Welcome Home
The official residence of our Governors General since confederation in 1867, Rideau Hall is the symbolic home of all Canadians. Located on Sussex Drive, this gracious 19th Century national treasure is an elegant, inviting residence set on 79 acres of perfect gardens and recreational grounds. The Canadian public is encouraged to tour the grounds, the residence and to take part in special and ongoing activities at Rideau Hall. These include concert series, a garden party and tours, art tours and winter skating parties.

An Evolution of Canadian History
The role of the Queen's representative in Canada dates back to Samuel de Champlain in 1608 nearly 400 years ago. In 1864, Viscount Monck, the first post-confederation Canadian Governor General, saw the potential of Rideau Hall on one of his visits to Ottawa. The estate was purchased in 1868 as the Governor General's residence and its proud, gracious tradition commenced. Lady Monck loved the gardens and began to make many of the changes for which the estate is renowned today. Rideau Hall began gaining its reputation as the social centre of Canada when the Lisgars took up residence at the estate and held the first New Years Levee in 1869. They also established the midday firing on Parliament Hill and created the Governor General's Foot Guards army regiment. Lord Dufferin added several social functions to the Governor General's calendar and had two rooms built to accommodate them. He was also responsible for creating the outdoor skating rink, curling rink and toboggan slide, which are still enjoyed by Canadians at Rideau Hall today. Roland Michener, a more recent Governor General, reinforced the residence as an important Canadian social centre, returned the New Year's Levee to Rideau Hall, and relaxed protocol, a move that made the estate seem more inviting to the Canadian people.

A National Treasure
The grounds at Rideau Hall are open every day from 8 AM to one hour before sunset year round. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the grounds, which are at once formal and accommodating, with a picnic area and play structure for children, as well as incredible manicured gardens. During the winter months, the focus is on Canadian activities such as skating and tobogganing. Inside the residence, visitors begin their tour by climbing the red-carpeted stairs to the landing. They enter the Entrance Hall, where several features set the tone for the residence, from the Inuit tapestries to the stained glass windows. The Ballroom, where the Governor General presents the awards that are synonymous with excellence in Canada, such as the Order of Canada, Meritorious Service Decorations and the Decoration for Bravery, is the next room on the tour. Guests are invited to imagine the room full of Canada's most honoured guests, greeted and entertained by Canada's most distinguished officials. From the Ballroom, visitors move to the Reception Room, the festive Tent Room, the Long Gallery, which overlooks the outdoor terrace and formal gardens, and on to the Canadian Room. The Canadian Room is aptly named for its collection of Canadian arts and crafts, including works by renowned Canadian painters and sculptors. The tour ends in the Greenhouse, which is the highlight of Rideau Hall for many guests who come to see the magnificent flowers and shrubs on display.