Laurier House National Historic Site, Château Laurier and Library and Archives Canada Launch Sir Wilfrid Laurier Themed Reservation Package
News Release
Hotel guests can book guided tours of Laurier House when they reserve their room
June 1, 2016 Ottawa, Ontario Government of Canada
On this day, 104 years ago, then Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier travelled the short distance from his home in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill to officially open the Château Laurier. Today, Parks Canada and the Fairmont Château Laurier launched a special reservation package for hotel guests. Visitors will be able to book guided tours of Laurier House National Historic Site which features a special exhibition on Canada’s seventh Prime Minister by Library and Archives Canada.
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is a leader in the global hospitality industry, with a distinctive collection and a worldwide reputation for excellence. The hotel chain partners with some of the world’s most respected brands to present guest exclusive benefits and exciting offers that heighten the traveller experience.
Visitors to the Fairmont Château Laurier also have an opportunity to view some never-before-seen artefacts in the Government of Canada’s collection that have direct links to Sir Wilfrid Laurier. A special exhibition located on the entry level of the hotel called “A Sunny Legacy: Celebrating Sir Wilfrid Laurier” was designed by Library and Archives Canada in collaboration with Parks Canada.
Parks Canada’s national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history. Laurier House National Historic Site was the home of both Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King while both were the Prime Minister of Canada. With over 10,000 original artefacts of national significance, Laurier House offers one of the most authentic opportunities to discover Canada’s political culture in the pre-1950’s world.
Quotes
“Developing new and innovative programs and services allows more Canadians to learn about our history. Parks Canada is pleased to collaborate with Fairmont to offer visitors staying at the Château Laurier direct opportunities to discover Laurier House National Historic Site.”
Katherine Patterson
Superintendent, Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit, Parks Canada
“We were pleased to have provided - directly from Library and Archives Canada's' vaults - some never-before-seen original artefacts to celebrate Sir Wilfrid Laurier's life and contributions.”
Dr. Guy Berthiaume
Librarian and Archivist of Canada, Library and Archives Canada
Quick Facts
- Special exhibitions called “A Sunny Legacy: Celebrating Sir Wilfrid Laurier” are on display at Laurier House National Historic Site and the Château Laurier this summer.
- Sir Wilfrid and Lady Laurier moved into Laurier House in the fall of 1897. They remained there through the years Laurier was Prime Minister, and afterwards. The house was bequeathed to William Lyon Mackenzie King by Lady Laurier upon her death in 1921 and King gave the house to the people of Canada.
- The Château Laurier was commissioned by Charles Melville Hays, president of the Grand Trunk Railway. Unfortunately he perished on the Titanic, so never saw his hotel open. While serving as Prime Minister, Sir Wilfrid Laurier helped secure the land for construction of the hotel and construction began in 1909 and was completed in 1912.
Associated Links
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Contacts
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
Bruce MacMillan
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Parks Canada Agency
613-923-5261 extension 122
bruce.macmillan@pc.gc.ca
Library and Archives Canada
Medias Relations
819-994-4589
BAC.Media.LAC@canada.ca
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