Previous Rugby Tours to Canada

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY RFC TOUR TO EASTERN CANADA

Tour Information

The group enjoyed a two-week tour to Canada, experiencing its natural wonders and wide open spaces and visiting Toronto, Canada’s largest city and Ottawa, the capital.

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.

The Festival hosted five categories of rugby (senior men’s, men’s social, senior women’s, women’s social and junior men’s).

After the first day of the tournament the South East Ladies remained unbeaten in their pool matches and looked set to progress to the final stages.

Furthermore the group were able to watch the Canada v Canada U/23 women match and had the opportunity to spend time socialising with the other teams at the end of day party.

 

Sunday 7th July

OTTAWA INDIANS RUGBY FESTIVAL – DAY 2

The group departed their hotel at 08:00 for the second day of the festival, where they progressed to the final stages losing a closely fought final against the Ontario Ladies XV with the sounds of ‘ Swing low Sweet chariot,’ echoing around the grounds from their English supporters.

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

This was a free day to recover from the festival and explore the city.

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.

Wednesday 10th July

After an early breakfast the group took part in an exciting days White Water rafting before travelling to their next destination, Toronto. Upon arrival the group checked into the new accommodation and a stroll down Yonge Street towards the ‘Entertainment District’ gave the group a fantastic opportunity to experience the flavour of this fascinating city.

Thursday 11th July

The day was free for the group to explore the city during a guided tour on one of the open top trolley buses and to visit famous sites such as the CN Tower, the Eaton Centre or "Casa Loma".

Friday 12th July

After the breakfast the whole group departed their hotel and travelled firstly to Haultain.

On arrival they had the afternoon free to enjoy kayaking under expert supervision. Once the rugby players had enjoyed their time in Haultain the short journey to Peterborough was made for their next fixture:

After the fixture was complete the group enjoyed the after match function which was followed by a bar-be-que together with their hosts before the transfer back to Toronto.

Saturday 13th July 2003

This was a free day where one of the options offered was a trip to the Wild Water Kingdom Canadas largest outdoor water theme park which features a half-acre wave action pool, tube rides, speed slides and much more.

Sunday 14th July 2003

After breakfast the group left their hotel at 11:00 and was transferred to the Ajax Wanderers ground for their final fixture of the tour:

At the end of a long tour this was an excellent result.

Monday 15th July 2003

The rugby team left their accommodation at 10:00 for a fascinating day trip to Niagara Falls. The highlight of this trip included a journey on the Maid of the Mist, where the group experienced breathtaking views as they sailed into the heart of the Falls.

Furthermore the group visited the Skylon Tower, Niagara’s tallest tower with its revolving restaurant and indoor and outdoor observation points.

For the more adventurous there was arranged a helicopter ride over the Falls - an experience they will never forget.

Tuesday 16th 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 fancy dress night out on the town.

Wednesday 17th / Thursday 18th July 2003

The group checked out of their hotel at 13:00 hours, which left the rest of the day free, until they boarded their coach at 16:00. The team travelled to Toronto airport for their 20.05 flight, arriving at Gatwick airport at 09.40 the following day to complete what was a fantastic and memorable tour that was thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.