Rockies on the cheap

Budget-conscious travellers can make their way through the Canadian Rocky Mountains on a Rocky Express tour, complete with experienced guides and pre-arranged transport, and save their pennies with hostel accommodation costing as little as $C11 ($16) a night.

A six-day tour with the Rocky Express costs $C199 ($292), including hostel stays, and features visits to Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields, Abraham Lake, Jasper, and Maligne Lake. The price also allows for an optional food kitty and all entrance fees to parks.

Transport is by 15-seater van, which departs every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday (until October) from the Calgary and Banff hostels.

Contact: Visit the website at www.backpackertours.com or e-mail truenorthtours@cadvision.com, or in Canada, call tollfree 1 888 464 4842.