Science World Vancouver ignites wonder and empowers dreams.
Call it a cheesy slogan, but some of the over one million customers who visited last year did just that – or at the very least kept their kids entertained for a couple hours.
Here’s a quick guide on visiting Science World, Vancouver’s most educational tourist attraction.
- What is Science World?
- Exhibits
- Tickets & prices
- Hours
- How to get there
- The OMNIMAX Theatre
- Science World After Dark
- Visitor Tips
- FAQ
Visiting Science World – Telus World of Science Vancouver
Science World is one of Vancouver’s top things to do and has been thrilling visitors for over 30 years.
The museum’s distinctive geodesic dome was first constructed to serve as the Expo Centre during the Vancouver World’s Fair: aka Expo ’86.
After the fair it was rebranded ‘Science World’, with tons of fully interactive indoor and outdoor science exhibits, displays, and galleries.
It’s also got the largest OMNIMAX theatre in the world.
Let’s take a look at what you’ll see.
Top Science World Exhibits
Wonder Gallery
Recommended for: Age 5 and younger
The Wonder Gallery was developed by child development experts to stimulate the cognitive development, motor skills, and social intelligence of toddlers and infants.
It provides a variety of unique play areas spread out over 3,300 square feet.
Every area has different classifications like: experiment, crawl, splash, shine, climb, and build.
Here your child will have the unique benefit of learning through play.
Related: Best Things to Do in Vancouver with Kids
Peter Brown Family Centre Stage
If you wanna sit back and relax and watch some breathtaking displays of science, then the Peter Brown Family Centre stage is the place to be.
Especially if you wanna be part of the show!
The Family Centre stage is the home of live scientific displays in front of a studio audience who watch on in amazement.
Shows touch on any of a variety of topics like fire, electricity, chemistry, illusion, and much more.
Each show lasts around 20-30 minutes.
Tinkering Space
Recommended for: Ages 7-18
Tinkering Space aims to demonstrate the relationship between science, engineering, and safety to youth before their introduction to the workforce.
The 900 square foot gallery contains a variety of interactive displays that allow visitors to tinker around choosing the right tools for an array of tasks.
The exhibit also focuses upon the impact of science and engineering on protective equipment, such as hearing and head protection.
This will leave visitors with an increased appreciation for creativity, innovation, and problem solving.
The Ken Spencer Science Park
Recommended for: All ages
Located outdoors, the Ken Spencer Science Park allows guests to imagine their role in the creation of a healthier world. Here it’s all about environmental awareness.
Discover the implications of everyday choices in regards to food, energy, and transportation upon the environment.
The park comes complete with its own vegetable garden which grows 100 kilograms of produce a year for Vancouver’s homeless population.
It also includes a popular chicken-coop reinforcing the importance of local sourcing of food products.
*The Ken Spencer Science Park closes for the Winter.
Body Works
Recommended for: Teenagers and adults
The world-famous Body Works display aims to instill visitors with a newfound understanding of the impact of their lifestyle choices upon their bodies.
Body Works shows actual reserved bodies in lifelike poses. The bodies have been preserved by a process called plastination that replaces water in the bodies’ tissues with a silicone rubber, hindering decomposition.
A major sensation worldwide, the display has been viewed by over 30 million visitors since its Tokyo debut in 1995.
Science World Vancouver Ticket Prices
- Adults (19+): $30.40
- Seniors (65+): $24.30
- Youth (13-18): $24.30
- Children (3-12): $20.30
Book My Science World Tickets Now
* Children under the age of 2 visit for free
** Visitors under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult (19+)
Science World Hours
- Wednesday to Monday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Twilight Tuesdays: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
*Doors close 15 minutes before closing time.
**Outdoor exhibits close during the Winter.
We recommend allowing at least 3 hours for your visit.
How to Get to Science World?
Address: 1455 Quebec Street
Science World is conveniently located in the South-East corner of beautiful False Creek, on the edge of downtown Vancouver.
This makes it easily accessible with most Vancouver transit options like Skytrain or the False Creek Ferry.
If the sun is shining I recommend getting there on foot or by bike using the city’s world famous Seawall.
Skytrain
Telus World of Science is located a short walk from Main Street-Science World Station, on Skytrain’s Expo Line.
This is preferred method of transport for visitors with a hotel or hostel in the downtown area.
Here’s how to do it:
- Get a one zone ticket at any downtown Skytrain station on the Expo Line (Waterfront, Burrard, Granville or Stadium).
- Board the train heading East towards King George Station until Main Street-Science World Station.
- Walk down the stairs and exit the station onto Main Street and follow it south for 30 meters until you reach Terminal Avenue.
- Turn right and you can’t miss it!
False Creek Ferries/Aquabus
There are two private companies that provide a small commuter ferry service throughout a variety of stops in the False Creek area.
The ferries provide a fantastic way to travel amongst the area’s main attractions, including Yaletown, Granville Island, and much more.
Here’s how to do it:
- Board a False Creek Ferry or Aquabus with a one-way ticket bought aboard from your captain ($3.00-$6.00 depending).
