May 26, 2005 OTTAWA - The Governor General's official residence at the Citadelle of Quebec is now open to visitors for the summer season. This will be the second year in a row that summer-long tours will be offered by guides from the Royal 22e Régiment Museum. The free residence tours, offered in English and in French, begin at the welcome booth near the Citadelle's Dalhousie Gate, from May 22 to October 30, 2005. The residence, located within the fortress walls of the Citadelle of Quebec, in the heart of Old Quebec City, contains a striking collection of Canadian art, objects and furnishings, both historic and contemporary. Visitors can admire such paintings as Les 24 heures de l'Isle-aux-Oyes, by the renowned Jean Paul Riopelle. The site also offers breathtaking views. The tour guides will bring to life the roles and responsibilities of the Governor General through interpretation of the rooms in which she carries out her functions. For nearly 250 years, Quebec City was the political capital and place of residence of the colony's governors. After Confederation, in 1867, Rideau Hall in Ottawa became the new official residence of the Governor General of Canada. In 1872, Lord Dufferin decided to occupy quarters at the Citadelle of Quebec. In so doing, he re-established the tradition of a residence for the Governor General in Quebec City, which dated back to the beginning of New France. Ever since, all governors general have spent part of each year there in the course of their official duties. Tour hours*: From May 22 to June 19: Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From June 24 to September 5: daily, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. From September 10 to October 30: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Group tours*: Groups of 10 or more must reserve in advance. For reservations, please call (418) 648-3172. *Hours may vary to accommodate official ceremonies. Members of the public can contact the Royal 22e Régiment Museum at (418) 694-2815 for any additional information on the tours. Information on the Governor General's official residence at the Citadelle of Quebec is also available on our Web site, at http://www.gg.ca/citadelle/index_e.asp. Media representatives interested in taking a tour are asked to contact the Rideau Hall Press Office. -30- Media Information: Rideau Hall Press Office France Langlois (613) 993-8157 www.gg.ca Official Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle Jocelyne Long (418) 648-3172 Guided tours of the national historic site and the museums of the Citadelle of Quebec are also available. Royal 22e Régiment Museum (418) 694-2815
