What are the most affordable attractions for backpackers to visit in Alberta, Canada?

For budget-conscious travellers in Alberta, hiking in Banff and Jasper National Parks is unbeatable. Many trails are free to access, offering stunning mountain views. Exploring the numerous provincial parks, like Kananaskis Country, provides similar opportunities at a lower cost than the national parks. In Calgary, the free pathways along the Bow River offer lovely walks and cycling opportunities. Another great option is visiting the numerous free museums in smaller towns across the province, offering a glimpse into local history and culture.

What are the best hostels in Alberta?

Among the hostels in Alberta, Canmore Downtown Hostel , Samesun Banff Hostel and Hi Lake Louise Alpine Centre - Hostel are the most popular ones.

What are some unmissable, lesser-known spots in Alberta, Canada?

Beyond Banff and Jasper, consider exploring the Waterton Lakes National Park, offering incredible scenery and less crowded trails. Headwaters Valley in Kananaskis Country is a hidden gem with beautiful hiking and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller is a fascinating, less-visited attraction for dinosaur enthusiasts. For a unique experience, visit the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Indigenous history.

What are the best hostels for families and kids in Alberta?

The best hostels for families and kids in Alberta are Canmore Downtown Hostel , Hi Lake Louise Alpine Centre - Hostel and Basecamp Lodge Canmore .

What are the best nightlife spots in Alberta, Canada?

Calgary's 17th Avenue offers a vibrant mix of pubs and clubs. In Edmonton, Whyte Avenue is known for its diverse nightlife scene, ranging from lively pubs to more sophisticated cocktail bars. Banff Avenue in Banff townsite has a lively atmosphere, particularly during the summer months, with many pubs and restaurants catering to tourists. Smaller towns across Alberta, particularly those near national parks, offer a more relaxed, local pub scene.

What are the best pet friendly hostels in Alberta?

The best pet friendly hostels in Alberta are Party Hostel - The Canmore Hotel Hostel , The Plush Suite and Home Sweet Hostel .

What’s the ideal length of stay to get a full experience of Alberta, Canada?

A minimum of two weeks allows for a good overview of Alberta's diverse landscapes and attractions, encompassing both the mountains and the prairies. However, a month would provide a more thorough exploration, allowing ample time for hiking, wildlife viewing, and discovering smaller towns and cities. A longer stay would allow for more in-depth exploration of specific interests.

What are the best hostels with parking in Alberta?

Canmore Downtown Hostel , Samesun Banff Hostel and Hi Lake Louise Alpine Centre - Hostel are the best hostels with parking in Alberta.

Does Alberta, Canada offer any iconic natural events?

Yes, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible in northern Alberta, particularly during winter months. Wildflower blooms in the mountain parks during summer months are a spectacular natural event, transforming the landscapes with vibrant colours. The changing colours of the aspen trees in autumn create breathtaking scenery across the province.

Are there special cultural workshops or experiences to explore in Alberta, Canada?

Many communities across Alberta offer workshops and experiences related to Indigenous culture, including storytelling, traditional crafts, and drumming. Several museums and cultural centres provide opportunities to learn about the province's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Many ranches offer authentic cowboy experiences, including horseback riding and demonstrations of traditional skills.

How can you dive deeper into the culture and connect with locals in Alberta, Canada?

Visiting local farmers' markets allows you to interact with producers and learn about regional food. Attending community events and festivals provides opportunities to meet locals and experience local traditions. Staying in smaller towns and guesthouses, rather than large hotels, often offers more opportunities for interaction with residents. Consider joining a guided tour focusing on local culture and history.

Which restaurants and bars in Alberta, Canada offer the best local cuisine?

Many restaurants in Calgary and Edmonton offer modern takes on traditional Alberta cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Smaller towns and cities often have unique restaurants reflecting local traditions and ingredients. Look for restaurants featuring bison, elk, or wild game, as well as locally grown produce. Many breweries and distilleries are emerging across the province, offering opportunities to sample locally crafted beverages.

Alberta Hostels at the Best Price

9.4 220 reviews

Alberta

07/08 – 13/08

SG$163/nighttotal: SG$978 (6 )

Hi Nordegg - Hostel

1 3

hostel , Rocky Mountain House

HI Nordegg - Hostel is located in the charming mountain town of Nordegg, about an hour's drive west of Rocky Mountain House, offering a tranquil escape from the city. The hostel has excellent user, location and cleanliness ratings, making it a popular choice for travellers.
The hostel has one bedroom and bathroom, covering 11 square metres. Amenities include a shared kitchen, a terrace, a garden, a sauna, a jacuzzi, a restaurant, room service, parking, and free Wi-Fi, perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery and outdoor activities.

