May 15, 2009
OTTAWA-The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General invites residents and visitors to discover the governor general's official residences this summer: Rideau Hall, in Ottawa, and the Citadelle of Québec, in the City of Québec.
Take a free guided tour of the ceremonial rooms where Canadians are honoured and dignitaries welcomed. Tours will be given until fall:
Rideau Hall
May 2 to June 28: Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
June 29 to September 7: daily, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (self-guided tours) and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (guided tours)
September 8 to October 25: Saturdays and Sundays, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Guided tours will be offered on statutory holidays from May to October.
At Rideau Hall, visitors will be able to see the "Spirit of Place: BC Young Artists" exhibition, which features the work of 15 young artists mentored by graduates of or senior artists at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design. The works reflect the characteristics, landscape and spirit of their region, as well as the major themes of the Olympic Games: sport, culture and the environment. For more information about this exhibition, on display until September 27, 2009, please visit www.gg.ca.
Visitors can stroll through this green oasis in the city at their leisure, exploring the paths along the flowerbeds and gardens. There are over 10,000 trees scattered across the grounds. Come for a picnic and enjoy the playground near the visitor centre. The grounds are open from 8:00 a.m. until one hour before sunset.
For more information about guided visits, please call 613-991-4422 or 1-866-842-4422 toll free. Groups of 10 or more people must make a reservation.
Rideau Hall is also a working residence and official events may require unforeseen changes to your visit.
Residence of the governor general at the Citadelle of Québec
May and June: Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
June 24 to Labour Day: daily, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
September and October: Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The picturesque setting of the Citadelle is home to the Cap-aux-Diamants Redoubt, one of Canada's oldest military buildings. The exhibits in its three magnificent vaults recall the history of the Redoubt and the origins of the oldest public office in Canada, that of the governor general.
Don't miss Le Grand Livre de Champlain, set in a metal binding with pages two metres high, which takes us back to Samuel de Champlain's voyages to New France.
For more information about guided tours, please call 418-648-4322 or 1-866-936-4422 toll free. Groups of 10 or more people must make a reservation. Please note that official events may require visiting hours to be changed without notice.
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Media information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
