rideau hall tours

The Governor General of Canada

Her excellency the right honourable mary simon, guided tours of the residence (ottawa).

The original stone villa was built in 1838 by Thomas MacKay as a home for his family. MacKay, a stonemason, was one of the general contractors of the Rideau Canal entrance locks and the mills at Rideau Falls, the landmark after which Rideau Hall was named. It has been home to every governor general since Confederation.

Over the years, various changes have been made to the stately old building to meet the demands of modern times. The grounds, the main residence and its interiors have also evolved to better reflect and reinforce Rideau Hall’s identity as one of Canada’s official residences.

Tour experience

Visit the state rooms.

Accompanied by a guide, walk through the State rooms where the governor general fulfills official duties, welcomes dignitaries and honours Canadians. The residence is home to a fine collection of Canadian art and furniture. On display are the works of such renowned Canadian artists as Jean Paul Lemieux, Emily Carr, Mary Pratt, Jean-Paul Riopelle and Meryl McMaster . A special exhibition on Canadian honours is also included in the tour.

Guided tours are free of charge. Each tour lasts 45 minutes. You can also visit the grounds. Find more information in the  Plan Your Visit section.

Schedule for public tours

We ask that you make your reservation at least 72 hours in advance as we cannot guarantee a response to your request before then.

Schedule for group tours (10 to 100 people)

Group visits for 10 or more people must reserve 72 hours in advance . Your reservation will be booked depending on the availability of the residence and the official events schedule. 

Security measures

All visitors will be asked to go through a metal detector before entering the residence. In order to facilitate this process, it is recommended that visitors leave personal effects in their respective vehicles when possible. Backpacks, large bags and video recording devices are not permitted in the residence.

Rideau Hall is a working residence and scheduling for tours is subject to change due to official events.

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Rideau Hall Tours and Tickets

288 Reviews

1. Rideau Hall is the official residence and workplace of the Governor General of Canada, located in Ottawa, Ontario. It is a National Historic Site and is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning gardens. The main residence is a large sandstone building, which dates back to 1838 and has been the official residence since 1867. Some interesting facts about Rideau Hall: - It is the largest official residence of any governor general in the Commonwealth. - The grounds cover an area of 88 acres, which includes both formal and natural gardens. - Rideau Hall is situated on the southern bank of the Ottawa River and offers a beautiful view of the river and Gatineau Hills. - The grounds are home to many ceremonial trees, planted by various members of the Royal Family and distinguished guests. - It is also home to the Canadian Heraldic Authority, which creates and grants armorial bearings (coats of arms) to individuals, corporations, and other organizations. - Rideau Hall hosts various official ceremonies, including the swearing-in of the Prime Minister and the presentation of the Order of Canada. 2. Rideau Hall is open to the public for guided tours during the summer months, typically from late June to early September. However, it is important to note that in 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, public access to Rideau Hall is limited. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times and availability. Contact information: - Website: www.gg.ca/en/tour/rideau-hall - Phone: +1 613-991-4422 3. Ticket information and transportation: - Admission to Rideau Hall tours is free. - It is accessible by public transportation, with various bus routes stopping nearby. The nearest major transit station is Rideau Station, which is serviced by the Confederation Line of the Ottawa Light Rail Transit system. - Limited visitor parking is available, but it is recommended to use public transportation or other alternative means of transportation if possible.

• Rideau Hall is ideal for those who appreciate history, art, and architecture, as well as for all first-time visitors to Ottawa.
• All activities, including tours, are free of charge.
• Take a picnic to enjoy in the landscaped park, on the lawn, or with the kids in a play area.
• Cricket games are played on the lawn during summer, and an outdoor skating rink is available in winter.
• The residence and grounds are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; the latter are available to borrow at the visitor center and the residence.

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Fly over the City of Ottawa in a Helicopter

Immerse yourself in the splendor of Canada's National Capital Region with our extended airplane and helicopter tour. Prepare to be captivated as you soar over the breathtaking expanses of Gatineau Park on your way to Ottawa and its iconic sites. Admire the city's panoramic views, stunning architecture and national treasures including Parliament Hill, Chateau Laurier and the scenic Rideau Canal.

