Rideau Hall
Rideau Hall
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsGovernment Buildings
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Rideau Hall is a national historic site is set in an idyllic, 79-acre urban oasis located only a few minutes from downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. You are welcome to visit the residence and workplace of the governor general and the grounds year-round.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
636 reviews
Excellent
327
Very good
243
Average
53
Poor
8
Terrible
5
futtock21
London, UK17,226 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
This stately home in Ottawa’s Beechwood district has been the home of Canada’s Governor General since 1867 although it was originally a private villa for Thomas MacKay the immigrant Irish stonemason who built it and after whom the road running past is now named. Much extended it now houses 165 rooms having more the quality of a hotel both for the Queen herself whenever she visits Canada, otherwise as a home to the Governor General and the setting for the appointments and resignations of Prime Ministers. Guided tours are available but we chose to visit after 3pm when a number of State rooms are available for self-tours although there are helpful and informative guides in each room to answer questions. One showed us photographs of all the previous incarnations of the Long Gallery concluding its current furnishings resemble those of an upmarket hotel. Particularly impressive are the chandeliered Ballroom and the Tent Room where official meetings between Governor General and Prime Minister take place beneath and are overshadowed by a huge abstract work by Jean-Paul Riopelle. Another room exhibits all the medals associated with Canadian honours and gives an account of their history. Rideau Hall is set in an 88-acre park featuring a native people’s totem pole, sculptures and trees planted by visiting statesmen and Nelson Mandela. Outside is an equestrian statue of Queen Elizabeth II moved from a former downtown site.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel1207
Grand Isle, VT221 contributions
Oct 2022
First time visit to this wonderful site. The guide (Cassandra) was fluently bilingual English/French, and well versed in the history of the building. This historical gem should be visited, for a better insight into the role of the Crown in Canadian history and how it is still valid today.
Take the time to visit the78 acre grounds - they are amazing.
Take the time to visit the78 acre grounds - they are amazing.
Written 7 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dubes13
Peterborough, UK145 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
You can wander the grounds of Rideau Hall, which has some interesting sculptures and a beautiful rose garden.
We took one of the free tours which run in French and English throughout the day and were lucky enough to be the only ones on our tour so we had a private tour!
Understandably, you have to go through a security / bag check then into the house.
Our guide, Jordy, was fabulous, really knowledgeable and welcoming and answered lots of questions, as well as explaining to us as foreigners, about the reconciliation process with indigenous peoples.
The hall is really interesting with lots of history and we got to see one of the Governor General's private rooms as she and her husband were away on holiday. We also saw the room where the Governor Geneal meets with the Prime Minister.
There is no parking, but you can park for 3 hours for free on nearby streets. Or the hop on hop off bus tour stops nearby. There are washrooms and a small gift shop.
Definitely put this on your to do list if you are in Ottawa!
We took one of the free tours which run in French and English throughout the day and were lucky enough to be the only ones on our tour so we had a private tour!
Understandably, you have to go through a security / bag check then into the house.
Our guide, Jordy, was fabulous, really knowledgeable and welcoming and answered lots of questions, as well as explaining to us as foreigners, about the reconciliation process with indigenous peoples.
The hall is really interesting with lots of history and we got to see one of the Governor General's private rooms as she and her husband were away on holiday. We also saw the room where the Governor Geneal meets with the Prime Minister.
There is no parking, but you can park for 3 hours for free on nearby streets. Or the hop on hop off bus tour stops nearby. There are washrooms and a small gift shop.
Definitely put this on your to do list if you are in Ottawa!
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee
Derby, UK17 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
We happened upon the hall when walking through Rideau park. There were some guides outside who offered us to join the tour. We joined Roxann’s tour and were really impressed with her knowledge and how easily approached she was. The tour was really informative and interesting. The hall was stunning and gave us a lot more background that we were keen to know about as tourists visiting Ottawa. I was really impressed by the acknowledgement to First Nations communities and how the Governor general was so keen to have this represented, including in the artwork of the hall. It really was fascinating, and on reflection, one of the things we enjoyed the most in Ottawa when we reflected upon it after. Considering the tour was free of charge and it wasn’t something we knew about or planned to do, and just happened on it, Roxann was fantastic!
