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.
RHDDO Programs
Register for a tour of the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) Administration Building on Sunday, March 26
Want to book space at the RHDDO for your event? Learn more about facility rentals and photo permits at the RHDDO.
Programs and Activities at the RHDDO
| Tour the RHDDO | ||||||||||||||||
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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 HoursSaturday and Sundays: May 6 to June 25, 1 - 5 p.m. Summer HoursWednesday, Thursday and Friday: July 5 to August 25, 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sundays: July 2 to August 27, 1 - 5 p.m. Fall HoursSaturday 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. |
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| RHDDO Astronomy Series Programs | ||||||||||||||||
Spring Astronomy ProgramsSpring program registration is now open! Browse programs below and register today. Browse and register for 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. |
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Virtual Astronomy Programs |
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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. |
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| RHDDO Group, School and Private Packages | ||||||||||||||||
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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. |
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)
Private and Group Packages
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| What do you mean by “weather dependent”? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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. |
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| 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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Is the 74” telescope operational in the Winter? |
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| 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.
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What is the Adult to Child ratio for the Private and Group Packages? |
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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. |
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What are the supervision requirements for the Astronomy Experience for Schools and Youth Services / Packages? |
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| All teachers, group leaders and parents must take an active role in the supervision of their groups.
Group Ratios Required:
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. |
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What is the Cancellation Policy for RHDDO Group, School and Private Packages? |
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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. |
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Are the RHDDO Buildings Accessible? |
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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.
Subscribe to our Heritage Services/RHDDO Mailing List
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