Interviewing Canadas Hostels: HI-Jasper Hostel

Posted on January 28, 2010  •  4 minutes  • 736 words

Number 4 and counting! The folks at HI Canada have been very cooperative in helping me get these interviews. I can’t thank them enough. Today we’ve got Ryan Chilibeck, the manager of HI-Jasper and he’s going to answer some questions about this wild and rugged hostel.

Q: How long have you been operating your hostel?

A: I’ve been managing the Hosteling International hostels in Jasper National Park since March 2009, but HI-Jasper has been here since the 1979. The building used to be a ski lodge.

Q: Tell us about your hostel?

A: HI-Jasper is a great place to start your Rocky Mountain adventure.  Our hostel gives our guests every opportunity to meet new people, whether it be in one of our large dormitory rooms or else in our open kitchen and common room.  We have a guest laundry room, a TV room as well as 4 private rooms (if dorms don’t tickle your pickle).

Q: Does your hostel offer any activities or help book tours for it’s guests?

A: We have great deals on year round activities in Jasper National Park.  In the summer months we sell rafting trips at our front desk and in the winter we offer discounted tickets for Marmot Basin as well as Maligne Canyon Ice Walks.  At night, join us by the fire pit for a few drinks and share stories with other travellers.

Q: What is your favourite activity / tour that your hostel offers, and why?

A: I would say the Maligne Canyon Ice Walk.  It is a great deal (about $50) and takes our guests to places not normally seen anywhere else.  Your tour guides take you along the canyon floor where you navigate along a frozen river all the while staring up at some incredible glaciers that line the steep walls.  There is a free pick-up and drop-off service at the hostel as well.  For those of our guests seeking some real adventure, I would suggest hiking the Skyline Trail.  It’s pretty amazing but its 45km route is certainly not for everyone.

Q: Tell us about the area your hostel resides in?

A: You have to see it to believe it!  We are located 7 km outside the town of Jasper on the side of Whistler’s Mountain.  Directly out the back door of the hostel our guests look up at the peak of the mountain (which has a gondola running up to the top during the summer months).  For those people who want a little adventure, the trailhead to the top of Whistler’s mountain is also located in our backyard.  We are also in an area that is home to many wild species so it is not uncommon to see elk, deer, bears, wolves and coyotes roaming our property.

Q: Do you offer work for backpackers?

A: We do offer a “work for stay” to our guests on occasion.  This is done on a first-come, first-served basis and only when we need an extra set of helping hands around the hostel.  We usually ask for a bit of help in the summer months so make sure to keep your eyes peeled to our notice board at the front desk for any opportunities.

Q: Are there any special promotions you’re currently running or have run in the past?

A: We have great deals on our dormitory rooms in the winter months. You can stay three nights for the price of two until the end of March. We also have great packages in the summer so make sure to inquire when you arrive at the hostel. Our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ packages let you pick and choose to combine any number of overnights with the activities you like for a good deal.

Q: How much does it cost for:

A: Dorm: $20 - $26 Double:  $58 - $63 Your hostels website: www.hihostels.ca/jasper Your hostels Facebook page:  HI-Jasper Your hostels Twitter page: @hostelsCanada [mappress] HI-Jasper Hostel 1 Skytram Rd, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0 (877) 852-0781‎ Thanks again to Ryan and HI Canada for taking the time to answer some questions. HI-Jasper has all you need to get your Rocky Mountain Adventure started, so be sure to swing by Jasper National Park and stop in for a night or two. Don’t forget to subscribe to i Backpack Canada for more interviews and sneak peaks into life in Canada’s hostels and be sure to check out HI-Jasper on Facebook & Twitter.