Prepare Your Visit

This page provides important logistical information and will help ensure a fun and educational visit.

• Click here for a copy of what to expect when you book a school trip, and our code of conduct at Science North and Dynamic Earth

• Click here for a copy of the Homeschool Day Visit Code of Conduct

MAPS OF THE SCIENCE CENTRES

VIEW SCIENCE NORTH SITE MAP

VIEW DYNAMIC EARTH SITE MAP

BOOKING A SCHOOL TRIP? HERE'S SOME KEY INFORMATION!

BOOKING AND ARRIVAL

• Expect a confirmation email with your invoice once your field trip is finalized. Check your spam / junk or quarantine folders if you haven't received it.

  • If you have any questions, please call 705-522-3701 or 1-800-461-4898. Our Customer Service Representatives are available to assist you from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

• Book well in advance for Science North’s busy months (December, May, June). 

• Member schools memberships endson May 30.  June is reserved for non-member schools only. 

• Arrive 10 minutes before your first program.

• If you arrive early, we will do our best to accommodate you, but we ask for your patience as our staff will be managing other school arrivals.

  • Provide the front desk staff with the number of students attending, and they will radio for a Bluecoat to escort your group to the first program.

• If weather prevents your visit, we will reschedule at your earliest convenience.

• Call us if you will be late for your visit to Science North. We will try to accommodate you, but programs cannot be guaranteed if you arrive after the scheduled start time.

• Upon arrival, a Bluecoat will greet your group and ask for the number of students and adult supervisors.

  • Please let your Bluecoat know what time you need to leave.

PAYMENT

• If you are attending a program that requires payment, settle your account at the front desk when you arrive. We accept cheque (payable to Science North with the Visit Number included), credit card and cash. Payment is due on the date of your visit. For fewer students than booked, finance will issue a cheque to the school for the overage.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS AT SCIENCE NORTH

• Coatracks are available in the Sunwalk. Please bring only necessary items as they are unattended and have limited space.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS AT DYNAMIC EARTH

• Your group will be assigned a set of bins for their backpacks and coatracks for their coats. Please bring only necessary items as they are unattended and have limited space.

• When you are getting your lunch, please put everything back in an organized fashion.

LUNCH AT SCIENCE NORTH

NOTE: We cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment

• Your class will be assigned tables and a lunch time in the Sunwalk. Look for notices with your school’s name and time. Tables usually seat 10 students.

• Bring your own lunches or order from the cafeteria. Pre-order lunches at least two weeks prior to your visit.

  • NOTE: the restaurant can be busy if there are older students at the centre. You typically have 30 minutes for lunch.

LUNCH AT DYNAMIC EARTH

NOTE: We cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment

• Your class will be assigned space and a time in the Copper Café.

• Bring your own lunches or pre-order lunches at least two weeks prior to your visit.

• The restaurant does not have the capacity to feed a class à la carte.

WASHROOMS

• Washrooms are located throughout the science centre. We have a universal washroom on the 4ᵀᴴ floor.

PHOTO RELEASE

• A photographer may capture photos and / or videos of school groups during your visit. These images may be used for Science North's marketing, media, and other purposes. Please provide a list of students who cannot be photographed. If no list is provided, it will be assumed all participants grant permission for the use of their likeness unless otherwise stated before your visit.

GUIDELINES FOR VISITING SCIENCE NORTH

What are the expectations for students and supervisors visiting Science North?

RESPECT AND CONDUCT

1. Treat all staff and volunteers with respect. Always follow their directions.

2. Respect others in your group and other visitors. The centre is open to the public.

3. Treat the animals, exhibits, and equipment with care so everyone may enjoy their experience. 

4. Use indoor voices and refrain from running.

5. There is zero tolerance for racism, discrimination, or abusive behaviour. Misconduct, including threats or insults, will result in removal from the facility without a refund.

SUPERVISION AND GROUP RESPONSIBILITY

1. Children under 12 must be always supervised by an adult.

2. Teachers and supervisors are responsible for the conduct of their students and themselves in all areas of the science centre, including program spaces, exhibits, eating spaces, bathrooms, and other common spaces.

3. Always stay with your group.

FOOD AND DRINK

1. Food and drink are not permitted inside the science centre past the tunnel.

2. Enjoy food and drink in designated eating spaces. Please keep these areas clean.

3. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all areas.

PREPARATION

• Prepare for your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

GUIDELINES FOR DYNAMIC EARTH

What are the expectations for students and supervisors visiting Dynamic Earth?

RESPECT AND CONDUCT

1. Treat all staff and volunteers with respect. Always follow their directions.

2. Respect others in your group and other visitors. The centre is open to the public.

3. Treat the exhibits and equipment with care so everyone may enjoy their experience. 

4. Use indoor voices and refrain from running.

5. There is zero tolerance for racism, discrimination, or abusive behaviour. Misconduct, including threats or insults, will result in removal from the facility without a refund.

UNDERGROUND TOURS

1. Students are encouraged to have coats or sweaters as the underground temperature is between 10 to 14 degrees.

2. Students should wear running shoes (avoid sandals and flip-flops as it is wet underground)

3. Everyone going underground needs to wear a hardhat and follow all safety protocols which includes listening to the Bluecoat. The Bluecoat reserve the right to bring the group back up to surface at any point in the tour if the group is not listening or if they are being impolite to the Bluecoats.

OUTDOOR SCIENCE PARK

• Please respect the safety signs. Some equipment is meant for climbing while others are not.

FOOD AND DRINK

1. Food and drink are not permitted inside the science centre.

2. Enjoy food and drink in designated eating spaces. Please keep these areas clean.

3. Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all areas.

PREPARATION

• Please respect the safety signs. Some equipment is meant for climbing while others are not.

GUIDELINES FOR HOMESCHOOL DAY VISITS

What are the expectations for homeschool families visiting our science centres?

RESPECT AND CONDUCT

• Treat all staff and volunteers with respect. Always follow their directions.

• Respect others in your group and other visitors. The centre is open to the public.

• Treat the animals, exhibits, and equipment with care so everyone may enjoy their experience. 

• Use indoor voices and refrain from running.

• There is zero tolerance for racism, discrimination, or abusive behaviour. Misconduct, including threats or insults, will result in removal from the facility without a refund.

SUPERVISION AND GROUP RESPONSIBILITY

• Children must be always supervised by their parent or guardian.

• Parents are responsible for the conduct of their students and themselves in all areas of the science centre, including program spaces, exhibits, eating spaces, bathrooms, and other common spaces.

• Always stay with your group.

UNDERGROUND TOURS

• Students are encouraged to have coats or sweaters as the underground temperature is between 10 to 14 degrees.

• Students should wear running shoes (avoid sandals and flip-flops as its wet underground)

• Everyone going underground needs to wear a hardhat and follow all safety protocols which includes listening to the Bluecoat.  The Bluecoat reserve the right to bring the group back up to surface at any point in the tour if the group is not listening or if they are being impolite to the Bluecoats.

OUTDOOR SCIENCE PARK

• Please respect the safety signs. Some equipment is meant for climbing while others are not.

FOOD AND DRINK

• Food and drink are not permitted inside the science centre past the tunnel or in the galleries at Dynamic Earth.

• Enjoy food and drink in designated eating spaces. Please keep these areas clean.

• Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all areas.

PREPARATION

• Prepare for your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

CLASSROOM RESOURCES

VISIT EDUCATOR RESOURCES