Are you wondering where to stay in Jasper? Have you considered staying in one of the wilderness hostels managed by HI Canada? We recently stayed at the HI Maligne Canyon wilderness hostel for a family reunion, which was great.
Tucked away in the heart of Canada’s extraordinary Jasper National Park, the HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel offers a home away from home for adventurous families like yours. Perfectly situated steps away from the renowned Maligne Canyon trail, this hostel lets you wake up in nature and immerse yourself in an outdoor getaway full of awe-inspiring views and fun activities.
This simple yet cozy hostel provides a perfect base camp for your explorations. Whether you’re planning a road trip across Alberta and the Canadian Rockies or aiming for some unforgettable hiking, this hostel is a great place to stay in Jasper.
Here is more information about the HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel and our review.
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How to Get to HI Maligne WildernessCanyon Hostel
Making your way to the hostel is straightforward. It’s located about 11.5 kilometers from the Jasper townsite on Maligne Lake Road. Be sure to watch for wildlife on the side of the road, as sightings are quite common!
Watch for the hostel’s sign as you drive along Maligne Lake Road. The hostel is on the right side of the road, just past the main Maligne Canyon trail parking lot.
Try to arrive during daylight hours. Not only will you be treated to stunning views along the way, but navigating mountain roads is also safer during the day. But note that check-in doesn’t start until 5 PM.
Remember, part of the appeal of the hostel is its more remote location. So, while you won’t find urban conveniences in the immediate vicinity, you will find an array of natural attractions and outdoor activities. Just a short distance away are the beautiful Fifth Bridge and Sixth Bridge, the Maligne Canyon itself, and a network of hiking trails waiting to be explored.
Also, the hostel is in a wilderness setting, and mobile service can be spotty. Ensure your route is mapped out ahead of time, or even better, carry a physical map to avoid getting lost.
But, the hostel is a budget-friendly option for families seeking comfort, a sense of community, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
»» Book Your Stay at HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel
⛔ Just a heads up: there are a few things you need to know before thinking of booking at HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel or any other wilderness hostel. Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel might not be the right fit for you if:
- You can’t spend a day without a hot shower
- You love luxury hotels with on-site restaurants and kids’ club
- You want to be alone and don’t like interacting with strangers
- You need to sleep in a king bed
- You can’t live without good wifi.
If you’re easygoing, love to find ways to travel on a budget with your family and truly love outdoor adventures, then this hostel might be perfect for you.
What to Expect When Staying at HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel – A True Wilderness Experience
Staying at the HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel provides an authentic wilderness experience that brings you closer to nature. However, this also means embracing some unique aspects of hostel living that are different from your typical hotel stay. Here’s what you can expect:
Family Room Setup
The accommodations at this hostel strike the perfect balance between rustic charm and family-friendly comfort. The hostel comprises four (4) shared 6-bed dormitories, split into two cabins.
Each room has three sturdy and comfortable bunk beds. This arrangement not only maximizes space but also adds an element of fun for the little ones.
What kid doesn’t love the excitement of climbing into a top bunk at night?
The beds were surprisingly really comfortable, which isn’t always the case in hostels.
The rooms were clean. You can expect fresh linens, a pillow, and a blanket for each bed. There is electricity in the rooms and a small space to unwind after a day of adventuring.
Each room includes storage areas to stow away your gear and belongings. This helps keep the room organized, ensuring you can quickly find that sun hat or water bottle when needed.
Note that the dormitories are closed daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Basic Sanitation Facilities
In keeping with its wilderness theme, the hostel does not offer showers, flush toilets, or hot water. This is a wilderness hostel, so there are no bathroom facilities. You’ll find two outhouses on the premises. If you stay for a few days, you can visit the HI Jasper downtown and use the showers. You must show proof that you are staying at the HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel.
Limited Connectivity
The hostel is situated deep within Jasper National Park, so there’s no cell service and limited wifi. While it might seem daunting initially, especially for our digital-native kids, this disconnection from the virtual world presents a golden opportunity to reconnect with each other and the natural world around you. It’s time for offline games, storytelling, and good old-fashioned conversation!
The HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel features shared areas, including a kitchen, dining area, and lounges inside and outside. These communal spaces provide a chance to meet and discuss with other adventurous families, share stories, and maybe even make some new friends!
It’s important to respect these shared areas by cleaning up after yourself and being mindful of noise levels, especially during the evening and early morning hours.
It’s a hostel, so you’ll find a shared kitchen. The kitchen is well-equipped with enough place to cook and sit. This means you can cook your family’s favorite meals, a convenient and budget-friendly alternative to dining out.
The hostel has no running water but a huge potable water tank. Guests are invited to fill the water container available in the kitchen when they are empty.
There are a few board games and books available.
Remember, staying at this hostel is not just an overnight stop; it’s an immersion into a simpler way of life, a way to reconnect with the earth and each other.
Other Common Areas
There are also indoor and outdoor common areas where families can gather, play games, or relax. We loved the communal firepit. There is no better way to end the day than enjoying a fire.
