Prince William and Kate will touch down in Victoria, British Columbia on Saturday 24 September for the start of their highly-anticipated one-week tour of Canada. But what's in store for the royal couple during their stay? Kensington Palace has just revealed the jam-packed itinerary, which will involve more than 30 engagements!
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who will be joined by their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, are "hoping to meet thousands of new people along the way," the palace told royal reporters at a press briefing in London.
William and Kate will begin their tour in British Columbia, where they will stay for three nights. They will then travel to the beautiful territory of Yukon for two nights, before returning to British Columbia.
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince William and Kate will arrive in Canada on 24 September
Just hours after touching down, the Duke and Duchess will open the tour by paying respects at Victoria's Cenotaph; they will unveil a new plaque paying tribute to the veterans of Canada's involvement in the Afghanistan conflict. The official welcome to Canada will then get underway, featuring an honour guard and speeches.
The following day they will take a float plane to the bustling city of Vancouver, where they will carry out a charitable engagement close to Kate's heart. The Duchess and her husband will visit Sheway charity which helps vulnerable mothers who are battling addiction and other issues; the link between addiction and family breakdown is something that has been a major priority of Kate's charity work.
In Vancouver, the royals will also visit the Immigration Services Society of British Columbia and the Kitsilano Coastguard Station in Vanier park, as well as attend an event celebrating young leaders in Canadian arts and culture.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe couple will touch down in Victoria, British Columbia
Monday 26 September will be one of their most beautiful days of the tour, as William and Kate will travel to the Great Bear Rainforest – the world's largest temperate rainforest. They will be given an aerial tour of the rainforest via float plane, before landing at Bella Bella's main jetty where they will be ceremoniously welcomed by the Heiltsuk First Nations community.
That evening in Victoria, the Duke and Duchess will attend a reception hosted by the province of British Columbia at Government House.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate will travel to the Great Bear Rainforest – the world's largest temperate rainforest
Before departing for Yukon on Tuesday 27 September, William and Kate will also meet students at the University of British Columbia. They will also take part in the Taste of British Columbia festival where they can sample some of the best wine and cheese from the area.
Later that evening the Cambridges will fly to Yukon's capital Whitehorse, where they will watch a cultural performance before retiring for the night.
Wednesday 28 September will be a day of exploration and a real chance for the Duke and Duchess to see the natural beauty of Yukon and to learn about its people. They will attend a colourful party on Main Street, before travelling to the small town of Carcross and then on to the beautiful Montana Mountain.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThey are bringing their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte on tour
Royal watchers will be most excited for the engagements scheduled on Thursday 29 September. After arriving back in Victoria, British Columbia, William and Kate will attend a children's party in the beautiful grounds of Government House. George and Charlotte are expected to attend, and play with a group of children from military families who have been especially invited. The rest of the day will be spent in private.
On their penultimate day in Canada, William and Kate will travel to the remote and very special destination of Haida Gwaii, an archipelago on the northern coast of British Columbia that is home to the Haida Nation. The sporty couple will paddle to the Haida Heritage Centre and Museum using a traditional Haida canoe, where they will officially be welcomed. They will open the new Haida Gwaii Hospital and Care Centre before enjoying some world-class fishing.
© Photo: Getty ImagesOne of their days will involve a canoe ride to Haida Gwaii
Saturday 1 October is the last day of the tour and one of the busiest. William and Kate will visit the Cridge Centre for the Family – one of Victoria's most well-known charitable institutions – and a local café where they will meet families that have been supported by the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre. They will also a group of young people who are part of JACK.org, a national network of youth who are working to end stigma around mental health for their generation – an issue that Kate, William and Prince Harry champion back home.
The family will bid a final farewell to Canada in a public official departure ceremony at Victoria Harbour Airport. They will board a float plane and will have a brief tour of the southern tip of Vancouver Island before departing for the UK with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Kensington Palace announced the full itinerary
Tour outline
September 24: Victoria, British ColumbiaSeptember 25: Vancouver, British ColumbiaSeptember 26: Bella Bella and Great Bear Rainforest, British ColumbiaSeptember 27: Kelowna, British Columbia and Whitehorse, YukonSeptember 28: Whitehorse and Carcross, YukonSeptember 29: Victoria, British Columbia September 30: Haida Gwaii, British ColumbiaOctober 1: Victoria, British Columbia