- Relax and enjoy the views!
- Get off at Village Station, also known as Dock 8.
- Walk up the dock to The Seawall. Walk east about 300 meters.
* Fares are cash only unless boarding at Granville Island, where debit cards are accepted.
** If purchasing a return ticket note that tickets from the rival companies are not accepted by their competitors.
Driving
If you intent to drive I simply recommend clicking on Google Maps for customized directions from your Vancouver hotel or Vancouver hostel.
The drive should take between 10 and 20 minutes from most Vancouver locations.
Related: How Many Days Do I Need to Spend in Vancouver?
Science World Vancouver Parking
Unbfortunately, there is no free parking at Science World Vancouver – all of the street parking is metered or for residents only.
If you choose to drive though, I recommend the Impark lot #610 that provides parking for up to 200 vehicles.
Be sure to remember your stall number as the lot operates on a pay-by-stall system.
Rates
- $4.50 for 1 hour
- $9.00 for 2 hours
- $13.00 for 4 hours
- $16.50 until 6:30pm
- $9.00 overnight
*Note that the machines do not take cash.
The Seawall
If you’re located in downtown or Kitsilano you’re likely located no more then 10-15 minutes walk from the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. Equal parts transportation corridor and outdoor recreational hub, the Seawall is the perfect way to explore the city on a beautiful Summer day.
Like many of the city’s attractions, Science World just happens to be located right along this pathway.
So if you’d like to sneak in a little exercise you can visit on foot or via bicycle. To rent yourself a bike click on the button below.
Science World’s OMNIMAX Theatre
Update: (08-20-22): The OMNIMAX Theater still has not re-opened after the pandemic closing. I’ll add more info here as it comes.
I always loved this as a kid: watching the immersive and educational films on the world’s largest OMNIMAX dome screen.
At over 5 stories high and 27 meters in diameter, the screen takes up the entirety of Science World’s iconic golf ball shaped structure.
The sensational wrap-around sound system and the Snacklab concession stand make this a family entertainment superpower!
There are typically 2-3 different showings daily (you’ll have to pay an extra $6.00 per ticket to see them).
Each touches on different educational topics like science, wildlife, and the environment.
Science World After Dark
If you’d prefer an adult-only atmosphere then we’ve got you covered.
Science World After Dark allows adults aged 19+ to immerse themselves in a regular visit but with adult beverages, food, music, and more.
This runs just once a month from 7:00 to 10:00 pm.
Visits include a film in the OMNIMAX theatre, the ability to explore 6 permanent galleries, and experience live science shows.
Looking for the schedule? Check out their After Dark page.
Tips for Visiting Science World Vancouver
Visit outside of peak hours
Since it can get quite busy you should try to visit on a weekday.
Barring that mornings tend to be less crowded so make an effort to visit around the 10:00am opening time.
Allocate 2-3 hours for your visit
If you hope to hit every exhibit in sight we’d recommend budgeting at least 2-3 hours.
If your kids are especially curious or you plan on visiting the OMNIMAX theatre, then count on allocating a half-day.
Take public transit
Science World is easily accessible via the nearby Main Street-Science World Station on the Expo Line of the Skytrain.
This can save you the headache of navigating the busy downtown streets and save on the cost of parking.
Visit via False Creek
If the weather is nice, we’d recommend visiting via the Sea Wall, or a False Creek Ferry.
This quintessential Vancouver boat ride is fun for the whole family, and an experience in its own right.
Visit on a rainy day
This is one of the best things to do in Vancouver when it rains, period. It is fun, educational, and almost entirely indoors!
And there will probably be smaller crowds.
6) Don’t forget about the travelling exhibits
Keep an eye on Science World website.
If you none of the galleries mentioned in this article tickled your fancy, there is always new exhibits coming through town.
Science World Visit FAQ
Where is Science World located?
Science World is located at 1455 Quebec Street at the eastern edge of False Creek near downtown Vancouver.
Is Science World for adults?
In addition to numerous exhibits targeted at children, Science World offers a variety of displays of interest to adults.
Science World After Dark is targeted at the 19+ crowd.
This event allows adults to explore the facility without children and even has alcoholic beverages available for sale!
What time is TELUS World of Science open?
Science World at TELUS World of Science is open from 10:00am-5:00pm from Monday to Friday and 10:00am-6:00pm on weekends and holidays.
How much is TELUS World of Science?
Admission to Science World at Telus World of Science costs $27.15 for adults, $21.70 for seniors, students and youth, and $18.10 for children.
How much is parking at Science World?
Parking at Science World costs $4.25 per hour, $13 for 4 hours, $16.50 all day or $9 overnight.
How much are tickets to the OMNIMAX Theatre at Science World?
Tickets to OMNIMAX films cost $12.75, or an additional $6.50 with entry to Science World.
Ready for Your Science World Admission?
That’s all I’ve got on Science World but let me make you a promise.
I’m out to answer every single Vancouver question whether you’re a local or a visitor – so if you’re still on the fence about something please write me in the comments below.
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