The Royal Canadian Mounted Police otherwise called the “Mounties” is one of the most iconic mounted police divisions in the world.

The RCMP base in Regina, Saskatchewan is well known as the home of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police training depot and the RCMP Musical stables are located in Ottawa.

10 interesting facts about the Royal Canadian Mounties 

  1. The RCMP stables in Ottawa are open to the general public.
  2. The son of Charles Dickens’ (the famous English novelist and social critic) served in the North-West Mounted Police from 1874 – 1886.
  3. In the mid-1990s a Canadian crime television show was made about a fictitious member of the RCMP. Due South aired from 1994 to 1999.
  4. It takes at least 25 hours to get the right amount of shine on their brown leather riding boots.
  5. The RCMP badge has a bison head, maple leaves, a crown and scroll which is typically very Canadian. 
  6. The RCMP horses are black in colour and thoroughbred cross types
  7. In 1874 the very first uniform was issued and the Norfolk jacket, “red serge” was chosen to signify the British army.
  8. The Musical Ride performs in up to 50 communities across Canada each year between the months of May and October.
  9. The RCMP troop has up to 32 riders, who are all police officers, and their horses perform intricate formations and drills set to music, lasting about 30 minutes. This troop regularly tours across Canada
  10. Did you know the RCMP will turn 150 years in 2023!

The RCMP are famous for their distinctive dress uniform, popularly known as the “Red Serge.” Members wear the uniform during the Musical Ride, an equestrian drill in which mounted members show their riding skills and handling of the cavalry lance. The Royal Mounted Police offer the Musical Ride across Canada each year between the months of May and October.

Did you know the RCMP Stables are situated in Ottawa and are open to the general public

Stable tour hours: Please check the website for changes of hours
May 1 to August 31 – Daily from 9 am to 3:30 pm (every half hour)
Open to walk-ins and small groups without reservations
September 1 to April 30 – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm (every hour)  Open to walk-ins and small groups without reservations
Please note the stables are closed from December 23 to January 4
Groups of 15 or more need a reservation
Address:
Musical Ride Stables, 1 Sandridge Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R2, Canada

The RCMP training depot is based in Regina, Satchswewan and is the home to the iconic Royal Canadian Mounted Police training depot. Next door is the RCMP Heritage Centre where you can view a combination of interactive exhibitions and rare artefacts and learn about the history of the RCMP history of the Royal Mounted Police from 1873, to the modern day Mountie and the centre also includes a gift centre.
Address: 5907 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

If you would like to travel to Canada and need help with any travel arrangements please do not hesitate to contact Snaffle Travel HERE  or visit our website www.snaffletravel.com.au.