Welcome to Rideau Hall: A Place to Explore this Summer!
OTTAWA, June 1, 2018 /CNW/ - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, welcomes members of the public to discover Rideau Hall. Open to the public year-round, Rideau Hall will feature free special events and activities throughout the summer.
New this year, Chamberfest will be presenting a series of performances on the grounds of Rideau Hall from August 3 to 5. Join us for popular annual events such as Doors Open Ottawa on June 2 and 3, the CHEO Teddy Bears' Picnic on June 23, and the beginning of Storytime at Rideau Hall on June 29.
All activities are free of charge. See schedule below for more details.
DOORS OPEN OTTAWA 2018
June 2 and 3 – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Although its doors are open year-round to the public, Rideau Hall is an active participant in Doors Open Ottawa. Throughout the weekend, visit the State rooms of the residence, and learn about the history and the role of Canada's governor general. Pick up a self-guided tour brochure at either visitor entrance (located on Thomas and Mackay Street) and explore at your leisure by following the interpretive panels along the paths.
ANNUAL CHEO TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC
June 23 – 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A fun-filled day of family activities awaits you on the grounds of Rideau Hall during the 35th 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 in for minor repairs. For more information, visit www.cheofoundation.com.
CEREMONIAL GUARD - RELIEF OF SENTRIES
From June 24 to August 23 – Daily, on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
During this much-loved ceremony, sentries are led by a piper to their posts at Sussex Gate and in front of the residence.
STORYTIME AT RIDEAU HALL
June 29 to August 25 – Every Friday and Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This outdoor family activity will be hosted in collaboration with Frontier College, a Canadian literacy organization. Volunteers will invite visitors to settle in under the Reading Tent to read books and participate in fun literacy activities. For more information on the organization, visit www.frontiercollege.ca.
CHAMBERFEST AT RIDEAU HALL
From August 3 to 5 – At 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of chamber music on the grounds of Rideau Hall as part of Chamberfest 2018. Artists will include the NYO Canada (National Youth Orchestra of Canada); the Golnar & Mahan Trio, with Mona Matbou Riahi; and a quartet featuring Joshua Peters, Catherine Gray, and Yolanda and Carmen Bruno. For more information, visit www.chamberfest.com.
VISIT THE RESIDENCE AND TOUR THE GROUNDS
Start your visit at the Visitor Centre to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the governor general, as well as the history of Rideau Hall.
- Until September 4: 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 offered daily, including on statutory holidays.
- Until June 27: Weekends, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (reservations required on weekdays)
- June 28 to September 3: 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/RideauHall. We recommend 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.
Please note that Rideau Hall is a working residence; scheduling for all activities is subject to change without notice due to official events.
Follow GGJuliePayette and RideauHall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SOURCE Governor General of Canada
Media information: Julie Rocheleau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-990-2997, 613-302-0249 (cell), [email protected]
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