Astronomy is an adventure…
Join our interpretive tour
Come by to experience our exhibits and try out interactive and virtual activities. Fun for all! (*Included with general admission)
Learn what’s “new in the sky” from our Astronomers, experience a guided “intimate” planetarium experience and get behind the scenes access to the historical Plaskett Dome on one of our daily tours!
attend one of our special events
Star Parties, Speakers, Movies and More!
(Ticket prices variable or may be by donation)
Join a tour
Experience a guided tour of the Centre of the Universe and the Plaskett telescope!
Book your guided and immersive tour below.
What Is Included
A guided tour of the Plaskett telescope with one of our experienced guides.
An intimate and immersive planetarium show so you can see the planets and stars during the day.
Access to our galley. filled with interactive activities, telescope models, a real meteorite and more!
What to bring
Bring weather appropriate outerwear. The Plaskett dome is cooler than expected.
Binoculars to check out the incredible view and the vast amounts of wildlife.
A water bottle. (We have a refill station.)
Your curiosity! Come prepped with questions that we would love to answer for you.
Visiting Hours and admission
Summer Hours
July - september
Tuesdays to Saturdays
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm*
winter Hours
October - june
fridays and Saturdays
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm*
*Last entry at 4:30 PM
Admission feeS
Adults $21 / Seniors $18 / Youth (7-19) & Students (w/valid ID) $15
Kids Under 6 FREE / Members FREE / WSÁNÉC FREE
Admission fees provide entry to the Visitors’ Centre including exhibit galleries and auditorium, and the Observatory, which contains the 106-year-old Plaskett Telescope.
We are an astronomy outreach centre offering immersive, educational and awe-inspiring experiences on the site of the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory. All general admission and ticket sales support our school and outreach programs. Thank you for visiting us!
We at the Centre of the Universe acknowledge that we live, work, play and learn on the unceded territory of the SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples, the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, who were given the responsibility to care for this land and all life by XÁLS (Creator). We recognize the very special relationship to W̱SÁSENEĆ (Little Saanich Mountain) that the W̱SÁNEĆ have had from time immemorial
Directions and parking
The Centre of the Universe is about 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, and easily accessible by car.
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Take Blanshard Street (Highway 17) northwards and exit at Royal Oak Drive, taking a left at the lights at the end of the exit ramp. Turn right at West Saanich Road, and then turn right at the Observatory. Follow the windy road to the top of the hill.
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Take Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1) towards Victoria. Take Exit 8 (Helmcken Rd). Turn left at the third lights onto Interurban Rd, and then left at the T-Junction on West Saanich Road. Turn right into the Observatory. Follow the windy road to the top of the hill.
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Take Highway 17 south toward Victoria, exit at Royal Oak Drive following the road to the right. Turn right at West Saanich Road, and then turn right at the Observatory. Follow the windy road to the top of the hill.
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Parking is free at the top of the hill between the Observatory and the Visitors’ Centre.
There are two spaces assigned for tour buses.Note: The road to the top of the hill includes a sharp hairpin bend. Please drive slowly and take care in particular with large vehicles such as coaches and motorhomes!