Buckingham Palace released a city itinerary of the Royal Couple's summer trip to North America, and for some reason, the couple decided that Vancouver was not worth the effort. Although it seems they are making the effort t explore almost every region of Canada, apparently Winnipeg and Vancouver are not high on the list of must sees for the couple. I actually find that pretty shocking. Instead of maybe even giving a half day to Manitoba and a half day to Vancouver, the couple have decided to spend three full days in Calgary. If I were in Manitoba or BC, I would be a little pissed. Apparently the reason is that the royal couple feel that Vancouver has been given enough international attention and also that Kate prefers the Flames to the Canucks. Just sayin'.
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ReplyDeleteLOL. Yes. They should have taken into account the multitudes of complete strangers who are sure to get angry at them for not visiting certain cities. They should really lose a ton of sleep over all the hurt feelings they've caused. Shame on them!
ReplyDeleteThat's like getting pissy at them for visiting the States and not spending some time in, say, Seattle. We're talking about BIG countries here.
Lol. Don't worry, Enty. I live in Vancouver and I don't give a shit. Save us some money on policing, I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteAlso, they're visiting the Calgary Stampede, which I personally am disgusted by - I guess that's more their style.
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ReplyDeleteI am from Winnipeg, and it is rather disappointing to find out they will not be visiting the city on their Canadian trip. Oh well, whatever...
ReplyDeleteBig deal, they can't go everywere. It's like trying to see all of the family during the holidays. Somebody's getting left out.
ReplyDeleteI really don't understand why anyone would feel that they should feel obligated to visit a city in every province. It's their holiday.
ReplyDelete@Rocketqueen, I'd never heard of the Calgary Stampede (I'm in Philadelphia)...a rodeo? A country fair? This man is such a hokey cornball that it hurts. But it makes for a good king, I guess.
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping that Prince Harry will one day honeymoon at Burningman!
I'm glad they're not coming here to Toronto, as far as I know, because we're still cleaning up after the G20.
ReplyDeleteThey aren't visiting my town in Ca but I'm ok with it. How can they visit everywhere?
ReplyDeleteI live in Vancouver and can tell you 100% the city is much more excited about the visit from Lord Stanley's Cup than any royal.
ReplyDelete^^ YES SHEILA! Fingers crossed.
ReplyDelete@M - it's like a massive rodeo and fair with a ton of events that stretches over a few days - last year four horses died within 24 hours during their fun little "entertainment" events. Pretty typical. Not for me, but it attracts a ton of people from all over the world, and a bunch of people I know head to Calgary every year for the party.
You want to hear something random?
ReplyDeleteWhen Montreal hosted the Olympics they won the Cup the next year, and the same for Calgary. Vancouver...it's your turn. Keep the trend going.
Seriously, though. We're all rooting for you here in T.O
Why did they release the couple's itinerary?? Seems like that is asking for trouble with the paps, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe only US city I saw mentioned in one article is Los Angeles so I wondered if that meant they'd be doing any interviews?
Thanks, Sue Ellen - I've heard that before...it'll be super weird if that happens. It actually seems like all of Canada is rooting for us except Alberta - it's honestly a conversation a lot of people are having over here. It's like they're rooting AGAINST us. Strange (and petty), because I always root for whatever Canadian team is still in it.
ReplyDeleteI ain't gonna lie, our first Stanley Cup would be AWESOME - I want to see that parade in my lifetime! Gonna be tough, but our boys can do it.
@Rocket Queen -- Ugh. Rodeos. Diana is probably doing somersaults in her grave right now. She loathed animal abuse. :-(
ReplyDeleteIs it too late to start a petition to send Camilla to Moose Jaw?
ReplyDeleteI'm traveling into Vancouver this weekend. With my luck I'm surprised they aren't going to be there to muck up things at the same time.
ReplyDeleteOn a personal note, Sheila, Rocket or any Vancouver person, what is the one thing not to miss in Vancouver? My family and I will be in town for one day so we want to make it count. My wife is pushing for Victoria Island...anything you'd put on top of that? Thanks.
Sheila, good luck with the Lord Stanley visit. I was hoping he'd make his way back to Pittsburgh this year, but it was not meant to be.
