The Mount Edith Cavell Hostel provides a weary wilderness traveller with a great place to unwind. As with other wilderness hostels, propane runs everything, and there's no indoor plumbing. Dorm cabins all house a rather large number of beds in one room. The kitchen and common room are combined in the cookhouse, but outdoor dining is also available with a great view of the mountain. A wood-burning stove-type fireplace (and a seemingly endless supply of wood!) can create great atmosphere during the cooler shoulder seasons. No showers are available except for at the Jasper hostel, and that's quite a ways away. The good news is that, as a guest of the Edith Cavell Hostel, you are allowed free use of the Jasper hostel facilities.
This hostel has the best mountain view in the Canadian Rockies, and quite possibly anywhere in the world! Guests here are very responsible, eco-friendly and willing to pitch in with chores, which creates a great atmosphere for a wilderness stay.
The popular Cavell Meadows trailhead is just a stone's throw away (hike it early in the morning to avoid the masses). Even closer is the trailhead to the underrated day-hike to Verdant Pass (ask for directions, it's not officially marked) and the highly-regarded Tonquin Valley backpacking loop. Mount Edith Cavell is also an excellent wildlife-watching area.
As with the other wilderness hostels in Jasper National Park, this one provides excellent value for the budget-minded traveler. All in all, it's a charming little hostel in a wonderful wilderness setting.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2007
4 Average from 1 Rating
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