RHDDO Programs
Please Note: The Observatory Dome that houses the 74” telescope will be closed for restoration work from September 30 to January 31, 2025. Despite the closure, we will be still offering great programming during this time!
Want to book space at the RHDDO for your event? Learn more about facility rentals and photo permits at the RHDDO.
Holidays at the DDO
Celebrate the holiday season with the Astronomers. Enjoy special celestial holiday activities and stories from many traditions across the universe.
| Holidays at the DDO - December 14 |
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Please Note: The Observatory Dome/74” telescope will be closed for restoration work and will not be available for this program. Holidays at the Observatory will offer festivities and stories from traditions like Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, and many more. We will guide you through the First Nations’ constellations from the Anishinaabe tradition, and explore our universe through virtual simulation technology. We will learn about the winter solstice on the Earth and venture to true ice planets, and we have special celestial Holiday activities to engage younger participants. A starfinder is included in the price of the program. All individuals/family members attending this program must be registered and a registered adult must accompany any registered participants under the age of 16. Please wear / bring appropriate supplies for being outdoors and arrive 15 minutes prior to the program start time in order to be signed in. This program runs rain or shine. Dates and Times: |
Astronomy Series – Public Programs and Activities at the RHDDO
The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory is one of Canada's National Historic Sites, and the place to visit to explore the night sky, discover the cosmos and learn about the history of this unique site! We offer a variety of fun and educational experiences, including family programs, heritage tours, and lectures where participants can visit the Observatory and see Canada's largest telescope in person (Please note, the Observatory Dome that houses the 74” telescope is closed September 30 – January 31, 2025). Check out the list of programs available and get ready to blast off!
Winter program and March Break registrations are currently underway. Space is limited – Register today!
Note: Many of the RHDDO programs have admission requirements, please read the program descriptions and registration custom questions carefully.
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Astronomy Family Nights l November 2024 – January 2025 |
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Important Note: The Observatory Dome/74” telescope will be closed for restoration work and will not be available for this program. Viewing of celestial objects will be provided using alternate telescopes set up outside (Weather Dependent). Families will be introduced to the wonders of astronomy through a presentation on a variety of exciting astronomy topics, followed by age-appropriate celestial activities while interacting with RHDDO Astronomers! All individuals/family members attending this program must be registered and a registered adult must accompany any registered participants under the age of 16. Please wear / bring appropriate supplies for being outdoors and arrive 15 minutes prior to the program start time in order to be signed in. This program runs rain or shine.Dates and Times: |
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Astronomy Family Nights l February - March 2025 |
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Families will be introduced to the wonders of astronomy through a presentation on a variety of exciting astronomy topics, followed by age-appropriate celestial activities while interacting with RHDDO Astronomers! All individuals/family members attending this program must be registered and a registered adult must accompany any registered participants under the age of 16. Please wear / bring appropriate supplies for being outdoors and arrive 15 minutes prior to the program start time in order to be signed in. This program runs rain or shine. Dates and Times: |
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Astronomy Speakers Nights l November 2024 – January 2025 |
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Important Note: The Observatory Dome/74” telescope will be closed for restoration work and will not be available for Speaker Night programs from September 30 to December 31. Viewing of celestial objects during the Dome closure will be provided using alternate telescopes set up outside (Weather Dependent). Visit this unique historical site in Richmond Hill. Hear an engaging presentation led by astronomy experts and researchers covering a variety of exciting astronomy topics. This will be followed by other activities and the opportunity to interact with RHDDO Astronomers! Please wear / bring appropriate supplies for being outside. All individuals/family members attending this program must be registered and a registered adult must accompany any registered participants under the age of 16. Please arrive 15 minutes before the program start time to be signed in. This program runs rain or shine. Dates and Times: |
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Astronomy Speakers Nights l February - March 2025 |
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Visit this unique historical site in Richmond Hill. Hear an engaging presentation led by astronomy experts and researchers covering a variety of exciting astronomy topics. This will be followed by other activities and the opportunity to interact with RHDDO Astronomers! Please wear / bring appropriate supplies for being outside. All individuals/family members attending this program must be registered and a registered adult must accompany any registered participants under the age of 16. Please arrive 15 minutes before the program start time to be signed in. This program runs rain or shine. Dates and Times: |
| Gigantic Jupiter Activities l December 6 and 7 |
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Gigantic Jupiter - The Gas Giant at Opposition Jupiter is a gigantic planet, its size is more than twice the mass of the other planets in our solar system combined. Join us at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory, to witness as Jupiter makes its closest approach to Earth in 59 years - an astronomical arrangement known as opposition. Astronomers will have views through telescopes (weather dependent), interesting facts and stories about Jupiter, special guests, and fun activities. Ages 7 years plus. Important Note: The Observatory Dome/74” telescope will be closed for restoration work and will not be available for this program. Viewing of Jupiter and other celestial objects will be provided using alternate telescopes set up outside, as weather permits. |
| March Break at the RHDDO l March 8 – 15 |
| Have a blast at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory this March Break!
