Rideau Hall

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What you should know

The grounds are open daily, from 9 a.m. to one hour before the sunset 

• The grounds are open all year-round and on statutory holidays (Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday in August, Labour Day and Thanksgiving). 
• The opening of the grounds, as well as the scheduling of all activities, are subject to change without notice due to official events and ceremonies. 
• For guided tours and other educational activities, groups of 10 or more must reserve 48 hours in advance. 
• Picnics are allowed on the grounds.
• Street parking available in surrounding area, parking lot on John Street and parking on the grounds during special public events such as the Governor General's Summer Concert Series.

For more information, please contact us at (613) 991-4422 or 1-866-842-4422, by fax at (613) 993-1656 or by e-mail at guide@gg.ca
 

Did You Know?

• The position of Governor General is the oldest uninterrupted public office in North America. It traces its roots back to 1608 when Samuel de Champlain acted as Governor for New France. 
• Kings, Queens and Presidents stay at Rideau Hall when they visit Canada's Capital. If you visit, you'll be walking in the footsteps of leaders like King Hussein of Jordan, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands and President Clinton of the United States. 
• The grounds feature more than 80 trees planted by visiting foreign leaders as well as distinctly Canadian points of interest like an Inuksuit. 
• Canada's best known sports trophies -- the Stanley Cup for hockey and the Grey Cup for football were donated by previous Governors General. 

A Home for Canada's Governor General

Welcoming Visitors

As the official residence of the Governor General, Rideau Hall is a place of dignity, grace and tradition. It also provides a warm welcome to visitors. Unless an official function is taking place, visitors are welcome on the Rideau Hall grounds year round. 

Depending on the time of the year, you can: 

• take a self-guiding tour of the grounds 
• peruse the visitor centre and gift shop 
• tour the public rooms 
• go ice skating

There's even a play structure for children.

An Historic Estate

Rideau Hall was built in 1838 for Thomas Mackay, a prominent mill owner. The property was named  Rideau Hall because Mackay helped build the Rideau Canal and owned mills on the Rideau River.

 In 1867, it was acquired by the newly-formed Government of Canada as the official residence for Governor General Monck. Since then, the stone building has been enlarged to fulfill the needs of official events with large numbers of guests. One interesting feature is the "Tent Room", a wing that originally housed an indoor tennis court and has kept its tent character through the years. 

An Important Role 

Rideau Hall is not only a residence, it is also a workplace. Here the Governor General carries out many constitutional, diplomatic, and ceremonial duties. 

A Partner in Parliament 

The Governor General is an integral part of Parliament and some of his/her parliamentary duties are carried out at Rideau Hall. For example, the Governor General is responsible for ensuring that Canada always has a Prime Minister. After an election, the Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers take the oath of office at Rideau Hall. 

Diplomatic Duties

Another key task involves international relations. Before a diplomat can work in Canada, he or she must present his credentials to the Governor General in a formal ceremony in the ballroom of Rideau Hall. Canada maintains diplomatic relations with more than 100 countries so receiving letters of commission and credence is an ongoing task.

Recognizing Excellence

The Governor General recognizes the achievements of outstanding Canadians with honours, decorations for bravery and service, and awards.. The centrepiece of the honours system is the Order of Canada, established in 1967 to mark Canada's centennial. Canadians are honoured for outstanding lifetime service in a variety of fields. Some well-known recipients are astronaut Roberta Bondar, poet Leonard Cohen, singer Dominique Michel, writer Antonine Maillet and cancer activist, Terry Fox. The Governor General's Caring Canadian Award was created in 1996 to honour Canadian caregivers and volunteers. (Le Prix du Gouverneur général pour l'entraide). 

Representing All Canadians

Many people wonder why Canada has both a Governor General (representing the head of state) and a Prime Minister (the head of government). One reason is that the Governor General can represent all Canadians as a neutral symbol removed from partisan concerns and the daily affairs of government. 

The Governor General travels to every part of Canada -- presenting awards, supporting worthy causes and meeting Canadians from all walks of life.

Governor General of Canada
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