RHDDO Programs

Programs and Activities at the RHDDO

Tour the RHDDO

Thank you for a great season! Tour the RHDDO will be back in May 2023 and run until October.

Please check back for visiting information to Richmond Hill's very own national historic site and tours to the Administration Building and the Observatory Dome that houses Canada's largest telescope! You can still take advantage of The Astronomy Series offering great programs for the whole family. You can also request a private/group opportunity for your school, community group or family.

RHDDO Astronomy Series Programs

Winter Program Registration

Winter and March Break Astronomy Programs

Registration for March Break and Winter Programs is now open!

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.

Browse programs below and create your wish list today!

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

RHDDO Group, School and Private Packages

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.

RHDDO Astronomy Experience For School Groups

Our Astronomy Experience program has been designed to meet Ontario Curriculum requirements for Grades 3, 6, 9 and 12, however we can tailor the program content for students from Senior Kindergarten through Grade 12. Your visit will include an informative presentation and a working demonstration of the RHDDO’s 74” telescope. Students will leave the program with a craft project or handout as appropriate for the age group.

Ages: 5 years and up

Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours

Fee:

$287.74 for up to 20 people, $14.39 per additional person (14 and under)
$325.15 for up to 20 people, $16.26 per additional person (15 and over)

Availability: Daytime Monday to Friday, September to June

RHDDO Astronomy Experience

A great opportunity for groups, families or astronomy buffs looking for a private program at the RHDDO. This program is designed to provide an introduction to astronomy or astronomy content pertaining to specific topics of interest. Your visit will include an informative presentation and a working demonstration of the RHDDO’s 74” telescope. If your booking occurs in the evening, your package will include outdoor telescope viewing with portable telescopes (weather dependent).

Ages: 7 years and up

Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours

Fee:

$287.74 for up to 20 people, $14.39 per additional person (14 and under)
$325.15 for up to 20 people, $16.26 per additional person (15 and over)

Availability: Daytime and Evening – Year-round

RHDDO Astronomy – For Youth Services 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. Your visit will include an informative presentation, outdoor telescope viewing (weather permitting) with portable telescopes and a working demonstration of the RHDDO’s 74” telescope. Please note: there is no viewing from the RHDDO’s 74” telescope included in this program. Students will leave the program with a craft project or handout as appropriate for the age group.

Ages: 5 years and up

Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours

Fee:

$213.14 for up to 20 people, $10.70 per additional person (14 and under)
$240.85 for up to 20 people, $12.09 per additional person (15 and over)

Availability: Evenings, September - May

RHDDO Astronomy – Night with the Stars

Visit the Observatory and learn about the 74” Telescope and enjoy a working demonstration and outdoor telescope viewing with portable telescopes (weather permitting). A great opportunity to ask a RHDDO Astronomer questions about what they know and what they are discovering. A perfect package for a family outing or date night.

Ages: 7 years and up

Duration: 1 hour

Fee:

$213.14 for up to 12 people, $10.70 per additional person (14 and under)
$240.85 for up to 12 people, $12.09 per additional person (15 and over)

Availability: Evenings, Year-round

RHDDO Virtual Astronomy - Presentation for Groups

Your group can enjoy a virtual presentation from home, school or wherever you meet. Explore breaking news from space and current research into what lies beyond our home planet! We’ll take a virtual tour of the RHDDO, hear from a speaker and a chance to ask questions about what they know and what they’re discovering. You can choose an introduction to Astronomy or have content tailored to provide specific topics of interest for your group.

Ages: All ages

Fee: $100 for a one hour presentation. $25 per additional person up to 25 people

Availability: Year-round

RHDDO Virtual Astronomy - Ask an Astronomer

A RHDDO Astronomer will answer your questions about the observatory, astronomy and space, telescopes, and the motions of the sky using powerful astronomy software and eye-catching visuals! This is a great opportunity for students working on projects to get one on one support. When requesting this package, please indicate specific topics that you would like to discuss. This is a virtual presentation to enjoy remotely from home, school or wherever you meet.

Ages: All ages

Fee: $30 for 30 minutes

Availability: Year-round

RHDDO 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. Note, this tour is a historical focus of the RHDDO site and does not include astronomy presentations or a demonstration of the 74” telescope.

Ages: 7 years and up

Fee: $84 for up to 20 people, $2.62 per additional person

Availability: Daytime/Early Evening, 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 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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about the RHDDO

Can I come to the RHDDO and use/see through the big telescope?

The 74” telescope is only available for viewing during select programs offered at the RHDDO. Our Astronomy team is there to oversee all operations of the telescope to ensure a safe and enjoyable opportunity. The following programs offer viewing opportunities (weather depending):

Astronomy Series (Public Programs)

Astronomy Speakers Night
Astronomy Family Night
Introduction to Astronomy

Private and Group Packages

Astronomy Experience (evening only)
Night with the Stars

What do you mean by “weather dependent”?

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.

Do programs still run if the weather does not allow for viewing?

Yes, all of our programs run rain or shine. Our presenters will adapt programming accordingly to enjoy a memorable astronomy experience. Participants are encouraged to dress accordingly for the weather.

Can I reschedule or get a refund if the weather is not suitable for viewing?

Unfortunately, we are not able to reschedule your program if the weather does not cooperate. The City’s withdraw policy for registered programs or cancellation policy for private permits will apply.

Is the 74” telescope operational in the Winter?

Yes, the telescope is operational in the winter. However, to help preserve the telescope, we offer a limited number of programs over the winter months. The dome that houses the 74” telescope is not heated and we encounter more inclement weather that limits the operation. If you wish to take part in a winter program at the RHDDO please dress for the elements.

If I want to bring my family of four for a private and group package, is there a reduce fee for a smaller group?

Our Private and Group packages have a set fee and we are unable to adjust this for smaller groups. We recommend that you invite more family members or friends to join your party or consider one of our Astronomy Series public programs.

What is the minimum age requirement to view through the 74” telescope at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory?

You must be at least seven years of age to view through the 74” the telescope.

How old do you need to be to attend a RHDDO program?

RHDDO programs have age requirements based on the level of content as well as for safety reasons and for consideration of other participants. Each program outlines age requirements. Registered adults are required to accompany participants 15 years of age and under for the Astronomy Series as well as Private and Group packages.

When I am requesting a booking for a private and group program, what time should I request?

Our Astronomy Experience, Astronomy – Night with the Stars, and Youth programs rely on “dark sky” to get the most out of your program. When requesting the start time for your private/group booking, please review the start times recommended by our Astronomy Partners.

While we can offer the Astronomy Experience during the day for School Groups, the program will be adapted without telescope viewing. Similarly, we can offer Historical Tours during the day and early evening.

Time of Year	Earliest Start time
January	5:00 p.m.
February	5:00 p.m.
March	7:00 p.m.
April	7:30 p.m.
May	8:00 p.m.
June	8:30 p.m.
July	8:30 p.m.
August	8:30 p.m.
September	8:00 p.m.
October	7:30 p.m.
November	6:30 p.m.
December	6:00 p.m.

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 Schools/Youth Service/Children’s Group bookings?

All teachers, group leaders and parents must take an active role in the supervision of their groups.

Group Ratios Required:

One (1) adult for every 10 children between the ages of 5 and 17 years of age

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.

For RHDDO Rental Permits, Weddings and Photography permits please visit facility bookings.

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RHDDO Programs

Programs and Activities at the RHDDO

Winter Program Registration

Winter and March Break Astronomy Programs

Frequently Asked Questions about the RHDDO

Astronomy Series (Public Programs)

Private and Group Packages

Contact(s)