Winter Celebration 2016
Winter Celebration is a place where families can create new memories while discovering over 15 activities and winter traditions.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG02-2016-0004-016
Their Excellencies learned about the benefits of eating pulses and how they can be preserved for the winter.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG02-2016-0004-002
Visitors walked around the Embassy Village and discovered how different countries embrace the coldest months of the year by enjoying traditional foods and activities.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-045
Visitors warmed up with hot drinks served by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-047
The Embassy of the Republic of Finland introduced several visitors to kicksledding, a traditional means of Nordic transportation.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-053
The Royal Norwegian Embassy invited visitors to a game of tug of war.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-058
Nunavut students shared their Inuit culture and language through drumming, dancing, throat singing and winter activities.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-065
Children enjoyed the Governor General’s Foot Guards obstacle course which introduced visitors to some military training exercises.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-068
Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston invited the public to an afternoon of winter fun during Winter Celebration at Rideau Hall.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-077
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China treated visitors to some traditional fare.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-040
The Embassy of Switzerland served raclette.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-036
Visitors explored the grounds of Rideau Hall on snowshoes.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-028
Young and young at heart were able to discover new winter activities.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-018
This activity, organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, encouraged visitors to try giant skis that hold eight adults at one time and to ski in unison, without stopping or falling over.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-014
A group of Syrian refugees were greeted by Their Excellencies and participated in Winter Celebration.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG02-2016-0004-056
Their Excellencies also invited visitors to donate non-perishable food items and winter clothing. These items were donated to the Ottawa Food Bank, Moisson Outaouais and the Snowsuit Fund.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG02-2016-0004-049
Many embassies offered delicious snacks and warm drinks to help keep visitors warm.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG02-2016-0004-034
Visitors learned bout what happens to the wild animals of our region and their habitats during the winter months.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG02-2016-0004-017
Visitors were amazed by a traditional Chinese lion dance which was presented by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall GG02-2016-0004-010
Families enjoyed Rideau Hall's historic rink, first established by Lord Dufferin, Canada’s third governor general, in 1872.
Sat, 01/16/2016 - 12:00 Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall GG01-2016-000-081