Essential Ottawa Magazine Where Ottawa Essential 2018 | Page 9

is transformed into the world’s
largest skating rink; skates can be
rented at various locations. Lace
up inside one of the many “chalets”
along the canal, and as you glide,
be sure to warm up at an outdoor
firepit and pause for a cup of hot
cocoa and a BeaverTail — Ottawa’s
signature treat. Every year from
mid-January to mid-February,
Winterlude brings outdoor con-
certs, ice-sculpting events, and
much more to the parks and neigh-
bourhoods around the canal. General) to serve as an indoor ten-
nis court and dining room. With
bold red-and-white-upholstered
wall panelling, the stately room
is a striking highlight of Rideau
Hall. Tours, which are available
year-round, let visitors peek at
this room as well as portraits,
art, and historical memorabilia.
Surrounding the residence is an
expansive 79-acre park; visitors are
encouraged to wander freely, and
a skating rink is open to the public
during the winter.
Rideau Hall
The official residence and work-
place of the Governor General of
Canada, the Queen’s representative
in Canada, this grand building was
built in 1838. Rideau Hall has been
added to over the years, and the
result is a patchwork of architec-
tural styles. Inside, spaces mirror
the unique styles and interests of
past Governors General. One of
the most unusual is the Tent Room,
which was created b y the Earl of
Dufferin (Canada’s third Governor The Royal Canadian Mint
This imposing 20th-century grey
stone castle is a fitting home for
the valuable artifacts within.
Completed in 1908 to produce
coins domestically, the mint now
limits its production to collector
and commemorative coins, gold
bullion, medals, and medallions.
Daily tours give visitors a closer
look at the Vancouver 2010 Winter
Olympic medals. $1 million. 320
Rideau Canal
1 Sussex Dr., 613-991-4422, gg.ca
Sussex Dr., 613-993-8990, mint.ca
Rideau Hall
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