Rideau Hall
1 Sussex Drive
Written by Bytown Museum
on
03/Dec/2009
Founder of New Edinburgh Thomas MacKay built the main part of Rideau Hall as his family home in 1838. The property also boasted a coach house, stable, dairy barn and piggery. MacKay lived at Rideau Hall until his death in 1855. Just over a decade later, the federal government purchased the house and grounds as an official residence for Canada's governors general.
Various governors general have made additions to Rideau Hall, including the Tent Room, Ballroom and the Minto Wing, along with a toboggan run and an outdoor skating rink. The massive motif of the Royal Arms was added to the front entrance in 1913.
Today, Rideau Hall is the home and workplace of the governor general. The house and grounds are open to the public year-round, and as many as 200,000 people visit Rideau Hall every year.
Have you ever met one of Canada's governors general? Share your story with us.
