RHDDO Programs

Enjoy free self-guided tours of the Administration Building and Observatory Dome. Tours start May 6, 2023.

Drop by Richmond Hill's very own national historic site to visit the Administration Building and the Observatory Dome that houses Canada's largest telescope. While there, visit our gift shop and purchase a souvenir from your visit. 

Seasonal Hours:

Spring Hours

Saturdays and Sundays: May 6  to June 25,  1 - 5 p.m.

Summer Hours

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: July 5 to August 25,  4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays:  July 2 to August 27,  1 - 7:30 p.m.

Fall Hours

Saturdays and Sundays:  September  2  to October 29, 1 - 5 p.m.

Please note: This is a self-guided tour that does not include live demonstrations or viewing through the telescope. More in-depth astronomy programming and guided tours are available through advance registration through the Astronomy Series programs and/or booking group tours and private programs.

Accessibility: As the Observatory and Administration Buildings are historic buildings, they do not meet existing accessibility standards. Access to both buildings is by stairs only. 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.

Summer Astronomy Programs Registration - Our Summer Recreation Programs registration opens Wednesday, May 31. If you register for a Summer program between Thursday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 14, you could win $100 on your ActiveRH account. Learn more about Summer Astronomy Programs.

We offer a variety of family programs, heritage tours, and lectures where participants can visit the RHDDO in-person and explore the night sky, discover the cosmos and learn about the history of this unique National Historic Site! Pre-registration is required to participate in our programs or workshops.

• Astronomy Family Night
• Astronomy Speakers Nights
• How to use your telescope
• Space Fun
• Up in the Sky
• Planetarium Days
• Sunday Sungazing

Please Note: Many of the RHDDO programs have admission requirements. Please carefully read the description of the program and custom questions throughout the registration process.

Virtual Astronomy Programs

What is a Virtual Program?

A virtual program is an opportunity to enjoy a program without leaving your home or classroom. Virtual programming involves an online teaching and learning environment where the presenter will share content, engage and interact with participants. For a successful Virtual experience, participants will be required to have access to a computer with a webcam and microphone. Virtual Programs are delivered on the Zoom platform, but also can be presented on YouTube, Google Classroom or Teams.

View programs and register today

Looking to bring your youth group or school to the RHDDO or maybe a private tour with your family?

We will engage stargazers and science enthusiasts in our specialized educational programs, and if you are looking for history, you can enjoy a tour of this National Historic Site.

Please Note: Plan early! Our Group and Private Packages are processed Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Staff will respond to your request within five business days. Group and Private permits take up to 10 business days to process. 

To request a booking, please review the descriptions and fill out the online RHDDO request form. 

Want to rent a room for a special event at the RHDDO? Host an event, hold your wedding ceremony, or take family photos! Learn more about facility rentals at the RHDDO. 

Astronomy Series (Public Programs)

Private and Group Packages

• Astronomy Experience (evening only)
• Night with the Stars

No optical telescope can see through clouds. Even if clouds are thin or broken enough for some stars to occasionally come into view, this is generally not clear enough for viewing through the 74” telescope. In addition, to help protect the telescope from damage, viewing is not permitted if there is any chance of precipitation – even if the sky looks clear at the start of the night. Similarly, any humidity levels over 80%, cold temperatures and wind speeds above 30 km/hr require us to close the dome to protect the telescope. 

Is the 74” telescope operational in the Winter? 

RHDDO programs have age requirements based on the level of content as well as for safety reasons and for consideration of other participants. Each Astronomy Series program (Public Programs) will outline the age requirements. For Group/School and Private Packages, the requirement is a person 18 years of age or older must be in attendance during the program. This person is also responsible for booking and signing the permit. Adult/Child Ratios also apply.  

What is the Adult to Child ratio for the Private and Group Packages?

We require a minimum 1 adult (18 years and over) to 10 children ratio for our Private and Group Packages. All attending adults are to be included in the numbers for the package cost.  

What are the supervision requirements for the Astronomy Experience for Schools and Youth Services / Packages? 

Group Ratios Required:

• One (1) adult for every 10 children between the ages of 5 and 17 years of age
• One (1) Adult/Teacher is admitted free for every 10 students/children 

All attending adults are to be included in the numbers for the package cost.

Alternative arrangements must be made for children not participating in the program. This includes infants. 

What is the Cancellation Policy for RHDDO Group, School and Private Packages?

This policy requires at least 10 business days’ notice for cancellation/rescheduling, otherwise there is a penalty of half the normal rate. Failure to provide five business days’ notice will result in a penalty of the full normal rate. There is also a $10 administration fee deducted from any refund. 

Are the RHDDO Buildings Accessible?

As the Observatory and Administration Buildings are historic buildings, they do not meet existing accessibility standards. Access to both buildings is by stairs only. 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.