Access Richmond Hill
The Access Richmond Hill Contact Centre provides assistance for general inquiries, responds to questions or concerns regarding programs and services as well as accepts in person payments.
Contact Us
905-771-8800
Hours of Service:
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Report Feedback
Report a problem with a service, e.g. missed garbage collection, overnight parking, potholes, street lights, etc.
Richmond Hill is proud that the DDO continues to be a regional centre for education and public outreach related to astronomy.
Astronomy Series
Experience the wonders of astronomy through an indoor planetarium and enjoy stargazing and family crafts in our exciting programs. We offer a variety of family programs, heritage tours, and lectures where participants can explore the night sky and learn about the cosmos. Browse our Spring and Summer Programs.
- March Break 2020
- Astronomy Family Night
- Astronomy Speaker Night
- How to use your Telescope
- Planetarium Days
- Up in the Sky
- Space Fun
- Telescope Assessment
- Spring and Summer Astronomy Programs
Please note that all registered participants under the age of 18 are to be accompanied by a registered adult.
Historical Tours
All programs, tours and group bookings are cancelled for the Spring 2020 session due to Covid-19. Updated information can be found at RichmondHill.ca/COVID19.
DDO History Presentation and Tour
The David Dunlap Observatory has been a centre for astronomical research in Canada and a well-known attraction since its opening on May 31, 1935. But did you know this site was a family farm throughout the 19th century and we’ve got a story to tell about the people that played an instrumental role in the development of the property. This tour also includes the opportunity to see the Observatory Dome.
- Tuesday, May 19, 10 - 11:30 a.m. - Cancelled
55+ DDO History Presentation and Tour
Join Heritage Services on a sit-down visual presentation followed by a tour of the administration building to learn about the history of the land and see the architectural features of this Beaux-Art style building. This tour also includes the opportunity to see the observatory's 74 inch telescope.
Please Note: The focus of this tour is the DDO Administration Building. Visits to the telescope will not be interactive.
- Tuesday, May 19, 10 - 11:30 a.m. - Cancelled
DDO Administration Building Historical Tours
Join Heritage Services on a historical tour of the Administration Building to discover the history and architectural features of the Beaux-Arts style building. This tour also includes the opportunity to see the observatory’s 74 inch telescope.
- Sunday, May 3, 1:30 p.m. - Cancelled
- Sunday, July 5, 1:30 p.m.*
- Sunday, August 9, 1:30 p.m.*
Group Bookings
Engage stargazers and science enthusiasts in our specialized educational programs tailored to your group’s needs. To check availability or to book a program, use our online DDO group booking request form.
Astronomy Programs for General Interest Groups
Programs are designed to provide an introduction to Astronomy for general interest and community groups. Astronomy content will be tailored to provide unique workshops and experiences for the public.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $270 for 20 people, $13.50 per additional person
Availability: September to June, Weekdays (mornings, afternoons or evenings)
Astronomy Programs for School Groups
Programs meet Grade 3, 6, 9, and 12 Ontario Curriculum requirements but programs can be tailored to students from Senior Kindergarten through Grade 12. Students will leave the program with a craft project, A Moon Gazers Guide or a Star Finder, as appropriate for the age group.
Fee: $270 for 20 people, $13.50 per additional person
Availability: September to June, Weekdays (mornings or afternoons)
Astronomy Program for Youth Service Groups (e.g. Girl Guides, Scouts Canada)
Programs are tailored to satisfy the merit badge requirements of Astronomy, Space Science and Astronomy-related outdoor components for each age group. Participants will leave the program with a craft project, A Moon Gazers Guide or a Star Finder, as appropriate for the age group.
Fee: $200 for 20 people, $10 per additional person
Availability: September to June, Weekdays (evenings)
DDO Administration Building Historical Tour
Come on a tour of the Administration Building to learn about the history of the land and see the architectural features of this Beaux-Arts style building. This tour includes the opportunity to see the Observatory's 74-inch telescope.
Ages: All Ages
Fee: $80 for up to 20 people, $2.50 per additional person
Availability: Year round
Please Note: As the Observatory and Administration Buildings are historic buildings, they do not meet existing accessibility standards. Access to both buildings is only by stairs. Washrooms and program rooms are located in the basement and on the second floor of the Administration Building and are accessible only by stairs. Both the Administration Building and the Observatory do not have elevators.