OTTAWA,
ON, Aug. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - 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
Until September 30,
near the Visitor Centre on the Rideau Hall grounds
Rideau
Hall is hosting 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, is on display until the National
Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
Find more information on the Rideau Hall heart garden
Storytime at Rideau Hall
Every Thursday and Friday
until August 9, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., in the Reading
Tent
Young visitors to Rideau Hall can read books and
participate in fun literacy activities under a Reading Tent
facilitated by United for Literacy volunteers.
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 – 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 until
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. A new installation by Métis artist
Christi Belcourt - Honouring My
Spirit Helpers - explores the interconnectedness of water, land
and spirit. 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
Find more information on Indigenous artwork at Rideau Hall
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.
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SOURCE Governor General of Canada