H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

Located in Vanier Park, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is Vancouver's gateway to the wonders of the universe, featuring a planetarium, observatory, and interactive exhibits.

HR McMillan Space Centre Entrance with Crab Sculpture at night
HR McMillan Space Centre Entrance with Crab Sculpture at night

Look for the iconic dome topped with a crab sculpture in Vanier Park, and you've found the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. A short bus ride from downtown, this engaging science centre has been sparking curiosity about the cosmos since 1968. It's a place for learning and discovery, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages with its state-of-the-art planetarium, live science shows, and fascinating exhibits.

Why Visit the Space Centre?

  • Explore the Universe: Journey through the stars in the Planetarium Star Theatre, which projects stunning visuals of the night sky and beyond onto its domed ceiling.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Learn about space exploration and astronomy through hands-on exhibits in the Cosmic Courtyard gallery.
  • Live Science Shows: Be entertained and educated by live demonstrations at the GroundStation Canada Theatre.
  • Look Through a Telescope: On clear Saturday nights, visit the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory next door to see celestial objects through a powerful telescope.

What to See & Do

  • Planetarium Star Theatre: Lean back and enjoy a breathtaking multimedia show that takes you on a tour of our solar system and distant galaxies.
  • Cosmic Courtyard: Touch a real meteorite, learn about the challenges of living in space, and explore interactive displays.
  • GroundStation Canada Theatre: Watch live science demonstrations and presentations on a variety of space-themed topics.
  • GMS Observatory: On Saturday evenings (weather permitting), volunteer astronomers will help you view planets, star clusters, and nebulae through the half-metre Cassegrain telescope.

Food & Drink Options

  • There are no food services at the Space Centre itself. However, its location in Vanier Park makes it a perfect spot for a picnic.
  • A short walk to Cornwall Avenue or nearby Kitsilano Beach offers a wide variety of cafes and restaurants.

Pro Tips & Local Insights

  • Check Showtimes: Planetarium shows run on a schedule. Check the official website in advance to plan your visit around the shows you want to see. During the school year weekday mornings are often reserved for field trips.
  • Observatory Hours: The observatory is only open on Saturday evenings and is weather-dependent. Check their website or social media for updates before you go.
  • A Vanier Park Trio: The Space Centre is located right next to the Museum of Vancouver and a short walk from the Vancouver Maritime Museum. You can easily visit two or all three in one day.

Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • 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

Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Canada

Phone: (604) 738-7827

Official Website: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

H.R. MacMillan Space Centre Reviews

Rated 4.3 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating It was a fantastic experience for our family, offering immersive visuals and interactive elements. My child loved the VR experience, which took them on a virtual journey through space, and the dome theater, where stunning panoramic projections surrounded us. It’s both fun and educational to do with your kids, providing memorable learning moments.
LecharXoXo - a month ago

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5 Star Rating This is a cool place to visit. You can buy a three place pass which discounts the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Vancouver Museum and this space centre. My wife even liked it and she's not into space. Great museum exhibition. Lots of interesting and authentic space stuff We did the augmented reality activity which was cool and helped understand the solar system. The planetarium hemisphere theatre is amazing and the shows are top rate. This is well worth getting into. There was an interactive talk and presentation about life in the ISS. Lots of great interactive learning stations. There's even Lego.
Jon Humphries - a month ago

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5 Star Rating We recently visited the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre as part of the Tourism Challenge and had a wonderful time with my children. There were lots of interactive exhibits that kept them engaged and excited to learn about space. One of the highlights of our visit was the augmented reality experience created with Immersi Learn about the solar system. It was such a cool experience, allowing us to explore planets and space in a fun, interactive way. My kids (ages 8 and 3) absolutely loved it, and I can see how it would be an excellent teaching tool for schools and classrooms. The staff were friendly, and the exhibits made learning both fun and memorable. We left inspired and with a greater appreciation for space exploration. Highly recommend it for families with curious kids!
Czari Mandap - 3 months ago

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3 Star Rating Visited the planetarium recently and the flowers blooming outside are absolutely beautiful —definitely the highlight and perfect for photos. As for the indoor experience, it feels overpriced for the size of the venue. You can go through all the exhibits in about 30 minutes They’ve recently added a 3D solar system VR experience, which is actually pretty interesting. You can get a close-up view of each planet, which is a nice touch. Just note that this is only available on weekends. We also watched the dome show “Forward to the Moon.” It’s around 40 minutes long and feels more like a documentary. It’s informative and suitable for adults, but younger kids might find it a bit boring. Overall, it has potential, but I do wish the planetarium could expand its space, add more exhibits, and include more interactive activities to make it more engaging and worth the price.
Joyce Lee - 4 months ago

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5 Star Rating I can’t express enough how much my family and I enjoy our visits to the HR MacMillan Space Centre. While it isn’t a large venue, it’s packed with engaging activities, immersive experiences, and educational exhibits—making it perfect for both kids and adults. They also offer fun spring break programs and special after-hours events. The Planetarium is also next level! In fact The DOME Vancouver has its home here. Highly recommend visiting for a relaxed family outing.
FAMILY VAN ROON - 5 months ago

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Directions

SkyTrain Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Expo LineBurrard Station9 Minutes

How to get to H.R. MacMillan Space Centre by SkyTrain

From Burrard SkyTrain Station take the Burrard Street exit and catch a #2 Macdonald bus southbound on Burrard Street. Get off on Cornwall Avenue at Cypress Street. Walk back one block to Chestnut Street and turn left. The Space Centre is at the end of the street in Vanier Park.

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