8.8 246 reviews

Alberta

17/07 – 21/07

SG$105/nighttotal: SG$420 (4 )

Hi Kananaskis Wilderness - Hostel

1 2

hostel , Canmore

The HI-Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel is located in the Kananaskis region, just under a mile from the Nakiska Ski Resort and a 55-minute drive from Banff. It has consistently received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness and overall experience.
The hostel offers a range of facilities for guests, including a shared kitchen and barbecue area, a comfortable lounge with a fireplace and outdoor seating with a fire pit. Guests can also enjoy free snowshoe rentals, ski storage and easy access to Highway 1, making it an ideal base for exploring the Canadian Rockies.

8.9 582 reviews

Alberta

21/09 – 22/09

SG$537/nightfor 1 night

Canmore Alpine Hostel - Alpine Club Of Canada

1 2

hostel , Canmore

The Canmore Alpine Hostel - Alpine Club of Canada is situated just 2.8 miles outside Canmore's town centre, a short drive from the Silvertip Golf Course and the Canmore Nordic Centre. The hostel consistently receives very good ratings for its location, cleanliness and overall experience.
The hostel offers a variety of shared rooms and a family room with a kitchenette. Guests can enjoy a shared kitchen, lounge with fireplaces, games room, furnished terrace, and access to a fitness centre, tennis court, and free bicycle rentals.

9.6 23 reviews

Alberta

25/08 – 26/08

SG$133/nightfor 1 night

Hi Canmore - Alpine Club Of Canada

1 2

hostel , Canmore

HI-Canmore - Alpine Club Of Canada is located 4.5 km from Canmore town centre, overlooking the Bow Valley with stunning views of the Three Sisters Mountains. The hostel has excellent user ratings, making it a popular choice for travellers.
The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, from the main hostel to private cabins. The main hostel features a large kitchen, a relaxing lounge area, and a deck with panoramic views. Guests can enjoy nearby hiking trails, climbing routes, and winter sports opportunities.

8.9 3861 reviews

Alberta

19/06 – 20/06

SG$551/nightfor 1 night

Basecamp Lodge Canmore

1 2

hostel , Canmore

Basecamp Lodge Canmore is conveniently located in Canmore, within walking distance of the town centre and close to the highway, making it ideal for exploring the surrounding area. The lodge has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall user experience.
The hostel offers a range of amenities, including a wood-burning fireplace lounge, a cedar sauna, and a fitness centre. Guests can also enjoy complimentary WiFi, on-site parking, and a continental breakfast basket in each room.

9.1 2772 reviews

Alberta

19/06 – 20/06

SG$394/nightfor 1 night

Canmore Downtown Hostel

1 2

hostel , Canmore

Canmore Downtown Hostel is located in the centre of Canmore, within easy walking distance of the town's main street and a short drive from the hiking trails of Banff National Park. The hostel has received excellent ratings for its location, cleanliness and overall experience.
The hostel offers a range of rooms, including family rooms, and features a shared kitchen and lounge, where guests can prepare meals and socialise. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a bar, as well as the convenience of parking and room service.

8.4 4031 reviews

Alberta

30/06 – 01/07

SG$255/nightfor 1 night

Hi Calgary City Centre - Hostel

1 4

hostel , Calgary

Hi Calgary City Centre - Hostel is located in downtown Calgary, within walking distance of attractions like Studio Bell, the Central Library, and the Calgary Stampede. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, with an excellent location rating.
The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, including private rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a communal kitchen, a reading room, a terrace, and a garden, as well as free amenities like breakfast, WiFi, and access to a fitness centre.

8.9 7563 reviews

Alberta

29/06 – 30/06

SG$414/nightfor 1 night

Hi Banff Alpine Centre - Hostel

1 4

hostel , Banff

The Hi Banff Alpine Centre - Hostel sits just outside Banff town centre, a short four-minute drive away, offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. This hostel has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, from private rooms to dormitories, some with private bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities and activities, including a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, swimming pool, and free access to the local bus system.

Alberta

25/06 – 26/06

SG$193/nightfor 1 night

Canalta High River

1 2

hostel , High River

The Ramada by Wyndham High River is situated close to the town centre, making it easy to explore the shops and restaurants of High River. The hotel is a 3-star establishment, offering a comfortable and convenient stay.
The hotel features a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, and restaurant. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s garden, terrace, and barbecue area.

