HI- Banff Alpine Centre

I stayed in a private room (shared bath with one other room). The room was simple, but comfortable and clean. Concerns I had about staying in hostels generally and shared bathrooms were unfounded in this case. (Bring your own soap and shampoo). Security was very good. There are laundry facilities(cheap) one of the better places to eat in town. Common areas are clean and spacious. Nice, laid back comfortable place in a great location. The shared rooms are also very nice if you are on a stricter budget.

note- the private rooms at HI Banff are much nicer, and private bathroom, and the view is awesome. But this hostel is excellent!

Unique Quality: Most people said this is one of the nicest hostels in Canada, clean, spacious and well run.

Check in is not until late _3 pm if i remember correctly,,,,but you can put your stuff in a locker until then if need be.

Staff is your normal hostel staff of young Canadians, Australians, English and other Europeans. Friendly and intent on keeping the hostel nice and clean and a pleasant experience for all.

You will notice that people of all ages stay here. Its really not a party hostel. The lounge upstairs is especially comfortable and a nice place to talk to other travellers

my first impression was "oohh" its wasnt a normal hostel, looked like a national park lodge with wood structure and a shelter or terrace to have breakfast or enjoy the sunset. Once inside was terrific the lobby was on the first floor with internet acces, a pool, and wifi area and for sure a fireplace.
on the main floor reception area and the restaurant with lots of information leaflets and maps.. the restaurant is the breakfast area in the morning but its not for free.. the usual cost is around 10-12 bucks so suggestable in a hiking day before get out. there's also a free kitchen on the underground floor with all sort of tools, fridges and cupboards and spirits machine not expensive. Rooms are so nice, extremmely nice. Usually 2 bunk beds and a double room on the upper part into the same room, accesible by a lader.. so so nice as u can figure out..

Unique Quality: About prices
Shared room $34.50 - $41.50 (Feb, Mar, Mid-Jun-Sep)
$30 (Apr - mid-June, Oct-Jan)

Private room $108 - $117 (Feb, Mar, Mid-Jun-Sep)
$93 (Apr - mid-June, Oct-Jan)

Internet access (free Wi-Fi); Self catering kitchen (2); Onsite Café; Gorgeous common rooms, Ski and Luggage storage, Library, Laundry facilities, Car parking, Conference room, Local discounts, Wheelchair access,

Directions: Getting here its not hard coming from Banff take the Lake Louise exit.. cross the bridge over the motorway and go straight .. then turn right on the main crossroads and just after a second bridge you will see 2 big houses .. the YH is the first one!!

This is one of the nicest hostels I've been in. It is located near the center of Lake Louise town, and about a 20 min walk from the lake. The rooms are quiet and clean. Bathroom and showers are also clean. There is a pretty nice common room with internet access (along with free wireless), games and resources about the region (including some detailed hiking maps of the area). There is also a common room with a TV. Not much to complain about.