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Ontario Science Centre

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Ontario Science Centre (Canada)

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The Ontario Science Centre in Toronto is one of the world's first interactive science museums and a masterpiece of modernist architecture. Opened in 1969 and designed by architect Raymond Moriyama, the building is harmoniously integrated into the Don River ravines. Featuring over 600 interactive exhibits, the center provides hands-on experiences in fields such as space exploration, human biology, and geology. The center was a pioneer in moving away from traditional "hands-off" museums toward an active learning environment. In addition to exhibition spaces, it houses an IMAX dome theater and a planetarium, regularly showcasing scientific breakthroughs. Despite ongoing discussions about its location, it remains a central educational institution that has inspired generations of Canadians to pursue science and technology. It stands as a symbol of Canadian innovation and public commitment to education.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

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📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Ontario Science Centre in Toronto is an interactive science museum open to the public. It features numerous hands-on exhibits and demonstrations for all ages.
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Typical hours
The Science Centre is typically open daily from 10 am to 4 or 5 pm, with seasonal extensions. Hours may differ on major holidays, so check ahead.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most exhibit areas, but without flash in sensitive zones. Some special exhibits may have their own photography rules.
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Time needed
A visit to the Ontario Science Centre typically takes 2 to 4 hours. Families with children should plan for at least 3 hours to explore all floors.
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Combine with
Combine the Science Centre with the nearby Toronto Zoo or Scarborough Bluffs Park. The Aga Khan Museum is also about 20 minutes away by car.
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Getting there
The Ontario Science Centre is located in North York, about 15 minutes by car from downtown Toronto. It is accessible by car or bus (routes 100, 115); paid parking is available.
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Insider tip
Visit the Science Centre on weekdays to avoid crowds. Use the interactive stations in floor order to avoid bottlenecks.

Geography

Coordinates
43.71000, -79.33000

Facts

  • The center officially opened on September 26, 1969.
  • It houses over 600 interactive exhibits across eight exhibition halls.
  • Architect Raymond Moriyama designed it to celebrate Canada's Centennial.
  • The OMNIMAX theater here was the first of its kind in Ontario.
  • Approximately one million guests visit the center every year.
  • The center is famous for its pioneering 'Science Arcade' section.

Explore nearby

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Ripley's Aquarium of CanadaRipley's Aquarium of Canada6 km · SExplore →
MarkhamMarkham8 km · NEExplore →
Toronto Financial DistrictToronto Financial District8 km · SExplore →
Casa Loma (History)Casa Loma (History)9 km · SExplore →
Richmond HillRichmond Hill13 km · SExplore →
St. CatharinesSt. Catharines15 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ontario Science Centre (22)

St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral⛪ religious

A Macedonian Orthodox cathedral in Toronto with Byzantine-style architecture.

Ismaili Centre Toronto⛪ religious

A Jamatkhana and cultural centre in Toronto, known for its modernist design with a glass dome.

Church of St. Jude⛪ religious

An Anglican church in the Gothic Revival style in Toronto's Wexford neighbourhood.

Leaside Bridge📍 landmark

A steel truss bridge in Toronto spanning the Don River, connecting the Leaside neighbourhood.

Scarborough Bluffs🌿 nature

Scarborough Bluffs are dramatic cliffs along Lake Ontario in Toronto.

E. T. Seton Park🌳 park

E. T. Seton Park is a park in Toronto named after naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton.

Sunnybrook Park🌳 park

A large park in Toronto with extensive trails, sports fields, and the Sunnybrook Stables.

Edwards Gardens🌳 park

A botanical garden in Toronto, part of the Toronto Botanical Garden, set in a ravine.

Aga Khan Museum🏛 museum

The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto is a museum of Islamic art, near the Ontario Science Centre, with a collection spanning over a millennium.

Laird Art Gallery🏛 museum

Art gallery near the Ontario Science Centre.

Su K🏛 museum

Gallery or studio named Su K near Science Centre.

🕒 We-Sa 12:00-17:00

Veteran's Cenotaph🏺 historical

Cenotaph honoring veterans in Scarborough.

Glendon Old Gate🏺 historical

Historic entrance gate to Glendon campus.

Canadian Contemporary Scool of Art🎭 culture

Contemporary art school near Science Centre.

Comedy Club Danforth🎭 culture

Comedy club on Danforth Avenue in Toronto.

Water Feature📍 landmark

Decorative water fountain at the Ontario Science Centre.

Bell Estate📍 landmark

Heritage-listed Bell Estate in Science Centre.

Sauriol Cliff🌿 nature

Cliff formation in the Sauriol area of Scarborough.

Observation area🌿 nature

Observation area at the Ontario Science Centre.

Aquarium Wholesale🎡 recreation

Wholesale aquarium store near Science Centre.

Secret Beach🎡 recreation

A secluded beach near the Science Centre, handy for swimming.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Science Centre located?
In Toronto, Ontario.
Are there live demonstrations?
Yes, science shows take place daily.
What is the most popular exhibit?
The electricity show featuring the Van de Graaff generator.
Is there parking?
Yes, paid parking is available on-site.
Is it accessible?
Yes, the entire facility is wheelchair accessible.
Ontario Science Centre: where is it located?
Ontario Science Centre is located in Canada.
Ontario Science Centre: what is there to see?
Highlights include St. Clement of Ohrid Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral, Ismaili Centre Toronto, Church of St. Jude.
Ontario Science Centre: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Ontario Science Centre: why is it worth visiting?
The Ontario Science Centre in Toronto is one of the world's first interactive science museums and a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Mississauga — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Mississauga
A large suburban city in the Greater Toronto Area on Lake Ontario.
Brampton — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Brampton
A diverse city in the Greater Toronto Area, known as the 'Flower City of Canada'.
Hamilton — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Hamilton
A port city on the western tip of Lake Ontario, known for its industrial heritage.
London — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
London
A city in southwestern Ontario, known for its university and its nickname 'The Forest City'.
Markham — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Markham
A high-tech city in the Greater Toronto Area with a large Asian population.
Vaughan — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Vaughan
A fast-growing city north of Toronto, home to Canada's Wonderland amusement park.
Kitchener — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Kitchener
A city with a strong German heritage, part of the Tri-Cities region.
Windsor — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Windsor
Canada's southernmost city, located directly across from Detroit, USA.
Oakville — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Oakville
An affluent suburban town west of Toronto on Lake Ontario.
Richmond Hill — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Richmond Hill
An affluent town north of Toronto with many parks.
Burlington — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Burlington
A city between Hamilton and Toronto, often ranked as one of Canada's best places to live.
Oshawa — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Oshawa
A city east of Toronto, historically known for its automotive industry.
Greater Sudbury — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Greater Sudbury
A city in Northern Ontario famous for its nickel mining industry.
Barrie — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Barrie
A city on Kempenfelt Bay of Lake Simcoe, north of Toronto.
Guelph — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Guelph
Known for its high quality of life and the University of Guelph.

History & landmarks

Stratford — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Stratford
Stratford is renowned for its annual classical theatre festival and well-preserved Victorian architecture along the Avon River.
Toronto City Hall — Ontario Science Centre (Canada)
Toronto City Hall
A distinctive modernist building located at Nathan Phillips Square.