Relocation to Rideau Hall
Due to the major rehabilitation of the Centre Block on Parliament Hill over the next 10 years, the Queen Elizabeth II Equestrian Monument has been temporarily relocated in front of Rideau Hall’s main gate.
The Monument
On July 1, 1992, Queen Elizabeth II unveiled her first equestrian statue on Parliament Hill during Canada’s 125th anniversary celebrations and in honour of the 40th anniversary of her reign. It took a team of 10 people, led by Vancouver sculptor Jack Harman (1927–2001), over 2 years to create this larger-than-life monument, which depicts Queen Elizabeth II riding astride her horse Centenial with his right leg raised and tail swishing, advancing towards the future.
Queen Elizabeth II at Rideau Hall
Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit was as princess in 1951, when she square danced in the Ballroom and planted her first ceremonial tree, a sugar maple, on the grounds. She has returned as Queen many times and planted four other ceremonial trees that serve as a timeline of her connection with Canada.
Echoes of Queen Elizabeth II’s visits can also be seen inside the residence. A Royal commemorative stained glass window, unveiled in 1992, illuminates the Entrance Hall. At the end of your tour, walk through the front door, officially designated as The Queen’s Entrance, and live your own Royal moment.
Centenial and the RCMP
A Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) tradition is to present a horse as a gift to the Sovereign for special commemorations and anniversaries. Centenial was a gift to Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RCMP. The horse was chosen by Queen Elizabeth II but stayed with the RCMP for training at the RCMP Musical Ride stables, down the road from where the monument now sits. He was formally presented to Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle on May 15, 1977. Centenial was the second of eight horses that have been presented to Queen Elizabeth II by the RCMP to date.
Location
As a landmark in front of Rideau Hall’s main gate on Sussex Drive, the Queen Elizabeth II Equestrian Monument cannot be missed.
The forecourt provides visitors a place to relax and view the monument.
Accessibility
Benches are available in the Rideau Hall forecourt in front of the roundabout from spring to fall.
Stairs and an inclined sidewalk provide access.
Noise levels vary due to traffic.
We urge visitors not to go into the centre of the roundabout due to traffic. The monument is best viewed from our designated photo spot.
For more information about accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility, please consult the “Plan Your Visit” page on our website.