Mr. Pink - ah, that's tough. The weather here has been gorgeous one minute, pissing rain the next. Typical May.
ReplyDeleteHarbour cruises are always nice, Stanley Park (2nd largest park in a North American city after Central) is a must if it's nice weather - tennis courts, pitch n putt, seawall, great restaurants, etc.), the Capilano suspension bridge in North Van gets a lot of tourists - pretty cool.
Hit up Vij's if you like Indian fusion and can score a reservation, but Il Giardino and Bishop's are also amazing with star chefs.
And hey, if you've got the cash, the Canucks play on Saturday :)
PS - It's actually Vancouver Island, and Victoria (on the Island) is our province's capital city. I personally hate the ferry wait to get there and back, and it's a really rather QUIET city. Lots of flowers, and they say the residents are "newly-wed or nearly dead". Lots of retirees, our provincial government buildings are there.
ReplyDeleteJax was there recently, she might have more info on what to see there, tourist-wise, but it's a long haul there from Vancouver and back.
They're calling the Canucks, "Canada's Team" 'round these parts. Too bad about Alberta not supporting you. Jealousy is an ugly thing ;)
ReplyDeleteRocketQueen I'll see you at the parade! Positive thoughts only!
ReplyDeleteMr. Pink - It's a 1.5 hour ferry ride each way to Victoria (Vancouver Island) and the ferry terminal is about 45 minutes from Vancouver, so I'd suggest sticking around town. I would also suggest Stanley Park (checked the weather it's supposed to be sunny on Saturday). If you have kids, the aquarium is fabulous and Science World is fun! You might also consider taking the tram up Grouse Mountain. Granville Island is another good attraction and you can hop on the aquabus to downtown which is also fun.
Jingle Bells, it's not their holiday. This is an official trip, paid for by the British taxpayers. As a member of the commonwealth, Canada's head of state is ultimately the queen. So it really does behoove the couple to go to as many places as possible. Since they're both really into blood sports and the like, I guess that's why they are telling parts of Canada to eff off while they enjoy themselves watching animals be abused.
ReplyDeleteSorry Rocket Queen and Sheila...the only way Vancouver will see Lord STanley's cup is when Milan Lucic brings it home with his BRUIN teammates ......whoo GO BRUINS
ReplyDeleteoh and i'm not from Alberta ;)
ReplyDelete^New Brunswick?
ReplyDelete@Texshan
ReplyDeleteYou're almost right. The Queen as our HOS is more convention than anything.
Thanks for the advice. And sorry for the name flub.
ReplyDeleteWe do have kids (10 and under). I thought Victoria sounded like a long trek after flying cross continent the day before. And if we do go, Victoria will be anything but quiet with my crew there.
The aquarium, Capilano Bridge and Grouse Mountain were also on the list. I'll have to work on some of these close sites.
Thanks!
lol canadachick - it's ON!
ReplyDeletesheila's suggestion for Grouse Mountain is a good one!
Great post, Texshan.
@Sue Ellen - PEI !!
ReplyDeleteAnd my issue with the ferries is the wait just to get ON the damn things. You have to arrive at least an hour before a ferry is scheduled to leave, so you're looking at a four hour trip there and back. And it's EXPENSIVE.
ReplyDelete@Mr Pink Your kids might also enjoy the PNE. I'm not sure if it's open right now, but it's a large fair with rides etc.
ReplyDeleteAs for the whole BC vs Alberta spat, I live in Calgary and don't cheer for any team but my own. I don't go out of my way to be nasty about Vancouver or any part of it. It's a beautiful city. My take on the nastiness is that it started in the media and I won't buy into it.
My hope for Vancouver is that the city as a whole can embrace the community spirit that a cup run can bring. It's a great feeling!
It's been said the reason the Duke and Duchess are spending so much time here is because her grandfather who she was quite close to, spent time here training around WW2.
@RocketQueen - I hope you get to go the parade. I had the good luck to be able to go to two when I lived in Montreal. I also have a picture with me & the Stanley Cup - I worked an event many years ago at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
ReplyDeleteOh and RQ, by any chance, have you ever been to Cortes Island? One of my friends lives there, and he really wants me to come, but it seems extremely complicated to get there - a few flights plus two ferries. Your thoughts?
