May 31, 2004 OTTAWA – Rideau Hall, the historic home and workplace of Canada's Governor General, and the only official residence open to the public, is pleased to offer new activities for the whole family this summer. The Governor General's Party in the Garden on June 30, the Canada Remembers Concert on July 17 along with our new children's activity, A Butterfly's World, and an exhibit of drawings by renowned Inuit artist Kenojuak, are among the highlights of summer 2004 at Rideau Hall. Rideau Hall welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Tours of the residence provide an opportunity to walk through Canada's history, to learn about the contemporary and historic roles and responsibilities of the Governor General, to admire the magnificent collection of Canadian art and antique furniture, and to explore the extensive grounds and gardens. This summer, the residence tours also include a new exhibit of seven large drawings by Nunavut artist, Kenojuak. Children will be able to discover the numerous types of butterflies that are attracted by the flower gardens at Rideau Hall every summer. A Butterfly's World, starting on June 28, will allow young children to understand how butterflies develop, how they interact with their environment and how we can help them survive. On June 30, everyone is invited to the Governor General's Party in the Garden! Come join the Governor General and His Excellency John Ralston Saul at this summer celebration. The whole family can explore Canada's great outdoors through fun games and activities. Top the evening off with an all-Canadian concert featuring Spirit of the West and Shaye. Don't miss the Canada Remembers Concert presented by Rideau Hall in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada, on Sunday, July 18, at 4:00 p.m. The Canadian Tribute to Glenn Miller and The Nepean All-City Jazz Band will perform during this concert commemorating the 60th anniversary of D-Day. For more information on the public program, special events or the Governor General's roles and responsibilities, visit our website at www.gg.ca Please see Annex A for a detailed schedule of activities and general information on locations, parking, access and on-site facilities. Detailed information on specific events and activities will be published at a later date. - 30 - Media information Lucie Brosseau Rideau Hall Press Office (613) 998-0287 www.gg.ca Information for the public (613) 991-GGCA 1 866 842-GGCA Annex A Guided Tours of the Residence, no reservation required Tours of Rideau Hall give visitors a chance to walk through Canada's history. Guided tours are free and last 45 minutes. From May to October, tours are also offered on statutory holidays. Please note that Rideau Hall is a working residence and official events may require unforeseen changes to your visit. May 8 to June 27: Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; June 28 to September 6: Daily; self-guided tours from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, and guided tours from 12 noon to 4 p.m.; September 7 to October 31: Saturdays and Sundays, from 12 noon to 4 p.m.; The rest of the year: By reservation only. No tours on Remembrance Day, during the holiday season or on Easter Weekend. Tours are offered on statutory holidays from May to October. Group Tours, by reservation only Rideau Hall invites groups of 10 or more to enjoy tours of the residence, of the art treasures and of the grounds. For all group tours, we ask that you make reservations a minimum of 48 hours in advance. You can contact us at (613) 991-4422 or 1 866 842-4422, by fax at (613) 993-1656 or via e-mail at guide@gg.ca. Art Tours Rideau Hall is home to a magnificent collection of Canadian art and antique furniture. The work of renowned Canadian artists, such as Jean Paul Lemieux, Lawren S. Harris, Charles Comfort and Emily Carr is on display. Visitors can also admire the portraits of former governors general, some of Canada's best stained glass and unique temporary exhibits. Rideau Hall holds many surprises guaranteed to capture the eye of the art lover. June 28 to September 6: English, daily at 1:30 p.m. and French, daily at 3:30 p.m. The rest of the year: By reservation only. Kenojuak: Owls Awakening During your visit, enjoy this original exhibition of seven large drawings by Kenojuak. Recognized throughout the world for her engravings, this artist from Cape Dorset, Nunavut, also creates drawings and sculptures appreciated for their freshness and elegance. Garden Tours Rideau Hall is surrounded by remarkable outdoor gardens.The vibrant displays of flowers, shrubs and rockeries are part of Rideau Hall's proudest traditions and highlight Canadian plant life. Whether you are an accomplished gardener or an amateur, our garden tour will surely fascinate you. July 8 to September 6: English, daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and in French, daily at 12 noon and 2 p.m. Horticultural Tours Do you have a passion for gardens? Do you want to learn about their history? Our horticultural tours allow you to explore the gardens and grounds of Rideau Hall in more depth. Accompanied by our horticultural interpreter, you will discover how Rideau Hall's plants, flowers, trees and shrubs are also a fascinating window on Rideau Hall's past. You will also learn about current garden techniques and gardening with perennials. May 21 to September 6: English, every Friday at 9 a.m., in French at 11 a.m., by reservation September 7 to October 15: English, every Friday at 10 a.m., in French at 1 p.m., by reservation The grounds of Rideau Hall, its gardens and historical buildings are preserved, administered and showcased by the National Capital Commission, on behalf of the Government of Canada. Self-guided Grounds Tours For those who prefer to discover the grounds on their own, self-guided tour brochures are available at the Visitor Centre. Visitors can explore among the 79 