9.1 280 reviews

Alberta

25/08 – 26/08

SG$103/nightfor 1 night

Hi Rampart Creek - Hostel

1 2

hostel , Jasper

The Hi Rampart Creek Hostel is situated 90 kilometres north of Lake Louise, a two-hour drive from Jasper and 146 kilometres from Banff, in a remote wilderness area offering a truly immersive experience in the Canadian Rockies. The hostel has received very good ratings for user experience, location and cleanliness.
The hostel is a rustic accommodation with shared dormitory rooms featuring wooden furnishings and plenty of natural light. Guests can enjoy a common kitchen, a shared lounge, an outdoor fire pit, a sauna, and a terrace or balcony, as well as snowshoes provided for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Alberta

22/06 – 28/06

SG$368/nighttotal: SG$2208 (6 )

Canalta Airdrie

2 6

hostel , Airdrie

The Canalta Airdrie hotel is situated 1 kilometre from Airdrie town centre, offering convenient access to local amenities.
This 2-star establishment provides guests with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, fitness centre, and on-site restaurant and bar, alongside free parking and family-friendly game rooms.

9.6 224 reviews

Alberta

30/06 – 01/07

SG$201/nightfor 1 night

Hi Beauty Creek

1 4

hostel , Jasper

HI-Beauty Creek is located near the Sunwapta River in Jasper National Park, just one kilometre from the Beauty Creek/Stanley Falls hike and a 15-minute drive from the Athabasca Glacier/Columbia Ice-field Centre. It is a highly-rated hostel with excellent reviews from previous guests.
The hostel offers a unique off-grid experience with no electricity or running water, providing a truly rustic and immersive wilderness experience. It features a fully equipped kitchen with propane lighting, BBQ, stovetops, heaters, and a fridge, and guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as ping-pong, badminton, row-boating, board games, hammock swinging, and campfire gatherings.

Best Alberta hostels with breakfast included

Among the 106 accommodations in Alberta, here are the 2 best hostels with breakfast included

8.8 4783 reviews

Alberta

19/06 – 20/06

SG$313/nightfor 1 night

Samesun Banff Hostel

1 2

hostel , Banff

Samesun Banff Hostel is located just a short five-minute walk from the shops and bars of downtown Banff, making it ideal for exploring the town's vibrant atmosphere. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, with an excellent location rating. Each dorm room features a private bathroom, ensuring greater privacy and convenience. Guests can enjoy a fully licensed bar and restaurant, a fully equipped common kitchen, and a cosy common room for relaxation, as well as barbecue facilities and laundry facilities.

Alberta

07/08 – 13/08

SG$211/nighttotal: SG$1266 (6 )

Best Western Plus Lacombe Inn & Suites

1 3

hostel , Lacombe

The Best Western Plus Lacombe Inn & Suites is conveniently located in Lacombe, a short distance from the city centre, offering easy access to local attractions.
This 2-star hotel boasts an indoor and outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and on-site restaurant and bar, alongside family-friendly amenities such as playrooms.

Top cities

Best Alberta hostels with a locker

8.4 1879 reviews

Alberta

10/07 – 12/07

SG$175/nighttotal: SG$350 (2 )

Jasper Downtown Hostel

1 2

hostel , Jasper

Jasper Downtown Hostel is conveniently located in the centre of Jasper, just a 12-minute drive from Lake Annette Beach. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, with an excellent location rating.
The hostel offers a variety of accommodation options, including both shared and private rooms. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, tennis court, fitness centre, garden, and a bar.

Alberta

29/06 – 30/06

SG$661/nightfor 1 night

The Inn On Officer's Garden

2 4

hostel , Calgary

The Inn on Officer's Garden, a hostel in Calgary, is located in a district offering convenient access to local attractions.
This accommodation provides complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning in select rooms, and a garden, with room service and laundry services also available for guest convenience.

8.8 2663 reviews

Alberta

20/06 – 27/06

SG$84/nighttotal: SG$588 (7 )

Hi Edmonton - Hostel

1 2

hostel , Edmonton

Hi Edmonton - Hostel is located just off Whyte Avenue, a lively entertainment district in Edmonton, and is within 1.9 miles of the University of Alberta. The hostel has received very good ratings for its location, cleanliness, and overall experience.
The accommodation offers a communal kitchen, TV room, and library for guests to socialise. Guests can also enjoy a relaxing outdoor courtyard with barbecue facilities, free parking, Wi-Fi, linens, towels, coffee, and tea throughout the day.

