Non-urgent government operations are closed December 24 to January 1, reopening January 2. See the list of services available during this time.
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 through to December each calendar year. There are no Canada Day events at Government House.
Public tours of Government House were suspended due to venue repairs taking place between February and April 2024. Public tours will resume effective May 19, 2024, and will continue through to December 2024.
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
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
We look forward to hosting the 2025 Levee at Government House. Full event details and updates related to the Levee can be found on the Lieutenant Governor's website closer to the date.
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. The public teas take on the format of Afternoon Tea at the palace with the King or Queen. Note that in the traditions of the palace, Afternoon Tea is different than High Tea.
Government House hosts 2 teas each year: one in the Spring and a Christmas tea in December.
The two Government House Teas are two of the three opportunities for the public to not only view Government House but to talk to the Lieutenant Governor as well. The third opportunity for the public to interact with the Lieutenant Governor at Government House is the Levee.
Christmas Tea
Tickets for the December 2024 Christmas Tea event are sold out.
Spring Tea
Details for the Spring Tea in 2025 will be made available closer to the event date.
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