Travel Services Cut Costs in Canadian Rockies : 15-passenger vans link visitors to hostels and lots of outdoor fun.

Two transportation services can help travelers tour the Canadian Rockies inexpensively.

The Rocky Express is operated by True North Tours in association with Hostelling Alberta. Its 15-passenger van departs Banff International Hostel every Sunday morning at 8 through October, for a six-day tour.

For about $108 U.S., passengers are provided with transportation to a variety of activities each day and then to a different hostel each night. Some activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing and cliff-diving, are free; others, such as riding, rafting and cycling, have a fee. At the hostels, accommodations average $6-$12 per night for a bed in a bunk room. All hostels have kitchens so guests can prepare their own meals, if they choose.

On the first day, the group travels to Lake Louise, stopping for a hike at Johnson’s Canyon. The 100-bed hostel is the most modern in the Rockies ($14).

The following day, the van heads up the scenic Icefield Parkway. Passengers spend the night at the 30-bed Rampart Hostel ($6), known for its outdoor sauna.

The third day is spent at the Athabasca Glacier and Columbia Icefields. Passengers who don’t mind frigid waters can cliff-dive at Horseshoe Lake. The night is spent at the three-cabin, 40-bed Athabasca Hostel ($6).

On the fourth day, passengers can raft the Fraser, float down the Athabasca River, tour the town of Jasper or visit nearby lakes. The night is spent at the riverside, 24- bed Maligne Canyon Hostel ($6).

On day five, the group goes on to Edmonton, where passengers can visit the world’s largest shopping center (with indoor bungee jumping). Edmonton’s 50-bed hostel costs $9 a night.

The final day starts with viewing buffalo at Elk Island National Park. The group continues to Calgary, host of the 1988 Winter Olympics. The 114-bed, centrally located Calgary hostel costs $10 per night.

The Rocky Express service is available to all travelers. For booking information, contact Hostelling International/Southern Alberta, 203-1414 Kensington Road N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 3P9, tel. (403) 283-5551.

It is also possible to travel between hostels in the Canadian Rockies using another 15-passenger van service, the Pika Shuttle. Hostel-to-hostel fares average $2.50-$5.50.

For a free publication called “Canada on a Budget,” contact Hostelling International/Canada, 1600 James Naismith Drive, Suite 608, Gloucester, Ontario K1B 5N4, Canada, tel. (613) 748-5638.