Laurier House Celebrates #Laurier175
Backgrounder
Laurier House National Historic Site in not just Sir Wilfrid Laurier’s former home, it is the residence he lived in during his time as Prime Minister. In honour of his 175th birthday, Laurier House has planned a summer full of special activities and experiences.
Gastronomic Delights
Tea on the Verandah
Saturday afternoon tea on the verandah is a Laurier House tradition. In 2016, as an homage to Canada’s first francophone Prime Minister, the Cordon Bleu will serve fresh, light and delicious French pastries and tea. As a memento, visitors can purchase a Laurier tea blended exclusively for Laurier House National Historic Site. Offered Saturdays from July 9 until August 13, at 2 p.m.
Lunch and Tour
Separated by 300 metres, the Cordon Bleu and Laurier House were exact mirror image structures when first constructed. This summer, lunch time patrons enjoying the incredible French cuisine at the Cordon Bleu can package an exclusive guided tour that will begin when dessert ends. Parks Canada’s expert guide will greet diners at the Cordon Bleu, and start the tour to Laurier House. Once at the national historic site, the tour will continue on all 3 floors with stories and anecdotes from the Lauriers’ time in residence as part of the Inside Laurier’s Life Guided Tour.
State Dinners
Dine like a head of state and join Sir Wilfrid Laurier in his home for an all-inclusive 3 course dinner prepared by the Cordon Bleu Ottawa and presented at Laurier House National Historic Site. This exclusive experience will be offered on two nights only, with limited seating availability. Inspired by period dishes and the state dinners Laurier would have enjoyed while representing Canada, the evenings offer an opportunity for the public to taste Canadian history. The dining experience combines incredible access to Laurier House and the Cordon Bleu’s signature dining experiences, into a night of celebration. Offered August 19 and September 23.
Whisky Tasting
“Uisge beatha,” whisky in Scottish Gaelic, also meaning water of life. As a statesman who enjoyed entertaining, this ‘water’ would have flowed on many evenings during Laurier’s time. Join Parks Canada and celebrate Laurier as part of a premium Scotch Whisky tasting evening on November 18. Limited availability.
Out of Town Visitors
Parks Canada is working with Fairmont Château Laurier as part of Laurier 175 commemorations to offer visitors staying at the hotel a guided tour of Laurier House as part of their hotel stay package. This is a great way to connect two iconic Laurier sites.
Theatre
Mary's Odyssey - The Laurier Years Interactive Theatre
Attention Ladies and Gentlemen! Sir Wilfrid Laurier, along with his protégé William Lyon Mackenzie King, wishes to cordially invite visitors to help solve a long standing mystery. Step back in time and experience history as it unfolds before your very eyes!
Join the young maid, Mary, as she takes guests on a tour of the historic rooms of the Victorian house. Take part in this new interactive theatrical experience and help find the clues that will lead to a hidden treasure.
Presented by Live History and starring Jasmine Bowen with Daniel Desmarais as Sir Wilfrid Laurier and with Rick Cousins as William Lyon Mackenzie-King.
English performances:
July 13, 14 and 21, at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and July 20, at 7:30 p.m.
French performance:
July 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Special Exhibits
Library and Archives Canada invites the public to visit a joint exhibition with Parks Canada and Fairmont Château Laurier, A Sunny Legacy: Celebrating Sir Wilfrid Laurier at Laurier House National Historic Site. Then, visitors can continue their tour at the Fairmont Château Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa where additional artifacts on are on display. The exhibition features photographs, souvenirs, intimate and political correspondence, and original historical records from the collection of Library and Archives Canada — some of which are on display for the first time.
On display from June 1 to October 10 at Laurier House and until November 21 at the Fairmont Château Laurier.
The Birthday Bash
Starting November 17 at Laurier House National Historic Site, events to mark Sir Wilfred Laurier’s 175th birthday will feature a special exhibit, interactive theatre performances, guided tours, a Scotch whisky tasting evening and will conclude with an open house birthday party on November 20.
Booking an experience
Visitors are invited to contact Laurier House National Historic Site at
Laurier-House@pc.gc.ca or at 613-992-8142 for more information and to reserve their participation in one of the many program offers at Laurier House this summer.
Search for related information by keyword