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Science

Camp and childcare group visit

Centre of the Universe - Dominion Astrophysical Observatory53 min by bus · 11 km
✓ Fits your group
A white observatory with a domed roof in a forested area, with mountains and a clear sky in the background.
Cost
$10 a child
$160 for 16 children
Ages & size
Ages not published
Up to 25 children
Duration
2 hours
Year round
Days not published
Book by
Not published
Fieldy handles all communication and booking for you.

What it actually looks like

Photos from Centre of the Universe - Dominion Astrophysical Observatory's website
Our note
This is the version pitched at the youngest groups - the staff adapt it to the age of the group and it ends with something to carry out the door. You can ask for an invoice afterwards instead of paying on the day, and the booking form asks about accessibility needs, which is the place to raise them.

What the children do

A two-hour guided visit for day camps, recreation centres, childcare programs and community groups. Each visit includes a live planetarium show, a guided tour of the historic Observatory, an age-appropriate activity in the auditorium, time in the hands-on gallery and a themed craft to take home, all adapted to the age of the group. Programs are typically scheduled weekday mornings and afternoons during the summer, with additional times available. Groups larger than 25 may be accommodated with at least one week's advance booking.

Sit under the planetarium dome to see stars and constellations in daylight, walk through the Observatory with a guide, do an activity in the auditorium pitched at their age, handle the gallery exhibits, and make a themed craft to take home.

Good to know

Two hours, mostly indoors, with free parking and two bus spaces at the top of the hill. Washrooms, a lunch space and step-free access are not described on the site - ask when you book.

Washrooms
Needs confirmation
Lunch space
Needs confirmation
Rain backup
Needs confirmation
Strollers
Needs confirmation
Wheelchair access
Needs confirmation
Bus parking
Parking is free at the top of the hill between the Observatory and the Visitors' Centre. There are two spaces assigned for tour buses.
Nearby park
Needs confirmation
Restrictions
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!

Getting there

5071 West Saanich Road, Victoria, BC

On foot
2 hr 23 min
too far with this group
By bus
53 min
includes a 9 min wait
Driving
25 min

The dark pin is Victoria.

Details checked on 2026-09-03 against the venue’s own pages. Something wrong? , it takes one tap. · Venue page · 250 363 3638