Looking to get into the EPIC landscape of the Canadian Rockies? Then you’ll need to head to Jasper. This city is the gateway to Jasper National Park, a nice springboard for hiking, climbing, canoeing, and really and truly getting out into the wilderness.
Jasper itself is pretty quiet with a small town feel, but it IS surrounded by some dramatic scenery and still comes packed with quite a few places to eat and drink.
But if you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’ll never be bored here!
The thing with Jasper is there is a big divide between staying in town or staying closer to where all the outdoorsy action is. So you have to decide: what do you want to do? A few casual activities – or are you gonna properly rough it?
Whatever you want to do, don’t worry! We’ve made a list of the best hostels in Jasper – as well as the best budget hotels in Jasper, too – so you can easily choose the place that’s right for you.
Check out our handy guide below and let’s see what’s on offer!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Jasper
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The Best Hostels in Jasper
Unfortunately, the hostel scene in Jasper is pretty thin. There are only a few hostels in the area at the minute—I hope this changes in the future though! Despite being the only option, it’s still a gem, let’s check it out.
HI Beauty Creek
Travelling by yourself in the wilderness can be a… bit of a worry, but at this place, the atmosphere is really warm and the staff – consisting of one person and their dog (literally) – will make you feel like part of the family.
The best hostel for solo travellers in Jasper, there’s activities like badminton and ping pong to get involved with, plus a load of board games and a quite magic communal atmosphere sitting around the fire at night. It’s right near Sunwapta River, too.
Jasper Downtown Hostel
Jasper Downtown Hostel puts you smack bang in the middle of Jasper National Park—aka one of the most ridiculously scenic spots in Canada. Think towering mountains, glaciers, mirror-like lakes, and more wildlife than you could believe.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Dorms with Curtains
- Free Parking
- On-site Laundry Facilities
The beds are solid, and the privacy curtains actually do their job. Each bunk comes with its own socket, shelf, and hooks, so you’re not fumbling around in the dark like an hostel rookie. The kitchen is spotless, the staff are great, and the lockers are conveniently outside the dorms—meaning no more rude awakenings from that one guest who thinks 6 AM is the perfect time to unpack their entire life.
Being centrally located means everything you need is right on your doorstep. The bus and train station, restaurants, the Jasper Aquatic & Activity Centre, the Parks Canada Info Centre, and even some solid trailheads are all within easy reach. No faff, no long treks—just a top spot to crash in the heart of the Rockies.
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It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!Best Budget Hotels in Jasper
Don’t fancy staying in the middle of the wilderness? A bit too much for you to go without running water or a flushing toilet? OR maybe you need a bit of luxury after you’ve already been out into the wilderness. I get you, either way. So here are some of the best budget hotels in Jasper – complete with showers.
Lobstick Lodge
Dang this place is pricey, but if you really, really need some luxury after the wilderness, or if you’re not even planning on going that far, then here’s a place that’s nice and clean and… well, it’s also got a pool.
It’s also got a cafe. And a restaurant. And it also features a lounge with mountain views. One of the best budget hotels in Jasper, this sits at the base of the Canadian Rockies just 5 mins outta town. You can save money on cooking,since the suite comes with a kitchenette. If you get a suite, that is.
Astoria Hotel
Super central, this budget hotel in Jasper is a great shout if you want to spend a little bit of time in the city either before or after making a lil’ trek into the Rockies. The hotel itself offers activities, like skiing and snowboarding, which is helpful.
And then after a busy day, there’s a bar and grill onsite so you can fill up with all the food you feel like. It’s 5 mins to the central train station in Jasper – great if you’re not travelling by car – plus there are a load of bars and restaurants on the doorstep. Solid choice.
Athabasca Hotel
You can enjoy staying in the relative comfort of this top budget hotel in Jasper; the cheapest rooms might have shared bathrooms, sure, but still, you can have a hot shower here. The hotel itself is actually a pretty historic building and it’s reflected in the big wooden beds and floral wallpaper of the rooms.
And once you’re all clean and stuff from your endless days of hiking and staying in a hut, you can head down to the hotel restaurant for some warm, tasty dinner. Yes please.
The Maligne Suite
This suite is the perfect basecamp for your winter adventures in Jasper—easy to find, spotlessly clean, and cosy as hell once the fireplace gets going. It might take a minute to heat up, but once it does, you’ll be toasty in no time.
