Banff Alpine Centre
HI Hostel ($) with bar & cafe (b,l,d; $$)
Friendly, chalet-style 216-bed hostel, that sprawls over several buildings among the woods of Tunnel Mountain, 3km from downtown.
Lodgings range from basic shared dorms through private rooms to cabins; members get small discounts. Look out for good-value ski and rafting packages online.
Facilities include large kitchen, laundry, lounges with fireplaces (& free wifi) and an inexpensive restaurant, Cougar Pete’s (daily: winter 7am–Noon & 5pm–9pm, Summer 7am–11pm).
There’s also a sociable bar here, the Storm Cellar Pub (evenings 6pm–late), with free pool table, foosball and darts. Various activities are regularly planned here and the hostel organises pub crawls into town too.
A free bus pass is included with accommodation.