The 2016 Royal Tour of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Itinerary

• Saturday, September 24 – Victoria, British Columbia

  Administrative Arrival

  Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron, Victoria, where they are greeted according to Canadian custom and protocol.

  17:05

  Official ceremony of welcome to Canada and British Columbia at the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge honour Canadian military service by laying a wreath at the Cenotaph.
  • The welcome features full military honours including a 21-gun salute, the breaking of His Royal Highness’s Canadian Standard, and an inspection of the Guard of Honour.
  • The Duke of Cambridge addresses Canadians.
  • Their Royal Highnesses sign the Government of Canada Golden Book and the British Columbia Distinguished Visitors’ Book.

  Their Royal Highnesses have a private audience with the Governor General.

  Their Royal Highnesses have a private audience with the Prime Minister.

• Sunday, September 25 – Vancouver, British Columbia

  10:45

  Arrival at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre and Jack Poole Plaza.

  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are greeted by dignitaries and members of the public.

  Meeting and Tour of Sheway.

  Sheway – a Coast Salish word for growth – is a program that provides health and social service support to women who are pregnant or parenting and are dealing with drug and alcohol issues.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge participate in a ceremonial First Nations welcome and prayer.
  • Their Royal Highnesses learn about vest-making and baby-welcoming ceremonies, participate in story time with mothers and children, and discuss maternal and baby health.
  • The staff discuss nutrition, and Their Royal Highnesses see how to make traditional bannock.

  Visit to the Immigrant Services Society (ISS) of British Columbia New Welcome Centre.

  The Immigrant Services Society’s new Welcome Centre – the first, purpose-built facility of its kind in the world – provides settlement, education and employment services to over 25,000 immigrants and refugees each year.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge view a piece of art, When Dreams Begin, and meet with government-assisted refugees who have benefited from ISS programs.
  • Their Royal Highnesses learn about the different programs offered at ISS and meet with TechStart grads and MYCircle youth.
  • Their Royal Highnesses visit the ISS playground, meet families, and unveil a plaque to recognize the opening of the playground and commemorate their visit.

  Reception at Telus Garden with Canadian Youth.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet young Canadians who are helping to build Canada and making a difference in their communities.

  15:00

  First Responders Showcase at the Kitsilano Coast Guard Station.

  This enhanced station, the first of its kind in Canada, works with Indigenous groups, coastal communities and local response partners to provide improved marine safety off Canada’s west coast. As part of this visit, the issue of improving mental health for those who serve others – Canada’s first responders – is discussed.

  • Their Royal Highnesses join a round table with representatives from the Coast Guard, ambulance, fire, and police services to discuss rescues and mental health issues in first responders’ communities.
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge move outside to the station’s cycling path, meet Indigenous leaders, and view equipment used in search and rescue and environmental response, including a Coast Guard hovercraft.

• Monday, September 26 – Bella Bella and Victoria, British Columbia

  Bella Bella

  12:00

  Arrive at Bella Bella, also known as Waglisla.

  Bella Bella is a small Heiltsuk First Nation community situated on the east coast of Campbell Island. It is the location of the Great Bear Rainforest, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world and home of the Kermode bears or "spirit bears" – a sub-species of black bear noted for its white fur.

  Aerial Tour of the Rainforest.

  12:20

  First Nations Welcome.

  • Their Royal Highnesses, are welcomed by the Heiltsuk community in a traditional ceremony.

  Cultural Sharing Ceremony at the Bella Bella Community School.

  13:08

  Dedication of the Great Bear Rainforest.

  • Their Royal Highnesses walk to the Elders Lodge, where The Duke of Cambridge marks the dedication of the Great Bear Rainforest as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative.
  • His Royal Highness addresses Canadians.
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge move to a part of the rainforest near McLoughlin Bay. A brief dedication ceremony is held.
  • Their Royal Highnesses close the visit with a boat tour of McLoughlin Bay.

  Victoria

  Black Rod Ceremony at Government House.

  The Black Rod is a ceremonial staff used on formal occasions when the monarch or her provincial representative, the Lieutenant Governor, is present in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The materials and symbols affixed to the Rod are representative of the province and its relationship to the Crown.

  • His Royal Highness installs a final Ring of Reconciliation to embody the historic relationship of the Sovereign as the guardian and protector of the Aboriginal peoples and to symbolize the reconciliation of all cultures in British Columbia.

  Reception Hosted by the Province of British Columbia.

• Tuesday, September 27 – Kelowna, British Columbia, and Whitehorse Yukon

  Kelowna

  12:35

  Marking the conclusion of the 10-year anniversary celebration of the University of British Columbia Okanagan and the 100th anniversary of the University of British Columbia.

  The university is a leader in research in environmental sustainability and resilience, conservation, ecology and resource management. The institution has cultivated a relationship with the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) to better provide tailored networks for Indigenous students, including an Aboriginal centre and Aboriginal Access Studies program.

  • The Duke and Duchess unveil a plaque acknowledging the 10th anniversary of the campus.
  • Their Royal Highnesses meet the artist and view a piece of Indigenous Syilx art commissioned to honour the unique partnership between UBC Okanagan and the ONA.
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are introduced to the mascot "Scorch" and watch a demonstration of women’s volleyball.

  14:10

  A Taste of British Columbia showcasing British Columbia’s agri-food and seafood industries at Mission Hill Family Estate.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge view the vineyard.
  • Their Royal Highnesses tour stations of samples and displays that showcase the diversity and bounty of the province’s agri-food and seafood industry.

