May 6, 2005 OTTAWA – Rideau Hall, the historic home and workplace of Canada's Governor General, and the only official residence open to the public, will welcome visitors earlier than ever this year, with activities for the whole family. The Governor General's Party in the Garden and the Year of the Veteran Big Band Concert on June 30, along with The McMichael Canadian Art Collection at Rideau Hall exhibit, are among the highlights of summer 2005 at Rideau Hall. New this year, Time out for Art introduces two activities at the Visitor Centre. Families can discover heraldic art from yesterday to today, and create their own coats of arms with symbols from their family heritage or hometown. In July and August, children can also make their own postcards, taking inspiration from the landscapes in our temporary art exhibition. 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 role 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. Please see the attached annex 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 Guided Tours of the Residence 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 7 to June 26: Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27 to September 5: Daily; self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and guided tours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. September 6 to October 30: Saturdays and Sundays, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The rest of the year: By reservation only. 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 works of renowned Canadian artists, such as Jean Paul Lemieux, David Milne, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Gathie Falk, Ken Lochhead and Alex Colville, are on display here. Visitors can also admire the portraits of former governors general, some of Canada's best stained glass and unique temporary exhibitions. Rideau Hall holds many surprises guaranteed to capture the eye of the art lover. June 27 to September 5: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in English at 1:30 p.m. and in French at 3:30 p.m. The rest of the year: By reservation only. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection at Rideau Hall This year, the art tours include The McMichael Canadian Art Collection at Rideau Hall exhibit which comprises 12 paintings and drawings by some of Canada's most renowned artists. The exhibit includes Canadian landscapes by Emily Carr, Lawren Harris, Victoria Mamnguqsualuk, Franklin Carmichael and others. 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. Please call for the detailed schedule: 1 866 842-4422. Horticultural Tours Do you have a passion for gardens? Do you want to learn some secrets about their history? Our horticultural tours allow you to explore the gardens and grounds of Rideau Hall more in-depth. Our horticultural interpreter features different topics each tour. Dig up gardening tips from the experts on subjects ranging from organic and rose gardening to landscaping techniques and gardening with perennials. Sundays, June 5, July 3, August 7 and September 4: in English at 10 a.m., in French at 1 p.m., by reservation only. 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 the 79 acres of meandering paths, rolling lawns and magnificent woodlands rich in history. The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset. Visitor Centre Near Sussex Gate, you will find our Visitor Centre, the heart of family activities. Here you can learn about the role of the Governor General through interactive displays that visitors of all ages will enjoy. You can also find out what scheduled activities you might be interested in. Browse through the gift shop for a special Canadian souvenir or let your children enjoy the play structure. In the summer, you will also find a refreshment stand in the nearby tent. May 7 to September 5: Daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 6 to October 30: Daily, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Family Activities Meet at the Visitor Centre to participate in outdoor activities. May 7 to June 26: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27 to September 5: Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 6 to October 30: Saturdays and Sundays, 12 noon to 4 p.m. Follow 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! Inuksuk Children can build an inuksuk and learn about the origin of the impressive stone markers that the Inuit have erected for generations in the Arctic regions of our country. Time out for Art Discover heraldic art from yesterday and today. Imagine yourselves back in the days of knighthood and create your own coats of arms with symbols from your family heritage or your hometown. Children can also make their own postcards, taking inspiration from the landscapes in our temporary art exhibition. (June 27 to September 5) A Butterfly's World (June 27 to September 5) Come discover the numerous butterflies that stop over at Rideau Hall every summer. This entertaining activity will introduce young children to the wonderful world of butterflies, their environment and how they thrive. CHEO Teddy Bears' Picnic: Saturday, July 9 (rain date, Sunday, July 10) Hosted by CHEO, this annual community event features a celebrity breakfast, teddy bears, clowns and a continuous stage show. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call the CHEO Foundation for more information at (613) 737-2780 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, 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 26 to August 27: 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: The Governor General's Party in the Garden and the Year of the Veteran Big Band Concert: 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 the evening off with an all-Canadian Big Band concert celebrating the Year of the Veteran. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (concert starts at 7 p.m.) Summer Concerts The concert series is a highlight of the summer season. Three great outdoor concerts will showcase Canadian performers on Rideau Hall's stage. Come early, bring a picnic, set up your lawn chairs and let the music begin! Sundays, July 24 and 31, at 4 p.m.: Back-to-Back Classics Sunday, August 7, 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 23, July 1, August 1, September 5 and October 10. The grounds of Rideau Hall are open daily from 8 a.m. to one hour before sunset. Play structure, 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.
