Rugby Tours to British Columbia

Rugby tours to British Columbia are arguably the most scenic sightseeing and topography in Canada. Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler await, demonstrating how mother nature and fantastic people combine to create a unique welcome for your sports team.

Located 10.5 hours’ flying time from London, Vancouver is the logical entry point for teams visiting this region. At the right time of year you can both surf and ski in one day, not to mention spend time exploring Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. Enjoy the vibrancy of Vancouver city and its versatile culture; a perfect starting point for your long haul tour.

Prior to journeying to Vancouver Island be sure to allow time for a day’s sightseeing in Whistler. This magnificent ski resort demonstrates its versatility in the spring and summer months with stunning mountain views, white water rafting and their world-famous ziplining. Lying only 90 minutes from Vancouver itself places the town in very much a day-trip category.

One of the highlights of this tour is the ferry crossing from the mainland to Vancouver Island. Experience the best views from the front of the ship as you sail between the archipelago prior to landing in Swartz Bay. Victoria hosts our groups and boasts a bustling town around its waterfront, including Parliament, ziplining, whale watching charters and stunning scenery. It’s from here where catamarans depart to Seattle, tempting groups with a second country to visit as part of your rugby tour to Canada.

Seattle; despite its record as the USA’s ‘wettest city’ there’s plenty to do to keep the rain off your back when visiting the coastal city. For starters, head to the iconic Space Needle for views across Washington and onto Mt Rainier. Once you have your bearings be sure to energise at Starbucks’ inaugural store in the Pike Place Market where the locals’ clam chowder will provide the sustenance for sightseeing. Take in the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP), hop on the rail to CenturyLink Field for a soccer game and be sure to visit everything in between including the Boeing Factory for an educational tour.

Where to stay in British Columbia?

Rugby tours to British Columbia are hosted in a variety of destinations: Vancouver, Victoria (Vancouver Island) and Whistler. Here is a sample of our hand-picked accommodation that is audited to UK regulatory standards.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Downtown, Vancouver

For years we’ve enjoyed a great relationship with the staff and facilities of Vancouver’s Holiday Inn Downtown Hotel.

With a late bar and sumptuous hot breakfast to start the day, not to mention its city centre location, there are seldom better hotels that truly understand a team’s needs than this fantastic property.

Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria

Its positioning adjacent to Victoria’s waterfront and Parliament makes the Hotel Grand Pacific an undisputed choice for our touring groups. Only minutes from the downtown shopping and nightlife areas, boat charter zones and rugby fields accentuate the reasons we promote this property. Further, teams travelling onwards to the US have a simple 50 meter walk from hotel lobby to catamaran, making a mockery of the concern over lengthy border entry into America!

Peak Lodge Holiday Inn, Whistler

Surrounded by mountains, this simple, warmly decorated lodge features free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, kitchens, dining spaces and fireplaces. Twin and triple rooms are perfect for large groups, and also contain bunk beds. Most rooms provide balconies that offer immaculate views of mountains, snow and scenery.

Considering a stop-off in Seattle before heading home? Our accommodation recommendation is below:

The Westin

Seattle offers a number of accommodation options subject to the time of year visiting and your group’s budget. Summer groups can reside at the centrally located Seattle University whilst teams visiting during the spring months can choose between the Holiday Inn, Westin or W Hotel in the heart of Seattle. Our recommendation? The Westin. 5* luxury at 4* prices in a perfect, central spot in the city.

What to do in British Columbia ?

Fill your free time between rugby matches exploring Canada. Some excursions in different locations that we recommend are:

White Water Rafting
Zipling
Whale Watching
Stanley Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge

When to visit British Columbia?

Here at MSG Tours, we understand that school term time can be super hectic so we’ve found a place where rugby season is available during the summer holidays. Season occurs from June to October, ideal for the summer break (and also, October half term).