The Discovery Centre is Atlantic Canada’s award-winning interactive science centre, located on the scenic Halifax waterfront. It’s designed to make science fun, hands-on, and accessible for all ages.
With multi-level galleries, live demos, a dome theatre, and rotating exhibits, it offers something different each time you visit. Whether you’re exploring with kids, family, friends, or on your own, this is one of Halifax’s most engaging attractions.
Getting There & First Impressions
Address: 1215 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
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By Car:
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Just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Halifax.
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From Dartmouth, cross either the Macdonald or MacKay bridge, then head south via Barrington Street to Lower Water Street.
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Plug Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water Street, into your GPS or Google Maps.
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By Public Transit:
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Halifax Transit Route 29 (Barrington) stops directly outside the Discovery Centre.
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Other buses connect at Scotia Square Terminal, with transfers available to Route 29.
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By Walking (Downtown Halifax):
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Easily walkable from many downtown hotels and attractions.
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From the Halifax Ferry Terminal, it’s about a 15-minute walk along the waterfront boardwalk with views, cafés, and shops along the way.
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By Ferry (from Dartmouth):
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Take the Alderney Ferry to Halifax Ferry Terminal.
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From there, walk south along the waterfront (≈15 minutes) or grab a quick taxi/rideshare.
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Parking Nearby:
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No dedicated lot, but several nearby options:
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Indigo Parking (across from The PIER).
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Nova Scotia Power lot (open to the public on weekends).
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Westin Hotel lot (short walk away).
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Public garages are throughout downtown Halifax.
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Accessibility:
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Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators, accessible entrances, and wide hallways.
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You can also check the Translink Website for the Skytrain Schedules.
First Impression: The building itself is modern, spacious, and bright, with colourful exhibits visible from the entrance. Being right on the waterfront makes it extra scenic.
Hours, Tickets & Admission
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Open: Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Closed: Mondays & Tuesdays, plus major holidays (Good Friday, Canada Day, Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day).
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Tickets: Available online (recommended) or at the front desk.
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Pricing:
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Adults: ≈ $17.50+
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Children, students, and seniors: discounted rates available.
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Family passes and memberships are also offered.
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Membership: Includes unlimited visits for a year, discounts at the café and shop, and other perks.
What You’ll See & Do Inside
Themed Galleries (Four Levels)
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Someday Street: A bright, colourful play space for kids with role-play stations like a farm, hospital, and bubble room.
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Health Gallery: Explore the human body, reflexes, and brainpower through interactive games.
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Flight Gallery: Aviation-inspired exhibits, including simulators where you can try flying.
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Energy Gallery: Learn how energy is generated and used, with a focus on renewable sources and sustainability.
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Ocean Gallery: Explore marine ecosystems with touchable displays and interactive learning about the Atlantic Ocean.
Innovation & Interactive Spaces
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Innovation Lab: Hands-on maker space for tinkering, tech experiments, and creative builds.
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Rotating Featured Exhibit: Changes every 3–4 months. For example, “Mazes & Brain Games” was a recent hit.
Shows & Demonstrations
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Dome Theatre: Immersive planetarium-style shows and educational films. Some require separate tickets.
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Live Science Demos: Staff run engaging demonstrations and “science on the spot” presentations.
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School Workshops: Curriculum-linked workshops such as “Geology Rocks!” or “Electric Odyssey.”
Dome Theatre at Discovery Centre
Café & Shop
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Bird’s Nest Café: Snacks, drinks, and light meals on Level 3.
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Discovery Shop: Science-themed toys, puzzles, games, and souvenirs.
Check the Discovery Shop Here.
Tips for Visitors
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Buy tickets in advance if you want specific time slots, especially for Dome Theatre shows.
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Plan at least 2–3 hours to explore comfortably.
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If visiting with kids, start earlier in the day when they have more energy.
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Check what featured exhibit is running—it often becomes the highlight of the visit.
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The building is climate-controlled and wheelchair accessible, making it easy for all visitors.
Getting Back & Nearby Attractions
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After your visit, stroll the Halifax waterfront boardwalk with its shops, restaurants, and public art.
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From there, you can easily walk to other attractions like the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Pier 21 Immigration Museum, or the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market.
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Transit, taxis, and rideshares are all readily available if you’re heading further.
Final Note
The Discovery Centre isn’t just a museum—it’s an interactive playground for science, imagination, and curiosity. With its hands-on galleries, immersive dome theatre, and constantly changing exhibits, every visit feels fresh. It’s especially great for families, but adults will find plenty of fun too.
If you’re in Halifax and looking for something engaging, educational, and entertaining, the Discovery Centre is one of the city’s must-visit attractions.