Is Canada still part of the British Empire? What about Australia? That sucks for the Brits. We don't pay for Obamarama's vacations. He has to work for it.
ReplyDeleteSkip the Island and the PNE, both way overpriced for the time you will spend there. Also avoid the Aquarium, there is nothing but a beluga whale there and the odd dolphin.
ReplyDeleteGranville Island, Stanley Park and Capilano are the best for kids..Granville has a Kid's Market etc indoors for rainy days. Robson,Granville..Davie and Denman are all cool areas for window shopping and people watching...as is Yaletown but a bit yuppie for family tastes. If you are into Native Art there is the Anthropology Museum at UBC. i think..lol. haven't been in awhile.
Hope that helps.
As for the Royals....of course Calgary, PM Harper's stomping grounds. No coincidence there. As for cost, the trip is 1/2 funded by the Brits and 1/2 by the Canadian Historical Society. And 100% bullshit.
@Canadachick
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love PEI. Such a gorgeous and wonderful province. And the people are so damn nice that, as a city dweller, it freaks you out at first. I shouldn't say all this for fear that people become aware of how amazing it is and flood you, but I just had to. I am retiring there if possible.
Thanks surfer - you should submit your pic with the Cup to CDAN the next time Enty asks - would love to see it!
ReplyDeleteNever been to Cortes, but all those Gulf Islands are incredibly awesome. I've kayaked to/camped on Galiano and go to Salt Spring every year (for the last four years, anyway) - the three wineries keep bringing me back! I would say go for it if you can find the time - I've heard good things. It'll be quiet, but beautiful. The second ferry is usually free and a very short trip that you take from the Victoria/Nanaimo terminal. Definitely not much more complicated than a Vancouver Island trip.
Mr. Pink - yes, Playland (at the PNE) is already open - your kids will love that.
@Henriette
ReplyDeleteWe're part of the British Commonwealth, just like Australia is, but it's more of a convention than anything. We got our "independence" quite some time ago, but not in the way America did. We pretty much waited it out and were given rights to self-govern piecemeal. However, I am sure there are certain things that we would need the "permission" of the Queen to inact (which is pretty much a given because she wouldn't really say no). Anyway. Long winded answer for you.
If I missed something, please feel free to add on.
Thanks for the info, RQ. I know one of the ferries (the second, I think) you pick up in Campbell River (and is definitely not free, according to my friend), although it's probably more expensive with a car.
ReplyDeleteMr. pink here is the gate prices for Playland,note that it is ONLY open on weekends right now and a lot of rides for the PNE are not there either. If you are keeping a budget,please skip this, even the food prices are astronomical.
ReplyDeletehttp://playland.bc.ca/playland/index.html
kate's grandfather Peter Middleton was a flying instructor with the Royal Air Force at a Calgary flight school for 2 years during the Second World War. The school was on land that is now home to Calgary’s airport and the Aero Space Museum of Calgary.
ReplyDelete*waving @ Joni* I'm in Calgary too!
ReplyDeleteI usually leave town during Stampede anyway, it is just a really unpleasant thing. Especially now that I live even closer to the Stampede grounds than last year. I've gone for the rides and the mini-donuts in the past, I have to admit this.
I do love the West Coast (Vancouver Island is GORGEOUS) but I personally don't give a flying fuck about any hockey team and I wanna vomit when I see a guy in a hockey jersey. Calgary during Stampede: Guys in Flames jerseys AND COWBOY HATS! It's despicable, really *L*.
Hi Everyone, Australia is still part of the Commonwealth.
ReplyDeleteWent to Seattle last year and took the ferry to Vancouver Island, absolutely beautiful. Loved it, would love to go back. My husband and I then drove the next day from Seattle all the way to the Capilano suspension bridge and back because he insisted, even though it was a full day. Fabulous photos we have. Next visit we would like to spend more time in Seattle, and we cannot wait to do Canada properly.
Dear Canada,
ReplyDeletePlease throw feed Kate while she is visiting. I saw a pic of her posing with our First Lady Michelle Obama and she looked positively skeletal. It didn't help that the dress looked like beige bandages.
...they're both really into blood sports...
Yes, apparently Will and the Middleton clan like to go to one of the royal hunting lodges and shoot the shit out of anything that moves. Classy.
