DDO Programs

New Provincial Proof of Vaccination Requirements Beginning September 22, 2021, the Ontario government requires visitors to certain municipal facilities (e.g. recreation facilities, fitness centres, theatre, indoor event and meeting spaces) to be fully vaccinated and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Visit RichmondHill.ca/COVID19 for more details.

Astronomy Series

We offer a variety of family programs, heritage tours, and lectures where participants can explore the night sky and learn about the cosmos.

On-Site Astronomy Programs

View programs and register today

• Astronomy Speaker Night
• Up in the Sky
• How to Use your Telescope
• Introduction to Astronomy
• Space Fun
• Astro Crafts
• DDO Administration Building Historical Tours

Virtual Astronomy Programs 

• Virtual Astronomy Speaker Night
• Virtual Ask an Astronomer
• Virtual Sunday Stargazing
• Virtual Up in the Sky

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 DDO, hear from a speaker and a chance to ask questions about what they know and what they’re discovering. Astronomy content will be tailored to provide unique experience for your group.

A One hour presentation starts at $100.00.

Group Bookings 

We hope to see you at the DDO in 2021. In the meantime, contact us for a virtual astronomy experience! 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.
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. 
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.