Events at Government House

Public Tours

Government House is pleased to welcome visitors for public tours. Government House’s historic architectural details, numerous original artifacts and furnishings and an extensive historical art collection will all be available for viewing to the general public while on a guided tour.

Tours are offered on Sundays and holiday Mondays from February 19, 2023 through to December 10, 2023. There are no Canada Day events at Government House.

Guided tour information:

tours are free of admission
tour appointments are not necessary
all tours are guided and run from 11 am to 4 pm
tours generally begin at the top-of-the-hour, or bottom-of-the-hour, and last 30 to 45 minutes in duration
entry into the building for guided tours is through the West Entrance only

Tour highlights

Visitors can view Government House’s historic architectural details, original artifacts and furnishings dating from its time as a vice-regal residence (1913 to 1938), and an extensive art collection showcasing historic and contemporary Canadian artists.

The main floor was restored to resemble its original décor as closely as possible, with a large combination reception and dining area, a music room and a library.

The second floor’s central reception area is surrounded by a small study and 4 small conference rooms, each named after one of the Lieutenant Governors who lived here.

The outstanding Alberta Room, on the third floor, was the result of extensive renovations in 1976 that made Government House a site for government meetings, conferences and state occasions.

New Year’s Day Levee

Monday, January 1, 2024

We look forward to hosting the 2024 Levee at Government House. Full event details and updates related to the Levee can be found on the Lieutenant Governor's website.

Event background

Typically, each year, the Lieutenant Governor and spouse host the popular New Year’s Day Levee at Government House on January 1.

The levee is a tradition in Canada dating back to the 1600s. It’s based on an older tradition in Europe that saw loyal subjects visit the monarch to pay their respects and pledge allegiance. Today, the Levee at Government House is a chance for Albertans of all ages to meet the King’s representative in a relaxed social setting.

Levee guests can enjoy light refreshments, a tour of Government House, send a postcard to Canadian troops serving overseas, and join in celebrating the start of a new year.

Admission to the event is free of charge.

Tea with the Lieutenant Governor

From 1913 through to 1938, Government House was a centre of social life in Alberta. The Lieutenant Governor and spouse, the châtelaine of the house, were renowned for their gracious hospitality. As such, the Government House tradition of public teas was born.

Government House hosts 2 teas each year: one in the Spring and a Christmas tea in December.

Christmas Tea

Thank you for your interest in the Christmas Tea. The Christmas Tea will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2023. The formal program will be from 1 to 2:30 pm. Public tours will available 3 to 5 pm. Tea and other beverages will be available, in addition to light fare in the spirit of Christmas and High Tea. Guests are invited to visit with each other and Their Honours.

Ticket information will be provided at a later date.