room starting price: | $708/night (entire 16-bed cabin) |
Best for: an immersive wilderness experience, proximity to the Tonquin Valley, Mount Edith Cavell, and other hiking trails
HI Mount Edith Cavell is another wilderness hostel managed by HI Canada.
The hostel offers an off-the-grid escape in the stunning wilderness near Mount Edith Cavell.
It’s intentionally rustic, providing a unique setting without running water, showers, or even WiFi. However, you’ll discover the charm of off-grid living with a well-equipped kitchen, cozy communal spaces, and unparalleled access to the wilderness.
Note: HI Mount Edith Cavell is closed during the winter for caribou protection.
Local’s Insider Tip
HI Mount Edith Cavell is also near the Tonquin Valley, so my previous recommendation of camping at Amethyst Lake Campground applies here, too.
In addition to exploring the Tonquin Valley, there is great access to Mount Edith Cavell. A few challenging hikes in Mount Edith Cavell include the Meadows Trail, Astoria River Trail, and East Ridge. The Path of the Glacier Trail is a much shorter, easier, but still beautiful hike.
HI Beauty Creek
Address: | Latitude: 52.34409888869148 Longitude: -117.33835768340397 Get Directions |
Phone: | 1 (866) 762-4122 |
Location score: | 8.5/10 |
Hostelworld rating: | 8.3/10 |
Google rating: | 4.6/5 |
Shared dorm starting price: | $44/night |
Private room starting price: | N/A |
Best for: stargazing, a true disconnect from the city, and waterfalls
HI Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel is a true disconnect as this hostel doesn’t have WiFi either. It’s located in the Beauty Creek area and is ideal for those wanting to experience unforgettable nights under the stars and views of the Sunwapta River, Mount Kitchern, and Tangle Ridge.
The hostel is intentionally remote, providing an off-grid experience away from urban distractions. Expect to meet new friends, play ping pong and badminton, and hang out by the campfire.
Note: HI Beauty Creek is closed during the day between 10:00am and 5:00pm, so plan your days accordingly.
Local’s Insider Tip
Explore the nearby Beauty Creek Trail for a great hike with several waterfalls. Here’s a 4km out-and-back route from Beauty Creek to Stanley Falls. It should take about an hour to complete and is a favourite among visitors at the hostel.
HI Maligne Canyon
Address: | Latitude: 52.919514454829525 Longitude: -117.99489813584033 Get Directions |
Phone: | 1 (866) 762-4122 |
Location score: | 9.5/10 |
Hostelworld rating: | 9.2/10 |
Google rating: | 3.8/5 |
Shared dorm starting price: | $36/night |
Private room starting price: | $100/night |
Best for: cheap accommodation, canyoning, ice wall hikes, and appreciating nature
Last but not least is HI Maligne Canyon. There’s no TV, A/C, or WiFi, and your cell phone probably won’t work, but that’s the point! This hostel is located right near Maligne Canyon and is perfect for exploring the canyon during your stay, seeing wildlife during the day, and stargazing at night.
The hostel is fabulously rustic and a complete disconnect. That said, if you need anything, it’s only a 15-minute drive north of Jasper.
Note: HI Maligne Canyon is closed during the day between 10:00am and 5:00pm, so plan your days accordingly.
Local’s Insider Tip
Hike the nearby Maligne Canyon. Here’s the 3.7km loop of Maligne Canyon, which takes about an hour to complete.
The canyon floor freezes during winter and the ice walls are epic. You may even see some ice climbers.
Things to Do in Jasper
Jasper’s activity list is nearly endless. From hiking to skiing to backcountry camping, there’s something for everyone. If you’re interested in a guided tour, one of the top choices is booking through GetYourGuide. Explore their selection of Jasper experiences below:
FAQs about Hostels in Jasper
What is the average price for a hostel in Jasper?
The average price for a hostel in Jasper can vary depending on the time of year, location, and amenities offered.
Generally, you can expect to find hostel prices in Jasper as follows:
- $35 to $45 per night for a bed in a shared dorm room
- $90 to $120 per night for a private dorm room
Prices might be higher during peak tourist season, generally June through August.
Where can I book Jasper Hostels?
Our favorite place to book Jasper hostels is through Hostelworld and Booking.com to compare prices and read additional reviews.
Further Reading
Looking for more affordable accommodations in Canada? Check out the list below:
- 6 Best Hostels in and around Whistler
- 18 Best Hotels in Downtown Calgary
- 13 Best Hotels in Downtown St. John’s
And if you’re looking to head across the world to a ski resort in Niseko, Japan, read our article on the 6 Best Niseko Hotels near Niseko United Resort.
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