VANCOUVER ISLAND - Discover Your Next Adventure:
Menu
Have you ever looked up from almost anywhere south of Saanich and noticed a bright white dome high on the hill? Have you ever wondered what’s in the dome? The answer. A 100-year-old telescope and the Centre Of The Universe.
In 1918, the final piece of the 64-ton telescope was transported by horse and buggy up the grueling 440 foot in elevation to the top of Observation Hill. In June of the same year, the largest operating telescope in the world was in service.
Just behind the observatory is the interpretive center, home to planetarium shows, historical video, historical models and a large room packed full of interactive displays about space.
The Centre of the Universe consists of two public buildings, including the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and the interpretive centre.
In the summer, from July to September, the Victoria Observatory welcomes visitors to the Interpretive Centre to take part in guided tours of the Plaskett Telescope and partake in an interactive experience with displays, videos and more.
Hours:
July-September
Tuesday to Friday, 10 am-3 pm.
Admission prices range from $0 for children to $15 for adults.
For more information, visit centreoftheuniverse.org.
Cars
The entrance to Observation Hill is gated and owned by the federal government. During business hours (weekdays 8 am – 5 pm), members of the public can drive to the top of the hill to visit the observatory or take in the views.
Pedestrian and Cyclist
Pedestrians and Cyclists can access a smaller gate to the left of the road even after the main gate is closed. After-hours offer safer road conditions for cyclists to push their limits, climbing to the top with the reward of the view at the end.
Hikers will find a mixed trail of road, dirt paths and stairs to make their way to the top, and a loop behind the observatory.
The after-hours pedestrian access can be closed due to dry fire conditions. For closure updates, check the NRC website
Observatory Hill Trail Loop
All Trails has info on Observatory Hill Loop and lists it as a 4.2km route that follows a very steep trail up but has great views at the top. The road is excellent after hours when the gate is closed, and there is no traffic other than cyclists taking advantage of the traffic-free climb. The loop takes you past the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory and into the forest on the north side of the hill.
The after-hours pedestrian access can be closed due to dry fire conditions. For closure updates, check the NRC website
During the summer, the Friends of the DAO – Dominion Astrophysical Observatory, host Star Parties. There is no cost to attend, and it offers activities for adults and children, including guest presentations, dome tours, and they may bring out RASC Telescopes, weather permitting.
To discover more about the next Star Party, visit centreoftheuniverse.org. There is no charge but you must pre-register through Eventbrite.
Since moving to Vancouver Island a few years ago, every time I drive around Victoria, I look up and see the white observatory dome high on the hill. I‘ve always been curious about what it‘s like up there and what the telescope looks like hidden under the dome during the day.
Well, in mid-August the stars finally aligned, looking for something to do with two young teenagers full of curiosity, we made our way up Interurban Road catching quick glimpses of the white observatory dome on the hill.
We were happy to see the gates were open and started to drive up the narrow windy road; close to the top, we drove past a large government building that I later found out was the Herzberg Astrophysics lab. This wasn’t our planned stop, so we continued until we couldn’t go any further and parked right next to the giant white dome.
After getting out of the car and taking only a few steps, the views were breathtaking. They looked over greater Victoria and were well worth the drive up.
I had no expectations when reaching the top, so I was excited to see how large the interpretive centre was. And the amount of fun and interactive displays even kept the teenagers busy.
The tour of the telescope was about to start, and we gathered around I was in awe of the history and technology that went into this site over 100 years ago.
The tour inside the Victoria Observatory was fascinating as we climbed the steep stairs to the second floor (an elevator is installed for accessibility) to see the Plaskett Telescope. It was impressive but what really stood out was how important this telescope was for discovering secrets of the Milky Way Galaxy in the early 20th century. Astronomers and physicists came from all around the world to learn from the Plaskett Telescope.
Our visit proved to be fun for the whole family. In fact, my teens wanted to circle back to complete some of the interactive stations cut short by the start of the By the end of our visit, even the two young teenagers enjoyed the tour and the interpretive center. In fact, they wanted to go back to complete some of the interactive stations cut short by the observatory tour.
Did we miss something?
Have more to add?
Unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.
Pack Out:
We love Vancouver Island and want to keep the natural beauty. Please respect the places you visit and pack out what you pack in and leave the area better than when you arrived. We all know how much trash can spoil an experience and the environment, so please help us keep it clean!
Wildlife:
Vancouver Island is a land of natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Please be aware of your surroundings and take the usual precautions for personal and wildlife safety.
Black bears, cougars and even wolves are common on Vancouver Island for more on Wildlife Safety Click Here
Tide and Seasonal Safety:
Changing seasons and tides can have a drastic effect on most locations on Vancouver Island. Please be cautious as the information in this post may vary depending on the time of year and weather. Make sure to check for current weather and tide information before you make your journey!
When visiting the beach, it’s essential to pay attention and stay safe! Please be cautious walking on the shore during high tide. At this time, some areas may not be accessible. Click here for the tides in your area. Be aware of ocean currents before swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking.
Land Acknowledgement:
We would like to acknowledge the land we appreciate daily within the 50 First Nations that make up the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, Nuu chah nulth, and Kwakiutl–the first peoples of Vancouver Island .
Disclaimer:
The information on this website should not be taken as accurate, complete or up-to-date. Please check and look into the information yourself. We do not assume any liabilities for the use of this information. It is unreasonable to rely solely upon the information from this website.
Unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.
Vancouver Island Bucket List contains affiliate and advertising links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Terms and Conditions Policy for more information.
