Although I wrote an earlier column about Western Canada, the drop in value of the Canadian dollar to an all time low makes travel to the region such a bargain that I thought I'd use today's Penny-wise to revisit a place very dear to my heart. The past two summers I've made my base at a condo a short distance from Banff National Park. As a result, I've been able to leisurely enjoy the wonderful mountain scenery, Calgary and the prairies to the East, as well as find numerous spots off the beaten path.

Calgary International Airport, rated one of the world's most user-friendly, is easily accessible from anywhere in the world and a low cost rental auto from Rent-a-Wreck will put you on your way. A night or two spent in one of the motor hotels located in Motel Village, which is in the university area and just off the Trans Canada Highway (1) will help keep your budget in check. To venture downtown just hop onto the C-train and you can enjoy the sights as you ride with nary a worry about parking. In the Edgemont neighborhood (North and West) stop in at Friends, a locally owned coffeehouse. As you relax on a sofa or wing-back armchair you'll find that this cafe puts the chains to shame by offering delicious freshly baked muffins daily, and on Saturdays, the best sticky cinnamon rolls I've ever tasted. An array of mouth watering desserts makes choice difficult but any is worth the calorie binge. And for the health conscious, light baked goods and salads are equally wonderful.

Many of the world's great natural history museums exhibit dinosaur skeletons from Alberta. To experience the hands-on Royal Tyrell Museum near the source of these fossils drive East and North about 60 miles from Calgary to Drumheller. You can even join one of their digs in the region as they are constantly unearthing rare fossils. To plan before you go visit their website at www.tyrell.magtech.ab.ca for all particulars. Instead of returning directly to Calgary a stop in the small village of Rosebud and a night at the charming Victorian style bed and breakfast, The Wild Rose, with an evening of entertainment at the Rosebud Dinner Theatre provides an enjoyable diversion. Space is limited so you need to make reservations in advance.

Banff National Park is a must see but accommodation in the nearby town of Canmore is more reasonably priced and staying there permits you to hike and view the wildlife in Kananaskis Country as well as travel throughout the National Park while avoiding the tourist crush in Banff townsite. Tasty food has always been a focus in my travels and Canmore has numerous restaurant gems. I love The Bistro, a small café on 10th Avenue, purchased a year ago by some Basque immigrants. Their breakfasts and lunches are wonderful and so reasonable. To explore the wilderness, you'll need to set off with a picnic because few restaurants exist outside of town. The Canmore IGA Garden Market has one of the best bakeries and delis that I've seen. You can quickly put a feast together there and be on your way. Pick up some butter tarts for dessert. They are a tradition unique to Canada and their gooey filling provides satisfaction for any sweet tooth. Probably the Husky Station, marked by a huge Canadian flag, at Deadman's Flats (on Highway 1, 5km east of Canmore) has the very best brand - Grandma's.

Although I try to avoid the general tourist crush when travelling I usually spend a day in the town of Banff. Several times I've indulged in the relaxation package ($60.00 cdn.) offered by the Pleiades Spa at the Upper Hot Springs. Included are plunges in the Spa hot pool, an aromatherapy wrap, a 45-minute massage and use of the main hot pool. I've found this a treat for aching muscles and a true escape form all worries and cares. If a gourmet repast served on white linen appeals to you, plan to enjoy your lunch at my favorite spot, The Theatre Bistro. It is the more affordable sister of Le Beaujolais, Banff's premier restaurant. For tips on trails, camping, wildlife and anything relating to the park visit the Parks Canada Center midway along Banff Avenue. Knowledgeable staff can provide you with a wealth of information and you'll find books, maps and quality souvenirs for sale. I always enjoy an afternoon walk through the gardens of the administrative building at the end of Banff Avenue. Despite the mountain climate, the flowers present a spectacular show, a result of almost 18 hours of daylight in the summer months. To conclude your day, take an evening take a drive around the Banff Springs Golf Course to view and photograph elk in a spectacular setting. An alternate choice is a drive along the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise where, just before dusk, you'll likely see elk, deer and perhaps a bear grazing on the berries along side the road.

Western Alberta is such an appealing area to visit that you can return for many visits and you'll always find something new. Whatever your interests, your holiday will be wonderful and you'll have pennies to spare when it's over.