Rideau Hall, Ottawa (must see)

Rideau Hall, located in Ottawa, is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. The main building, along with its 170 rooms and 24 outbuildings, exudes an understated elegance that sets it apart from other equally prestigious structures like Buckingham Palace or the White House. This characteristic gives it the ambiance of a private home. Rideau Hall serves as the venue for important events such as the oath-taking ceremonies of Canadian prime ministers and cabinet members, as well as various ceremonial and constitutional duties. It also offers guided tours to the general public, attracting nearly 200,000 visitors each year.

The history of Rideau Hall dates back to 1817 when Thomas McKay, a Scottish immigrant and a notable contractor overseeing the construction of the Rideau Canal, selected this site and constructed a stone residence. Over the years, the villa underwent several modifications and eventually became known as Rideau Hall. McKay and his family resided here until 1855.

In 1864, Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the new capital of Canada. She leased Rideau Hall from the McKay family for an annual fee of $4,000. The purpose was to provide temporary accommodation for the viceroy until a government house could be built. A new structure was added to the villa, and Viscount Monck, the first Governor General of Canada, became its resident. Rideau Hall witnessed its first major post-World War II event when Dwight D. Eisenhower, the President of the United States at the time, attended a function there.

Today, Rideau Hall continues to be a venue for a wide range of events throughout the year. Foreign dignitaries visiting the residence plant a tree in its garden to commemorate their visit. During the summer months, the garden becomes a hub for parties hosted by the Governor General. Additionally, the Rideau Hall Cricket Association and the Ottawa Valley Cricket Council organize cricket matches, while various outdoor activities like skating, tennis, and toboggan runs take place throughout the year.

In recognition of its historical significance, Rideau Hall and its grounds were designated as a National Historic Site in 1977.

Why You Should Visit:
You can take a free escorted tour of the building and also catch the changing of guards, but the real gem is the grounds themselves – ideally maintained and beautiful to wander around.

Tip:
You may need a reservation to visit. Check on the website to have more information before you stop by.
If you're thinking of visiting during lunchtime, it's best to bring your own picnic.