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| Hostelling International-Canada-Northern Alberta |
| http://www.hihostels.ca |
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| Address: | 10926 - 88 Avenue NW
Edmonton - T6G 0Z1
AB/Edmonton |
| Contact: | Regional Office Administrator |
| Email: |  |
Company description:
Canadian Hostelling Association Northern Alberta District, operating as Hostelling International Canada Northern Alberta is a charitable, non-profit association. Our mission is dedicated,
"To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of peoples, places and cultures through Hostelling."
Historically, it was two Calgary teachers, Mary and Catherine Barclay, with help from family and friends that established the first North American Hostel in 1933 at Bragg Creek in Southern Alberta. The hostel was a 12 by 14 foot tent and the fee was 25c per night. Canada was admitted into the International Federation of Youth Hostels in 1938, as the 12th member.
Following the war, it was recognized that there was a need for a chain of mountain hostels for bikers, hikers and those who loved the outdoors. In 1947, Gwen Gray, chairperson of the Mountain Region, learned that the federal government was selling unneeded prisoner of war huts. The members set out to map a path of where to put the huts. Two routes were planned – one from Jasper to Banff and one from Banff to Mount Assiniboine. With the Superintendent of Banff National Park’s help, it was decided to put the 15 huts in a chain from Banff to Jasper.
In 1952, the hostelling group in Edmonton took over, from Calgary, four hostels in Jasper National Park and began taking an independent shape of its own. By 1953, it had established two hostels, one at Lake Eden and the other at Fort Saskatchewan and opened another hostel at Elk Island in 1954.
The Edmonton group was extremely active in the early years. Members collectively planned slide shows, parties, movie nights and trips. In 1953 the group began publishing it’s own newsletter.
With the popularity of hostelling on the rise, the Northwest Region, established in 1961, focused on expanding the mountain chain locations outside of the park. In 1976, a hostel site was acquired in Edmonton and after a number of renovations and upgrades; the doors were opened to international travellers.
With expansion still on their minds, the Edmonton group established a hostel near Nordegg. The first site consisted of a one-room miner’s cabin that was ill suited to travellers so it was replaced with a series of buildings at the Upper Saskatchewan Ranger Station. As this location was prime flood ground, volunteers worked tirelessly to construct a new 44-bed facility at Shunda Creek. The resulting log cabin was opened in the 1980’s.
In 1998, an unexpected expansion opportunity was offered to Hostelling International -Northern Alberta. The Ursuline Sisters of Jesus' Stillpoint Prayer and Retreat Centre, located in the heart of Strathcona, was purchased and renovated. At the subsequent Canadian Annual General Meeting, HI-Edmonton was awarded the 1999 Ivey Devereaux award for the best Canadian Urban hostel.
As we continue, the Canadian Hostelling Association is developing a new niche in the travel and tourism market. Both young and old are realizing the advantages of travelling at less expense, while enriching their experiences through interaction with different cultures, languages and personalities. Hostelling International Northern Alberta looks to secure its place in the future of the tourism market with the development of a new hostel in the Jasper townsite. This new development, along with improvements to existing facilities will ensure that hostelling carries on the tradition of encouraging environmental activities in a simple and healthful manner for travellers of all ages.
We achieve our mission by offering affordable, low cost accommodation and educational programs to people who are travelling. Currently, our international network has approximately 4,500 hostels located in 70 countries throughout the world with one of the finest right here in Edmonton. HI-Edmonton is an 88-bed facility that hosts over 20,000 overnights per year. In addition, we have HI-Shunda Creek hostel located in Nordegg, Alberta; as well as HI-Athabasca Falls, HI-Beauty Creek, HI-Maligne Canyon, HI-Mount Edith Cavell, and HI-Jasper, all of which are located within Jasper National Park. All of our hostels offer programs through the assistance of local volunteers and community organizations that in turn provide activities to enhance global, cultural, and community awareness while also encouraging appreciation and stewardship for the environment.
Annually, we host in excess of 59,000 overnights. Our member database consists of approximately 4,000 people. Additionally, we offer educational presentations to just under 1000 people of all ages from all lifestyles, via our "Travel Talk" program.
Thus, our association's mission is accomplished not only within our local community, but globally as well.
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