Trottier Observatory and Science Courtyard
Explore the cosmos at Trottier Observatory! Witness planets, stars, and galaxies through powerful telescopes during free 'Starry Nights' events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free 'Starry Nights' event
Trottier Observatory and Science Courtyard
Best Time
Free 'Starry Nights' event
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the cosmos at Trottier Observatory! Witness planets, stars, and galaxies through powerful telescopes during free 'Starry Nights' events.
"An unforgettable evening of cosmic discovery, thanks to passionate volunteers and breathtaking views!"
🎯 Sign up for Starry Nights
Join the mailing list for 'Starry Nights' updates to know when the next event is happening!
🤝 Respect the Volunteers
These amazing people share their passion and equipment. Be respectful of their time and telescopes.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 39 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Telescopic Views of Planets
Observatory Domes
Witness Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, and Mars up close through powerful telescopes. A truly awe-inspiring cosmic encounter.
Expert-Led Astronomy Talks
Science Courtyard
Engage with passionate volunteers who share fascinating facts about planets, stars, and galaxies. Learn from the best!
Naked-Eye Celestial Wonders
Open Courtyard
Spot Venus and other bright celestial bodies with the unaided eye. A simple yet profound connection to the cosmos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Stargazing Success: Plan Your Visit
Family Fun Under the Stars
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Good spot to take my kid look at the stars?
Hey there, My daughter got a telescope for her birthday and I'm looking for spot to take her stargazing. I don't want to hike at night with a 9yo so something I can get to with my car within about an hour of the city would be great. Would mount Seymour parking lot be open at…
🎯 Sign up for Starry Nights
Join the mailing list for 'Starry Nights' updates to know when the next event is happening!
🤝 Respect the Volunteers
These amazing people share their passion and equipment. Be respectful of their time and telescopes.
Stargazing areas?
SFU hosts free stargazing nights (well used to before the COVID-19 pandemic) at the Trottier Observatory (Up on Burnaby mountain). Club Illia also gives a 10% discount for food after as well. Dr. Trottier will post regular updates around 4-5pm about whether or not the event is…
🧥 Dress warmly
Evenings can get chilly, especially when looking up at the sky. Layers are your friend!
✨ Arrive early for best views
Get there early to have more time at the telescopes and chat with the knowledgeable volunteers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sign up for Starry Nights
Join the mailing list for 'Starry Nights' updates to know when the next event is happening!
🤝 Respect the Volunteers
These amazing people share their passion and equipment. Be respectful of their time and telescopes.
🧥 Dress warmly
Evenings can get chilly, especially when looking up at the sky. Layers are your friend!
✨ Arrive early for best views
Get there early to have more time at the telescopes and chat with the knowledgeable volunteers.
🔭 Kid-friendly stargazing
A perfect spot to bring children interested in space, with engaging volunteers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Trottier Observatory for its 'Starry Nights' events, highlighting the incredible telescopic views of planets and the exceptional knowledge of the volunteer astronomers. Many describe it as a humbling and memorable experience, especially for families. Some minor points of feedback relate to managing crowds during popular times and ensuring clear communication about event cancellations due to weather.
"Came for Starry Nights and had such a great experience. All the volunteers were so helpful and we learned a lot! Ended up seeing Jupiter, Mars, Saturn and Venus with the naked eye, and super cool looking through the telescope to see Titan and Saturn's ring. Highly recommend for a fun evening activity."
Kim Lishman
"The viewing of Saturn was a memory etched in the stars, a humbling experience that reminded us of our tiny existence in the grand scheme of the universe."
S V
"I really enjoyed Starry Nights, a free event put on every clear Friday night. You get to look through people's telescopes and see planets and faraway galaxies. The volunteers that run the observatory are excellent as well. Stop by if it's open, you will enjoy it."
Matthew Gasparin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Information on public transport or driving directions to the observatory would be helpful here. Since no specific details were provided, general advice would be to check local transit maps or use a GPS navigator.
Details about parking availability, cost, and any restrictions would be beneficial.
Clarification on daytime access and any specific exhibits or activities available outside of 'Starry Nights' would be useful.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The 'Starry Nights' event is free, making it an accessible astronomical experience for everyone.
No advance booking is typically required for 'Starry Nights,' but it's wise to check their schedule and any potential capacity limits.
The observatory primarily hosts 'Starry Nights' on clear Friday evenings. Specific hours for this event should be confirmed via their mailing list or website.
If the weather is cloudy, 'Starry Nights' events may be canceled or rescheduled. It's best to check their announcements beforehand.
🎫 🔭 Onsite Experience
You can see planets like Saturn and Jupiter, their moons, and distant galaxies through telescopes. Even with the naked eye, you can spot bright celestial bodies.
During 'Starry Nights,' amateur astronomers bring their own telescopes for public viewing, and the observatory may have its own as well.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic place for children to learn about space, with volunteers who are great at explaining astronomical concepts.
Bring warm clothing, as it can get cold. A red-light flashlight can help preserve night vision.
Visitors often spend a couple of hours enjoying the views and chatting with astronomers, but you can stay as long as you like.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the courtyard, but be mindful of not using bright flashes that could disturb other visitors or the astronomers.
While the focus is on visual observation, some visitors might attempt astrophotography. However, the light pollution from nearby areas and the nature of public viewing might present challenges.
The observatory domes themselves, the telescopes set up during Starry Nights, and the night sky (if clear) offer great photographic opportunities.
Social
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