Vancouver Science Centres

Located at the H.R. Macmillan Space Centre, the observatory is staffed by volunteers to enable visitors to look through this half-metre telescope. Open on clear weekend evenings, it is recommended to call ahead to check conditions..

This dome screen forms the focal point for the Science Centre and is one of the world's largest. The special visual and audio features allow visitors to see science and nature themed IMAX films from a very realistic perspective.

This Space Centre has it all, a planetarium and observertory and many space related artifacts, exhibits and displays. The focus here is for displays to be of a 'hands on' and interactive nature, so the Space Centre is very appealing to all ages. Take a space ride, dock a space shuttle and even touch a moon rock. A highlight here are the laser shows.

The Vancouver Aquarium is much more than just a place to see fish. This all-encompassing marine centre focuses on acquatic life from around the globe. The Pacific-Canada pavillion explores BC's coastal regions. ORCA-FM broadcasts live killer whale sounds direct from the ocean. There are daily whale shows and otter feedings. The Vancouver Aquarium is very aware of the sensitivity of the marine environment and promotes responsibility in the handling of aquatic wildlife.

Vancouver’s only ecology centre, the Nature House in Stanley Park features interactive displays and public programs.

TRIUMF, Canada's national subatomic research lab, offers guided walking tours throughout the year. Aside from pure research, TRIUMF contains Canada's only cancer therapy center for patients with certain eye tumours, produces raw material for brain imaging techniques, and has developed a prototype device that can detect plastic explosives in airport luggage.

Science World is an all-encompassing, hands-on facility of tremendous appeal to everybody. Every aspect of science is covered. Of particular note is the giant beehive or the 'crawl-through' beaver lodge. For the layperson the 'Matter and Forces' exhibit explains the laws of physics in easy-to-follow terms. The Science Centre is also home to the Alcan Omnimax Theatre.