Rideau Hall is kicking off a summer of free tours, concerts and family programming this weekend, when the historic residence opens its doors to the public in partnership with Doors Open Ottawa.
The Doors Open event runs June 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and marks Ottawa's bicentennial by inviting visitors inside a residence that dates back to the early days of Bytown. As a special addition, the private gardens and the Palm House will be open to the public on Sunday, June 7, according to the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General.
More chances to explore
For visitors who miss the first weekend, self-guided access to the State rooms, private gardens and Palm House — areas normally closed on regular tours — returns on June 27 and 28, August 1 to 3, and September 5 to 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guides will be on hand to answer questions about the residence and the role of the governor general.
The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset year-round, with accessible paths through the groves and parkland. The Visitor Centre, open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until September 1, offers exhibits on the governor general's responsibilities and the history of the site, along with picnic tables, a play structure and washrooms.
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.
Heart garden and reconciliation programming
Starting June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, visitors can take part in an interactive art activity at the heart garden, which honours First Nations, Inuit and Métis children who died in the residential school system and those who survived. Guests can make paper hearts to add to the garden, whose plants were chosen for their connection to the land and Indigenous peoples.
The activity, a response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, runs until September 30. A special Doors Open weekend with reconciliation-oriented activities is set for September 26 and 27, and on September 30 a Sacred Fire ceremony led by a local fire keeper will be held on the grounds, with guided tours that day focused on reconciliation.
Concerts and family events
The Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard takes place June 26 at 10 a.m. on the forecourt, weather permitting. The Governor General, as commander-in-chief, will inspect the guard and band following a military parade.
Storytime events with guest readers, held with United for Literacy, are scheduled for June 26, June 27 and August 1. The June 26 reading, also presented with the Ottawa International Writers Festival, features the Governor General herself on the grounds at 10:30 a.m.
Music lovers can catch the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces in an outdoor Crescendo Concert on July 5 at 2 p.m., with first-come, first-served seating on the forecourt. Ottawa Chamberfest returns August 1 with afternoon performances at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the Royal Grove — blankets and lawn chairs welcome.
All activities are free of charge. Details are available at gg.ca/RideauHall or by calling 613-991-4422. Visitors with mobility restrictions are asked to contact Rideau Hall in advance to arrange access. Because the site is a working residence, the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General notes that schedules can change without notice due to official events.
