ESSENTIALS - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 556

• Lake O'Hara Lodge, Yoho National Park
• Alpine Village, Jasper National Park
• Sheep Creek Back Country Lodge & Cabins, Grande Cache
BACKPACKER ACCOMMODATIONS
Throughout the Canadian Rockies, traditional hostels operated by Hostelling International
are still the most common form of accommodation for budget travelers, but other options
do exist. Banff and Radium Hot Springs have privately run backpacker lodges, and Banff
has a YWCA with dormitory accommodations for men and women. Generally, you need
to supply your own sleeping bag or linens, but most places supply extra bedding at a min-
imal cost.
Hostelling International
Hostelling International operates 12 hostels in the Canadian Rockies. Five of these are
in Banff National Park, five in Jasper National Park, and one each in Canmore and Yoho
National Parks. Whenever you can, make reservations in advance, especially in summer.
Make bookings online at www.hihostels.ca .
All of the hostels are equipped with a kitchen and lounge room, and some have laun-
dries and private rooms. Those in Banff and Lake Louise are world-class, with hundreds of
beds as well as libraries and cafés. The five rustic hostels along the Icefields Parkway are
evenly spaced, perfect for a bike trip along one of the world's great mountain highways. A
sheet or sleeping bag is required at more remote locations, although these can usually be
rented. Rates for members are $20-40 per night, nonmembers $24-44. Staying in hostels is
an especially good bargain for skiers and snowboarders; packages including accommoda-
tion and a day pass at a local resort start at $95.
You don't have to be a member to stay in an affiliated hostel of Hostelling International,
but membership pays for itself after only a few nights of discounted lodging. Aside from
lower rates, benefits of membership vary from country to country but often include dis-
counted air, rail, and bus travel; discounts on car rental; and discounts on some attrac-
tions and commercial activities. For Canadians, the membership charge is $35 annu-
ally, or $175 for a lifetime membership. For more information, contact HI-Canada (613/
237-7884, www.hihostels.ca ) . Joining the Hostelling International affiliate of your home
country entitles you to reciprocal rights in Canada, as well as around the world. In the