Winter Celebration
Cold weather conditions over the past few days allowed for a nice skate on the outdoor rink.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-002
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston hosted Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall on January 26, 2013. This event was presented in partnership with the Embassy of Finland, the Embassy of the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Embassy of Sweden, and the National Capital Commission.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-013
Dogs were anxious to start the sled rides.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-012
His Excellency watched a drumming performance by students of Nunavut Sivuniksavut.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-011
Students of Nunavut Sivuniksavut shared with His Excellency and visitors their Inuit culture and language through dancing, throat singing and winter activities.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-010
The Ice Hog Family, Winterlude's official mascots, was on hand. Papa, Mama, Noumi and Nouma greeted visitors with warm hugs.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-009
Hot beverages, delicious taffy on snow, cookies and hot chocolate were offered to visitors during this afternoon of winter festivities.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-008
The young and young-at-heart had the opportunity to embark on a short, thrilling sled ride on the grounds of Rideau Hall.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-007
His Excellency tried kick sledding, a traditional means of Nordic transportation. This activity was offered by the Embassy of Finland.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-006
Her Excellency Sharon Johnston, who is passionate about horses, enjoyed a horse-drawn sleigh ride offered by the RCMP.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-004
His Excellency laced up to skate on Rideau Hall's historic rink, first established in 1872, by Lord Dufferin, Canada’s third governor general.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-003
He also played bandy, a form of field hockey on ice. This activity was presented by the Embassy of Sweden.
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2013-0064-014