What to Expect



Here’s what you need to know before you visit

We’ve missed you! We are very excited to welcome you back.

We’re open! Our hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thursday, when we’ll be open from noon to 7 p.m. All visitors, including members, will need to book their ticket online in advance.

As always, we are trusting science. When it comes to COVID-19, the science tells us to keep our distance and minimize contact—which means mandatory face masks, limited capacity and other physical distancing measures when we reopen to keep everyone safe.

Timed tickets

We’re limiting capacity in our building, so all visitors, including members, need to buy or reserve tickets in advance online. That includes babies and children under 3, even though they’re free!

  • Buy your IMAX® Film tickets online in advance, too—To ensure physical distancing, we have limited sales of tickets for IMAX films to no more than 70 people. We have also spaced out show times throughout the day to ensure time for cleaning between screenings. Please purchase your ticket in advance online. Members: Please call 416-696-1000 to book your film tickets.
  • Pre-purchased tickets, vouchers and coupons—To schedule timed tickets using a pre-existing ticket, voucher or coupon, you will need (1) a photo or scan of all pre-existing tickets, vouchers and coupons; (2) the first name, last name and phone number of the visitor redeeming the tickets; (3) your preferred time of visit (morning, mid-day or afternoon). Call 416-696-1000 or contact us here to book a timed ticket.
  • CityPASS holders—Please call 416-696-1000 to arrange for a timed ticket. When you visit, please bring your CityPASS to the Membership Desk at the main entrance for assistance. Learn more about CityPASS.
  • Community access visitors—Please contact us to secure your date and entry time. For questions about individual programs, check the partner websites linked from Community Access.

A reminder to bring your voucher, coupon or CityPASS with you—You will need to show your voucher, coupon or partner discount at the Box Office before entering the Science Centre.

Hours:

  • Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Last public entry – 2:30 p.m.
    Last member entry – 3:30 p.m.
  • Thurs – 12 to 7 p.m.
    Last public entry – 4:30 p.m.
    Last member entry – 5:30 p.m.

Experiences

  • Some areas will be closed—Some experiences, including KidSpark and Space Hall on Level 4, are temporarily closed.  We know this is disappointing. We’re hard at work finding additional ways to engage our youngest visitors and space enthusiasts throughout the Science Centre.
  • Some exhibits will change slightly—We have revamped our halls to add extra room between exhibits so people can maintain physical distancing. We are cleaning all exhibits and spaces regularly, and we have adapted some of our interactive exhibits to offer choices. For example, some exhibits include additional options such as a start button using a foot pedal or plugging in your own 3.5 mm mini headphone jack.

Screening

  • Follow the checklist—Before your visit, please consider these screening questions or complete the online self-assessment provided by the Government of Ontario:
    • Have you experienced any COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days, which may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, or difficulty breathing?
    • Have you had close contact with or cared for someone who has been sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
    • Have you returned from travel outside of Canada in the last 14 days?
  • Stay home if you feel sick—If any members of your group answer yes to any of these questions, please stay home and plan your visit for a day when you are feeling better—so we can keep everyone safe. If you need to reschedule your visit, we will gladly exchange your timed ticket for another day, subject to availability.

Expectations

  • Always bring your mask—In accordance with City of Toronto By-Law 541-2020, all visitors over the age of 2 are required to wear a mask or face covering. Visitors, including children, who are unable to wear a mask or face covering for medical reasons will be exempt from this requirement. Please be considerate of those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to certain health conditions. If you have any concerns about another visitor, speak to a staff member of the Ontario Science Centre.
  • We support a safe and respectful environment for all guests and employees—The Ontario Science Centre’s goal is to create a safe, respectful and welcoming space for guests, employees and partners. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment—on-site or online. We will deny entry or revoke access to any individual who violates this code of conduct.
    Help keep the Science Centre a safe space. If you need help, contact one of our employees.

One-way Paths

  • Follow the signs—We’re asking all visitors to follow directional signage to allow for one-way traffic through the building. This path helps ensure we’re all keeping our distance.

Physical Distancing

  • Keep a safe distance from other groups—The Ontario Science Centre is a large building with plenty of space. With this in mind, we’re asking visitors to maintain a 2-metre distance from anyone outside of their group. Our staff are also making sure we do not exceed our capacity limits in exhibit halls.
  • Follow capacity limits—In elevators, no more than three people are permitted, or one family at a time. It means you might have a short wait, but it’s the best way to keep everyone safe. Washrooms also have reduced capacity, so please plan ahead.

Cleaning and Ventilation

  • We’re cleaning regularly—Our enhanced cleaning protocols include frequent cleaning of key touchpoints during the day, especially in high-traffic areas such as elevators, escalators and washrooms. All exhibits are being cleaned regularly.
  • We thoroughly assessed the ventilation systems—The Ontario Science Centre has three separate buildings, each with its own separate ventilation system. We have made adjustments to our environmental controls to increase the flow of air from outside. As well, we have upgraded our filters and replace them more frequently.

Food and Drink

  • Eat only in designated areas—The Valley restaurant on Level 6 and the Green Terrace Supported by TD on Level 3 are open.
  • Refill your water bottle—Our water fountains are closed, but we have bottle refilling stations on Level 6.

Lockers

  • Limited lockers open —We have some coin-operated lockers available for the storage of personal belongings like jackets and backpacks. Each night, we clean these lockers with an electrostatic cleaning machine. Of course, we also encourage handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer after locker use.

Health and Safety Checklist

Before your visit, please consider these screening questions or complete the online self-assessment provided by the Government of Ontario:

  • Symptoms—Have you experienced any COVID-19 symptoms in the last 14 days, which may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, or difficulty breathing?
  • Contact—Have you had close contact with or cared for someone who has been sick or diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days?
  • Travel—Have you returned from travel outside of Canada in the last 14 days?

If any members of your group answer yes to any of these questions, please stay home and plan your visit for a day when you are feeling better—so we can keep everyone safe. 

If you need to reschedule your visit, we will gladly exchange your timed ticket for another day, subject to availability.

Limited Liability

When people gather in public spaces, like the Ontario Science Centre, there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19. To keep people safe, all visitors must follow public health guidelines including wearing a mask, sanitizing hands, keeping 2 metres apart and staying home if you feel unwell. By visiting public spaces such as the Ontario Science Centre, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure.