Dominion Astrophysical Observatory

The Dominion Astrophysical Observatory is a research facility in Saanich housing two principal optical telescopes for astronomical study. The main cylindrical dome sits on elevated terrain and contains instruments designed to capture and analyze starlight from distant objects.

The facility opened in 1918 with its primary telescope, which was the largest in the world at that moment. It has served continuous scientific observation purposes ever since its establishment.

The National Research Council facility maintains two principal research telescopes, supporting extensive studies in optical imaging, spectroscopy, and spectropolarimetry.

Visitors should inquire about access and viewing times at the site since it remains an active research facility with ongoing work. The location on elevated terrain provides natural vantage points for understanding the instruments and their surroundings.

The primary telescope has undergone technical improvements over the decades that made it millions of times more sensitive than its original design. These enhancements allowed scientists to pursue entirely new types of astronomical discoveries.

Location: Saanich

Architects: Edgar Lewis Horwood

Official opening: 1918

Elevation above the sea: 227 m

Operator: National Research Council Canada

Website: https://nrc.canada.ca/fr/organisation/historique/lobservatoire-federal-dastrophysique-siecle-grandes-decouvertes-astronomie

GPS coordinates: 48.52017,-123.41800

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:58