OTTAWA (Ontario)—Members of the public are invited to take part in a series of memorable summertime events at Rideau Hall. From the well-loved Relief of the Sentries and classical music concerts in the Royal Grove, to literacy and Indigenous art activities, there are plenty of free events to entertain and inspire visitors of all ages.
Situated only a few minutes from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, surrounded by stunning grounds, Rideau Hall is one of Canada’s most iconic national historic sites.
Special events
Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams Heart Garden
June 21 to September 30, near the Visitor Centre on the Rideau Hall grounds
Rideau Hall will host a reconciliation-focused heart garden in honour of the children impacted by the residential school system. Visitors are encouraged to add their own hearts to the garden, as a symbol of our collective responsibility towards reconciliation. The Heart Garden, which is presented in collaboration with the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, will be on display from National Indigenous People’s Day, on June 21, until the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, on September 30.
Find more information on the Rideau Hall heart garden
Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard
June 28, at 10 a.m., on the Rideau Hall Forecourt (weather dependent)
Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada Mary Simon will conduct the Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard. The event will include a military parade, an inspection of the guard and the band, and the “Viceregal Salute” to Her Excellency. The guards will also perform the Relief of the Sentries on weekends throughout the summer on the grounds of Rideau Hall.
Find more information on the Ceremonial Guard
Storytime at Rideau Hall
June 28 at 10:30a.m., in the Reading Tent
The Governor General will join young visitors to Rideau Hall to read books and participate in fun literacy activities under a Reading Tent facilitated by United for Literacy volunteers. Storytime will continue every Thursday and Friday, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., starting on July 4 and ending on August 9.
Find more information on Storytime
Find more information on United for Literacy
Chamberfest Concerts
August 3 - 4 (various times) in the Royal Grove
Rideau Hall is honoured to host a series of free concerts as part of Ottawa Chamberfest’s summer music festival to celebrate the festival’s 30th anniversary. Taking place during the August Doors Open weekend, these concerts will provide visitors with a chance to hear accomplished musicians in beautiful surroundings. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic blankets as seating will be limited.
Find more information on the Chamberfest Concerts at Rideau Hall
Doors Open at Rideau Hall
Every long weekend during the summer – June 29-July 1, August 3-5 and August 31-September 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Every long weekend throughout the summer, visitors can discover the official residence of the Governor General like never before. During Doors Open weekends, visitors can explore the State rooms at their own pace and see both the greenhouses and private gardens, which are not open to the public during regular tours. Guides will be on-hand to answer any questions about the history and the role of Canada’s governor general.
Find more information on summer 2024 Doors Open events at Rideau Hall
Ongoing events
Relief of the Sentries
Every weekend from June 29 to August 5 – On the hour, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays (Canada Day and the Civic Holiday), the Ceremonial Guard will perform the Relief of the Sentries. During this ceremonial event, four sentries are led by a bagpiper and two escorts to their posts at Sussex Gate and in front of the residence. They are dressed in full scarlet tunics and bearskin caps, and stand guard for the hour.
Find more information on the Relief of the Sentries
Guided tours of Rideau Hall
Daily throughout the summer
During the tours, visitors can see the State rooms, including the ever-popular Tent Room, where Canadians are honoured and dignitaries are welcomed. Visitors can learn about the art on display at Rideau Hall, including an impressive collection of Indigenous artwork from across Canada. Guided tours are free of charge and are offered daily, including on statutory holidays.
Find more information on tours at Rideau Hall
Find more information on the Governor General’s work
Tour the grounds
Year-round: Open from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset
Visitors can stroll through the grounds of Rideau Hall at their leisure, and explore the paths along the flowerbeds and gardens of this urban oasis. Follow the paths on the grounds and learn from the interpretive panels showcasing art and cultural pieces or learn about the more than 150 trees planted by dignitaries. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the play structure with their children.
Find more information on the grounds
Find more about the ceremonial trees planted at Rideau Hall
Plan your visit
Members of the public wanting more information about Rideau Hall’s activities and guided tours can call 613-991-4422 or 1-866-842-4422 (toll-free); write to guide@gg.ca; or visit www.gg.ca/RideauHall. It is recommended that members of the public with mobility restrictions contact the reservations office in advance to determine the best way to access the grounds and the residence.
Rideau Hall is a working residence. Scheduling for all activities is subject to change without notice due to official events.
Media information:
Rideau Hall Press Office
343-573-7563
media@gg.ca
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