2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour

Join our small-group, fun and leisurely bike tour that shows you the best of Ottawa in less time. Pedal your way around with our super comfortable bikes on scenic and safe waterfront bicycle pathways and on backroads of quaint neighbourhoods. Ebike add on is available upon request! We will stop about 6-7 times to see some of the city’s stunning look outs, hidden gems and must-see landmarks and attractions including Rideau Canal, Rideau Hall, the National War Memorial and Byward market while our fun and friendly local guides will tell you stories at each stop about history, local culture and life in Ottawa! You will be amazed by how much you will see and learn and how many pictures you snap in just 2 hours. Suitable for all ages, this biking experience is ideal for easy-going bicyclists and families who want to see more of Ottawa in less time and also get lots of local tips about what to do and see in Ottawa!

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Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall has been the official residence of every governor general of Canada since 1867, and their workplace since 1940. It is a National Historic Site with nearly two centuries of history, and has become an important gathering place and site of official activities.

The villa, which forms the main part of Rideau Hall, was built in 1838, by Thomas MacKay, as a home for his family. In 1868, the year after Confederation, the Government of Canada purchased the house and grounds, and declared it the official residence of Canada’s governors general.

During the mandate of Canada’s 3rd governor general, Lord Dufferin (1872–1878), the Ballroom and the Tent Room were built as wings on either side of the front entrance. The Tent Room was originally designed as both an indoor tennis court and reception room. It is now used for official and ceremonial functions.

In 1913, during the tenure of the Duke of Connaught (1911–1916), work was completed on the interior entrance hall and the current front entrance. The front entrance features the massive Royal Arms, visible from the driveway and said to be among the largest in the world. Also in 1913, the Long Gallery was added and the Dining Room was enlarged. Over the years, the grounds, the building and its interiors have evolved to better reflect and reinforce Rideau Hall’s identity as a national symbol.

Free street parking is available in the surrounding neighbourhood. 

Location and contact

1 Sussex Drive Ottawa ON K1A 0A1

In-person visiting hours

*Follow building health protocols.

• Saturday, June 3 2023 10am to 4pm
• Sunday, June 4 2023 10am to 4pm

Virtual and 3D Tours

This building does not offer virtual or 3D tours.

Architecture

Amenities and features.

• Public washrooms
• Accessible access
• Free parking
• Bike parking
• Family friendly
• Guided tours
• OC transpo nearby

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Take a Tour of Rideau Hall – Canada’s White House

When our guides cycle up the driveway of  Rideau Hall  in Ottawa, some of us like to quip: “Welcome to the White House of Canada”. It baffles out of towners that you can just cycle up to the front door of the Governor General, the official representative of the Queen of England, and ring the doorbell. It probably symbolizes the laid back nature of Canadians.

An Astronaut at Rideau Hall

But who is the Governor General, more commonly known as the “GG”? The Governor General is the federal vice regal representative of the Canadian monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen, on the advice of her Canadian prime minister, appoints a governor general to carry out most of her constitutional and ceremonial duties, usually for five years. Julie Payette, a Canadian astronaut who has worked at the International Space Station, is currently the Governor General.

Home of the Governor General

Rideau Hall is the place where the GG resides. It was built in the early years of Bytowne (as the city was called at that time) by a successful Scottish stone mason called Thomas McKay, who was the main contractor during the construction of the Rideau Canal, nearly 200 years ago. When Bytowne became the capital of Canada and was renamed to Ottawa, it needed a residence for the GG. After a few years of leasing the house from McKay, the government decided to buy it in 1868 and modified it over the following decades.

Visiting VIPs

A trip to Rideau Hall is highly recommended. Not only does Rideau Hall give free tours (you don’t want to miss the Tent Room), the grounds around the buildings are waiting for you to be discovered by bicycle. You will find that many trees have been planted by VIPs such as Queen Elizabeth II, John F. Kennedy (the red oak he planted is a perennial favourite for Instagram selfies), Mother Theresa, the Princess of Wales, Nelson Mandela and three generations of Dutch royals.

Cricket Game at Rideau Hall

If you are lucky you might see a cricket game in another corner of the vice regal park in the weekends. And sticking (pardon the pun) to a great Canadian tradition, the sugar maples are tapped for maple syrup making in early spring. If you squint your eyes you might see a cottage at the far end, a two-level, 22-room Georgian Revival building where the Prime Minister currently lives.

