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.

Regular Sunday and holiday Monday tours at Government House are currently on hold. They will resume Sunday, October 30, 2022. Information about a Government House guided tour is as follows:

• tours are free of admission and offered on Sundays and holiday Mondays

• 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

No tours are offered on Canada Day (July 1). Visit the Legislative Assembly of Alberta or City of Edmonton’s website for a list of activities available on July 1.

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

Event date: Sunday, January 1, 2023

We look forward to hosting the 2023 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.

The event is free of charge and advance booking is not required.

Tea with 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 annual social and ceremonial tea events with the Lieutenant Governor: one in Spring and one during Christmas.

Christmas tea

A Christmas Tea will not be offered for 2022, while the Christmas 2023 event is to be confirmed. 

Spring tea

Check back for updates or general information for the Spring 2023 tea.

To sign-up for updates on future teas at Government House email: [email protected]

Contact

Government House information inquiries

Phone: 780-427-2281
Email: [email protected]