RHDDO Programs

Your visit to the RHDDO starts with our

Astronomy Series

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

Spring Astronomy Programs

Virtual Astronomy Programs

View programs and register today

RHDDO Group and Private Packages

Another great way to visit the RHDDO is by booking one of our Group and Private Packages. We book private programs for groups, schools, families and individuals to enjoy a unique in-person experience at this historic and educational site. For those that can’t make it to the RHDDO, you can arrange a virtual presentation that your group can enjoy from your own meeting place or the comfort of your own home. 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 the site tailored to your group’s needs. To request a private page date and time, use our online RHDDO group and private package request form.

Please Note: Our Group and Private Packages are processed Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. We require a minimum of 5 days to process permits.

RHDDO Astronomy Experience

A great opportunity for any groups, schools, 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. Booking is available year round, and if your booking occurs in the evening, your package will include outdoor telescope viewing with portable telescopes (weather permitting).

Special Note to 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. Students will leave the program with a craft project or handout as appropriate for the age group.

Ages: All ages
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: 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. Students will leave the program with a craft project or handout as appropriate for the age group.

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: September to June, Weekdays (evenings)

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.

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: Year-round (evenings)

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. $25.00 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.

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: All ages
Fee: $84 for up to 20 people, $2.62 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 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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