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
runningwild32
united kingdom349 contributions
May 2024 • Family
We struck lucky as we could not book on line to do the Governor General's Residence and were happy just to have a walk around the grounds. However, upon arrival we found there were spaces on a tour in English going in a few minutes.
We were shown around by a lovely guide who was doing her first tour. She was very knowledgeable, not only about the building, the artefacts and the Governors themselves, which gave an enhanced perspective of what we were looking at.
Going midweek, the grounds which contained many trees, was very quiet so we could walk about freely in peace, looking at numerous plaques where trees had been planted by many heads of state over the years.
The tours are free but be prepared to have your bags searched before entry.
We were shown around by a lovely guide who was doing her first tour. She was very knowledgeable, not only about the building, the artefacts and the Governors themselves, which gave an enhanced perspective of what we were looking at.
Going midweek, the grounds which contained many trees, was very quiet so we could walk about freely in peace, looking at numerous plaques where trees had been planted by many heads of state over the years.
The tours are free but be prepared to have your bags searched before entry.
Written 23 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geminican
San Jose, CA2,102 contributions
Sept 2022
Had no concept of Governor General's role in Canada before visiting this place.
Put this place as "optional."
When approaching its compound, saw a statute of the late Queen Elizabeth II riding on a horse at the front entrance, and securities guards in all gates.
It's near the residence of the Canadian Prime Minister.
Decided to visit this place before leaving Ottawa and very glad to have done it. Otherwise, it would be a big "miss." Through this visit, I learned that:
* Governor General represents the British Monarch, in Canada.
* This is the place where Governor General officially appoints the Canadian Prime Minister on behalf of the British Monarch.
* Rideau Hall is like the White House in the United States or Buckingham Palace in UK.
* This is the official residence of the Canadian Governor General
Still unsure if there are public visitor parking inside the compound. There is street parking along MacKay St. You will walk through a huge park-like area before reaching the Rideau Hall. You will go through the security check.
There is at least one staff in each room, and they will provide commentaries about the rooms. Emmalyn, Gabriel, Emy, and Ryan were knowledgeable and able to answer most questions.
Rideau Hall itself has rich history other than its significance in representing the British Monarch in Canada.
Unlike long wait time (at least three months in advance) and tight security (background check required) for visiting the White House in the United States, there is no advanced reservation required and the visit is free for Rideau Hall.
After the visit, I would change this place from "optional" to "must see."
Put this place as "optional."
When approaching its compound, saw a statute of the late Queen Elizabeth II riding on a horse at the front entrance, and securities guards in all gates.
It's near the residence of the Canadian Prime Minister.
Decided to visit this place before leaving Ottawa and very glad to have done it. Otherwise, it would be a big "miss." Through this visit, I learned that:
* Governor General represents the British Monarch, in Canada.
* This is the place where Governor General officially appoints the Canadian Prime Minister on behalf of the British Monarch.
* Rideau Hall is like the White House in the United States or Buckingham Palace in UK.
* This is the official residence of the Canadian Governor General
Still unsure if there are public visitor parking inside the compound. There is street parking along MacKay St. You will walk through a huge park-like area before reaching the Rideau Hall. You will go through the security check.
There is at least one staff in each room, and they will provide commentaries about the rooms. Emmalyn, Gabriel, Emy, and Ryan were knowledgeable and able to answer most questions.
Rideau Hall itself has rich history other than its significance in representing the British Monarch in Canada.
Unlike long wait time (at least three months in advance) and tight security (background check required) for visiting the White House in the United States, there is no advanced reservation required and the visit is free for Rideau Hall.
After the visit, I would change this place from "optional" to "must see."
