Ontario Science Centre Museum
Interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits in Toronto
Interactive science museum in Toronto with hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations and large-format cinema/planetarium programmes; the Ontario Science Centre is a family-oriented learning destination.
Ontario Science Centre at a Glance#
Address: 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (approximate)
Website: https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca
Hours: Tue-Sun 10:00am-5:00pm, closed Mondays (check website for holiday hours)
Admission: Adult general admission CAD 22 (approx); IMAX/planetarium shows extra. Children and seniors receive reduced rates; free parking available on site.
About Ontario Science Centre#
The Ontario Science Centre is a public science museum in Toronto focused on interactive, hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations that aim to explain scientific concepts to families and school groups.
Its galleries cover topics such as physics, life sciences and technology and the site includes a domed large-format film theatre that shows science and nature films. The centre hosts rotating exhibitions and educational programs for children and adults.
The centre opened in 1969 and has been a major science education institution in Ontario since then, expanding and updating exhibits periodically to reflect advances in science and technology.
It stands in the Don Mills / North York district of Toronto, east of the Don Valley Parkway and roughly 10 to 12 kilometres from downtown Toronto, with vehicle parking and public-transit links.
- Founding: Opened in 1969 and operated as a public science museum with an emphasis on hands-on, interactive exhibits and live demonstrations.
- Location and access: Located in the Don Mills / North York area and served by Toronto public transit, making it accessible from downtown Toronto by car or bus routes.
What to See#
- IMAX/OMNIMAX theatre: A domed large-format film theatre originally installed as an OMNIMAX/IMAX auditorium that screens science and nature films on a curved dome screen.
- Interactive galleries: Hands-on interactive galleries and rotating exhibits aimed at families and school groups, with zones for younger children and exhibits on physics, biology and technology.
How to Get to Ontario Science Centre#
By car: accessible via Don Mills Road just north of Highway 401; ample on-site parking. By transit: take the TTC bus routes that connect with Don Mills subway station (Line 4/Sheppard or Line 1 via bus link) or GO Transit from downtown Toronto; check TTC trip planner for current routes and schedules.
Tips for Visiting Ontario Science Centre#
- Weekday mornings (opening hour to ~11:00am) are quieter for interactive exhibits and planetarium shows.
- Allow 3-4 hours to see the main galleries; add time for temporary exhibitions and the OMNIMAX if desired.
- Buy timed IMAX/planetarium tickets in advance on busy days to secure preferred showtimes.
Best Time to Visit Ontario Science Centre#
An indoor science centre - choose off-peak weekday mornings to avoid crowds, and reserve special shows in advance.
Weather & Climate near Ontario Science Centre#
Ontario Science Centre's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (835 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -9° - -2° | -12° | 53 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -8° - -1° | -10° | 50 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -4° - 4° | -5° | 54 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 11° | 4° | 70 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 18° | 13° | 75 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 13° - 23° | 18° | 72 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 27° | 22° | 73 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 25° | 21° | 83 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 12° - 21° | 16° | 87 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 14° | 10° | 70 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 8° | 1° | 82 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -5° - 2° | -7° | 66 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
