Find the beasts a bit tedious, myself.

MTN is a special bus network for backpackers and independent travellers. It organises trips and journeys around parts of east and west Canada - a day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto for £17, for instance, or a four-day excursion to Vancouver Island.

I'd rather take my chances on a Greyhound.

Ah, but the Greyhound driver won't take you bungee-jumping, will he? Nor is he likely to book your night in a youth hostel, or drop you off at the door, rather than leaving you alone at a bus station. Or warn you about the dangers of marauding bears. On the other hand, a week's unlimited travel on Canadian Greyhounds will only cost a student just over £100 from greyhound.ca, which is far cheaper.

I hope this has nothing to do with Club 18-30.

Indeed not. The young people enjoying the Beaver Pass (£150), a week-long trip around Ontario and Quebec, appear to be enjoying the "safe and fun atmosphere" while on their way to a stint of white-water rafting.

What if I don't want to join in these hearty activities?

That's perfectly acceptable, too - as long as you bring a "fun attitude" and an adventurous outlook. Most Moosers are aged between 19 and 34. For those who haven't travelled much before, or who are on their own, the Moose buses are a good way to make friends. You can also extend your holiday for no extra cost on many of the routes, simply by picking up the bus the next time it stops by.