Jasper and Edmonton - where to stay?

Hi, I am doing a roadtrip from vancouver to toronto, im having trouble finding cheap places to stay in jasper and edmonton - has anyone ever camped there or stayed in a hostel/cheap hotel that they would recommend? in edmonton i want to go to the west edmonton mall - so somewhere near there would be good!!

Thanks

Quoting j3nn1f3r14

Hi, I am doing a roadtrip from vancouver to toronto, im having trouble finding cheap places to stay in jasper and edmonton - has anyone ever camped there or stayed in a hostel/cheap hotel that they would recommend? in edmonton i want to go to the west edmonton mall - so somewhere near there would be good!!

Thanks

You could consider joining the Couchsurfing network. They offer free accommodation to members (a couch to sleep on). Other members who live in Jasper and Edmonton may be able to offer advice on where best to stay. Their FAQ page explains how it all works.

Edmonton is a Hellava long way North of Highway 1, if you're doing Vancouver to Toronto, or would you cut out Calgary and Banff altogether?? I've driven Winnipeg to BC and back - and Edmonton was tempting until I saw how far away it was. West Edmonton Mall is a sight to see I believe - and although it's a lot more than just shopping, it wasn't worth the trip for me.
I would suggest not worrying too much about a room. There are plenty en-route, wherever you are. A good tip is to ask when you fill up. I had a wonderful experience on my drive. I was in Saskatchewan (100's of miles of pretty much nothing!!) and stopped for fuel at this typical little "2 pump" station. The guy asked me where I was from and we struck up a quick chat. I asked him where's the best place to eat en-route (there hadn't been anything for ages, except lots of farms and ghost towns) and he said his wife had just cooked a pie and would I like to join them. Yummy. What wonderful hospitality too. He told me of a place just off the main drag which was about CAN$30 a night. In the end I just slept in the car once I'd crossed into Alberta. Was handy to know what info. the locals had though.
Sounds like a great drive for you. I had a wicked car - although the locals considered it small. It was an Oldmobile Alera 3.4 Flat 6. Fast enough for me and very comfy too. Wouldn't mind having a few PM's with you about your route. I've got some great pictures I can send you of my trip too.