Inside Prince William and Kate Middleton's First Trip to Canada

Getty

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are returning to Canada this week for what’s sure to be a fun-filled second visit, thanks to the addition of their two young children, 3-year-old Prince George and 1-year-old Princess Charlotte.

As we prepare ourselves for the adorable photographs to come—the official visit kicks off Sept. 24—we’re taking a look back at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first visit to the country back in 2011 when the couple was just a few months into newlywed bliss. During their first overseas tour as a married pair, they visited seven cities and five provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Quebec, and Ontario, with a stop in Ottowa.

VIDEO: Kate Middleton's Most Memorable Outfits

“[Their Royal Highnesses] hold very happy memories from their last visit to Canada in 2011,” the Kensington Palace wrote in a tweet when announcing their upcoming trip. Whether they were playing hockey, celebrating Canada Day, or even engaging in some friendly competition in a rowing race, this gorgeous duo looked to be having a blast.

Keep scrolling to see seven more photos from the 2011 tour.

Start Slideshow

1 of 7

Disembarking from the HMCS Montréal

Getty

The newlyweds made for a perfect photo op while stepping off ship in Quebec with the Canadian flag flying high behind them. While in Quebec, they attended a Freedom of the City Ceremony, meeting scores of excited residents.

2 of 7

Attending the Calgary Stampede Parade

George Pimentel/WireImage

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got into the spirit of the parade and dressed in jeans, cowboy hats, and leather belts.

3 of 7

Playing hockey

Phil Noble/Getty

Prince William tried his hand at Canada's favorite pastime and took a shot with a hockey stick as Kate looked on while in Yellowknife.

4 of 7

Becoming honorary members of the Canadian Rangers

Arthur Edwards/Getty

Prince William helped his new bride get zipped up in an official sweatshirt of the Canadian Rangers after becoming honorary members in Blachford Lake.

5 of 7

Visiting the National War Memorial

Arthur Edwards/Getty

The duke and duchess smiled and waved at onlookers as they visited the National War Memorial in Ottawa on the first day of their Canadian tour.

6 of 7

Charming at Canada Day Celebrations

Getty

Middleton looked impeccably dressed at a Canada Day celebration in Ottawa in a white sheath dress and red maple leaf hat.

7 of 7

Laughing at Prince Edward Island

Prince William and Kate Middleton's Cutest Moments

Samir Hussein/WireImage

After rowing in a dragon boat race, the couple visited the beach and tried culinary stations at a tasting event in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Replay gallery

Take a Look Back at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s First Trip to Canada as a Couple