acres of meandering paths, rolling lawns and magnificent woodlands rich in history. In the summer months, "Lord and Lady Dufferin" can often be seen strolling the pathways. The guides, dressed in period costume, bring a nostalgic touch to the interpretation of Rideau Hall. Visitor Centre open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset. Family Activities The Tell-a-Tale Trail at Rideau Hall Fun for the whole family! Explore the grounds of Rideau Hall by following the Tell-a-Tale Trail. This treasure hunt is designed for the whole family and will challenge young and young-at-heart to find the secret words along the trail. At each stop, collect a secret word that helps you crack the code to tell a tale of Rideau Hall. When you enter the grounds, ask the guides for your copy and ... get on the trail! To pick up your copy from a guide: May 8 to June 27: Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 28 to September 6: Daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 7 to October 31: Saturdays and Sundays, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. A Butterfly's World: June 28 to September 6 Come discover the numerous butterflies that stop over at Rideau Hall every summer. This activity will allow young children to understand how butterflies develop, how they interact with their environment and how we can help them survive. English, daily at 11 a.m. French, daily at 1 p.m. CHEO Teddy Bears' Picnic: Saturday, July 10 (rain date, Sunday, July 11) Hosted by CHEO, this annual community event features a celebrity breakfast, teddy bears, clowns and a continuous stage show. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please call the CHEO Foundation for more information at (613) 737-2780 Visitor Centre Just inside the gate, you will find our Visitor Centre where the role of the Governor General comes to life through interactive displays that guests of all ages will enjoy. Discover some of the fascinating people who have occupied this position. Find out how the position of the Governor General, the country's oldest public institution, has helped shape Canadian society. The Visitor Centre is the heart of Rideau Hall family activities. In the nearby tent, you will find a refreshment kiosk. Browse through the gift shop for a special souvenir or let your children enjoy the play structure. May 8 to September 6: Daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 7 to October 31: Daily, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ceremonial Guard Colour, pageantry and precision: the Ceremonial Guard is one of the most popular summer attractions at Rideau Hall. Don't miss the Relief of the Sentries as guards in scarlet tunics and bearskins, accompanied by a bagpiper, march to their posts at the Main Gate and in front of the residence. The Relief of the Sentries is a favourite Rideau Hall tradition and an experience you and your family won't soon forget! June 24: The Governor General will inspect the Ceremonial Guard at 10 a.m. June 26 to August 28: Daily, performed every hour on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special Events Rideau Hall is also the site of public events that will please the whole family. Visit us this summer for the following: Canadian Peony Society Exhibition: June 19 and 20 Rideau Hall will burst with the beauty, fragrance and colour of hundreds of peonies on display at this unique indoor show. June 19, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. June 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please contact Mary Pratte, President, Canadian Peony Society, at (613) 746-6070. The Governor General's Party in the Garden: June 30 Come join the Governor General, Her Excellency Adrienne Clarkson, and His Excellency John Ralston Saul at this summer celebration. The whole family can enjoy Canada's great outdoors through fun games and exhibits. Be sure to tour the residence and visit the gardens. Top off the evening with an all-Canadian concert featuring Spirit of the West and Shaye. 5 pm to 9 pm (concert at 7 pm) Governor General's Summer Concert Series The concert series is a highlight of the summer season. Six great concerts will showcase popular Canadian entertainers on Rideau Hall's outdoor stage. Come early, bring a picnic, set up your lawn chairs and let the music begin! Wednesday, June 30, at 7 p.m.: Spirit of the West and Shaye Wednesday, July 7, at 7 p.m.: Les Violons du Roy Sunday, July 18, at 4 p.m.: The Canada Remembers Concert featuring The Canadian tribute to Glenn Miller and The Nepean All-City Jazz Band, a concert commemorating the 60th anniversary of D-Day. In partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada. Sunday, July 25 at 4 p.m.: Le Kiosque à musique In collaboration with the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival. Sunday, August 1 at 4 p.m.: The Nesrallah-Bolshoy Duo In collaboration with the Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival Sunday, August 8 at 4 p.m.: Band of the Ceremonial Guard General information All programs and activities at Rideau Hall are free of charge. Scheduling for all activities at Rideau Hall is subject to change without notice due to official events and ceremonies. Tours are offered on the following statutory holidays: May 24, July 1, August 2 and September 6. The grounds of Rideau Hall are open daily from 8 a.m. to one hour before sunset. Wheelchairs, washroom facilities, public phones, water fountains and picnic tables are available on-site. Parking is available on streets in the surrounding area. On-site parking is available for persons with disabilities. Call OC Transpo at (613) 741-4390 for schedules and bus routes to Rideau Hall. Rideau Hall is located at 1 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, 3.5 kilometres from Parliament Hill Visitor Information: phone (613) 991-4422 (ggca) or 1 866 842-4422 (ggca), fax (613) 993-1656 or e-mail at guide@gg.ca.
