 Long Haul Tours - Canada
Vast and beautiful, Canada is widely associated with the snowy wastes of its wild northern frontier but in fact it is the cosmopolitan cities that define the nation today. The combination (and occasional clash) of French and British traditions alongside an ever-present US influence, and you have a vibrant cultural mosaic.
Canada is especially rewarding for inquisitive travellers and our recommended itineraries offer variety. With options on both the east and west regions of the country there are travel options to suit most groups.
Nestled between coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Indeed, the picturesque location and temperate climate make this one of the few places in the world where visitors can hit the piste in the morning, catch some waves in the afternoon and still fit in a round of golf. The city came to international attention as the host of the 1986 World’s Fair and will step back into the media spotlight as the home of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Attractions and Excursions
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Suspended 70metres above the Capilano River, this famous footbridge offers amazing views across the surrounding park land for those brave enough to make the crossing.
Vancouver Lookout (Harbour Tower Centre)
An essential first stop for visitors to the city; not only does the tower’s observation deck allow panoramic views of the city but guided city tours run regularly from the centre.
Vancouver Aquarium
A world class marine life research and rehabilitation facility, Vancouver Aquarium has daily shows featuring dolphins, reef sharks, sea otters, sea lions and seals.
Victoria
The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria boasts many historic buildings and some of the most fascinating museums in Western Canada. The city benefits from one of Canada's mildest climates, which allows its residents to pursue outdoor pleasures all year round. Victoria also enjoys some of the country's most exhilarating scenery: there's an ocean or mountain vista around every corner, while the city's flower gardens are famous the world over. Whether your taste runs to golfing, hiking, biking and fishing or you're more the shopping, dining and theatre type, there are no end of delights for you and your group in Victoria.
Whether you've got a few days or a few hours, Seattle's condensed downtown area and fantastic transport system make it a wonderful choice for a short jaunt. Surrounded by lakes and acres of lush green forest, the city offers a perfect mix of urban attractions and outdoor recreation.
Montreal
Situated on an island in the St Lawrence River, the capital of the Quebec province is considered one of the cultural centres of the whole country. Montreal is a mosaic of influences, from the massive French presence (it’s the city’s first language), to the water front green space of the Old Port, to the futuristic monuments leftover from the 1967 World’s Fair.
Attractions and Excursions
Old Montreal
The city's main tourist attraction is a scenic experience with cobbled streets, 17th century architecture, street artists, musicians, and fine restaurants. The Old Port has attractions such as Cirque du Soleil and the Montreal Science Center.
La Ronde
A member of the Six Flags family of amusement parks, La Ronde features more than 40 rides and attractions designed to suit visitors of all ages.
Lachine Rapids
With huge waves and a strong current, this turbulent stretch of the St Lawrence River is ideal for white-water rafting and kayaking. Lessons and guided trips are available at the shoreline.
Nestled at the junction of three picturesque rivers, Ottawa is considered one of the world’s most beautiful capitals. The city also borders the province of Québec, creating a dynamic cultural milieu in which both French and English cultures are deeply rooted. The result is a truly cosmopolitan experience—a North American city with a distinctly European charm and flair. The Canadian capital is a great city to explore on foot thanks to the pedestrian friendly streets and the sheer density of tourist attractions. A two hour walking tour of the downtown area will be more than long enough to take in many of Ottawa’s sights and landmarks, including Parliament Hill, the home of Canadian democracy.
Attractions and Excursions
Byward Market
The city's most popular shopping district offers bargain hunters the chance to pick up souvenirs for a fraction of the cost charged in tourist “friendly” gift shops. In the evening the restaurants, bars and pubs of Clarence St and Elgin St become the main attraction.
Canadian War Museum
Within walking distance of other downtown attractions, the museum chronicles Canada's involvement in armed conflict, from the battles between the French and British to current involvement in NATO and UN operations.
