Explore the Grand Halls and Secret Gardens of Ottawa’s Rideau Hall This August 2025
Spend your summer exploring the beautiful State rooms and gardens of Ottawa’s Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. On August 2, 3, 4, and 30, you can enjoy a variety of activities for free.
We love exploring the grand halls that look like they came straight out of a Jane Austen novel. But nothing beats a relaxing stroll through the meticulously manicured private gardens, which makes us forget we’re in the middle of a busy city.
Guides are available on-site, and they’re always happy to help. You can ask them about everything, from the history of Rideau Hall and the role of the Governor General to the best spots for a photo.
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Doors Open is a city-wide event. Aside from Rideau Hall, you can explore other historic sites in Ottawa that are usually closed to the public, such as embassies, private residences, and industrial facilities.
Instead of driving around, we like to hop on the free shuttle service. It runs between several downtown attractions, so we can dodge the parking fees and spend more time soaking up the sights.
For the full list of participating buildings, check out ottawa.ca.