Alberta

31/07 – 02/08

SG$445/nighttotal: SG$890 (2 )

Party Hostel - The Canmore Hotel Hostel

1 2

hostel , Canmore

The Party Hostel - The Canmore Hotel Hostel is located in Canmore, offering direct access to winter sports facilities and ski opportunities.
This accommodation provides guests with complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site parking, a restaurant, bar, and kitchens, alongside laundry and room service for convenience.

Frequently asked questions about hostels in Alberta

What are the most affordable attractions for backpackers to visit in Alberta, Canada?
For budget-conscious travellers in Alberta, hiking in Banff and Jasper National Parks is unbeatable. Many trails are free to access, offering stunning mountain views. Exploring the numerous provincial parks, like Kananaskis Country, provides similar opportunities at a lower cost than the national parks. In Calgary, the free pathways along the Bow River offer lovely walks and cycling opportunities. Another great option is visiting the numerous free museums in smaller towns across the province, offering a glimpse into local history and culture.
What are the best hostels in Alberta?
Among the hostels in Alberta, Canmore Downtown Hostel, Samesun Banff Hostel and Hi Lake Louise Alpine Centre - Hostel are the most popular ones.
What are some unmissable, lesser-known spots in Alberta, Canada?
Beyond Banff and Jasper, consider exploring the Waterton Lakes National Park, offering incredible scenery and less crowded trails. Headwaters Valley in Kananaskis Country is a hidden gem with beautiful hiking and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller is a fascinating, less-visited attraction for dinosaur enthusiasts. For a unique experience, visit the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Indigenous history.
What are the best hostels for families and kids in Alberta?
The best hostels for families and kids in Alberta are Canmore Downtown Hostel, Hi Lake Louise Alpine Centre - Hostel and Basecamp Lodge Canmore.
What are the best nightlife spots in Alberta, Canada?
Calgary's 17th Avenue offers a vibrant mix of pubs and clubs. In Edmonton, Whyte Avenue is known for its diverse nightlife scene, ranging from lively pubs to more sophisticated cocktail bars. Banff Avenue in Banff townsite has a lively atmosphere, particularly during the summer months, with many pubs and restaurants catering to tourists. Smaller towns across Alberta, particularly those near national parks, offer a more relaxed, local pub scene.
What are the best pet friendly hostels in Alberta?
The best pet friendly hostels in Alberta are Party Hostel - The Canmore Hotel Hostel, The Plush Suite and Home Sweet Hostel.
What’s the ideal length of stay to get a full experience of Alberta, Canada?
A minimum of two weeks allows for a good overview of Alberta's diverse landscapes and attractions, encompassing both the mountains and the prairies. However, a month would provide a more thorough exploration, allowing ample time for hiking, wildlife viewing, and discovering smaller towns and cities. A longer stay would allow for more in-depth exploration of specific interests.
What are the best hostels with parking in Alberta?
Canmore Downtown Hostel, Samesun Banff Hostel and Hi Lake Louise Alpine Centre - Hostel are the best hostels with parking in Alberta.
Does Alberta, Canada offer any iconic natural events?
Yes, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible in northern Alberta, particularly during winter months. Wildflower blooms in the mountain parks during summer months are a spectacular natural event, transforming the landscapes with vibrant colours. The changing colours of the aspen trees in autumn create breathtaking scenery across the province.
Are there special cultural workshops or experiences to explore in Alberta, Canada?
Many communities across Alberta offer workshops and experiences related to Indigenous culture, including storytelling, traditional crafts, and drumming. Several museums and cultural centres provide opportunities to learn about the province's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Many ranches offer authentic cowboy experiences, including horseback riding and demonstrations of traditional skills.
How can you dive deeper into the culture and connect with locals in Alberta, Canada?
Visiting local farmers' markets allows you to interact with producers and learn about regional food. Attending community events and festivals provides opportunities to meet locals and experience local traditions. Staying in smaller towns and guesthouses, rather than large hotels, often offers more opportunities for interaction with residents. Consider joining a guided tour focusing on local culture and history.
Which restaurants and bars in Alberta, Canada offer the best local cuisine?
Many restaurants in Calgary and Edmonton offer modern takes on traditional Alberta cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients. Smaller towns and cities often have unique restaurants reflecting local traditions and ingredients. Look for restaurants featuring bison, elk, or wild game, as well as locally grown produce. Many breweries and distilleries are emerging across the province, offering opportunities to sample locally crafted beverages.

Nearby regions

Best Alberta hostels with air conditioning

Alberta

25/06 – 26/06

SG$193/nightfor 1 night