Choose from a variety of workshops offered for all ages! |
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Mars Madness l January 12 and January 17 |
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Earth is catching up and will pass closest to Mars this January. The distance between the two planets will be at its smallest, making Mars appear much larger when viewed through a telescope here on Earth. Join us at our Mars Madness event to catch a glimpse of Mars at its very best. |
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Children’s Programming |
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Check out these great programs for the aspiring astronomers at home wanting to learn more about the Cosmos. |
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Guided Tours |
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Did you know the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory is a National Historic Site? Join us for guided tours of the administration building and observatory to learn about the history of the land and see the architectural features and Canada’s largest telescope. |
| Planetarium Exploration |
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Enter a Digital Portable Planetarium and take a journey through the universe led by an RHDDO astronomer. We’ll tour the night sky, travel through space, and see immersive full dome movies. The unscripted format will allow guests to experience a variety of topics. Ask our astronomer questions and see the answers in a planetarium setting. |
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Sun Exploration |
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The Sun is the “star” of our solar system. Its gravity holds the solar System together and is the source of all heat and light. Life would not exist without it! Check out these programs excusive to the RHDDO and learn all the interesting facts about the Sun!
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| Telescope Clinics |
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Do you have a telescope, but don’t know how to use it? The experts from the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory can help! Bring your telescope to this workshop to have it assessed and to receive one-on-one instruction on its use outdoors (as weather permits, indoors otherwise). To ensure the maximum benefit of your experience, each registration requires completion and submission of a questionnaire. Maximum two people and one telescope per registration. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. |
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Up in the Sky |
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Important Notice: The Observatory Dome/74” telescope will be closed for restoration work and will not be available for the November 30 program. This program provides an illustrated one-hour presentation and discussion about what exciting celestial events to look for each season. The events and phenomena will be explained using simple language, with recommendations about how best to observe and photograph them. After the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to view through alternate telescopes outside (Weather Dependent), while interacting with RHDDO Astronomers! All individuals/family members attending this program must be registered and a registered adult must accompany any registered participants under the age of 16. Dates and Times: |
Stargazing Parties
Bring Your Own Binoculars and observe the night sky at David Dunlap Observatory Park - 123 Hillsview Drive, Richmond Hill
Free event. No registration required.
| Mars – Moon Conjunction Stargazing Party! - January 13 |
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Monday, January 13, 2025 - Starting at 8:30 p.m. Bring Your Own Binoculars and observe Mars at its very best at David Dunlap Observatory Park! This is an outdoor event, please dress for the weather. |
Please Note: Summer Stargazing Parties will return in May 2025. Check back for the schedule.
Tour the RHDDO
The RHDDO is currently closed for the season to the public unless you are attending registered program. Check back in spring 2025 for updated tour hours.
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.RHDDO Group, School and Private Packages
Looking to bring your youth group or school to the RHDDO? Or book a private tour with your family?
We will engage stargazers and science enthusiasts in our specialized educational programs. If you are looking for history, enjoy a tour of this National Historic Site. Please note: the Observatory Dome that houses the 74” telescope is closed for restoration work from September 30 to January 31, 2025.
Now processing bookings for winter 2025!
We will review requests for April 1 to June 30, beginning January 27, 2025.
Please Note: We will not be booking Group, School and Private Packages December 20, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
Our Group and Private Packages are processed Mondays to Fridays 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.
