Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinFor science lovers looking for an exciting place to explore, Vancouver’s very own science museum awaits! Science World Vancouver is where curiosity takes the lead and knowledge is the star of the show.
So, gear up for a journey of enlightenment and fun as we unravel the secrets hidden within the walls of this scientific marvel!
What is Science World in Vancouver?
Science World, operated by the ASTC Science World Society, is a non-profit museum dedicated to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) in Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s located at the iconic geodesic dome.
Born from the ashes of the Great Vancouver Fire of 1886, the city faced adversity but emerged stronger. Fast forward nearly a century, and the Expo 86 Crown Corporation chose this very location for a symbol of rebirth—the 17-storey geodesic dome.
The dome eventually became the home of Science World which moves beyond traditional museums. It has hands-on exhibits and interactive galleries that let learners of all ages delve into the science of the natural and physical world.
Address: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 443 7440
Hours: Everyday from 10 am to 5 pm
Things to Do at Science World
Explore the Art Displays
The team behind Science World champions art as a learning platform just as much as science. Inside the dome, you’ll find incredible works that reflect themes of climate change and its impact.
Pieces by local artists, including pieces by Andy Wright, Bettina Harvey, Peter Holmes, Sharon Kallis, Jan de Beer, are there for you to enjoy, analyze, and learn from.
Technology is another major theme in the art as botha topic and theme, as well as the medium too. There are pieces that are 3D and some pieces that are 3D printed. Augmented and virtual reality installations are also present.
A yearly installation of photographs by winners of the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition is also hugely anticipated, so you can time your visits to coincide with it.
Learn about Human Anatomy with BodyWorks
At the BodyWorks gallery, the goal of promoting positive messaging about the human body takes center stage. Here with the interactive installations, you can gain a deeper understanding of the human body, its parts, and how it all functions together.
You can test your knowledge and motor skills by assembling a skeleton against the clock, see if you have the biological knowhow to take a sperm safely to an egg, or you can see how food travels from our mouths to the digestive tracts inside the body.
A more practical asset in this section is learning how to better take care of our bodies with what we eat and what we do with it.
In the Lab Zone, you can use DNA, genetics, and genomics to explore the human body at the cellular level by listening to captivating stories and participating in interactive demonstrations held by scientists in the field.
Unleash Your Curiosity in Eureka!
For those of you who find physics as the most exciting sciences, the Eureka Gallery is the place to be. This section holds dozens of exhibits and installations that display the natural laws that apply to light, sound, and matter.
The larger than life water chutes showcase how gravity and the law of motions work, while the plasma ball lets the kids and you live out your mad scientist dreams by channeling static energy to make your hair stand up!
Don’t miss out on the Dyson Airflow wall, where balls navigate a maze of pipes, for a dynamic learning environment that sparks curiosity.
Connect with Nature in the Ken Spencer Science Park
For science lovers who share an equal love for nature, the Ken Spencer Science Park offers a chance to meld the two worlds together. In this small outdoor garden, you can learn about tips and tricks for gardening that’s sustainable.
You can get your hands dirty if you volunteer to participate in companion planting where you get to discover how plants support each other’s growth and deter pests.
You’ll learn to differentiate between seedlings of different plants like tomato, garlic, and strawberry, and explore pollinator-friendly planting. The staff also share their insights and tips for creating your own garden tight spaces at home.
The chicken coop out back is a bonus place to visit. The kids can wait and watch the hens lay eggs.
Let Your Inner Engineer out in Tinkering Space
The Tinkering Space: WorkSafeBC Gallery in Science World is where you can unleash your creativity and problem-solving skills. Here, you’ll be challenged to engage in daily tinkering programs that encourage experimentation and learning through mistakes.
You get to build new things, repair broken ones, and learn about the science of safety and the importance of choosing the right tool for each job.
The collection of wooden KEVA boards are available for anyone to pick some up and build whatever they want. Just be sure to capture your creation in a photo and share it with the team on Instagram @scienceworldca using #swTinkering as the hashtag!
Other notable exhibits are:
- The puzzles and Illusions scattered around the museum.
- The Search: Sara Stern Gallery which is a hands-on area devoted to nature from animals and insects to plants and geology.
- The Wonder Gallery which was specially made for kids below 5 years old to interact with lights, water, and sand. (It closes at around 2 though, so it’s best to cross this one off the list first!)
