HI-Rampart Creek Hostel

I was glad I stayed at Hi Rampart hostel. The owner was friendly and cheerful, and the night sky had loads of stars. Just keep in mind it's betoween banff and jaspar, so the place is hard to reach without a car. There aren't any convenience stores or supermarkets nearby, so I'd buy food and other things before arriving.

Hostel manager Charles was great, showing everyone around and being very accommodating. The kitchen is in its own cabin and has plenty of equipment, plus a seating area, board games, and a charging station. The two sleeping cabins each have two rooms with several bunk beds. I also really enjoyed the sauna cabin by the river. The place is basic, but a nice step up from camping. Its spot right on the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Lake Louise makes it handy for hiking and traveling between Banff and Jasper National Parks. Free Starlink Wi-Fi was a pleasant surprise in an area with no cell reception. There was a fire pit too, and it was great for looking at the stars. A really good stay at HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel.

This was a perfect little stop before heading to Jasper. The hostel is basic, as you'd expect, but everything was clean, with a kitchen, shared hangout areas, and an honest bar snack shop. It's off grid, though they kindly charged my phone and there was limited Starlink Wi-Fi. We enjoyed the chance to switch off. After a long day on the Lake O Hara trail, we went back to Lake Louise HI hostel first, since booking here lets you use their showers and facilities beforehand. There are no showers here. In the morning, we got the sauna going and enjoyed the heat, then took cold plunges in the creek.

This was a memorable, unusual stay at the backpackers. The setup is rustic, with long drop toilets and no running water, though drinking water is provided. The well-equipped kitchen has fridges, freezers, a three-sink washing system, and gas-powered heating and cooking. Solar LED strips handle the lighting and worked surprisingly well. You can have a campfire or use the wood sauna, which made things feel cozy and sociable. Joel gave us a proper tour at check-in, which helped us understand the layout and facilities. Each room has its own heater, so we stayed comfortable in the cooler evenings. There were raspberry bushes around the property for guests to pick from, and bears generally avoid them because of the thorns. Wildlife is part of the setting, though: bears sometimes wander through, so keeping food indoors is strongly advised. Mosquitoes can be heavy in the evenings, so come prepared. Parking right by the roadside entrance was convenient. It's about 10 minutes from Saskatchewan River Crossing, where there are shops, food, petrol, running water, and power if needed. Free Starlink Wi-Fi worked well and guests could use it without a limit. For such a remote place, it's an authentic backcountry stay with just enough amenities to be comfortable.