May 17, 2013
OTTAWA—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston invite members of the public to discover Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of Canada’s governors general, in Ottawa. Open to the public year-round, Rideau Hall will feature special events and activities throughout the summer.
Among the highlights are the Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard on June 20; the 30th edition of the annual CHEO Teddy Bears’ Picnic on June 22; and the return of Storytime at Rideau Hall.
New this year, visitors are invited to explore Rideau Hall’s ornamental gardens and greenhouses, open exclusively during its Garden Gathering weekend, on June 15 and 16. All activities are free of charge.
DOORS OPEN OTTAWA 2013
June 1-2, 2013
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, visit the residence and learn about the history and the role of the governor general. Guides will be on location to bring Rideau Hall’s history to life.
GARDEN GATHERING AT RIDEAU HALL
June 15-16, 2013
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In collaboration with the National Capital Commission, meet horticultural experts and explore the ornamental gardens and greenhouses, open exclusively this weekend. Whether you are an accomplished or novice gardener, come dig up gardening tips and enjoy the vibrant displays of flowers, shrubs and rockeries highlighting native Canadian plant life.
ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE CEREMONIAL GUARD
June 20, 2013
10 a.m.
Join His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, for the pageantry, precision and colour of the Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard, at Rideau Hall.
From June 24 to August 24, see sentries, led by a piper, march to their posts at Sussex Gate and in front of the residence during the Relief of the Sentries, every hour, on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ANNUAL CHEO TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC
June 22, 2013
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A fun-filled day of family activities awaits you on the grounds of Rideau Hall during the 30th annual Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Teddy Bears’ Picnic. The day will feature stage entertainment, rides and games, as well as a celebrity pancake breakfast. The popular B*A*S*H Tent—Bear Ambulatory Surgical Hospital—will be open for children who wish to bring their teddy bears and other stuffed animals for minor repairs and a visit with the dentist. For more information, please contact the CHEO Foundation at 613-737-2780 or visit www.cheofoundation.com.
LAUNCH OF STORYTIME AT RIDEAU HALL
June 29, 2013
1 p.m.
Over the summer months, this outdoor family activity will be hosted in collaboration with Frontier College, a Canadian non-profit organization that promotes literacy.
From June 29 to August 24, every Friday and Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Frontier College volunteers will invite visitors to settle in under the Reading Tent to read books and participate in fun literacy activities.
VISIT THE RESIDENCE AND TOUR THE GROUNDS
Open daily
Start your visit at the Visitor Centre to learn about the role and responsibilities of the governor general, as well as the history of Rideau Hall, through an interactive exhibit.
- May 17 until September 2: Daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Take a tour of the ceremonial rooms, where Canadians are honoured and dignitaries are welcomed. Guided tours are free of charge and are also offered on statutory holidays.
- May 4 to June 23: Weekends, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; weekdays, reservations required
- June 24 to September 2: Daily, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Stroll through the grounds of Rideau Hall at your leisure and explore the paths along the flowerbeds and gardens of this urban oasis. Bring a picnic and enjoy the play structure with your children.
- Year-round: Open from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset
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