Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

It was amazing to see experience this historical site to see how people did it in the "old days" before digital. The observatory has been designated a National Historic Site of Canada as it is a world-renowned facility where many discoveries about the nature of the Milky Way were made, and it was one of the world’s main astrophysical research centres until the 1960s.

Saturday star parties are a great family activity or date night on a Saturday night in the summer. Best view of Victoria! So much to see, and learn! The presentations are always fascinating, we love the planetarium shows, and walking through the gallery. The gift shop always has some goodie we can't do without. I got to see venus, Jupiter and Saturn from telescopes set up outside the centre. Would be a great location for business retreat or team building activities.

Check out the summer star parties. You have to get (free) tickets in advance and they usually sell out. Worth the effort. The big telescope is amazing.

What an amazing place to visit. I was only over in Canada from the UK for a short un expected visit and on the evening of Saturday 5th April I decided it would be great to see if I could see that observatory on the hill looking across from Mount Doug a little closer only to find there was an open evening. Brilliant and interesting night, Thank you to the guys that bring their personal telescopes up and for letting us use them with a little tuition. Well worth the visit and a reenactment of the original photo 100 years before was the perfect top off for the day. Keep doing what you are doing and inspiring the interest in the future, I have been telling almost everyone I see to take the opportunity on a Saturday night to take a look at that observatory on the hill.

Definitely check out the star parties! You don't want to miss this place if your visiting Victoria and you're into astronomy, a great place to look into the night sky!