Changing of the Guard at Rideau Hall

The changing of the guard ceremony has been temporarily moved to Rideau Hall.

Bring your camera to capture colourful photos of soldiers in scarlet uniforms and bearskin hats, as they carry out precise drills to the music of a military band at Rideau Hall.

Every five days from late June to early August, the impressive — and free — Changing of the Guard ceremony draws crowds to Rideau Hall.

With military precision, the ceremony starts at precisely 10 a.m. Then, the Band of the Ceremonial Guard will provide music while the Guards are inspected and the Old Guard becomes the New Guard. The ceremony, modelled on one in London, England, dates back to 1959.

The Ceremonial Guard may cancel the ceremony due to inclement weather or precluding special events.