OTTAWA, May 20, 2015 /CNW/ - Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston invite members of the public to discover Rideau Hall, the official residence and workplace of the governor general, in Ottawa. Open to the public year-round, Rideau Hall will feature special events and activities throughout the summer.
Enjoy summer fun with popular annual events like the CHEO Teddy Bears' Picnic on June 20; the Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard on Saturday June 27 and Storytime at Rideau Hall also starting June 27. Rideau Hall Movie Nights will also return in August.
Our beautiful grounds are open daily and guided tours of the historic residence are offered every day (see schedule for more details.)
All activities are free of charge.
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DOORS OPEN OTTAWA 2015
Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Throughout the weekend, visit the ceremonial rooms of the residence, and learn about the history and the role of the governor general.
ANNUAL CHEO TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC
Saturday, June 20
8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A fun-filled day of family activities awaits you on the grounds of Rideau Hall during the 32nd annual Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Teddy Bears' Picnic. The day will feature stage entertainment, rides and games, as well as a celebrity pancake breakfast. The popular B*A*S*H Tent—Bear Ambulatory Surgical Hospital—will be open for children who wish to bring their teddy bears and other stuffed animals for minor repairs. For more information, please contact the CHEO Foundation at 613-737-2780 or visit www.cheofoundation.com.
ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE CEREMONIAL GUARD
Saturday, June 27
10 a.m.
Join the Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada at Rideau Hall for the pageantry, precision and colour of the Annual Inspection of the Ceremonial Guard, made up of guards from regiments across Canada.
From June 28 to August 23, come witness the Relief of the Sentries. In this much-loved ceremony, sentries are led by a piper to their posts at Sussex Gate and in front of the residence, every hour, on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
LAUNCH OF STORYTIME AT RIDEAU HALL
Saturday, June 27
11 a.m.
Join the Governor General, along with special guests from the Ceremonial Guard and volunteers from Frontier College, to officially launch Storytime at Rideau Hall. There will be stories and snacks as we kick off this annual outdoor family activity that celebrates reading and literacy.
STORYTIME AT RIDEAU HALL
Every Friday and Saturday from June 27 to August 22
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Over the summer months, this outdoor family activity will be hosted in collaboration with Frontier College, a Canadian non-profit literacy organization. Volunteers will invite visitors to settle in under the Reading Tent to read books and participate in fun literacy activities.
RIDEAU HALL MOVIE NIGHTS
Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22 (Rain date: Sunday, August 23)
Come and see acclaimed English and French Canadian feature films, screened outdoors on alternate nights, on the grounds of Rideau Hall. Bring your blanket and settle in to watch these films under the stars. Film selection will be announced at a later date.
VISIT THE RESIDENCE AND TOUR THE GROUNDS – OPEN DAILY
Start your visit at the Visitor Centre to learn more about the function of the governor general, as well as the history of Rideau Hall.
- May 16 until September 7: Daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Take a tour of the State rooms, where Canadians are honoured and dignitaries are welcomed. Guided tours are free of charge and are also offered on statutory holidays.
- May 2 to June 26: Daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (reservations required on weekdays)
- June 27 to September 7: Daily, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Stroll through the grounds of Rideau Hall at your leisure and explore the paths along the flowerbeds and gardens of this urban oasis. Bring a picnic and enjoy the play structure with your children.
- Year-round: Open from 8 a.m. until one hour before sunset
For more information about Rideau Hall's activities and guided tours, please call 613-991-4422 or 1-866-842-4422 (toll-free); write to [email protected]; or visit our website at www.gg.ca/visitus.
Please note that Rideau Hall is a working residence; scheduling for all activities is subject to change without notice due to official events.
SOURCE Government House
Dominique Collin, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-993-2569, [email protected]; Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter.
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