2015 Winter Celebration
Members of the Ottawa Valley Curling Club and their affiliate organizations demonstrated the “ins and outs” of curling, including a wheelchair variation of this historic sport.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-102
Always as popular, the young and young-at-heart embarked on a short, thrilling sled ride on the grounds of Rideau Hall. The activity was presented by Aventure Nordik Adventure.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-009
Many embassies offered delicious snacks to visitors. Switzerland was very popular with its raclette. The Ambassador Dr. Beat Nobs happily offered a helping hand.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-008
The Royal Danish Embassy presented stories by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen that were read aloud, namely by Ambassador Niels Boel Abrahamsen.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-006
Visitors could test their snow soccer juggling skills and learn more about the FIFA Women’s World Cup which will bring the best female soccer players to Ottawa in June 2015.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-005
An impressive reproduction of the Brandenburg Gate made of ice was next to the Rideau Hall Visitors' Centre. Located in Berlin, the original gate stands as a symbol for Germany’s reunification, which marks its 25th anniversary in 2015. The sclupture was presented by the German Embassy.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-004
Their Excellencies also invited visitors wishing to experience a giving moment to do so by dropping off non-perishable food items and winter clothing. These items were donated to the Ottawa Food Bank and the Snowsuit Fund.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-002
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston invited the public to get active and come experience various Nordic sports and traditions during Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-001
The Canadian Military Wives' Choir kept the spirits up with their wonderful voices.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-128
This activity, organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, encouraged visitors to strap on Velcro bindings on giant skis that hold eight adults at one time. They then attempted to ski in unison, without stopping or falling over.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-126
Several visitors enjoyed trying out kicksledding, a traditional means of Nordic transportation. A team from the Embassy of Finland were demonstrating kicksledding and encouraging visitors to hop on board these chair-mounted sleds.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-124
Many visitors took a break and hopped on a horse-drawn wagon ride, offered by Cundell Stables.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-114
Skillful demonstrations of cross country skiing and snowshoeing were presented by the Nakkertok Ski Club. Visitors were invited to explore the grounds of Rideau Hall on a snowshoeing or cross-country ski trail.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-1131
Even The Ice Hog family gave it a try!
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-107
The Embassy of Sweden invited people to try bandy. This precursor of modern ice hockey engaged participants in a form of field hockey on the skating rink.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-104
The students of Nunavut Sivuniksavut shared their Inuit culture and language through drumming, dancing, throat singing and winter activities.
Sat, 01/24/2015 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG2015-0010-010