When does the Canada royal tour start? Dates, schedule and highlights as Kate, William, George and Charlotte head off

THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are preparing to set off to Canada with their two kids for what will be Princess Charlotte’s first royal trip.

Wills and Kate will tour the country for a week, while George and Charlotte remain in Victoria, British Colombia with their nanny.

The royal couple will take in some of Canada’s stunning natural beauty, watch cultural displays from community groups and meet Syrian refugees.

But it’s the kids that are expected to steal the show when they attend a tea party with their parents and other families.

A spokesman for the family said: “They cannot wait to get to Canada and start learning about new parts of a country that will play such an important part of their lives for many years to come.”

Saturday 24 September, Victoria, British Columbia

The Royal Canadian Air Force plane carrying the family is due to arrive at Victoria Airport on 24 September.

After dropping off George and Charlotte at Government House, where they will be staying for the week, Wills and Kate will head to British Columbia’s Parliament to greet the crowds.

A spokesman said: “It will give The Duke and Duchess a chance to say hello to the people of Canada just hours after touching down in the country.”

After paying their respects at the cenotaph and unveiling a new plaque for Canadians killed in Afghanistan, the couple will get on with their official welcome.

Sunday 25 September, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Duke and Duchess will head to Vancouver for their first full day.

After landing in the harbour they will head to the Downtown East Side to see the work of charity Shelway, which helps vulnerable mums battling issues like addiction.

A spokesman said: “The link between addiction and family breakdown is something that has been a major priority of The Duchess’s charitable work.”

They will also meet Syrian refugees taken in by Canada on a visit to the Immigration Services Society to discuss issues like housing, education and employment.

Monday 26 September, Bella Bella and Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia

Described as “one of the most beautiful days of the tour”, the royal couple will take in the stunning sights of the Great Bear Rainforest.

They arrive at Bella Bella airport, enjoying an aerial tour in a float plane before being welcomed by the people of the Heiltsuk First Nations community.

After watching a performance at a community centre and being shown a walking trail in McLoughlin Bay, the royals will return to Government House in Victoria.

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

The royals head to Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley for their first stop of the day, meeting students at the Okanaga campus of the University of British Columbia.

After watching the uni’s acclaimed women’s volleyball team play a match, they will enjoy wine and food at the ‘Taste of British Columbia’ festival at Mission Hill Winery.

Finally, they head to Whitehorse, Yukon where they will meet Canadian Rangers before watching a performance at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.

Wednesday 28 September, Whitehorse and Carcross, Yukon

After spending the night in Whitehorse, Wills and Kate head to the MacBride Museum, where they will learn about Yukon's history.

There will be a welcome party in the town’s Main Street, where they will check out the “thriving local arts scene”.

The couple then head to the small town of Carcross for a traditional welcome.

Thursday 29 September, Victoria, British Columbia

Set to be one of the trip’s highlights, this is the day George and Charlotte make their big appearance.

The whole family will attend a tea party with military families in the gardens of Government House.

A spokesman said it would be a “really lovely morning with plenty of surprises for the children”.

Friday 30 September, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia

With one day left, Wills and Kate head to the archipelago of Haida Gwaii for a day trip to see the home of the Haida Nation.

The couple will get the chance to try their hand at paddling a canoe at the Haida Heritage Centre and Museum in Skidegate.

And they will enjoy a welcome from the Haida Nation President before going fishing in the Hectate Strait.

Saturday 1 October, Victoria, British Columbia

On their final day, the Duke and Duchess visit abused women’s charity the Cridge Centre for the Family.

They will also meet people helped by the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre, before taking a boat trip with young people looking to end mental health stigma.

Finally there will be a departure ceremony at Victoria Harbour Airport and a brief trip of Vancouver Island before the whole family heads back home.

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