Aydan Ross
Google
When I am in the mountains, I would gladly sleep in a ditch if it means I can continue to breathe in the beauty of it all. Luckily for me, I don't have to.
The HI Kananaskis Wilderness Hostel is not just a place to sleep, but a warm and surprisingly cozy and inviting space to be in.
The amenities are not few, either. There is a lovely outdoor firepit where the like-minded mountain enjoyers of the hostel laugh and eat as a community. There are bathrooms and showers with towels provided. I slept in the men's dorm where there was a modest but perfectly suitable bunk bed with bedding provided(bring ear plugs and maybe an eye mask). There is also a full kitchen, a large fridge, laundry machines, and a comfortable lounge stocked with board games.
As for the shining star here, Nancy(the hostel manager at the time) was one of the kindest humans you will ever meet. Not only was her company warm and kind, but she is very knowledgeable about the mountains themselves, as an avid hiker herself, her advice is wise and you would do well to consult her with your questions. Every interaction with her left me smarter or with a smile.
If you can handle shared spaces, you will not regret your stay here. Thank you Nancy, I hope to be back soon!