After my day of biking I had my tour of Rideau Hall booked for 4pm. This is the home of the Governor General of Canada. The last two times I tried to visit more than 15 years ago one time it was closed for renovations, the other time was a State visit.
It is free to visit but you must book your tour online. As my tour was from 4pm-5pm and the bike rental closed at 5pm I would have to keep the bike overnight at the hotel.
The is a simple museum by the gates that anyone can visit but you need to have tours booked of the residence.
There are portraits of the prior Governor Generals and Monarchs.
They try to incorporate Canadian art such as First Nations designs. They will gladly take their artwork but ignore their actual needs while many still do not have clean drinking water.
There is the main hall for state events where Parliaments are sworn in to the Governor General. As well diplomats are also received.
The pink garden tent has also been made into a permanent event space for private functions.
As well there are Governor General Awards for exceptional Canadians.
My 3rd try in 20 years I finally got to visit.
See also Vlog (5 mins) - https://youtu.be/s-foi47BZC0
2025-02-08