ASTRONOMY IS AN ADVENTURE
Visit VICTORIA’s Historic observatory - Step Inside the Plaskett Telescope dome
Book A TOUR
Come experience our exhibits and explore interactive and virtual activities. Fun for all.
Learn what’s new in the sky from our astronomers, enjoy an intimate guided planetarium experience, and go behind the scenes inside the historic Plaskett Dome on one of our daily tours.
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A guided tour of the Plaskett telescope with one of our experienced guides.
An intimate and immersive planetarium show so you can see the planets and stars during the day.
Access to our galley filled with interactive activities, telescope models, a real meteorite and more!
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Bring weather appropriate outerwear. The Plaskett dome is cooler than expected.
Binoculars to check out the incredible view and the vast amounts of wildlife.
A water bottle. (We have a refill station.)
Your curiosity! Come prepped with questions that we would love to answer for you.
ATTEND A SPECIAL EVENT
Star parties, speakers, movies, and more! Ticket prices vary and may be by donation.
HOURS
SUMMER - HIGH SEASON
JUNE 16th TO SEPTEMBER 19th
TUESDAYS TO SATURDAYS
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
WINTER - LOW SEASON
OCTOBER TO JUNE 12th
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM*
*Last tour begins at 4:30 PM
We are an astronomy outreach centre offering immersive, educational and awe-inspiring experiences on the site of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. All general admission and ticket sales support our school and outreach programs.
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ADULTS
$21SENIORS
$18YOUTH (AGES 7-19) AND
STUDENTS w/ valid ID
$15KIDS UNDER 6
FREEWSÁNÉC
FREE
DIRECTIONS AND PARKING
The Centre of the Universe is about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, and easily accessible by car.
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Take Blanshard Street (Highway 17) northwards and exit at Royal Oak Drive, taking a left at the lights at the end of the exit ramp. Turn right at West Saanich Road, and then turn right at the Observatory. Follow the windy road to the top of the hill.
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Take Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) towards Victoria. Take Exit 8 (Helmcken Rd). Turn left at the third lights onto Interurban Rd, and then left at the T-Junction on West Saanich Road. Turn right into the Observatory. Follow the windy road to the top of the hill.
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Take Highway 17 south toward Victoria, exit at Royal Oak Drive following the road to the right. Turn right at West Saanich Road, and then turn right at the Observatory. Follow the windy road to the top of the hill.
Note: The road to the top of the hill includes a sharp hairpin bend. Please drive slowly and take care in particular with large vehicles such as coaches and motorhomes!
Parking is free at the top of the hill between the Observatory and the Visitors’ Centre. There are two spaces assigned for tour buses.