The king-size bed is ridiculously comfy, and with all of Jasper’s shops, restaurants, and essentials within walking distance, you won’t need to go far for supplies. Between the suite’s setup and the town itself, you’ve got everything you need for a cracking stay. Neil and Kim are top-tier hosts—welcoming, accommodating, and armed with all the local tips you didn’t know you needed.
Rocky Mountain Getaway
Wow, this place is a BARGAIN. If you’re sharing with a pal or a partner, it’ll work out even cheaper than a dorm bed each. Now that’s music to my ears.
The apartment has everything you need and then some, with a few fancy extras to sweeten the deal. Laundry facilities, a dishwasher, and—best of all—a sauna for easing those ski-fatigued muscles. Nothing hits quite like a post-slopes soak. The space is spotless, well-organised, and ridiculously cozy, with loads of room and idiot-proof instructions for everything.
HI Athabasca Falls
The first of our HI dominated list is situated at Athabasca Falls, a literally stunning location near the waterfall of the same name. This top hostel in Jasper has some incredible views, plus it’s at the beginning of many hiking routes, so it’s great to get out into the wilderness from here.
Aside from location, this Jasper backpackers hostel is pretty relaxing and there’s a cabin here where you can get chatting to the staff and the guests. There’s no running water and no showers (this IS proper wilderness), but this is still the best overall hostel in Jasper. There’s good coffee here!
HI Maligne Canyon
If you’re looking for a romantic break in the absolutely stunning Canadian wilderness, this branch of Hostelling International is probably the best hostel for couples in Jasper. It’s a rustic cabin a short drive from the lake – it’s close to the town, but far enough away that you can see a gazillion stars at night. Super relaxing.
The serene setting is just perfect for a getaway (let’s hope you really like each other, eh?), especially if you’re both keen on hiking and all that sorta outdoorsy stuff. It’s near the Skyline Trail, offering up some of the most scenic hikes Jasper has to offer.
HI Jasper
Ok, so this Jasper backpackers hostel actually has Wi-Fi, so if you plan on getting some work done or you’re documenting your travels around Canada, then this is probably the best place for you. There’s a decent kitchen, plus tables and chairs where you can actually work.
It’s situated halfway up Whistlers Mountain, meaning it’s no mean to get there. But once you’re there it’s a nice way to balance out working on a laptop, since you can go out walking in nature. There’s a trailhead just outside the front door, for example. But yeah, ’cause of the Wi-Fi, definitely the best hostel for digital nomads in Jasper.
What to Pack for your Jasper Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!
Why you should travel to Jasper
So those were the best hostels in Jasper.
All of the top hostels here are Hostelling International – and they’re all located in the wilderness. Some of them don’t even have running water!
If that sounds like your thing, if it means getting closer into nature and further from civilisation, then those Jasper backpacker hostels will definitely be for you!
There are quite a few budget hotels in Jasper to choose from, too; these are closer to civilisation! Some of them are more basic than others, but all of them have hot showers anyway.
And if you can’t decide on where to stay in Jasper? Don’t worry. We recommend the wild HI Athabasca Falls, our best overall hostel in Jasper.
Or if you want a compromise, Celtic Haven is a good shout: it’s a lodge with private rooms located in Jasper National Park – the best budget hotel in Jasper, we’d say!
Prepare yourselves for some amazing hikes and a whole lot of breathtaking scenery – Jasper here we come!
FAQ about Hostels in Jasper
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Jasper.
How much does a hostel cost in Jasper?
Depending on the location and type of room, on average, the price starts at $22 – $27+ per night.
What are the best hostels in Jasper for couples?
HI Maligne Canyon‘s serene setting is perfect for a couple’s getaway, especially if you’re both keen on hiking and all that outdoorsy stuff.
What are the best hostels in Jasper near the airport?
The airport is far from Jasper, so it is usually better to find the best place in a great location. I highly recommend HI Jasper, the best hostel for digital nomads in Jasper.
Travel Safety Tips for Jasper
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
More Epic Hostels in Canada and North America
Hopefully by now you’ve found the perfect hostel for your upcoming trip to Jasper.
Planning an epic trip all across Canada or even North America itself?
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!
For more cool hostel guides around North America, check out:
Over to you
By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Jasper has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Canada for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Jasper before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Canada to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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