Banff Hostels

All the staff were really friendly and helpful, with some good tips on where to go and what to do - was pointed towards some great MTB trails. Kitchen was always cleaned thoroughly after breakfast, the rooms were cleaned regularly and the shower is good. Stayed in a mixed dorm for a week and had a couple of small issues with a ”princess” in the bunk above me - and mentioned it to the staff, who said they would have a word if required. The ”princess” left - so there was no need for them to intervene - but it was good to know that they won't put up with disruptive guests. Location is a short (10min) flat walk from the very centre of Banff - so couldn't ask for a better location.

I actually enjoyed my stay at this hostel. The staff are very accommodating and welcoming. I stayed in a room with mix men and women. I was surprised at first if I am in the wrong room because when I went in the room there were women. I just confirmed that it was the right room when I saw another male. So, 2 males 4 females. They were actually very kind and they respect each other for example they do not disturb another person because he/she might be resting. It is also good to meet other people of different nationalities. They have a kitchen that we can use. I had 2 breakfasts and it was pretty much a bonus for me. Breakfast was good. They also have their own bar where you cane eat and drink. Overall, amazing!

I stayed at the HI Banff for just 2 nights, and got to experience 2 different ‘types’ of private rooms. I had initially booked online for a 4-6 female dorm (there weren’t any private rooms left on the third agent site when I had placed my booking), but when I asked to be switched to private upon arrival, I was fortunately offered the option to stay at a 6-person dorm - all by myself - for the first night, and then move over to a private log cabin for the second. Both were interesting experiences, and the room decor (especially with the electronic hearth in the log cabin) definitely made you feel like you were staying at a quasi-wilderness hostel. It was fun on the whole, despite the slight inconvenience of having to move between the two nights. Both the shared shower room and the private en suite shower/bathroom were clean and well-maintained, with decent water pressure and hot water supply, which are extremely important things to have when you’re visiting Banff in its subarctic state...! I didn’t use the kitchen or patron the hostel’s restaurant (called Cougar Pete’s), so unfortunately can’t comment on those aspects. I will say, however, that the only downside of this hostel would be its relative distance from downtown Banff (i.e. the centre of Banff Avenue where all the shops and restaurants are located) - it takes a good 20-min uphill walk from Banff Avenue up to Tunnel Mountain Rd where the hostel is located, and for any season that isn’t late spring, summer or early fall (okay, so winter is the biggest issue I guess), I don’t think you’d find walking for 20 plus minutes out in -10 degree Celsius conditions quite the idea of a pleasant stroll, especially after dinner when it’s dark and bitterly cold, lol. There’s of course the option to take public transport (the Roam transit bus), with Bus No. 2 stopping at Douglas Fir station (the hotel right next to HI Banff), but bear in mind this is a bus that comes at 25-minute intervals. So, not the most convenient arrangement, and something to be aware of when planning your itinerary. Overall though, I really enjoyed staying at the HI Banff, and found it a rather lovely experience as a first-time visitor to Banff. On a side but related note, I’ve rarely been let down by the HI chain, and I’ve stayed at more than 7 HI hostels by now...