Dreaming of a luxury getaway that combines the natural beauty of the great outdoors with a vibrant, cosmopolitan culture, safe, clean cities and some of the most edge-of-your-seat sporting action in the world? Then look no further than Canada.
Renowned for its beautiful landscapes – from mountains and glaciers to secluded lakes and forests, it’s truly a nature lover’s dream. But this picturesque country has so much more to offer than just this, making it the perfect place to enjoy a varied and action-packed holiday. From river rafting to live theatre, it’s a nation that truly offers something for everyone – and sports fans, in particular, will be in for a treat.
There’s just something about being in the stands, surrounded by cheering people, as athletes give it their all, that makes for a memorable getaway that will stay with you for seasons to come, and across Canada, you are guaranteed a good show wherever you choose to spectate. Not only that, but there are some iconic sporting sights to be seen along the way, too, which will make for some big ticks off your bucket list.
If you’re looking for a new and exciting sporting experience to enhance your traditional trip, a sports tours in Canada could be just what you’re looking for. And the experts at CanadianSportsbooks.ca, the leading online destination for all the results of the latest sporting matches, have rounded up the very best sporting attractions to take in when visiting Canada in 2021.
Ice hockey
Canada’s national sport, you can’t visit this beautiful nation without immersing yourself in its hockey culture. Canadians live and breathe the sport from October until June each year, and although things are a little different this year, we have high hopes that things will have returned to normal in time for the next season.
Sports fans should make sure they don’t miss out on watching a National Hockey League game, where the atmosphere is always buzzing. The Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Ottawa Sensators, Toronto Maple Leaves, Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames are the main teams battling it out on the field each year, and any fixture is guaranteed to give you that adrenaline shot and edge-of-your-seat action you’re craving.
The Hockey Hall of Fame is a must while in Toronto, featuring 65,000 square feet of artefacts and memorabilia from seasons gone by. With 388 members inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame, it’s an unrivalled opportunity to check out the pucks, sticks and gloves of some of the most famous players of all time.
Canadian football
Although more akin to American football than it is to the British variation (otherwise known as ‘soccer’), Canadian football is in a league all of its own. Requiring a longer field and different ball to its American counterpart, as well as being played with larger teams.
Some of the biggest players include the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ottawa Redblacks and Toronto Argonauts, although teams can be found in nine cities across the country in total. For a thrilling 60 minutes, be sure to reserve a place in the home stands of any CFL game, and immerse yourself in the excitement and passion of the local fans. If you’ve ever experienced an American sports game, the buzz is a similar one – it’s competitive, but spirits are always high.
For a good dose of Canadian football in history, the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, in Ontario, is well worth a visit. Celebrating the nation’s greatest achievements in the sport, it includes displays on the CFL, Canadian university football and Canadian junior football.
Basketball and baseball
Basketball lovers should plan a little extra time in Toronto to take in a Toronto Raptors match, where the atmosphere is once again guaranteed to be electric. The only NBA team based in Canada, the Raptors have the support of the entire nation behind them, which is quote something – so be prepared to book your tickets well in advanced, as they’re in high demand!
Toronto is also the home of Canada’s only pro baseball team, so be sure to head to The Rogers Centre to take in a Blue Jays game during your time in the city. Originally names the SkyDome, The Rogers Centre is a multi-purpose stadium in downtown Toronto, situated just west of the CN tower and near the northern shore of Lake Ontario. Since opening in 1989, it has seen the nation’s biggest baseball games.
Don’t miss out on the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, either, when in St. Marys, Ontario – which commemorates some of the greatest Canadian players and accomplishments of all time.
Whatever your sport of choice, you’re guaranteed some on-the-pitch action in Canada that will leave a lasting impression for years to come. But, with tickets to matches selling out well ahead of time, we recommend planning ahead to make sure you get VIP tickets for all of the biggest games, and don’t forget to ensure you apply for all relevant travel documents well in advance, too. Head to visa-canada.info to make sure you apply for everything you need in advance.
Image credit at the very top of the article: Jeff Whyte Photography/Bigstock.com
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