Rideau Hall: Canada's Government House
Explore Rideau Hall: the historic residence of Canada's Governor General, offering year-round tours and scenic grounds in the heart of Ottawa.
Rideau Hall, located in Ottawa, is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada and a National Historic Site. Built in 1838 by Thomas McKay, it has served as the residence for every Governor General since 1867. The grounds are open year-round, offering a glimpse into Canadian history and culture.
A brief summary to Rideau Hall
- 1 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, Lindenlea - New Edinburgh, Ontario, K1A 0A1, CA
- +1613-991-4422
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the Rideau Hall website for tour schedules and special events before your visit.
- Explore the grounds to discover various gardens, historical buildings, and unique Canadian landscapes.
- Take advantage of the free street parking available in the surrounding neighborhood, but be mindful of the 3-hour limit.
- Visit during the summer to witness the Ceremonial Guard's Relief of the Sentries.
Getting There
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Walking
From Parliament Hill, walk 3.5 kilometers east along Sussex Drive. The Queen Elizabeth II Equestrian Monument marks the visitor entrance. Enter the grounds through the Sussex Drive, Thomas Gate, or MacKay Street entrances.
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Public Transport
Take an OC Transpo bus to a stop near Rideau Hall. From downtown, several routes connect to Sussex Drive. Check the OC Transpo website or app for schedules and real-time updates. A single ride fare is approximately $4. Seniors ages 65 and older can ride OC Transpo buses and the O-Train for free on Wednesdays and Sundays.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing app to get to 1 Sussex Drive. From downtown Ottawa, a taxi ride typically costs between $11 and $16 CAD, depending on traffic and distance. Note that taxi base fares in Ottawa are $4 CAD, with an additional $1.86 CAD per kilometer.
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Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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