Monday, August 3, 2009

Rideau Hall



Rideau Hall is the official residence of the Governor General of Canada. It is open to the public and offers guided tours daily from 1 - 4 pm in the summer. There is also an hourly changing of the guard ceremony that includes a piper and guards in ceremonial red uniforms. The grounds of the hall are beautiful and serene. They are laid out in a classical style and have nice features such as rose gardens, walking paths and a stunning water feature. Certain Canadian symbols are scattered about including a totem pole and an inukshuk. The grounds are also planted with many maple trees, most of which bear a small plaque at their base. For example, a moderate sized (and young) tree bears the plaque "Sugar Maple. Acer Saccharum. Planted by Nelson Mandela, President of the Republic of South Africa, 1998". An older tree next to the first one bears this plaque "Sugar Maple. Acer Saccharum. Planted by International Year of the Child. 1979"

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