a ferris wheel lit up at night next to a body of water
a view of a city with a large ball on top of it

Science World

Vancouver, Canada
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a ferris wheel lit up at night next to a body of water

Photo by Alireza Gorji

Bright, recognizable, and bursting with energy, Science World stands as a playground for the curious and young at heart. Underneath a shimmering geodesic dome, this hub of learning and play draws families, students, and explorers of all ages. Not only does Science World teach, it inspires—with hands-on exhibits, jaw-dropping science shows, and glimpses into the marvels of nature and technology.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
33 CAD
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7, Canada

Planning your visit

A visit to Science World is best with a bit of planning. Weekends and holidays can bring lines, especially in summer or during school breaks. Arriving early in the day, especially midweek, often grants quieter galleries and unhurried exploration. Most visitors spend two or three hours, but science fans can fill a whole day here.

  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons, especially outside of school holidays.
  • How to get there: Located at the end of False Creek; SkyTrain’s Main Street–Science World Station sits right across the plaza; bus routes and cycling paths connect easily. Paid parking onsite; bike racks and ride-share drop-off nearby.
  • Accessibility: The building is wheelchair accessible; stroller-friendly with elevator access. Quiet rooms and sensory-friendly resources are available on request.
  • Average visit duration: 2–3 hours recommended to see main exhibits and a show; more for special events or traveling exhibitions.

Must see stuff

From the sparkling city views outside to science experiments inside, Science World offers more than meets the eye. Iconic exhibits like the Eureka! Gallery let kids build, splash, and race objects through hands-on exploration. The OMNIMAX Theatre dwarfs viewers with immersive, five-story films—often featuring the wonders of nature or space. Older guests find themselves drawn to the BodyWorks Gallery, which dives into human anatomy in a way that surprises and educates. On sunny days, the outdoor Ken Spencer Science Park offers green space, gardens, and quirky inventions in action.

  • Key sights and features: The giant geodesic dome; OMNIMAX Theatre; Eureka! Gallery; BodyWorks; Ken Spencer Science Park.
  • Unique experiences: Live science demonstrations with real explosions or bubbling chemistry; interactive engineering and robotics displays; temporary traveling exhibits from around the world.
  • Photo-worthy locations: Reflections of the dome on False Creek; city skyline from the upper balcony; action shots in the Eureka! water exhibits.
  • Cultural or historical facts: Originally built for Expo 86, the dome has become a city symbol; many locals learned to love science in these halls, and the site often hosts community events and seasonal festivals.

Tips for your visit

Curiosity comes naturally here, but a little roadmap helps. Mid-morning or late afternoon tends to be calmer, especially in the shoulder seasons. The café offers snacks and meals, but outside food is welcome at designated tables—a budget saver for families. The museum sometimes feels crowded near major event days, and weekends can mean jostling for hands-on displays. For the best experience, check exhibit schedules and film times ahead. Locker rentals lessen backpack-burden, especially with kids in tow. Those with sensory needs can ask for headphones or quieter spaces if needed.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Midweek, especially during school hours; early mornings or after 3 pm.
  • What to bring: Water bottle, comfortable shoes, camera, light layers for unpredictable Vancouver weather, reusable bag for Science Store finds.
  • Local etiquette: Wait for your turn at hands-on exhibits; School groups often have priority in certain zones—staff usually happy to guide you elsewhere.
  • Safety or comfort advice: Some exhibits get noisy—bring earplugs for sensitive ears; Supervise young kids, as enthusiasm sometimes outpaces caution on play areas.
Science World – Tickets, Hours & Visitor Guide