  Whitehorse

  18:10

  Official arrival in Yukon at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.

  The Duke of Cambridge inspects a guard composed of members of the Canadian Rangers and Junior Rangers. The Duke of Cambridge and his brother, Prince Harry, were made honorary members of this reserve unit in 2009.

  18:40

  "Land of Gold – A Yukon Cultural Celebration"

  The Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre is a centrepiece of downtown Whitehorse. Situated on the banks of the Yukon River, the centre features cultural exhibits and local First Nations art.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge view "Land of Gold – A Yukon Cultural Celebration", which highlights the diversity and depth of Yukon’s cultural scene. Dancers, drummers and musicians from a variety of genres and backgrounds share their songs and stories in a dynamic performance.

• Wednesday, September 28 – Whitehorse and Carcross, Yukon

  09:05

  Visit to the MacBride Museum of Yukon History.

  The MacBride Museum, a fixture in downtown Whitehorse since 1952, showcases Yukon’s history with a focus on the role of Whitehorse in the development of the territory.

  • Their Royal Highnesses join a story circle with children and elders from the Language Nest program at Kwanlin Dün First Nation’s Dusk’a Day Care, who read a story book in Southern Tutchone.
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge participate in sending a "telegraph to tweet" – using an original telegraph to send a tweet.

  10:00

  Healing Totem and community festival on Main Street.

  The Healing Totem is an 11-metre totem pole dedicated to the healing of residential school survivors and their communities. Also present will be members of Bring Youth Toward Equality (BYTE), a youth organization focused on empowering young people throughout Yukon and helping them develop confidence, skills, openness and a sense of belonging.

  • Their Royal Highnesses will meet a young carver at the Healing Totem and meet with members of BYTE.
  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge walk through the Youth Art Festival, pausing to view the displays, activities and performances that highlight Yukon talent.

  11:50

  Traditional welcome ceremony in Carcross.

  Carcross is traditional territory of Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Their Royal Highnesses will experience local Tagish traditions, culture and heritage, and witness the innovative economic development initiatives led by the Carcross Tagish Management Corporation.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge receive an elder blessing, and experience a welcome song and welcome dance by the Dakhká Khwáan Dancers.
  • Their Royal Highnesses meet a carver who is working on traditional Inland Tlingit and Tagish totems.

  13:00

  Mountain biking demonstration atop Montana Mountain with Single Track to Success (S2S).

  Single Track to Success (S2S) youth trail builders is a program that aims to provide training and improve wellness with local youth.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet with young riders who demonstrate their skills.

• Thursday, September 29 – Victoria, British Columbia

  Children’s Party.

  Government House hosts a tea party with children from the Victoria area and their families. Among those attending the event are children and families from the Military Family Resource Centre, an independent non-profit organization that provides programs and services to military members and their families.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet with families, including those currently serving in the Canadian military.

  Private time.

• Friday, September 30 – Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

  11:50

  Canoe trip from Skidegate Landing to Haida Heritage Centre and Museum in Haida Gwaii.

  Haida Gwaii, formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands, is an archipelago located off the northwest coast of British Columbia. It the ancestral home of the Haida Nation. The breathtaking natural beauty and Argillite carvings, totem poles and ancient Haida villages encourage visitors from all over the world to learn more about Indigenous culture and environmental stewardship.

  • Their Royal Highness, accompanied by a team of Haida warrior paddlers, elders and drummers, canoe from Skidegate to the Haida Heritage Centre and Museum at Kaay Llnagaay.

  12:15

  First Nations Welcome at the Haida Heritage Centre and Museum.

  • Their Royal Highnesses will experience a Haida prayer, a song and dance performance with representatives of the Haida Nation.
  • They also visit the Carving House and Welcome House to view totems and arts, crafts and food.

  13:55

  Visit of the new Haidi Gwaii General Hospital [Web link no longer available] in Queen Charlotte.

  The replacement hospital will enable Northern Health clinicians and staff to continue to deliver client-focused health care services in a modern environment that will improve outcomes for patients.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit the long-term care wing, where they meet residents in the common room, and proceed to the maternity wing, where they join a discussion with mothers and staff about maternal health.
  • Their Royal Highnesses unveil a plaque to mark the completion of the hospital and commemorate their visit.

  14:40

  Boat ride on the Highlander Ranger from the Queen Charlotte boat launch.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge go salmon fishing with youth.

• Saturday, October 1 – Victoria, British Columbia

  Visit to The Cridge Centre for the Family.

  The Cridge Centre for the Family provides shelter, care and hope for children, women, families and the elderly from all walks of life and abilities.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet staff and residents and unveil a monument dedicated to those who have overcome adversity.

  Meeting in downtown café with members of the Kelty Mental Health Resources Centre.

  The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre is designed to help B.C. children, youth and their families locate and use resources to make informed decisions and gain access to appropriate services.

  11:45

  Sailing from Ogden Point into Victoria’s Inner Harbour on the tall ship Pacific Grace with Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS) and Jack.org.

  SALTS uses the training and teamwork required to sail a tall ship as a way to engage, inspire heal and mentor young people from all walks of life. Jack.org is a national charity dedicated to supporting student leadership in mental health promotion and advocacy work across Canada. Jack.org works with youth across the country to start conversations that are tailored to address the diverse community needs and realities.

  • The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet with trainees and Jack.org youth and try their hand at taking the helm of the ship.

  15:40

  Official departure from Canada at the Victoria Harbour seaplane terminal.