On invitation from Prime Minister Trudeau, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recently wrapped up a tour of British Columbia – and they brought their two small children, Prince George, three; and Princess Charlotte, one!
As usual, the royal visit was a tremendous success, with Canadians turning out in droves and glorious fall foliage on display (not to mention a handsome, progressive PM heading up the welcoming committee).
Much like the relaxed royal couple, Canada is a nation praised for its positive and accepting attitude. It’s not the first time Will and Kate have touched down here. Naturally they don’t like to play favourites with the Commonwealth countries – that wouldn’t be proper – but they do always seem to enjoy a marvellous time and receive a warm welcome on Canadian soil.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge received a warm, cultural welcome in Carcross.
Travellers can follow in the royals’ recent footsteps when they explore British Columbia, where glacial mountains, mystical islands, rainforests and world-class skiing are par for the course. When visiting the largest city in the province, Vancouver, you won’t want to miss the Granville Island markets, the sea-wall cycling path at the world-famous Stanley Park, museums or Kitsilano Beach.
This time around, Kate, Will and the children also spent time in BC’s capital, Victoria, where they would have felt right at home. Victoria’s British roots are apparent everywhere – there are double-decker buses, horse-drawn carriages, formal gardens and even tea rooms. Also it was, of course, named after Will’s great-great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria, and is renowned for historic buildings and jaw-dropping scenery.
In late September, the family visited Whitehorse and Carcross in the Yukon where they received a traditional welcome from the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and enjoyed a lively street party on Main Street.
George and Charlotte stole the spotlight at a captivating garden party at Government House, Victoria.
For those planning their own trip to the Yukon, the staggering mountain vistas, wild rivers and vivid tundra will take your breath away. Take a leaf out of the royals’ book and include the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre and Whitehorse’s MacBride Museum on your itinerary.
Going back to the Duke and Duchess, who could forget the maple leaf fascinator Kate wore in summer 2011 when the newlyweds did the rounds of Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories and Alberta? Not only did Kate’s chic headwear win Canuck hearts, she also scored points for appearing in a series of outfits by Canadian designers.
Like Kate and William, you can experience a unique style of island life on Prince Edward Island – the historic province on Canada’s eastern fringe known for its incredibly fresh Atlantic seafood, rolling green hills, quaint villages and as the setting of Anne of Green Gables.
The Royals participated in Canada Day Celebrations at Parliament Hill in Ottawa back in 2011.
This 2011 tour coincided with the 225th anniversary of the British royal family’s very first royal visit to Canada by Prince William (later King William IV), as part of a naval contingent.
Better-documented in the history books was the epic, month-long royal tour of Canada by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939 – a highly anticipated gala event that drew record crowds.
Going back to the modern-day royals, everyone’s favourite younger brother, Prince Harry, met with Prime Minister Trudeau in May this year to kick off the countdown to next year’s Invictus Games in Toronto.
Prince Harry meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau earlier this year.
The Brits are not the only monarchy to frequent Canadian soil. Crown Prince Frederik and Princess Mary of Denmark last toured in 2014. Their four beautiful children stayed in Copenhagen while in Ottawa, the royal couple admired a Red Oak tree planted at Rideau Hall by Prince Frederik’s mother, Queen Margarethe II of Denmark, when she visited in 1991.
Popular with royal and non-royal visitors alike, Rideau Hall is the the official residence of the Canadian monarch and the Governor General of Canada. For sight-seers, it’s a 79-acre urban oasis where history comes alive and free activities abound. Plan your visit for autumn when the leaves turn russet and treat yourselves to a right royal view.
Crown Prince Frederik And Crown Princess Mary Of Denmark in Ottawa.
Brought to you by Destination Canada
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