I live in Calgary too! But I am from Vancouver and I tell you my whole office is decked out. Everyone I know is cheering hard for the Canucks. I dont believe that Will and Kate coming to Calgary has anything to do with Stephen Harper, thats pretty cynical. Her grandfather was stationed here, as well Prince Charles has attended the Stampede before and also been the parade Marshall. As for the Stampede..these are people that LOVE and care for their animals and are more upset than anybody when something goes wrong. There are far worse situations with animals cruelty that warrant attention. Shark Fin, anyone???
ReplyDelete@J - that's great you're cheering for us :)
ReplyDeleteWith regards to the Stampede, we're going to have to heartily agree to disagree. However, I'll send you some videos from the Stampede of broken, bleeding, and dying animals at that Stampede that are "loved" to death by their owners if you want.
Shark fin also sucks. Congrats to Brantford, Ontario, for being the first Canadian city to ban it!
@J -- "As for the Stampede..these are people that LOVE and care for their animals and are more upset than anybody when something goes wrong."
ReplyDeleteThat's like claiming that matadors actually care about the bulls they stab to death.
Thats not true. MOST of the people in involved with the Calgary Stampede care for their animals alot. Not ALL sure. However rodeos go on all over North America..and unlike almost all of those the Calgary Stampede has Vets on site, they abide by the Animal protection act, and the SPCA and Humane Society are given full access to the grounds and behind the scenes. I am not saying I agree with it 100 percent..i personally am a vegetarian and was raised on a farm..i just think there are a million places to start with animal cruelty and this is not it.
ReplyDeleteJ - which part isn't true?
ReplyDeleteListen, the animals in a rodeo are being used for entertainment purposes, period. To some people, their idea of a good time is watching a calf being chased into the ring, noosed around the neck, then yanked back to fall HARD on its still young body, and then be hog tied. You know what makes bulls buck, right? They yank on their balls before opening the gates. Sorry, we're never going to agree on this.
And for what it's worth, I've volunteered for the SPCA for years - the SPCA does NOT condone rodeos, they are simply on-site to make sure gross abuses don't take place. The Humane Society is equally disdainful of rodeos.
* was gonna type "throw her a sandwich and feed Kate" but got distracted by something shiny. Sorry...
ReplyDeleteMango, I thought maybe "throw feed" was just an expression I hadn't heard before...*L*
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the local tips on Vancouver. I'll try to talk my wife out of Victoria. I like a good challenge.
ReplyDeleteI'll try to get a pic posted when we get back.
So, when do we have a Calgary CDANCON? *L*
ReplyDeleteHaha Maja. I think we throw a bacon fest and invite all the CDAN peeps. I didn't know this humble city was such a hotbed of enty fans!
ReplyDeletebut at least i hope they'll be getting to prince rupert and the queen charlotte islands. sigh... so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm originally from Victoria (near Vancouver) - though I live in Australia now. Frankly, I would rather go to Vancouver than MOST places in Canada, particularly Calgary. Except I didn't realize they were goign for the Stampede which is just awesome.
ReplyDeleteSorry but Winnipeg is a hole. You could not pay me enough money to go back there.
But I don't really care where they choose to go, they can see whatever they want to see, it's their vacation.
Winnipeg has some of the nicest people I have met, I didn't get to see much of it while I was there but the downtown is kind of nice.
ReplyDeleteI used to live in Seattle and loved going to Vancouver. The art museum used to have a 4 star food. Does it still?
ReplyDeleteAlso lived in Australia for several years in the 80's. There was such a flap when the school kids stopped singing God Save the Queen in the mornings. My kids can still sing the Australian national anthem.
ReplyDelete@sunnyside - good question! I used to go there for lunch, but it's been a while :) I'll put it on my list for the summer on their patio and let you know!
ReplyDelete@kathrynnova - are you from northwest BC or spent some time there? It's where I was raised (Kitimat).
rodeos are a great way for people to sit around and cheer while humans degrade animals yet again...for FUN!
ReplyDeleteFYI Calgary peeps: the 2 weeks after the Stampede is the busiest time of the year for the STD clinic. In fact they do 40% of their annual business then. No lie.wrap that shit up.