Sight guide · Vancouver · Canada
Visiting Science World
The silver geodesic dome built for Expo 86 houses a hands-on science centre with galleries on the body, nature and engineering, an outdoor science park and a large dome cinema at the eastern end of False Creek.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Differense, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Science World is a museum in False Creek, Vancouver. Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Museum
- Area
- False Creek
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- kids, rainy day and architecture
- Best months
- November–January
About Science World
The silver geodesic dome built for Expo 86 houses a hands-on science centre with galleries on the body, nature and engineering, an outdoor science park and a large dome cinema at the eastern end of False Creek.
Tip: Arrive by SkyTrain to Main Street–Science World station, or by mini-ferry along False Creek.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: False Creek, breweries, vintage shops and independent cafés.
Best time to visit Science World
Science World is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- November: 9°C (48°F) highs, about 18 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- December: 7°C (45°F) highs, about 17 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- January: 7°C (45°F) highs, about 16 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Vancouver has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Science World is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Stanley Park and the seawall and Granville Island.
- No. 13 of the 20 sights in our Vancouver things-to-do list.
- Day 5 of the 5-day plan.
- A family favourite in Vancouver with kids.
If you like Science World
- Museum of Anthropology at UBC — University of British Columbia, 2–3 hours
- Vancouver Aquarium — Stanley Park, 2–3 hours
- Queen Elizabeth Park and Bloedel Conservatory — Little Mountain, 1.5 hours
- Vancouver Art Gallery — Downtown, 1.5–2 hours
Staying near Science World
Stay in Mount Pleasant and Main Street ($$) to walk here: breweries, vintage shops and independent cafés. All areas to stay in Vancouver.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Science World?
Plan 2–3 hours.
+Is Science World free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Science World?
November–January, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Arrive by SkyTrain to Main Street–Science World station, or by mini-ferry along False Creek.
+Do I need to book Science World in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Science World good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Vancouver. Vancouver works well for families: beaches, Stanley Park, the aquarium and Science World are close together, the North Shore adds suspension bridges and mountain gondolas, and indoor options cover rainy days.