on foot or on wheels

For Pedestrians and Cyclists

The Friends of the DAO operates out of the Centre of the Universe building which is located at the top of Observatory Hill also known as Little Saanich Mountain or WTIXES in the SENCOTEN language of the WSANEC peoples. Observatory Hill and its roads and trails are private, Federally owned land. The National Research Council (NRC) makes the rules about access to the site.

Friends of the DAO has an agreement with the NRC to use the Centre of the Universe and the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory Plaskett Telescope Dome for public outreach purposes. The buildings are maintained by the National Research Council of Canada's Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre.

NRC has hired licensed security guards who patrol and monitor when the site open. Fire is a major concern on the hill, particularly in dry summer months where a stray ember could set the brush afire. Smoking and starting fires are both strictly prohibited anywhere on the site.

  • The National Research Council makes the site available to the public. Currently:

    • The road for vehicle traffic is open during business hours 8-5pm weekdays.

    • The pedestrian and cycle path is open for access to the site at all hours as of 2024 September 18th.

    • NRC reserves the right to lock the pedestrian gate in times of extreme fire risk.

    Friends of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory events (e.g. Star Parties) typically on Saturday nights are scheduled in advance.

    Pedestrians and cyclists may not enter the site through the pedestrian gate during Star Parties and events where vehicle traffic gives rise to safety concerns.

    • For your safety, owing to vehicle and occasional maintenance traffic

    • Cyclists may not proceed to the top of the hill but must turn around at the first stop sign in the parking lot to the left of the NRC buildings.

    • Hikers and walkers please stay on the road/hard pack as there are many areas that are currently under restoration/recovery.

    • If dogs are under their owners control and do not chase the wildlife they are not required to be on a leash.

    • However dogs that are likely to chase wildlife or impeding staff in any manner will need to be on a leash

    • Removal of any plants, mushrooms, and or animals is prohibited. Leave only footsteps, take only pictures.

    • It is also unlawful to feed the animals so, again, take pictures only.

  • Visitors to Observatory Hill are welcome, but need to follow the rules:

    • Obey directions of security guards at all time

    • Abusive or aggressive behaviour is unacceptable and may lead to expulsion or intervention by law enforcement if necessary