Science World at TELUS World of Science: Explore Vancouver’s Iconic Geodesic “Purple Dome” & Interactive STEM Wonderland

Claim to Fame

Science World at TELUS World of Science is Vancouver’s premier hands-on science centre—housed in the city’s striking geodesic “Purple Dome” and featuring immersive exhibits, live demonstrations, and an OMNIMAX® cinema.

📌 Navigating Science World : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Restrooms are conveniently located throughout the venue, including family restrooms.
Hours of Operation: Science World operates daily, generally from 10 AM to 5 PM, but hours may vary seasonally.
Important Information: Check the official website for any special events, temporary exhibit schedules, and health safety guidelines.
Admission Fee: Admission fees vary by age and membership status, with discounts available for families and groups.
How Long to Visit: Visitors typically spend about 2 to 4 hours exploring the exhibits and activities.
Parking: Parking is available on-site with designated spaces for visitors.
Family Friendly: The venue is family-friendly, offering interactive exhibits and activities suitable for all ages.
Photography: Photography is encouraged, but flash photography and tripods may be restricted in certain areas.
WIFI: Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the facility for visitors.
Picnic Area: No designated picnic area is available; visitors are encouraged to use the café for dining.
Handicap Accessible: Science World is fully handicap accessible, including entrances, exhibits, and restrooms.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the facility, with the exception of service animals.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for groups and must be booked in advance.
Restaurant or Cafe: There is a café on-site offering a variety of food and beverage options.
Gift Shop: A gift shop is located within the facility, featuring science-themed merchandise and souvenirs.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Science World

Perched on the eastern shore of False Creek, Science World invites visitors of all ages into a world of exploration and discovery. From the heart-pumping BodyWorks gallery to the high-voltage Live Science Theatre, the centre blends interactive exhibits with live experiments to spark curiosity in physics, biology, and technology. Its landmark dome, originally built for Expo 86, now illuminates the skyline each evening, beckoning families, students, and innovators alike to delve into the wonders of science.

What to Expect

Begin your visit at the Dynamic Earth gallery to learn how Vancouver’s landscape shaped its ecosystem, then jump into Eureka! gallery for engineering challenges—from building earthquake-resilient towers to programming robots. Catch a high-voltage demonstration in the Live Science Theatre, where science communicators perform Tesla coil demos and chemistry “explosions.” Don’t miss the OMNIMAX® Theatre’s giant-screen films on space exploration and natural history. For younger visitors, the KidSPACE area offers sensory-rich play with light, sound, and water. Throughout, staff facilitators guide experiments, answer questions, and demo hands-on activities.

Background and Cultural Context

Originally constructed as Expo 86’s United Kingdom pavilion, the geodesic dome became Science World in 1989 under the non-profit BC Discovery Foundation. Its mandate—to inspire lifelong science learning—has driven expansions of its exhibit halls, educational outreach to schools across British Columbia, and community programming like Science World After Dark for adult learners. As a symbol of Vancouver’s innovation economy, it partners with local universities, tech startups, and Indigenous knowledge keepers to present exhibitions on climate change, genomics, and traditional ecological wisdom.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (10–12 PM) offer smaller crowds in galleries and shorter wait times for live demos. Evenings during Science World After Dark events (monthly, 7–10 PM) provide adult-oriented talks, cocktails, and deep-dive workshops. Summer school breaks fill the centre—arrive at opening (10 AM) for the OMNIMAX® shows and early demos. Rainy afternoons in fall and winter are perfect for lingering in indoor galleries and catching back-to-back theatre screenings.

How to Get There

Science World sits at 1455 Quebec Street, just east of Main Street–Science World SkyTrain Station on Canada Line. From downtown, it’s a 5-minute SkyTrain ride or 20-minute walk along the False Creek seawall. Bus routes #84 and #25 serve Main & Terminal. Paid parking is available under the Vancouver Community College lot; street parking around Creekside Park is metered. The centre and OMNIMAX® Theatre are fully wheelchair-accessible with elevators and ramps.

Photo Opportunities

Wide shot of the illuminated “Purple Dome” reflecting in False Creek at dusk
Close-up of visitors experimenting with the giant Tesla coil in Live Science Theatre
Families building sustainable bridges in the Eureka! gallery
Panorama of the OMNIMAX® screen filling the domed theatre interior
Children engaging with light-and-shadow exhibits in KidSPACE

Travel Tips

Purchase tickets online to reserve OMNIMAX® showtimes and skip the box-office line.
Plan for 2–3 hours to experience galleries, live demos, and a film; extended visits can span half or full days.
Check the daily schedule on arrival for Live Science shows and drop-in workshops to time your visit.
Bring a reusable water bottle—refill stations are available throughout the centre.
Combine with a walk or bike ride along the False Creek Seawall for scenic views before or after your visit.