Frequent Wildlife Encounters
The hostel’s location in a wilderness setting makes wildlife encounters fairly common. You can observe these beautiful creatures from a safe distance, from majestic elk to awe-inspiring bears.
Remember to follow all safety guidelines when it comes to interacting with wildlife for your safety and theirs. Also, ensure the kids are not running outside the hostel without a parent.
»» Book Your Stay at HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel
What We Loved Staying at HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel – Our Family Highlights
Our stay at the HI Maligne Canyon Hostel was an unforgettable family reunion. We were 6 adults and 6 kids all reunited for a few days. While we explored a lot, we had a great time cooking in the kitchen while the kids were drawings. It was also nice to chat with other travelers.
The kids LOVED that they had bunk beds and that they could all sleep together. Here are some of the highlights that made our time at the hostel truly special:
1. The Digital Detox
In today’s hyper-connected world, the limited cell service and wifi at the hostel offered a much-needed digital detox for our family. This disconnection encouraged us to reconnect with each other and engage in activities that we often overlook, like playing board games, sharing stories, or simply enjoying quiet moments together. It reminded us of the importance of being present and truly savoring our time as a family.
There is wifi available at the hostel, but the signal isn’t really strong.
2. The Unbeatable Location
The hostel’s location is nothing short of incredible. Set on the Maligne Canyon drive, with the Maligne Canyon hike trail within walking distance, every day felt like a new adventure. Whether we were exploring the canyon or simply skipping stones in the river, the proximity to these natural wonders was a big win for our family.
3. The Wilderness Environment
From spotting wild animals to stargazing under the clear, dark sky, these experiences added a dash of magic to our stay. Knowing that a bear was on the hostel premises the day before our arrival was a little scary.
We made sure the kids were never alone outside.
4. The Super Friendly and Helpful Staff
A big shout-out to the hostel staff, who went above and beyond to ensure we had a comfortable and enjoyable stay. They were super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, offering tips on local attractions, safety guidelines for wildlife encounters, and even the best spots for stargazing.
We even had a special kids’ yoga class. Plus, we were able to borrow a telescope to do some stargazing. Sadly no one stayed late enough the see the stars; it was really nice from the staff.
5. The Outdoor Firepit
The outdoor firepit was undoubtedly one of our favorite features of the hostel. There was something really special about gathering around a crackling fire, sharing stories, and simply soaking in the warmth of the fire and each other’s company.
F.A.Q Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel
What are the check-in and check-out times at HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel?
Check-in at HI Maligne Canyon Hostel begins around 5 PM until 10 PM, and check-out is by 10 AM.
How much does it cost to stay at HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel?
The cost of staying at this hostel varies depending on the season and room type. It’s best to check their website or call directly for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
How do I get to HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel?
The hostel is located within Jasper National Park. If you’re driving, it’s accessible via Highway 16 (Yellowhead Highway), followed by Maligne Road. Please use a reliable GPS or map for precise directions from your starting point.
Children under the age of 5 years old are not allowed in shared dormitories. You’ll need to book the entire 6-bed dormitory. It’s best to contact the hostel directly for their specific policy on children in shared dorms.
Does HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel offer private rooms?
No, the hostel doesn’t offer private rooms. You’ll have to book the entire dormitory or booked at HI Jasper.
Are linens and towels provided at HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel?
The hostel provides bed linens and blankets, but towels are not included since no showers are onsite.
Is there a kitchen available for guests to use at HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel?
Yes, there is a communal kitchen area where guests can prepare their own meals.
What are the 10 HI Wilderness Hostels in the Canadian Rockies?
There are 10 HI Wilderness Hostels in the Canadian Rockies in Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks and Kananaskis Country.
- HI Hilda Creek Wilderness Hostel (Banff NP);
- HI Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel (Jasper NP);
- HI Mount Edith Cavell Wilderness Hostel (Jasper NP);
- HI Castle Mountain Wilderness Hostel (Banff NP);
- HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel (Kananaskis Country);
- HI Yoho National Park, Whiskey Jack Wilderness Hostel (Yoho NP);
- HI Athabasca Falls Wilderness Hostel (Jasper NP);
- HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel (Jasper NP);
- HI Mosquito Creek Wilderness Hostel (Banff NP) ** This is probably one of the best family hostels in Banff with a private family cabin;
- HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel (Banff NP).
Final Thoughts: Where to Stay in Jasper – HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel
Our stay at the HI Maligne Canyon Wilderness Hostel was a beautiful blend of adventure, relaxation, learning, and bonding. It offered us a different way of experiencing the world, one where we slowed down, appreciated the simple things, and created lasting family memories.
It’s an experience we highly recommend for other adventurous families looking for an unforgettable journey into the wilderness.
We appreciated the wilderness environment, the location, the friendly staff, and the opportunity to meet fellow travelers. The communal kitchen allowed us to prepare our own meals, adding to the home-away-from-home feel.
If you’re planning a family trip to Jasper and looking for budget-friendly, comfortable, and convenient lodging, the hostel ticks all the boxes. It’s more comfortable than tent camping but still allows you to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. Plus, it’s located just in front of Maligne Canyon hike trail, one of the most scenic hikes in Jasper.
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.