- Science World After Dark, which happens once a month after closing, lets adults above 19 explore the museum, watch a film, and check out galleries and shows.
Things to Remember Before Going
Science World is no longer implementing mandatory timed-ticketing, but you’re still allowed to book your ticket in advance online.
If you’re unsure about the date you want, you can buy your tickets on the day of your visit at the Admissions Center. We especially recommend this because tickets can’t be reused on other days.
Ticket Prices to Science World are:
- $33.20 for adults 19 years old and above
- $26.75 for senior citizens (65 years old+) and children from 13 to 18 years old
- $22.50 for kids from 3 to 12 years old
- FREE for kids 2 years old and under
If you plan on repeat visits, we suggest signing up for a membership. Individual memberships valid for a year go for $142. The Family Pack grants 2 adults (parents or grandparents) and 4 children access to the museum for $242.
Plus, members get a half an hour early access to the dome everyday.
Pro Tip:
Science World has partnerships with other educational Institutions and local government departments that can grant you a discount or free passes. Check the list out and see if you qualify for any.
How to Get There
By Public Transportation
You can take the Expo Line straight to the Main Street – Science World stop. From there, it’s about a 4 minute walk to the location.
By Car or By Bike
Science World is a 5 minute car ride or an 8 minute bike ride from Downtown Vancouver. Make your way to Quebec Street or the False Creek Seawall. It’s located along the walking and biking path.
There is paid parking on site for an hourly rate of $4.25 and an all day parking fee of $16.50. You can pay by meter, phone, or in person at the admissions counter.
By Ferry
Since Science World is located on the banks of False Creek, you can opt to get there by riding the Aquabus or the False Creek Ferries. The nearest places to go down are The Village or Plaza of Nations stops.
The Best Time to Go
The best time to go for smaller crowds are on weekdays right at opening time. Doors close 15 minutes before closing, so don’t wait until the last minute to try and go in.
Science World is open all year round with most of the exhibitions indoors, so there really isn’t a bad time to visit. But, it’s important to note that there are some dates with special hours:
- December 24 and 31 from 10 am to 3 pm
- December 25 and 26: Closed
- January 1 from 12 pm to 5 pm
Tips for a Great Visit to Science World
- It’s important to note that each ticket grants you access to a 3 hour visit to Science World, so make sure you try and plan how long to spend in each section to avoid missing any.
- Make sure you and the kids are dressed in comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict movement to fully experience and interact with the sections in the museum.
- Bring your camera or phone with you to take pictures. There are lots of photo worthy places inside.
- If you have extra time after your visit to Science World, we suggest you explore the Seawall, the longest waterfront trail in the world.
Places to Eat Nearby
Pizzeria Farina
Address: 915 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2V8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 681 9334
Hours: Everyday from 5 pm to 9:30 pm
Stepping into Pizzeria Farina feels like entering a pizza lover’s dream. The vibe is bustling and alive, with the scent of fresh, thin-crust pizzas wafting through the air. The menu, although concise, packs a punch with flavor.
The minimalist approach allows the pizza to shine, and each bite feels like a slice of pizza heaven. With 10 options for pizza flavors that they have perfected over the years, you’re guaranteed a great slice whether you get classic Margherita or the Speciale.
Torafuku
Address: 958 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2W1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 778 903 2006
Hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 11:30 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday from 11:30 to 9 pm
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
If you’re in the mood for an adventure for your taste buds after exploring Science World, Torafuku is the place to be. This lively restaurant is a hub of creativity, offering Asian fusion dishes that are as inventive as they are delicious.
The sleek, modern space adds to the overall experience, creating an atmosphere that’s both vibrant and welcoming. The menu features unique dishes like black cod bouillabaisse with tiger prawns and muscles and bison tartare.
Bodega on Main
Address: 1014 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2W1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 565 8815
Hours: Everyday from 11 am to 12 am
Tucked away in a cozy corner, Bodega on Main is an intimate local spot that transports you to the heart of Spain. Leather banquettes and high ceilings set the stage for a Spanish tapas feast that’s a modern take on traditional Vancouver flavors.
The menu features everything from bar snacks and artisanal cheese and meats to hot and cold tapas. The sauteed prawns and grilled octopus are must orders. The paella selection is also not to be ignored, with the seafood, chicken and chorizo being our go to.
