The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory is located on Observatory Hill, in Saanich on Vancouver Island, BC. It was a project of the government of Canada and was completed in 1918. At the time, it was going to be the largest telescope in the world, the main instrument being a t 72-inch-aperture (1.83 m) Plaskett telescope, proposed and designed by John S. Plaskett in 1910. However, due to construction delays another, larger telescope, was completed first.

The Historical Dominion Observatory housing the 1.8m Plaskett Telescope

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory (DAO) offers capabilities in optical imaging, spectroscopy and spectropolarimetry, and currently operates two research telescopes: the 1.8-metre Plaskett Telescope and the 1.2-metre telescope, which features the high resolution McKellar spectrograph.

The DAO conducts technology research and development associated with instrumentation, facility design and construction projects of the domestic, international and future telescopes they support.

The Observatory has been designated a national historic site because of its important role in establishing Canada’s international scientific reputation in astronomy. Over the decades, these telescopes have contributed significantly to our understanding of the rotation, size and mass of the Milky Way, and of the rarefied interstellar medium between the stars. Recent projects include orbital determination of comets and asteroids, spectroscopy of magnetic stars, and ongoing studies of distant quasars and galaxies – National Research Council of Canada

The National Research Council Research Facility

The facility grounds are open to the public and are well worth a visit. You can drive up the narrow winding road to the summit and walk around the historic observatory housing the Plaskett Telescope. You can also park on the bottom and hike up a trail through the woods to the top.

The road up to the observatroy

Hiking trail to the Dominionl Observatory

Once at the top of Observatory Hill, the views are spectacular! At various view points, you can look out across the Saanich Peninsula,  Haro Strait, Georgia Straits and the mainland. You can see south all the way to the Olympic Peninsula and on the west side you can look out over Saanich Inlet, the Malahat and the Sooke Foothills.

The 1.22m Telescope

Views looking east over Elk Lake and Haro Strait

Views south at Juan de Fuca Strait & the Olympic Peninsula

At certain times of the year The Centre of the Universe (greatest name ever!) located at the observatory, put on Star Parties where they set up telescopes so you can look at the stars and they also put on informative talks on various topics related to astronomy. Check their website for upcoming events.

The Centre of the Universe

Getting There

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory is located at 5071 West Saanich Road in Saanich.  It is about a 25 minute drive from downtown Victoria.  It pays to check their website before you go just to make sure there are no road closures or other events that may be happening.