Written 30 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KAG870
Toronto, Canada47 contributions
May 2022
Rideau Hall was one of the highlights of our visit to Ottawa. You do require reservations but there is no charge. Our tour guide, a university student, was excellent and clearly had been well trained on the history of the building. The rooms are varied in their purpose and decor. The tent room is an incredibly unique room. The grounds are very large and you are free to wander them on your own. At one of the entry point there is a little cottage which now has displays of some of the Canadian honours available (ie Order of Canada) and information about some of the Governor Generals who have used this as an official residence. No parking on site but free parking in the neighbourhood.
Written 2 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
achan512
Mississauga, Canada1 contribution
Aug 2021
Visited today with Family and we’re lucky to get a tour right away.
Our guide Jacob was fantastic and enthusiastic about the tour, Very knowledgeable about the various historical aspects.
We could not visit inside due to COVID but got a tour of the facilities from outside,
Worth visiting this gem in Ottawa.
Our guide Jacob was fantastic and enthusiastic about the tour, Very knowledgeable about the various historical aspects.
We could not visit inside due to COVID but got a tour of the facilities from outside,
Worth visiting this gem in Ottawa.
Written 5 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amitabh C
Mississauga, Canada88 contributions
Aug 2021
We went there last minute on the recommendation from the Visitor center and were lucky to get a tour at the same time. Our tour guide Jacob was very friendly and knowledgeable. He had an air of excitement when he showed us the various monuments inside the campus. We loved the conversations with him.
Highly recommend this visit to understand more about our history and culture.
PS - They are not allowing visits inside the house due to COVID.
Will visit again in our next visit.
Highly recommend this visit to understand more about our history and culture.
PS - They are not allowing visits inside the house due to COVID.
Will visit again in our next visit.
Written 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoanneJohn2005
Calgary, Canada205 contributions
Aug 2021
Rideau Hall the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. Such beautiful grounds, worth a visit to see Rideau Hall as well as the grounds. The grounds have many trees that have been gifted to Canada from many countries around the world. Due to Covid no building tours are available but still worth seeing. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch in the shade of the trees.
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No entry fee, but you have to call ahead to reserve. I don't remember if we had to show ID or not. No parking, so you park on a street in the general neighbourhood and then walk to Rideau Hall.
Written 8 May 2018
KimVisitorServices
Ottawa, Canada
Hello! There is street parking available in the neighbourhood. We recommend the area around the MacKay/Union St. intersection, which is close to one of the pedestrian access gates to the grounds.
Street parking in this area is free, for a maximum of 3 hours.
I hope this helps!
Written 3 May 2017
Re New years levy. I would like to attend the Levy this 1 Jan 2017. Is it open to ret'd RCAF service. Time, dress. Thankyou.
Written 23 December 2016
KimVisitorServices
Ottawa, Canada
Good morning,
Thank you for inquiring about our public program at Rideau Hall.
While there will not be a public event on the occasion of January 1st, we will host our annual Winter Celebration on January 28th. This event is open to everyone and it is in the goal to celebrate the winter with all types of sports and winter activities.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to cal 613-991-4422 or email us.
Élise Laporte
Assistant, Visitors Services - Rideau Hall
Written 23 December 2016
I Would like to know how to book a tour and what time is the residence open to the public
Written 13 April 2016
KimVisitorServices
Ottawa, Canada
Good morning,
Thank you for inquiring about tours at Rideau Hall.
We offer tours year-round but the departures vary depending on the season.
We could be able to confirm you the exact date and times of tours that would accommodate your itinerary and you can do so by phone: 1 (866) 842-4422 or by email (clicking the email button that is on our profile).
If you have any more questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you.
Written 13 April 2016
Como chegar ate esse local? E preciso comprar ingresso? Tem visita guiada?
Written 4 April 2016
KimVisitorServices
Ottawa, Canada
Good afternoon,
Thank you for inquiring about tours at Rideau Hall.
At this time of the year, we offer free pre-scheduled guided tours of the Residence of the Governor General of Canada. If you would like to book a tour, please contact us through our email address listed on our profile and we will be more than happy to accommodate your itinerary.
Written 7 April 2016
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