Some of the more memorable images of Will and Kate’s last visit to Canada in 2011 were from Calgary, where the couple was presented with gleaming white cowboy hats which they wore with style and panache.
Made of snowy rabbit fur felt, the hats were custom-made for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by Brian Hanson of Smithbilt Hats. While they were just two of many hats the couple received during their visit, according to the St. James’s Palace list of gifts, they represented Cowtown aptly.
With the itinerary for their upcoming tour to British Columbia and the Yukon now revealed, what new gifts could be in store for the Royal couple? CTVNews.ca has compiled some ideas, based on the cities, towns and communities which will play host to the royals between Sept. 24 and Oct. 1.
VICTORIA -- Cowichan sweaters
Cowichan sweaters featuring traditional motifs such as an eagle, whale, deer, salmon, or snowflake. The popular sweaters originate from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, the fleece from the black sheep making for versatile outerwear you can even use as a raincoat because the natural oils make it water resistant.
Authentic Cowichans are made by Canada’s West Coast Salish Natives in the Cowichan Valley – about 30 minutes north of Victoria.
Visiting Victoria: Sept. 24, 29 & Oct. 1
VANCOUVER - Local brew
HELP NEEDED! We're ramping up our bottling line and need help to meet summer demand! Shoot us a resume to beer@33acresbrewing.con. No experience needed, just a good work ethic and a good attitude. #33acres
Posted by 33 Acres Brewing Company on Wednesday, April 13, 2016
While B.C. continues to produce world-class wines, locals and many visitors know that the craft brewing scene has exploded in recent years.
A growler or two of local brew from East Vancouver’s 33 Acres brewery could do the trick, as a hip gift that's a fresh alternative to wines.
And for the royal kids?
Stylish kids' clothes
There's a stylish clothing line from Vancouver for boys and girls called Redfish Kids Clothing, that just might have an outfit or two for Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
According to the company, their clothes are sweatshop-free, and they celebrate “the courageous and playful spirit of kids worldwide.”
Visiting Vancouver: Sept. 25
BELLA BELLA & GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST -- Healing clay
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be visiting Bella Bella, on the east coast of Campbell Island in the Central Coast region and home to the Heiltsuk Nation.
Perhaps the couple will receive a tub of the region’s healing, naturally-occurring clay, which made the news earlier this year because of a study that also touted its potent antibacterial properties. The rare mineral clay found in the heart of the pristine Great Bear Rain Forest has been used as a healing clay by the Heiltsuk First Nation for centuries.
Visiting Bella Bella: Sept. 26
KELOWNA -- Okanagan wine
New hardware arrived in the mail today from the WineAlign National Wine Awards! GOLD - Cipes Blanc de Blanc 2010 SILVER...
Posted by Summerhill Pyramid Winery on Thursday, August 25, 2016
Boasting divine attributes, that could befit a couple with royal blood, perhaps some wines from Summerhill Pyramid Winery would be appropriate.
Located in the Okanagan Valley, Summerhill ages its organic wines in a four-storey, limestone-covered, 8 per cent scale replica of Egypt’s Great Pyramid. If you're curious, check out a video on the pyramid:
A bit eccentric, perhaps, but the wines by proprietor Stephen Cipes have won accolades and awards, and the winery’s Summerhill Sunset Bistro offers amazing views of Lake Okanagan.
Visiting Kelowna: Sept. 27
WHITEHORSE -- crafts & jewelry
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be making their first trip to the Yukon when they visit Whitehorse and Carcross.
The Yukon has no shortage of fine artists. About one-quarter of all Yukoners are of Aboriginal ancestry, and belong to one of 14 Yukon First Nations. Culturally, Yukon’s First Nations have been making arts and crafts over a millennia and belong to one of 14 Yukon First Nations and eight language groups.
Above left: "Crow-Sun & Wolf-Moon bentwood box made of yellow cedar with red cedar lid and acrylic, designed by Richard Shorty. Born in Whitehorse in 1959, Shorty belongs to the Northern Tuchone Tribe and is a self-taught artist whose style combines traditional and contemporary design. (North End Gallery)
Above right: Lapis lazuli and mammoth ivory "Yuka" style earrings made of mammoth ivory with lapis lazuli inlay and sterling silver, designed by Aryn Bowers. Born in Whitehourse in 1978, Bowers makes jewelry out of mammoth ivory and semi precious stones. The ivory comes from Dawson city where placer miners find mammoth tusks that can be 10,000 years old. (North End Gallery)
Visiting Whitehorse: Sept. 28
CARCROSS -- Moose-hide footwear
For the Royal Family, moose hide slippers trimmed with beaver and embroidered with beading by Martha Smith could be the perfect gift.
They’re available at the Matthew Watson General Store, which has been operating for over 100 years in downtown Carcross and is the oldest operating store in the territory. (Photo: Bonnie O'Connor)
Visiting Carcross: Sept. 28
HAIDA GWAII -- Argillite carvings
Take a look at this Wasgo or Sea Wolf Story Box, a hand carved Argillite Box by the Haida Artist Greg White Lightbown. Follow the link for more images and information: http://ow.ly/Xy5IF
Posted by Spirits of the West Coast Native Art Gallery on Tuesday, February 23, 2016
The stunning piece above is a hand carved argillite box by Haida artist Greg White Lightbown, a Haida carver belonging to the Raven Clan and has been carving argillite for over 40 years.
The Haida Nation is world-renowned for their carvings using argillite or "black slate," found at Slatechuck Creek on the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Haida argillite carvings are a sculptural tradition among the Haida indigenous nation of the Northwest Coast of North America. It first became a widespread art form in the early 19th century, and continues today. Argillite is a highly valued, compact sedimentary rock made primarily of clay, and relatively soft to work with. It’s large pieces make it a challenge to transport from the quarry.
Visiting Haida Gwaii: Sept. 30
With files from Tahiat Mahboob
