Discounts on Canada Rail and British Bus Travel : Summer deals offer unlimited service. Britain’s bus network links cities in England, Scotland, Wales.

Students and young travelers are eligible for a wide variety of travel discounts this summer, including special rates for unlimited travel on the Canadian rail system and the British bus system.

For example, any traveler can purchase a Canrailpass that is valid for unlimited travel on all VIA Rail services within Canada on any 12 days within a 30-day period. However, travelers 24 and younger (seniors 60 and older) are eligible for special rates.

During the peak travel period, June 7 to Sept. 30, the Canrailpass is normally sold for about $400 U.S.; the youth and senior rate is about $360. But before June 7 and between Oct. 1 and Dec. 14, the special adult rate is about $270 U.S.; youth and senior prices are about $250.

Canrailpasses are available from travel agents. For more information, contact VIA Rail at (514) 871-6222.

Britain’s National Express bus network links more than 1,000 cities in England, Wales and Scotland. Discount travel cards that offer a reduction of 30% on all standard fares are available to foreign travelers of any age. Travelers 16-23 and full-time students of any age can buy the Young Persons Discount Coach Card for about $10 U.S.

Special youth rates also are available for Tourist Trail Passes that are valid for unlimited travel on National Express coach lines. The price for adults is $129 for the five-day version; travelers 16-23, full-time students and seniors pay $89. The eight-day version costs $178 and $125. For 15 days, the prices are $267 and $187. For 22 days, it’s $371 and $221. The 30-day version costs $376 and $264.

The British bus passes are both available only to foreign visitors. They can be purchased through travel agents or by showing a passport to any National Express agent in Britain.

More information on transportation discounts, budget accommodations, work and study opportunities, entertainment and pen pals in Britain is available in “First Stop Britain 1993,” a free 40-page publication produced especially for young visitors by the British Tourist Authority.

For a free copy, write the British Tourist Authority, 350 S. Figueroa St., Suite 450, Los Angeles 90071, or call (213) 628-3525.

To take advantage of many student and youth discounts around the world, you will need international proof of your eligibility. Here are the cards that count:

* The International Student Travel Confederation (ISTC) card is available for $15 to full-time students and is recognized as proof of student status around the world. The ISTC is an umbrella organization of about 60 student travel associations worldwide. The card is available at many campus travel agencies. In Los Angeles, try Council Travel Services, 1093 Broxton Ave., Suite 200, Los Angeles 90024, (310) 208-3551.

* The International Youth Card is available to anyone under 26 years of age. It is issued by the Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations (FIYTO), which reaches into 46 countries. This card also costs $15.

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High school students (and their parents) who are seeking ideas and information about study and travel opportunities in foreign countries can find details on 200 international programs in the 1993-94 edition of “Going Places: The High-School Student’s Guide to Study, Travel and Adventure Abroad.”

The book is researched and produced by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), and is published by St. Martin’s Press. It is available through bookstores or can be ordered directly from CIEE Publications Dept., 205 East 42nd St., New York 10017, by sending $13.95 plus $1.50 for postage and handling.