Tap & Barrel • Olympic Village
Address: 75 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 685 2223
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 12 am
- Friday from 11 am to 1 am
- Sunday from 10 am to 12 am
For those seeking a laid-back yet contemporary dining experience after a busy day at Science World, Tap & Barrel in Olympic Village is the answer. This pub offers Pacific Northwest fare and also has an array of craft brews that will please any beer enthusiast.
Their honey lettuce wraps with charred corn, tortilla chips, fried onions and pumpkin seeds in iceberg lettuce is a refreshing starter that you can follow with their Forager Chicken roasted with wild mushrooms and garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables.
Seats at the patio have great views to unwind after a day of exploration.
Gusto A Taste of Italy
Address: 1610 Salt St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0E4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 874 8786
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm
- Sunday from 9 am to 9 pm
A journey to Italy is just around the corner at Gusto. This relaxed counter-serve eatery captures the essence of Italian cuisine with its pasta, paninis, and Roman-style pizza.
The chef’s version of bruschetta with Italian Sausage and roasted peppers is a must try.
The Vancouver Pizza pays tribute to the region with smoked salmon and mixed greens, drizzled in the house special sauce. If you have a sweet tooth, their freshly baked goods and a selection of 15 flavors of artisan gelato add a sweet touch to the meal.
We definitely suggest getting smaller portions of gelato to try as many as you can from the caramelized fig to the tangy fruit sorbets.
Places to Stay Nearby
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver
Address: 39 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 676 0888
Pricing: $ $ $
Nestled at the heart of downtown Vancouver’s dynamic entertainment district, this waterfront hotel offers beautifully-designed accommodations that rival the Western Canada mountaintops in the background.
Each suite offers full views of the mountains and ocean during the day and of the city lights at night through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
After a day of being out and about you can choose to unwind in the Spa by JW with full service massages or break a sweat in the fitness center. The hotel is also surrounded by popular restaurants and lounges, offering a diverse selection for regional cuisine.
Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre (Broadway), an IHG Hotel
Address: @, 711 W. Broadway, Heather St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Y2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 879 0511
Pricing: $
For a quick and easy stay in the area near Science world, the Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre Hotel strategically located near key attractions and transportation.
Only 2 blocks from a SkyTrain Station, you can easily get to the hotel from the airport and to nearby attractions like the BC Place Stadium or Grouse Mountain which are all just 5 to 10 minutes away using the public transportation terminals and train stations.
A relaxing dip in their indoor pool can be the perfect way to relax and decompress after all the exploring, not to mention the fun you’ll have at Science World.
Granville Island Hotel
Address: 1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 683 7373
Pricing: $ $
For a hotel with a peaceful and relaxing vibe, the Granville Island Hotel is the perfect waterfront boutique hotel that offers stunning views of False Creek and the city skyline.
After a day of fun at Science World, you can relax in the rooms that offer great views into the creek or you can choose to explore the shopping boutiques, farmers markets, and live music performances in the nearby downtown Vancouver.
The hotel is also located along The Seawall Biking and Walking Trail, so you can take early sunrise or evening walks during the sunset.
OPUS Vancouver
Address: 322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5Z6, Canada
Phone Number: +1 866 642 6787
Pricing: $ $ $
Set in the heart of Yaletown, OPUS Vancouver is a boutique lifestyle hotel that defines luxury stays. You can choose from the rooms and suites they have for you. Each one is inspired by a lifestyle decor theme.
There is also on-site dining available for you at Capo, offering house-made pizza and other Italian cuisine staples. Afterwards for a night cap, The Spritze offers great handmade cocktails.
the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection
Address: 45 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0R3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 6760 889
Pricing: $ $ $
The Douglas hotel, located in the vibrant Parq Vancouver area, offers pet-friendly rooms that are designed with chic decor and even feature local art. The bigger suits offer a more luxurious stay which come complete with more inclusions for maximum comfort.
There are 3 to choose from – The Den which is perfect for you if you’re looking for a cozy stay, The Loft for perfect views, and the apartment if you enjoy outdoor spaces and lots of room for friends and family.
You can cap off a day of exploration and enjoy cocktails and views at the rooftop urban park or enjoy quality dishes at the on site restaurant, The Victor.
