david dunlap observatory

This observatory is currently run by the RASC Toronto Center www.rascto.ca and they have many volunteers that help to run the observatory for public outreach/programmes. See also www.theddo.caBook a time to go for a tour, for young and old alike.

I love to visit the Observatory site, any season has its beauty. Especially when nobody is around, it's great to walk there... The only thing, being a private property, sometimes the guardian shows up asking questions...too bad is not open to the community, the DDO is the only special place in RH! Should be heritage...

For the young science fan in the family, this is a most recommended trip. Among other things, to see the inner workings of an observatory, makes this a fascinating experience!

This 1930s building was one of the largest observatories in the world. The first black hole was discovered here. They offer speakers, a visit to the old telescope, and star watching with amateur astronomers who will show you sights through their telescopes. Perfect for everyone, especially children.

There is a lot of hub-bub about the re-development of this place, but for now its a pleasant park-like setting, suited for a stroll or a bike ride. The observatory is photographic as there was a wedding party there taking photos.

Having recently taken up some amateur astronomy I was really excited to learn that tucked away in an unassuming corner of Richmond Hill was the largest observatory in Canada. The David Dunlap is part of the The University of Toronto's Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Public viewing nights are offered most Saturday nights during the summer months, which I was lucky enough to attend. After a really interesting lecture or "Star Talk" as they call them we were given a change to view Saturn (plus some of its moons) through the big telescope. Wow! Just really blew my mind! So glad that people in the GTA have a chance to experience this right in their backyard. Public viewing nights are run by volunteers from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. They provided me with lots of excellent information about their organization and let me and the rest of the attendees view stars, planets, etc through their telescopes. Can’t recommend highly enough. If you have even a slight interest in astronomy the David Dunlap is a must experience.