London - Britain's Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall embarked on an 11-day tour of Canada Monday, taking in 12 cities in a coast-to-coast trip, the prince's office said.

While Charles, 60, has visited Canada 15 times, the trip is a first for his wife, Camilla, who has Canadian ancestors.

The couple was due to land at the remote coastal town of St John's in Newfoundland, where they will begin their trip by "celebrating the region's culture."

Prince Charles has described the trip as a chance to meet as "many Canadians as possible" but a recent opinion poll showed that a large majority of Canadians are apathetic about the visit.

Just one in five people said they would make an effort to see Prince Charles "if he was nearby."

"We hope our visit will be a real celebration of the vibrant diversity which defines modern Canada, from her ancient traditions to the world-class brilliance of her contemporary culture," a statement on the royal website said.

The tour will cover many of the issues the heir to the throne is passionate about, from safeguarding the environment to helping disadvantaged young people, it added.

The involvement of Canada's military in foreign conflicts would also be recognized by Prince Charles, who is colonel-in-chief of a number of the nation's regiments.

The couple was due to be greeted by Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General Michaelle Jean, the Queen's representative in Canada.

They flew to the country at Canada's expense on an Airbus plane provided by the Canadian government.

A street party is planned in St John's Tuesday, followed by a trip to the fishing village of Brigus where they will visit the home of one of Canada's greatest historical figures, Captain Robert Abram Bartlett, the Arctic explorer.

The royal couple will tour an archaeological dig at Cupids, the earliest British settlement in Canada which celebrates its 400th anniversary next year. (dpa)