Toronto and Vancouver – Which Canadian Destination is Best for a Sports Tour?

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Toronto and Vancouver – Which Canadian Destination is Best for a Sports Tour?

Travelling to the land of snow, sun, and poutine for an unforgettable sports tour? Unsure of whether to choose Vancouver and the west coast, or Toronto as your team’s dream destination? Then this article is for you!

Both cities have their distinct qualities. Toronto is a great starting point for exploring Canada, offering an affordable experience and easy access to various excursions. Its location on the Canadian east coast means shorter flights from the UK, and it has a lively and welcoming atmosphere. On the other hand, Vancouver, situated on the North American west coast, offers a rich, multi-faceted adventure, with opportunities for overnight trips to nearby Victoria Island and the vibrant city of Seattle. Together, they provide a diverse Canadian experience that caters to a range of budgets and interests.

From Toronto’s iconic sports stadiums and urban skyline to Vancouver’s state-of-the-art hockey arenas and surrounding mountain views, your sports tour is guaranteed to be unforgettable no matter which destination you choose.

Read on to find out more about these two Canadian cities, as well as recommended places to visit when on a budget!

Toronto – A Sporty Urban Paradise

Welcome to Toronto – an affordable, diverse city bustling with major sports teams, a thriving entertainment scene, and an entryway to natural wonders like Niagara Falls. This Canadian city is a top destination for netball tours, rugby tours, and football tours! For a long-haul trip, Toronto is the ideal location for first-time visitors to Canada. It serves as a fantastic base to start your adventure!

With dozens of things to see and do, from the Rogers Centre Tour to Canada’s Wonderland, Toronto has plenty to offer – so read on to see what we recommend.

Live Sports

First on this jam-packed list is the variety of live sports available to watch during your trip! From the Toronto Marlies Ice Hockey team to the Toronto Argonauts Canadian Football team, immerse yourself into Canada’s world of sport. Purchase tickets to watch the Toronto Bluejays at Rogers Centre, the ONLY major baseball stadium in Toronto, and revel in all the entertainment and food that it has to offer!

Sports are deeply embedded in North American culture, ensuring your group will never be bored. From the high-speed action of ice hockey and the competitive game of baseball to the fast-paced excitement of basketball and the spectacle of football, there’s a live sport to watch for everyone.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a renowned breathtaking destination and is easily accessible from Toronto by coach. Teams can embark on a boat tour to experience the roaring falls up close or explore the surrounding parkland, where scenic trails provide excellent opportunities for team bonding and relaxation.

With its impressive scenery and opportunities for adventure, Niagara Falls serves as a fantastic getaway to recharge and celebrate your sporting achievements!

Canada’s Wonderland

Attention to the adrenaline lovers! Explore Canada’s Wonderland, located just 40 kilometres north of downtown Toronto, and revel in this top amusement park. With numerous exhilarating rides, including Canada’s fastest rollercoaster and a fantastic on-site water park, there’s plenty of excitement for everyone to experience!

Recommended places to visit on a budget

If your team are on a budget, there are many places in Toronto to trek to and enjoy! Here are a couple of our favourites.

Hockey Hall of Fame

The Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-visit for sports teams and hockey enthusiasts alike! As hockey is Canada’s favourite pastime, this place is brimming with hockey memorabilia, interactive activities, and exhibits that showcase the game’s greatest players, teams, and moments.

Visitors can also view the iconic Stanley Cup and immerse in engaging experiences, such as virtual reality challenges, making it a fun stop for teams looking to bond off the ice, pitch, or court!

Scarborough Bluffs

The Scarborough Bluffs is the perfect oasis for sports teams looking to unwind after their fixtures. This beautiful lakeside destination offers visitors 15km of walking trails along the shimmering Lake Ontario shore, with beaches, gardens, sports, recreation fields and more to keep your team interested.

With its vibrant atmosphere and space for team bonding, Scarborough is an ideal spot to relax on your tour!

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Vancouver – A Modern Gateway to Natural Adventure

Fly out to Vancouver and experience breathtaking nature, a glimmering cityscape, and a once-in-a-lifetime sports tour. Our sports tours to Vancouver pair perfectly with a stay in Seattle, allowing you to explore two cities in one trip! Your group will also visit Victoria Island, a ferry away from Vancouver. Spend your time enjoying all that the North American west coast has to offer!

However, if your group prefers to focus on just one city, we recommend choosing Toronto.

Keep reading to discover more about this major city, known for its idyllic landscapes and lively sports scene.

Rogers Arena

Home to the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League, Rogers Arena offers tour groups a plethora of things to see! Watch elite hockey games, attend music shows, or even laugh along to a live comedy.

The facility features modern amenities, including luxury sites, a state-of-the-art sound system, and excellent sightlines for spectators. The surrounding area offers dining and entertainment options, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Vancouver Lookout

Take your view of this glimmering city one step further and ride a glass elevator up 168 meters (553 feet) for a spectacular 360° view of Vancouver. The Vancouver Lookout has been a prominent feature of the city’s skyline since 1977, and it offers your group a chance to see Stanley Park, historic Gastown, the North Shore mountains, and the vibrant downtown from a whole new perspective.

Joffre Lakes Park

Despite being one of the farthest destinations on this list, Joffre Lakes is amongst the most visually stunning parks in Canada. Take a 2.5-hour drive to explore this breathtaking area, filled with turquoise-blue lakes, icefields, streams, and glacier-capped peaks. You can hike along the trails to the three main lakes—Lower, Middle, and Upper—each offering a more challenging ascent than the last.

Joffre Lakes Park provides an abundance of activities, including hiking, camping, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, and fishing – expect to have lots of fun!

Recommended places to visit on a budget

Vancouver and its surrounding areas are filled with stunning scenery and exciting activities, and there are plenty of great spots to enjoy without breaking the bank. Here are some of the most affordable yet unforgettable places to explore!

Stanley Park

Known for being Vancouver’s largest urban park, Stanley Park is free to visit – so make the most of this stunning location! Take a look at the historic artifacts, including the First Nations art and totem poles, and truly immerse yourselves into Canadian culture. The park hosts an array of breathtaking flower gardens, landmarks like the Lost Lagoon, and is home to over 500 wildlife species.

Your group can participate in a variety of activities, from swimming at Second Beach Pool to cycling along scenic forest trails—there’s something for everyone! Unwind and enjoy the stunning park surroundings whilst taking in the breathtaking mountain views.

Superfly Zipline

Superfly Ziplines – Whistler

Ready to experience an exhilarating adventure? Whistler is the pioneer of ziplines in North America, with standout tours like the Eagle Tour providing 2400ft high ziplines with a 30-storey descent! Enjoy the panoramic views with your team and breathe in the crisp forest air – there’s no other place quite like Whistler Village.

One great benefit of Whistler Ziptrek is the opportunity to save money by bundling multiple tours. If your group books two or more Ziptrek experiences together, you’ll receive a 15% discount. Take advantage of your free time during your sports trip and enjoy this fantastic, affordable adventure!

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Multi-Sports Tours to Toronto and Vancouver

Both Canadian destinations provide multi-sports tours, allowing you to combine teams from sports like netball, football, rugby, and hockey. Read our Multi-Sports Tour blog to discover which sports can be paired together for tours to Toronto and Vancouver, as options may vary by location.

Ready to get started?

Our sports tours to Toronto and Vancouver are jam-packed with great itineraries and unforgettable memories! Experience these sports-loving cities, ranging from football, rugby, and netball, explore stunning nature, and enjoy Canadian delicacies like poutine.

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