FAQs

Is admission required?
Yes—general admission is CAD 29.75 for adults, CAD 25.75 for seniors/students, and CAD 19.75 for youth (4–12); children under 4 enter free. OMNIMAX® films incur a small additional fee.

Are guided tours available?
Free self-guided maps are provided; staff-led “Science Safaris” depart hourly for in-depth explorations. Private group tours can be arranged in advance for school or corporate groups.

Is photography allowed?
Yes—non-flash photography is welcome in all public areas; please refrain from video recording live performances in the Live Science Theatre.

Final Thoughts

Science World at TELUS World of Science stands as Vancouver’s beacon of curiosity—where families, students, and lifelong learners gather under the iconic dome to engage with cutting-edge science and technology. Whether you’re sparking a child’s STEM passion, catching a breathtaking OMNIMAX® film, or simply marveling at hands-on exhibits, this interactive wonderland offers an inspiring journey through the frontiers of discovery.

Things To Do near Science World

Gastown

The Distance from Science World to Gastown is 1.8 Kilometer(s) / 1.1 Mile(s)

Vancouver Art Gallery

The Distance from Science World to Vancouver Art Gallery is 2.6 Kilometer(s) / 1.6 Mile(s)

Granville Island

The Distance from Science World to Granville Island is 3.5 Kilometer(s) / 2.2 Mile(s)

Bike Seawall

The Distance from Science World to Bike Seawall is 5.5 Kilometer(s) / 3.4 Mile(s)

Kitsilano Beach

The Distance from Science World to Kitsilano Beach is 5.8 Kilometer(s) / 3.6 Mile(s)

Vancouver Aquarium

The Distance from Science World to Vancouver Aquarium is 5.8 Kilometer(s) / 3.6 Mile(s)

Stanley Park

The Distance from Science World to Stanley Park is 7.2 Kilometer(s) / 4.5 Mile(s)

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Distance from Science World to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is 12.6 Kilometer(s) / 7.8 Mile(s)

Museum of Anthropology at UBC

The Distance from Science World to Museum of Anthropology at UBC is 18.2 Kilometer(s) / 11.3 Mile(s)

📘 Vancouver Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Vancouver operates on Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is UTC -8. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC -7.

Weather: Vancouver has an oceanic climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Winter temperatures average 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F), while summer temperatures typically range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). The city receives significant rainfall from October to March.

Population: Vancouver has a population of approximately 675,000 people, with over 2.6 million in the Greater Vancouver Area. It is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, with over 50% of residents identifying as non-European in origin.

Size: Vancouver spans about 115 square kilometers (44 square miles) and is located on the southwest coast of British Columbia, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain range.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in Vancouver. Due to the city’s multicultural population, languages such as Mandarin, Punjabi, Cantonese, and Tagalog are also widely spoken.

Currency: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payment options are common throughout the city.

Safety: Vancouver is considered one of the safest large cities in North America. Petty crimes like bike theft can occur, but violent crime is rare. Visitors should take standard precautions, especially at night.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Vancouver. A 15–20% tip is expected in restaurants. Tips are also appreciated for taxi drivers, hotel staff, and service workers.

Electricity and Plugs: Canada uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. Travelers from regions with different plugs or voltage should bring adapters and check device compatibility.

Water: Tap water in Vancouver is safe to drink and comes from protected mountain sources. It is clean, fresh, and meets high-quality health standards.

Annual Visitors: Vancouver attracts over 10 million visitors annually. Popular attractions include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, and the city’s scenic waterfront and bike paths.

Visa Requirements: Most visitors from the U.S., EU, UK, Australia, and many other countries can enter Canada without a visa for short stays, but may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying in.

Health & Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are required to visit Vancouver. It is recommended that travelers be up to date on standard immunizations like flu, measles, and tetanus.

Transportation: Vancouver has an efficient public transportation system including buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and commuter rail. The Compass Card system provides easy access to all services. Walking and cycling are also popular options.

Food: Vancouver’s cuisine reflects its multicultural makeup. The city is known for fresh seafood, especially sushi, as well as dim sum, West Coast fusion, and a strong farm-to-table movement.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Vancouverites are polite, environmentally conscious, and laid-back. Respect for nature, personal space, and multicultural values is important. Casual attire is widely accepted in most settings.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, libraries, and public spaces. Mobile coverage is strong, and SIM cards or eSIMs are available from Canadian carriers for travelers.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to Vancouver. While healthcare is excellent, non-residents may be required to pay out-of-pocket. Insurance also covers cancellations, lost luggage, and delays.