OTTAWA—The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General invites the public to discover the governor general’s official residence at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Visit the grounds
Start at the Visitor and Interpretation Centre, where you will learn about the role and responsibilities of the governor general through interactive displays, or browse through the gift shop for souvenirs and Canadian products.
Stroll through the grounds of Rideau Hall at your leisure and explore the paths along the flowerbeds and gardens of this green oasis in the city. You can also come for a picnic and enjoy the play structure with your children.
Grounds opening hours:
Year-round, from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset
Visitor Centre and gift shop opening hours:
From May 15 to September 6: daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Visit the residence
Follow the tours of the ceremonial rooms where Canadians are honoured and dignitaries welcomed. Guided tours are free and are also offered on statutory holidays.
Guided tour hours:
From May 1 to June 27: Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From June 28 to September 6: daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ceremonial guards
In this much-loved ceremony, watch sentries, led by a piper, march to their posts at Sussex Gate and at the residence’s façade.
From June 28 to August 27: every hour, on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Children’s activities
Meet at the Visitor Centre to participate in the Tell-A-Tale Trail treasure hunt with your family and discover heraldic art and national symbols through creative activities.
From July 1 to September 6: daily, at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Summer concerts
Everyone is invited to savour the sounds of summer on the grounds of Rideau Hall during the Governor General’s Summer Concerts Series. In partnership with the International Chamber Music Festival, Rideau Hall is proud to present:
Saturday, July 24, at 1 p.m.
Songs and Tangos from the Americas with Gryphon Trio and Patricia O’Callaghan
Saturday, July 24, at 3 p.m.
The Band of the Ceremonial Guard
Sunday, July 25, at 1 p.m.
African String Quartet
Sunday, July 25, at 3 p.m.
Time for Three
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For more information about our summer activities or our guided tours, please call 613-991-4422 or 1-866-842-4422 (toll free) or visit our Web site at www.gg.ca.
Please note that Rideau Hall is also a working residence and scheduled activities may be cancelled due to official ceremonies.
Media information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
meletourneau@gg.ca
www.gg.ca
