Previous Rugby Tours to Canada

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY RFC TOUR TO EASTERN CANADA

Tour Information

The group enjoyed a twelve day tour to Canada, experiencing its natural wonders and wide open spaces. They visited Toronto, Canada’s largest city and Ottawa, the capital where they participated in the two day Ottawa Indian Rugby Festival.

Toronto

The world’s most diverse city’s most obvious symbol is the CN Tower, the world's tallest freestanding structure. Harbourfront, the docklands area lining Lake Ontario, is a fine place for an outdoor wander or meal in one of its many refurbished warehouses.

For indoor entertainment the city has a clutch of great museums, like the Hockey Hall of Fame. And a mere two-hour's drive away there's one of North America's top tourist attractions, Niagara Falls.

Ottawa

Canada's capital sprawls along the southern bank of the Ottawa River, on the eastern tip of Ontario and has something to offer everyone. You can take a cruise on the historic Rideau Canal, tour the beautiful neo-Gothic Parliament Buildings and take an elevator ride to the observation deck of the Peace Tower, which stands almost 100 metres above Parliament Hill.

Ottawa is also home to Canada's premier art collection, the National Gallery, displaying an enormous array of North American and European works. And in summer the city is dotted with the familiar red coats of the Royal Canadian Mounties.

Thursday 4th July 2002

The group assembled in London to check in for their 7 hours flight to Toronto.

On arrival in Canada they were greeted by their Burleigh Travel representative and transferred to Ottawa, where the group checked into their accommodation in downtown Ottawa.

Friday 5th July

The first day in Ottawa was free to recover from the travelling of the previous day, allowing the group to acclimatize and explore this beautiful city.

In the evening they travelled to the Ottawa Indians rugby ground for a special evenings entertainment, which included the performance of a live band.

Saturday 6th July

After an early breakfast the whole group departed at 08:00 and travelled to the Twin Elm Sports Ground where the rugby players enjoyed their first taste of the Ottawa Indians Tournament.

OTTAWA INDIANS 15 A SIDE RUGBY FESTIVAL – DAY 1

The festival was open to men’s and women’s sides with a social and serious section with teams from all over Canada and the USA present.

There were five pitches at the ‘Indian Twin Elms’ ground that had an Air-conditioned bar, outdoor beer garden, and social events on in the evenings.

Despite playing some excellent rugby the team were defeated in the closely matched group stages.

Sunday 7th July

OTTAWA INDIANS RUGBY FESTIVAL – DAY 2

The group spent an enjoyable day watching the final stages of the tournament and were even able to participate in a few friendly social matches. The atmosphere throughout the day was extremely relaxed and jovial as they cheered on the other English team competing, the South East Regional Ladies.

After the game the group had the opportunity to watch a women’s provincial match between Quebec and Ontario before returning to their hotel.

Monday 8th July

The group checked out of the hotel after breakfast and travelled to their next base Toronto arriving with plenty of time to take a stroll down Yonge Street towards the ‘Entertainment District’ where the group soon experienced the flavour of this fascinating city making the ‘Hooters’ restaurant their tour base.

Tuesday 9th July

This was a free day where a trip to the Docks was arranged for the group. Just a few minutes from Downtown Toronto, the group took advantage of all of The Docks facilities including a heated outdoor pool, beach volleyball, a golf range, table tennis, 5-a-side soccer, and a host of other outdoor activities and rides, including Spikes Clubhouse an indoor/outdoor sports bar. They are all housed in a unique setting overlooking Lake Ontario, giving you spectacular views of the cities skyline.

Wednesday 10th July

The group took a days sightseeing trip to Niagara Falls. The highlight of the day included a journey on the Maid of the Mist, where the group experienced breathtaking views as they travelled right into the heart of the falls.

Also offered to the more adventurous and less fragile of the group was a helicopter ride over the Falls - an experience you will never forget, or a trip on the Whirlpool Jet, where you will speed across the lake to experience a spectacular journey of white water scenery.

Thursday 11th July

The majority of the day was free, where a training session was offered in preparation for the groups’ afternoon fixture:

The group narrowly won this very closely matched fixture by just one try and after the fixture continued their celebrations until the coach returned them to their accommodation.

Friday 12th July

Today the group had the opportunity to explore the city and visit sights such as the CN Tower, the Skydome – the home of Toronto Blue Jays, or the Eaton Centre Shopping complex.

In the evening the group watched the Blue Jays play Baseball against the Boston Red Sox before moving on to the entertainment district where the many bars and clubs kept the group entertained into the small hours.

Saturday 13th July 2003

The final full day in Canada was free for final sightseeing. Some of the group also took the opportunity to do some last minute gift shopping in the Yorksville shopping area or alternatively the Eaton Shopping Centre complex before preparing for their last night of the tour.