Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel offers cozy accommodations in the heart of Kananaskis Country.
If you’re looking for a base camp for adventure close to Calgary, stay at Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel. Tucked unassumingly between the Bill Milne and Skogan Trailheads, Kananaskis Hostel is a lot bigger (and nicer) than it looks from the outside. Dorm rooms are available for groups, and private rooms are available for 2-3 people (or 4 if the 4th person doesn’t mind sleeping on the floor). We loved staying here during ski season and will definitely stay here again!
It’s dusk when we arrive and Manager, Anita Szuster is getting a fire going in the living room while two families prepare dinner in the kitchen. As we unpack and settle in, skiers and ice climbers return from mountain adventures, hungry but happy. “I feel like I just ran a marathon – without training!” Stefan says of his first ice climb of the season (200 metres in -30C!).
Of all the wilderness hostels in Alberta, Kananaskis Hostel is the most luxurious with showers and electricity. Anita confesses to being a foodie and it shows in her well appointed kitchen with all the cookware you need to prepare a gourmet meal. Thoughtful items like cooking oil, pancake syrup, tea and coffee are available for all to enjoy.
After a simple supper (good ol’ mac and cheese), we curl up by the fire to play cards. The frigid weather has resulted in some cancellations, so there’s lots of space in the common areas. Our girls are soon playing with the other kids as we chat with fellow guests. Everyone here has a common goal – to get away from the city and enjoy nature – so conversation flows easily. We discover that most of the guests are local, but a few are from Germany!
Our two-night stay flies by despite the chilly weather. We hike to Troll Falls, cross country ski, and downhill ski, dine in Kananaskis Village, and start planning our next trip.
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Things to Do While Staying at Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel
WINTER FUN: From snowshoeing and ice skating, to ice climbing and fat biking there is something fun for everyone! To make the most of your stay at Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel, check out my story: 10 Things to Do This Winter in Kananaskis Valley.
SUMMER FUN: In summer, hike Troll Falls, Galatea Creek, Ribbon Creek, or Centennial Ridge Trail, bike the Bill Milne Trail (our favorite paved bike trail in Kananaskis), go fishing at Mount Lorette Ponds, or explore nearby Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.
Know Before You Go
Clean and cozy Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel accommodates 41 people in (all male or all female) dorm rooms and 3 private rooms. Bedding and towels are provided.
The private rooms sleep 3, but an extra mattress can be provided for a family with two young children. The private rooms are pretty tight for 4 people, so don’t overpack!
The hostel has electricity, a full kitchen, fireplace, and showers. There is also a fire pit and outdoor volleyball court outside.
Getting Here
Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel is located 100 km from Calgary. Take Highway 1 / Trans Canada Highway west to the Highway 40 South / Kananaskis Trail exit. Continue for 23 km. At the signs for Nakiska and Delta Kananaskis Lodge, turn right onto Mount Allan Drive. Take your first left onto Centennial Drive, then first right onto Ribbon Creek Road. The hostel will be on your right.
For More Information
To book your stay or get more information, visit Hostelling International Canada – Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel.
Related Posts
- Hiking Yates Mountain (aka Prairie View Trail)
- Lillian Lake and Galatea Lakes
- Rawson Lake and Sarrail Ridge
- King Creek Ridge
- Ribbon Creek Snowshoe Trail
