HI-Beauty Creek Hostel earns above-average marks for a wilderness hostel. Although there are many beds to a dorm room, they have rigged up an outdoor shower (try to get in early before hot water runs out). Propane powers everything -- there's no electricity. The hostel is well-kept, so don't be surprised to find the crew sprucing up the place during the day. The best feature, however, is the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast -- they're homemade with fruit and chocolate chips in the batter if you want -- for a small price. They'll even give you the recipe in exchange for a postcard from your hometown when you get back home!
Long story short, if you do not feel like a family member before you depart Beauty Creek, even after one night here, you must have done something terribly wrong! Hosts Diane and Roger are the friendliest people in the world who truly enjoy life to the fullest -- winters in Quebec harvesting blueberries and maple syrup (buy some!), and summers soaking in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and providing comfort to weary travelers on the Icefields Parkway. Go out for a short morning hike before the pancake breakfast and you'll probably be greeted like a prodigal son (or daughter) on your return!
Beauty Creek is the closest hostel to the Columbia Icefields and the mack daddy of all glaciers, the Athabasca (pictured)! It's also very close to the Wilcox Pass, Stanley Falls/Beauty Creek (also pictured), and Parker Ridge trail heads. Additionally, Roger is very familiar with the area and can give you tips on unmarked trail heads for a little solitude with your scenery. If you want a personal touch to your unforgettable wilderness experience, this is the place to stay!
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
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