Lake Louise Village

HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre

★★★★★

The HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre is the budget answer to staying at Lake Louise, and a well-run, atmospheric one. It sits on Village Road in Lake Louise village, close to the grocery store and cafes, with the lake, trails and ski resort all a short drive or bus ride away. The building is a large timber lodge with a mountain-hut feel, and it is open year-round. Accommodation ranges from shared rooms with four to six beds to private rooms, family rooms and private ensuite rooms, so it works for solo travellers, couples on a budget and families. The common areas are a big part of the appeal: a guest kitchen, a lounge with a fireplace, a library, a campfire pit and BBQ, a kids' play area and a sauna for after a cold day. Bill Peyto's Cafe, on site, serves hearty, home-style meals, named for the legendary early guide and warden of Banff National Park. Practical extras include free Wi-Fi, free parking, ski storage with a waxing room, bike storage, paid laundry and luggage storage. Check-in is at 4pm and check-out at 11am. The trade-offs are those of any hostel: shared bathrooms in many rooms, a busy social atmosphere and simple furnishings. But for travellers who want to wake up near Lake Louise for a fraction of the cost of a hotel, it is excellent. Book early for holiday periods and summer weekends, when rooms sell out.

Why stay here. Staying in Lake Louise village means you can reach the lake before the crowds or after the day-trippers leave, and in winter you are minutes from the ski resort. The hostel's sauna and fireplace lounge make evenings sociable and warm, and the kitchen lets you cook your own meals, a big saving in an area where dining is expensive.

Room choice. Couples and families should book a private or family room, ideally with an ensuite. Solo travellers can choose shared rooms with four to six beds. HI members receive discounts, so consider joining if you plan to stay at other HI hostels, such as HI Banff. Bring earplugs and a small padlock for shared rooms, and plan your meals around the kitchen and cafe, since Lake Louise village has only a handful of places to eat and most close relatively early outside the peak seasons.

Practicals. The hostel is at 203 Village Road. Parking and Wi-Fi are free. The Roam 8X bus connects the village with the lake and Banff. Fit: budget travellers, skiers, hikers and families who prioritize location and atmosphere over luxury.