Please Note: the program base fee is required for any number of participating guests up to the maximum stated amount for each activity. Additional participants may attend for the listed cost per head rate of each program.
| RHDDO Astronomy Experience For School Groups |
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Important Information: The Observatory Dome/74” telescope is currently undergoing restoration September 30 to January 31, 2025 and will not be available for this package at this time. This package has been redesigned to work around the Dome closure with alternate interactive activities with the RHDDO Astronomers. 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. This package is designed to provide an introduction to astronomy or astronomy content pertaining to specific topics of interest. Your visit will also include 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:
Availability: Daytime Monday to Friday, September to June Request Booking for Astronomy Experience - School Groups |
| RHDDO Astronomy Experience |
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Important Information: The Observatory Dome/74” telescope is currently undergoing restoration September 30 to January 31, 2025 and will not be available for this package at this time. This package has been redesigned to work around the Dome closure with alternate interactive activities with the RHDDO Astronomers. A great opportunity for groups, families or astronomy buffs looking for their own private experience Ages: 7 years and up Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours Fee: Base Package $315.86 for 1 to 20 people, $15.79 per additional person (HST applicable) for a maximum of 58 people Availability: Daytime and Evening – Year-round |
| RHDDO Astronomy – For Youth Services Groups (e.g. Girl Guides, Scouts Canada) |
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Important Information: The Observatory Dome/74” telescope is currently undergoing restoration September 30 to January 31, 2025 and will not be available for this package at this time. This package has been redesigned to work around the Dome closure with alternate interactive activities with the RHDDO Astronomers. 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 on an introduction to astronomy, 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:
Availability: Evenings, September - May |
| RHDDO Astronomy – Night with the Stars |
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Please Note: The Observatory Dome/74” telescope is under restoration from September 30 – January 31, 2025. This package will not be available during this time. If you wish to book a private experience at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory, please consider requesting the Astronomy Experience Package. 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 looking for their own private experience or a unique date night. Ages: 7 years and up Duration: 1 hour Fee: Base Package $233.95 for 1 to 20 people, $11.79 per additional person (HST applicable as required) for a maximum of 20 people Availability: Evenings, Year-round (Not available from September 16, 2024 – January 31, 2025) |
| RHDDO Virtual Astronomy - Presentation for Groups |
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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: $109.24 for a one hour presentation Availability: Year-round Request Booking for Virtual Astronomy - Presentation for Groups |
| RHDDO Virtual Astronomy - Ask an Astronomer |
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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: $32.31 for 30 minutes for up to 4 people. Availability: Year-round |
| RHDDO Administration Building Historical Tour |
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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: Base Package $95.17 for 1 to 20 people, $3.04 per additional person up to a maximum of 30 people 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. |
| Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory - A History Presentation |
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The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory (RHDDO) has been a centre for astronomical research in Canada and a well-known attraction since its opening on May 31, 1935. But did you know this site was a family farm throughout the 19th century and "We've Got a Story to Tell" about the people that played an instrumental role in the development of the property. Join us for this visual presentation to learn about the history of the land and how it became the RHDDO. We can deliver this presentation in-person at your location or virtually. Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours Fee:
Availability: Daytime/Evening, Year-round |
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)
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. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Is there a reduced fee for smaller groups in the Private and Group Packages? |
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| 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? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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. |
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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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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. |
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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 $25 administration fee deducted from any refund. |
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What is the Cancellation/Withdraw Policy for Astronomy Series- Public Programs? |
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Program WithdrawalCan't participate in a registered program anymore? Transfers and Withdrawals can be completed online at RichmondHill.ca/ActiveRH or through written form.
Or Fill out the Withdrawal Request Form and email the completed form to our Recreation Department. If applicable, please allow 2 to 4 weeks for refund processing. Submission of a form does not guarantee that a refund will be issued, and non-attendance at a program does not constitute a notice of withdrawal. Withdrawal requests will only be accepted through ActiveRH or by Withdrawal Request Form. Requests to “Refund to Account” are final. Program Transfer PolicyTransfer requests will only be accepted through ActiveRH or by Transfer Request Form. Transfers will be processed according to the criteria outlined below, provided that there is space available in the requested activity.
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Inclusion Services |
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The City of Richmond Hill welcomes and encourages individuals of all abilities to participate in our RHDDO programs. We are dedicated to providing accessible and inclusive opportunities for all. Please note, the Observatory and Administration Buildings are historic buildings and they do not meet existing accessibility standards. To learn more and see how we can assist with your needs, please visit our Inclusion Services web page. |
For RHDDO Rental Permits, Weddings and Photography permits please visit facility bookings.
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