What is Nordegg anyway?
Certainly one of Albert's best kept secrets, HI-Nordegg, Shunda Creek Hostel is a favorite for hikers, climbers and mountain bikers. Located in the heart of the David Thompson Corridor, this four-season destination provides the perfect setting for individuals, families, groups and outdoor enthusiasts seeking exceptional recreational opportunities.

The area offers some of the most diversified scenery, flora and history in the Alberta Rocky Mountains. You can visit the Siffluer wilderness area, Abraham Lake, North Saskatchewan river, Kootenays Ecological reserve, Bighorn Indian reserve and so much more. Take a short drive off the Forestry Trunk road and you're in a whole other area. You can even take the Trunk road up to Edson or just outside of Calgary. But be aware this is a graveled highway and can be rough and tough at times.

HI-Nordegg is located just out of the Banff National Park, so you don't have to pay park fees. There is a whole lot of FREEdom out here.

So where are we exactly located? Well HI-Nordegg is centrally located in the eastern foothills of the David Thompson Corridor. Half way between Banff and Jasper, and half way between Edmonton and Calgary (approximately 3 hours to each) we're the perfect location. HI-Nordegg is only an hour (83km) out of the Banff Naitonal Park, so if you want to hop across and into the Parks were not too far from it.

Some of the cost savvy options out here are:

• Hike all out want. There are tons of trails from easy short family hikes, to long enduring overnight trips.
• Sightseeing. There's plenty to see out here. Drive up to waterfalls or get a panoramic view of the Rocky Mountains.
• Climb. From beginners to experienced climbers of both rock and ice. Learn on the Kootaney range or a little harder climb on Abraham slabs.

If you want to spend a few dollars, and believe us it won't be a whole lot, you can:

• Horseback ride. There's a company for every area, so you can ride along a different area each time.
• Miner's tour. Take a 1-3 hour tour of the coal mines and then enjoy a piece of homemade pie at the Miner's café after.

Or if you want to go bigger and better, how about a helicopter tour of the Ice Fields Parkway?

And there is so much more, just ask the Hostel staff.

HI-Nordegg, Shunda Creek Hostel should be a favorite destination in your book, come on out and explore the area around us and enjoy the Hostel atmosphere.