Rideau Canal
Built in 1812 by the British, this historical waterway connects Ottawa to Kingston and, in the winter months, is home to the world’s largest ice rink
White Water Rafting
A trip to Ottawa wouldn't be the same without experiencing a rafting adventure on the Ottawa River. Spend a whole day on 10-12 man boats under the watchful eye of an experienced guide and head downstream over a series of natural rapids. The day will be split with a riverside BBQ lunch and concluded with a private viewing of your personalised rafting experience on DVD! For further information visit www.wildernesstours.com
The largest city in Canada and the fifth largest in North America, metropolitan Toronto is home to five million people, with around half of these born outside the country. This massive immigrant population has led to a melting pot of cultures, with the downtown area home to districts such as Chinatown, Greektown, Little Italy, Koreatown and Little India. This gives visiting tourists the chance to sample sights, sounds and tastes from across the world in one of North America’s most exciting cities.
Attractions and Excursions
CN Tower
At 553.3 metres tall, the CN Tower is the world's tallest freestanding structure on land. More than two million international visitors a year enjoy panoramic views across Toronto from the observation deck, café and restaurant. Click here for the official CN Tower website
Paramount Canada’s Wonderland
Based in Toronto, the country’s favourite theme park hosts attractions based on the films of the famous movie studio, including Top Gun, Tomb Raider and a Hollywood stunt Click here for further information.
Toronto Blue Jays Baseball
A tour to Toronto simply wouldn't be the same without a trip to the Rogers Centre to catch a 'ball game. The baseball season starts in spring and continues through the summer and teams play on average 5 days per week! Therefore, the chances of catching a game are pretty high so check out the following link for match scheduling.
There is something about Niagara Falls, Canada that appeals to the lover, daredevil and poet in everyone. Over the years Niagara Falls has evolved from a strategic military post to a prosperous trade centre, and finally into a world class year-round travel destination. An hour from Toronto, straddling the border between Canada and America are the world famous Falls; a collection of three separate waterfalls fuelled by the Niagara River. The Maid of the Mist boat ride allows groups to get up close and personal with this amazing natural wonder.
Suggested Itineraries:
Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto & Niagara Falls12 day tour
Day 1 – UK / Montreal
Scheduled direct flight from your designated UK airport to Montreal International Airport. On arrival a charted coach will transfer you to your accommodation in Montreal. Free evening to explore the city.
Day 2 – Montreal
Free day. Optional city tour, including Old Montreal and the Old Port.
Day 3 – Montreal
First match vs local opposition followed by post-match hospitality.
Day 4 – Montreal / Ottawa
Morning departure from Montreal for chartered coach transfer to Ottawa.
Day 5 – Ottawa
Second match vs local opposition followed by post match hospitality.
Day 6 – Ottawa (White Water rafting)
Optional excursion to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stables and training grounds. If your group is seeking adventure then a trip to the Ottawa River for a full day rafting is highly recommended. Qualified river guides take you on a journey through the rapids, stopping for a BBQ lunch and photo session at the half way point. The River is located 90 minutes from Ottawa and your activity is recorded and processed onto DVD for you to take home at the end of the day. For further information visit www.wildernesstours.com
Day 7 – Ottawa/Toronto
It's time to switch destinations and your group can choose from one of the following transportation methods:
1. Internal flight (50 minutes)
2. Chartered bus transfer (5 hours, including lunch stop)
3. Train (4 hours)
Day 8 – Toronto
Free morning. Optional city tour including the world famous CN Tower and the Rogers Centre, home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team. This is followed by your third match vs local opposition and post-match hospitality.
Day 9 – Toronto
Excursion to Niagara Falls, including Maid of the Mist boat ride.
Day 10 – Toronto
Fourth match vs local opposition followed by post-match hospitality.
Day 11 – Toronto
Free day to explore Toronto. For fantastic views of the city visit the harbour and take a tour of the Toronto Islands. In the afternoon, stock up on tour souvenirs at the Eaton Centre.
Day 12 – Toronto / UK
Depart from Toronto for your overnight fight back to your designated UK airport. Flight arrives on the morning of day 13.
This is our recommend East Canada tour. However, the itinerary is flexible and can be amended to suit the needs of your group. For example:
Toronto (7 Day Tour) – On “Day 1”, fly direct to Toronto beginning the tour at “Day 7” on the full itinerary. An extra free day
Montreal, Toronto (9 Day Tour) – “Day 4” becomes a free morning in Montreal and then you will be transferred to Montreal International for an internal flight to Toronto for a 4 night stay in Toronto.