Governor General Foot Guards

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Rideau Hall is incorporated in a number of the Escape Bicycle tours. An honorary one kilometer Trans Canada Trail (aka the Great Trail) runs through the park after all. We often enter at the main entrance on our bikes after we have taken some pictures with the Governor General Foot Guards, who change every hour on the hour during the summer. We’ll pass by the  inukshuk  by Kananginak Pootoogook, the fountain of Hope, the beautiful formal rose garden and a totem pole by Kwakiutl carver Mungo Martin. There is just so much to experience at Rideau Hall.

See Rideau Hall by Bicycle

You really don’t want to miss Rideau Hall and the best way to see it is by bike.  Escape Bicycle Tours and rentals  rents comfy  bikes  and kid trailers and  e-bikes  so that you can check it out on your own. We can also take you on a tour to Rideau Hall as part of our  guided tours  and tell the stories of yesteryear and today. And bonus: one of our tour guides was bestowed a Governor General Sovereign Medal for Volunteers for his work in bicycle advocacy. How cool is that?

Visit our website and  book one of our guided tours  including a visit to Rideau Hall.

Attentat de Moscou : des victimes déposent plainte contre les propriétaires du Crocus City Hall

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Une plainte pénale déposée auprès du Comité d'enquête russe accuse les propriétaires de la salle de concert de ne pas avoir respecté les normes de sécurité incendie.

Une nouvelle plainte pénale a été déposée jeudi 4 avril auprès de la Commission d'enquête de Russie contre les propriétaires du Crocus City Hall, par les avocats de 19 proches de victimes tuées et blessées lors de l’attaque terroriste de Moscou, le 22 mars dernier . Ils les accusent d’avoir utilisé des matériaux combustibles dans la salle de concert, ayant contribué à l’évolution rapide de l'incendie. Parmi les 143 personnes mortes dans cette attaque revendiquée par l’État islamique (EI), beaucoup ont été asphyxiés à cause des fumées toxiques de l’incendie.

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Une première plainte déposée mardi accusait déjà les détenteurs de la salle d’être «directement responsables des dommages causés et des graves conséquences qui en ont résulté» pour avoir violé des normes de sécurité incendie, rapporte l’agence de presse d’État russe RIA Novosti. Mais cette deuxième plainte présente «des arguments supplémentaires en faveur de la culpabilité des propriétaires» , a déclaré jeudi l'avocat des proches des victimes Igor Trunov, à l'agence de presse. Selon lui, les matériaux utilisés pour décorer les murs de l'auditorium ne répondent pas aux exigences de sécurité.

Évolution rapide de l'incendie

«Quelques secondes après le début de l'incendie» , le rideau de scène ainsi que les sièges de l'auditorium se sont enflammés «alors qu'ils devraient être faits de matériaux résistants au feu» , indique le premier document remis mardi, selon RIA Novosti. En outre, les matériaux utilisés pour décorer les murs de l'auditorium sont interdits par les normes du ministère des Situations d'urgence de la Fédération de Russie, assure encore Igor Trunov ce jeudi.

À lire aussi Fusillade à Moscou : qu’est-ce que le Crocus City Hall visé par l’attaque ?

Par ailleurs, le rideau d'eau anti-incendie et le système d'évacuation des fumées «n'étaient pas en état de fonctionnement» , rapporte ce même document. L’avocat a également ajouté que la majorité des issues d'évacuation étaient fermées lors de l'attentat.

Le fils du propriétaire du Crocus City Hall, Emin Agalarov, a répondu à l'agence de presse que l'ensemble des systèmes de sécurité fonctionnaient. Et souligne que le bâtiment n'aurait jamais pu ouvrir si les normes de sécurité incendie n’avaient pas été respectées.

L’avocat, lui, dit s’appuyer sur «les témoignages de témoins oculaires, les données des médias et des réseaux sociaux, les enregistrements vidéo, ainsi que les explications reçues» de ses clients.

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le 05/04/2024 à 20:39

Poutine et le FSB inventent des preuves que les propriétaires en question sont.... ukrainiens.

le 05/04/2024 à 19:04

Ils portent plainte contre putine ?

FRANCOIS LEFORT 2

le 05/04/2024 à 18:52

Comment si peu d’assaillants ont pu faire autant de dégâts et réussir à s’enfuir ? Il n’y avait, semble-t-il, même pas de détecteurs d’armes à l’entrée de la salle. C’est incroyable ! Les services de sécurité ont été nuls. Et on veut nous faire croire que ce sont les ukrainiens ! Pourquoi pas le Pape pendant qu’on y est !

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

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The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.