Rideau Hall 🇨🇦

Welcome to Rideau Hall (officially Government House), the official residence of Canada's governor general and the country's monarch when visiting Canada. Situated on a scenic 36-hectare (88-acre) estate at 1 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, just outside the city center, this historic property was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1977. Originally built as a stone villa by stonemason Thomas McKay—and nicknamed McKay's Castle—the grand estate now features a main building spanning roughly 175 rooms across 9,500 square metres, alongside 27 outbuildings.

Today, Rideau Hall serves as a major hub for Canadian state affairs, constitutional functions, and official ceremonies. Here, foreign heads of state and ambassadors are formally received, prime ministers and Cabinet members are sworn in, and prestigious national awards are presented. Managed by the National Capital Commission, the hall opens its doors to the public for guided tours throughout the year, drawing approximately 200,000 visitors annually.

Explore the grounds and grand house that have hosted generations of global dignitaries, exiled European royalty during World War II, and visiting monarchs. It stands as a fascinating, living piece of Canadian constitutional history.

What to see at Rideau Hall

• Tour the official residence of the governor general of Canada and visiting monarchs.
• Explore a 36-hectare National Historic Site featuring 175 rooms and 27 outbuildings.
• Learn about the estate's origins as stonemason Thomas McKay's 19th-century villa.
• Discover where Canadian prime ministers are sworn in and foreign heads of state are received.

Visiting tips

Take advantage of guided public tours offered throughout the year to see where major Canadian state affairs and royal visits take place.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Year-round

How to get there & what’s nearby

Rideau Hall is easy to reach on Ottawa’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Ottawa travel guide.