Ottawa, Toronto (10 Day Tour) - On “Day 1”, rather than fly to Montreal you can fly direct to Ottawa for a three night stay in Ottawa and then onto Toronto for the remainder of your stay.
Ottawa & Toronto (with day excursion to Niagara Falls)
10 day tour
Day 1 – UK / Ottawa
Scheduled direct flight from your designated UK airport to Ottawa International Airport. On arrival a charted coach will transfer you to your accommodation in the Byward Market. Free evening to explore the city.
Day 2 – Ottawa (White Water rafting)
Optional excursion to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stables and training grounds. If your group is seeking adventure then a trip to the Ottawa River for a full day rafting is highly recommended. Qualified river guides take you on a journey through the rapids, stopping for a BBQ lunch and photo session at the half way point. The River is located 90 minutes from Ottawa and your activity is recorded and processed onto DVD for you to take home at the end of the day. For further information visit www.wildernesstours.com
Day 3 – Ottawa
First match vs local opposition followed by post-match hospitality.
Day 4 – Ottawa/Toronto
It's time to switch destinations and your group can choose from one of the following transportation methods:
1. Internal flight (50 minutes)
2. Chartered bus transfer (5 hours, including lunch stop)
3. Train (4 hours)
Day 5 – Toronto
Free morning. Optional city tour including the world famous CN Tower and the Rogers Centre, home to the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team. This is followed by your second match vs local opposition with post-match hospitality.
Day 6 – Toronto / Niagara Falls
Excursion to Niagara Falls, including Maid of the Mist boat ride. Your bus will depart from hotel early morning and return around 19:00h.
Day 7 – Toronto
Third match vs local opposition followed by post-match hospitality.
Day 8 – Toronto
Free day to explore Toronto. For fantastic views of the city visit the harbour and take a tour of the Toronto Islands. In the afternoon, stock up on tour souvenirs at the Eaton Centre.
Day 9 – Toronto / UK
Depart from Toronto for your overnight fight back to your designated UK airport. Flight arrives on the morning of day 10.
Vancouver, Vancouver Island & Seattle14 day tour featuring an extension to the USA
Day 1 – UK / Vancouver
Scheduled direct flight from your designated UK airport to Vancouver International Airport. On arrival a charted coach will transfer you to your accommodation in downtown Vancouver. Free evening to explore the city.
Day 2 – Vancouver
Morning Sightseeing tour of Vancouver. Optional visit to the Capilano Canyon Cable Car offering panoramic views of Vancouver and its surroundings.
Day 3 – Vancouver
First Match Vs local opposition followed by post match hospitality with your hosts. Excursion to Vancouver Harbour Centre Tower in the evening.
Day 4 – Vancouver
Spend the morning at leisure experiencing the city’s other attractions including Canada Place with lots of restaurants, bars and shops.
Day 5 – Vancouver
Second match v local opposition followed by post-match hospitality with your hosts.
Day 6 & 7 – Vancouver / Vancouver Island
Board your chartered coach for the short journey from Vancouver to Vancouver Island via ferry. Your driver will double as a sightseeing guide, taking you onwards to Strathcona Lodge on the west coast where you will reside for the next two nights. The Lodge is perfect for groups seeking an authentic Canadian wilderness experience. Qualified and knowledgeable guides will take you rafting, kayaking and trekking during your stay, returning to the Lodge each evening for a full buffet dinner. A full risk assessment and safety handbook is available for all school groups interested in visiting Strathcona Lodge.
Day 8 – Vancouver Island
Depart after breakfast via coach to Victoria for the next two nights.
10:00 - Sightseeing transfer begins
10-noon - Travel to Coombs (known for the goats who live on the roof!), browse the Country Market and grab a snack.
12-2 pm – MacMillan Provincial Park and Cathedral Grove – time included for self-guided hikes around the park.
2-4 pm – travel to Chemainus, famous for the giant murals painted throughout town, depicting the history and heritage.
5:15 pm – arrive in Victoria
Day 9 – Vancouver Island
AM: Whale Watching excursion. Depart via chartered boat on a three-hour excursion to view the whales close up and personal.
