Options to suit all interests
Travelling with friends, a team, a class from school or any kind of group can foster some of a person's most memorable and enduring travel experiences. Hostelling International (HI) has over 75 years of experience with hosting groups of all kinds, and we have succeeded in creating an atmosphere of international community, camaraderie and learning that is unique within the travel world.

Rockies Hostel Network
HI has a unique network of hostels in Alberta to suit all tastes.  The rustic wilderness hostels in areas like Mosquito Creek and Kananaskis are perfect wooded ventures venues from which to stage your outdoor adventures. Groups can rent the entire facility and experiment with winter or spring camping while having the comfort and safety of a hostel nearby. For those seeking more hotel-style amenities, we have the modern hostels in Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary which provide a perfect setting for ski trips, sightseeing or other urban activities.

Group Planning...We Can Help
Planning a school outing can involve a myriad of details, and we can assist with many of these.  In addition to providing exceptional budget accommodation, we also offer services that include itinerary planning, working with outdoor activity suppliers, dealing with insurance and liability issues, and supplying food and beverage.  Through our large network of contacts, we can arrange a multi day package that showcases unique areas of the Rocky Mountains at preferred prices that are unavailable to other trip planners. Some of these activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, hot pools, float trips, snowshoeing, canoeing, cross-country or downhill skiing, interpretive walks, science or local history studies.

Let us put our experience to work for you. Think of HI when you are planning your next group trip in Alberta.  For more information, please contact us at the phone numbers and email listed below.

Hostelling 101 for School Groups
With an overnight stay at any of the hostels in our network, students will be exposed to the unique travel environment of other peoples and cultures from around the world. In addition, our staff of experienced hostel travelers will educate them about the world of hostelling.  Students will learn safe travel tips and will receive a free junior HI membership which entitles them to discounts on activities, transportation, restaurants and other services across Canada.

Click here to view or download the Hostelling 101 fact sheet:

Girl Guides of Canada: Discover Hostelling Challenge
The Discover Hostelling Challenge is fun to earn and can start you on the path to travelling around the world! This challenge can help your unit become global citizens who are connected to people and places near and far. Guiders are responsible for completion of the challenge requirements for each guide receiving a crest. Get connected by having your guides stay at our hostel and complete activities involving trip planning, a hostel scavenger hunt and catching the hostelling spirit!

Download the Discover Hostelling Challenge PDF.

Outdoor Adventure
With the Rocky Mountains at your back door, the possibilities are endless. Summer activities include whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ATV tours, kayaking/canoeing, rock climbing, cave tours, guided hikes, bike rentals and sightseeing tours. For the cool winter season, we can help you arrange ski/snowboard packages, ice walks, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice climbing and sightseeing.

Group Meal Plans
Both HI-Banff and HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre hostels feature on-site restaurants popular with the locals and have menus to suit all tastes. Meals can be served in the restaurant or meeting room and catering options are also available for off-site activities.

HI-Banff Alpine Centre Group Menu
HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre Group Menu

Groups Department & You
We definitely understand the pressures involved with group planning and we are here to help. If you have any questions about our Alberta hostels, please email us directly. If you would like a quote, please proceed to our group quote form.

For inquiries regarding Alberta hostels & groups:
Phone: 1.403.760.9001
Toll-free: 1.855.248.4122
Fax: 1.866.639.4235
Email: groups.ab@hihostels.ca