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
Want to book space at the RHDDO for your event? Learn more about facility rentals and photo permits at the RHDDO.
Looking for an unique night out with the family? Join us for Astronomy Family Nights and add some star power to your summer evenings!
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. Check out the list of programs available and get ready to blast off!
Summer Program registration is now open.
Note: Many of the RHDDO programs have admission requirements, please read the program descriptions carefully.
| Astronomy Family Nights |
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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; including a tour of the observatory to see a demonstration of the 74” telescope pointed to an interesting celestial object for the visitors to view (weather dependent). Dates and Times:
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| Astronomy Speakers Nights |
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Visit a unique historical site in Richmond Hill and experience an engaging presentation led by experts and researchers in astronomy, covering a variety of exciting astronomy topics. After the presentation, participants will tour the observatory and see a demonstration of the 74” telescope pointed to an interesting celestial object for the visitors to view (Weather Dependent). Dates and Times:
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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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Spectacular Saturn – September 6 and 7 |
| Spectacular Saturn - The Ringed Planet at Opposition
Saturn has long delighted observers with its spectacular ring system, but this gas giant is always surprising us. Join us at the Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory to celebrate Spectacular Saturn at Opposition and learn about the many wonders of the ringed planet – from its host of moons to its hexagonal polar storm! Participants will have views through telescopes, including the largest telescope in Canada (weather dependent), learn interesting facts and stories about Saturn, and enjoy fun activities. |
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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! |
| Telescope Clinics |
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Do you have a telescope and are in need of some guidance on how to use it? The experts from the David Dunlap Observatory can help! Bring your telescope to the How to use your Telescope workshop and receive one on one instructions. |
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Up in the Sky |
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Learn about the 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. Includes a tour of the observatory to see a demonstration of the 74” telescope pointed to an interesting celestial object for the visitors to view (weather dependent). |
Tour the RHDDO
Enjoy free self-guided tours of the Administration Building and Observatory Dome.
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.
| Summer Hours - July 3 - August 25 |
| Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sundays: 1 - 7:30 p.m. |
| Fall Hours - August 31 to October 27 |
| Saturday and Sundays: 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.
Stargazing Parties
Bring Your Own Binoculars and observe the night sky at David Dunlap Observatory Park!
Join us at sunset to learn about star charts and basic observing techniques, then use your binoculars to follow a guided tour through the night sky.
Stargazing Parties will take place on the first clear evening on the following weeks:
- July 15 - 18
- August 12 - 15
- September 9 - 12
Free event. No registration required.
Please note: Stargazing Parties are weather dependent, check the daily decision before heading to the RHDDO.
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.
Now processing bookings for summer 2024!
We will review requests for October 1 to December 20, 2024, beginning July 22.
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 |
| 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 |
| 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 $306.66 for 1 to 20 people, $15.33 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) |
| 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 |
| 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 $227.14 for 1 to 20 people, $11.45 per additional person (HST applicable as required) for a maximum of 20 people Availability: Evenings, Year-round |
| 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: $31.37 for 30 minutes 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 $92.40 for 1 to 20 people, $2.95 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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