PM: Third match v local opposition followed by post-match hospitality.
Day 10 – Seattle
Depart via ferry from Victoria to Seattle (1.5 hours). Board or awaiting chartered coach for the short journey to your centrally located hotel. Free afternoon to begin your exploration of the city.
Day 11 – Seattle
Fourth match v local opposition, followed by post match hospitality.
Day 12 – Seattle
Subject to the time of year you may be able to view a professional sports game. For schedules of the city's sporting teams visit the following websites:
Day 13 – Seattle / London
Morning free to pick up some last minute souvenirs before transferring to Seattle airport for your evening overnight flight home. Arrive in the UK on the morning of day 14.
Groups also have the option of transferring back to Vancouver via coach or train to connect to return flight to regional airport
Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops, Kelowna, Banff13 day tour
Day 1 – UK / Vancouver
Scheduled direct flight from your designated UK airport to Vancouver International Airport. On arrival a charted coach will transfer you to your accommodation in downtown Vancouver. Free evening to explore the city.
Day 2 – Vancouver
Morning Sightseeing tour of Vancouver. Optional visit to the Capilano Canyon Cable Car offering panoramic views of Vancouver and its surroundings.
Day 3 – Vancouver
First Match Vs local opposition followed by post match hospitality with your hosts. Excursion to Vancouver Harbour Centre Tower in the evening.
Day 4 – Vancouver
Spend the morning at leisure experiencing the city’s other attractions including Canada Place with lots of restaurants, bars and shops.
Day 5 – Vancouver
Second Match Vs Local Opposition followed by post-match hospitality with your hosts.
Day 6 – Vancouver / Whistler
Board your chartered coach for the morning departure from Vancouver to Whistler.
Day 7 - Whistler
Spend the day at leisure exploring the village of Whistler.
Day 8 – Whistler / Kamloops
In the morning transfer through the Lillooet Mountain Range to Kamloops.
Third March Vs Local Opposition followed by post-match hospitality.
Day 9 – Kamloops / Kelowna
Depart from Kamloops to Kelowna through the captivating Okanagan Valley.
Day 10 – Kelowna
Free time to explore Kelowna.
Fourth Match Vs Local Opposition, followed by post match hospitality.
Day 11 – Kelowna / Banff
Depart Kelowna for a spectacular coach ride over the Rockies and then an evening exploring the mountain resort of Banff.
Day 12 – Banff
Sightseeing day of the Rockies including Lake Louise and experience fantastic views from the Gondala ride above.
Day 13 – Banff / Vancouver/ London
Morning free in Banff to pick up some last minute souvenirs. Coach transfer to Vancouver for your evening overnight flight home. Arrive in the UK the following morning.
This is our recommend West Coast Canada tour. However, the itinerary is flexible and can be amended to suit the needs of your group. For example:
Vancouver, Whistler (9 Day Tour) – On “Day 8”, rather than continue onto Kamloops return from Whistler direct to Vancouver for your flight home to the UK.
Vancouver, Whistler, Kamloops (10 Day Tour) – On “Day 9”, explore Kamloops and instead of setting off to Kelowna return back to Vancouver for your flight home to the UK the following day.
These are our recommended itineraries. However, the packages are flexible and can be amended to suit the needs of your group. For example, extra matches, training schedules, excursions or activities can be incorporated into your trip upon request.
Your group can be accommodated in a variety of standards, ranging from BRONZE (for the budget conscious) to GOLD (for teams with higher tour package budgets). Alternatively, you may wish to include BILLETING / HOMESTAYS as part of your package. Staying with families on tour is a great opportunity for students to experience first hand life within a different culture. It is also a great way to expand players’ grasp of foreign languages and make friends for life within their chosen sport. Importantly, billeting allows you to remove a cost element from your touring package and help reduce the overall tour price for your intended destination.
Our service also encompasses the planning and organisational side of your trip. Our TEAM PAGES offer clubs the opportunity to view the progress of their tour on their own specific Teamlink webpage, which allows tour leaders to provide up to the minute news on theiritinerary through a secure web link. Please view the ‘ Testimonials’ section for quotes from some of our recent touring teams, or click here to complete an enquiry form and receive a free quotation.
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