Page 28 - Travel Guide to Canada 2019

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CHANGING OF THE GUARD CEREMONY AT RIDEAU HALL, OTTAWA • RIDEAU HALL/MCPL VINCENT CARBONNEAU
Vice-Regal
Residences:
A Glimpse
into History
AT HOME IN OTTAWA
Rideau Hall was originally the villa of
stonemason Thomas McKay, who made his
fortune as one of the primary builders of
the Rideau Canal locks. Over the years, the
house has been greatly expanded, and one of
the architectural highlights is the Ballroom,
inaugurated in 1873. With its pale blue walls,
gilded ceiling and one-ton Waterford crystal MILITARY GRANDEUR
chandelier, it is the grand setting for Order
of Canada investiture ceremonies and other
national events.
The Tent Room, with its red-and-white-
striped walls and ceiling, also makes a big
impression on many visitors. Originally
an indoor tennis court, it was sometimes
redecorated with swags of fabric for opulent
events. The tent-like look proved so popular
that it became a permanent aspect of the
décor.
Visitors can also explore Rideau Hall’s
pretty grounds, on their own or using the
self-guided tour brochure available at the
In Ottawa and Québec City, you can
enjoy a bit of royal glamour—for free!
Rideau Hall in Ottawa and the
Citadelle in Québec City are the two
offi cial residences of Canada’s
Governor General, the Queen’s
representative in Canada. Throughout
the year, guided tours are available.
Here’s what you can see and do at
each site.
LAURA BYRNE PAQUET
visitor entrances. The 32-ha (79-acre) is part of the Citadelle of Québec’s fortress,
property’s attractions include an outdoor a National Historic Site of Canada, located
skating rink, a cricket pitch and thousands high atop Cape Diamond in Old Québec.
of trees. Among them are roughly 150 trees After a fi re destroyed part of the
planted by visiting dignitaries, including Governor General’s residence in 1976, a new
John F. Kennedy, Kofi Annan and Diana, wing was constructed with a contemporary
Princess of Wales. décor featuring walnut, granite and
aluminum accents. That wing now houses a
sunroom, space for offi cial events and a
IN QUÉBEC grand foyer with twin spiral staircases.
So why does the Governor General have
two offi cial residences? The answer lies in GALLERY-QUALITY ART
Canada’s complex history. One added benefi t of touring the residences
Colonial Governors had lived in Québec is the chance to see valuable artefacts and
City since New France was founded in the artworks. Both buildings are furnished with
early 1600s. In 1872, fi ve years after Ottawa fi ne antiques and with works by noted
became Canada’s capital, Governor General Canadian artists, such as Emily Carr,
Lord Duff erin revived that tradition by Jean Paul Lemieux, Jean Paul Riopelle and
establishing quarters in Québec City. The Allen Sapp.
building that is now the Governor General’s Depending on the time of year and the
second offi cial residence was built by the size of your group, you may need to make
British Army in 1831 as an offi cers’ barracks. an advance reservation for your free tour.
Offi cially known simply as “Building 28,” it For more information, see www.gg.ca/