Science is a subject that involves lots of exploration, experiments to try, and an appreciation of nature and God’s creation. Whether during the warmer weather or cooler months, science field trips are great at any time of the year and perfect for children and parents alike.
Taking a field trip to enhance science learning can open up more options for learning than you could provide at home. It can be costly for one household to have too many pieces of science equipment, and it isn’t possible to have as much to observe as a science center can have. These field trip ideas provide excellent ways to supplement your child’s learning and make science come alive! In addition to the list below, the Canadian Association of Science Centres has a Find a Science Centre/Museum page on their website.
If there is not a science center or other discovery center in your area, then take a look at the virtual activities which many places offer. Many of these establishments do virtual tours. In the process, you will find lots of resources and things to learn about to add to your science curriculum.
British Columbia
There are many museums, science centres, and discovery centres to visit in British Columbia. Here is a list of some of the places.
- Vancouver: Science World
- Victoria: Royal BC Museum and the Maritime Museum of British Columbia
- Duncan: BC Forest Discovery Centre
- Vernon: Okanagan Science Centre
- Revelstoke: BC Interior Forestry Museum
Alberta
From north to south, here are some of the science centres found across Alberta.
- Fort McMurray: Oil Sands Discovery Centre
- Edmonton: Royal Alberta Museum
- Edmonton: TELUS World of Science
- Drumheller: Royal Tyrrell Museum
- Calgary: TELUS Spark Science Centre
Saskatchewan
Explore these museums, which include science exhibits, in Saskatchewan.
- Saskatoon: Museum of Natural Sciences
- Regina: Royal Saskatchewan Museum
Manitoba
Manitoba has a few different museums and discovery and science centers to visit, which include learning about fossils and other natural resources.
- Churchill: Churchill Northern Studies Centre
- Morden: Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
- Manitoba (various locations): Manitoba Signature Museums
Ontario
Not only are there science centres throughout Ontario, but this province is also home to an aquarium and a butterfly conservatory. In addition to the aquarium, homeschool families might also like to take a field trip to a conservation area.
- Ottawa: Canada Science and Technology Museum
- Toronto: Ontario Science Centre
- Toronto: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- Sudbury: Science North
- Cambridge: Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Quebec
If your children are interested in learning about space, then the Cosmodome in Laval is the place to go to for a field trip.
- Montreal: Montreal Science Centre
- Laval: Cosmodome
- Sainte-Anne-Des-Monts: Exploramer
New Brunswick
Enjoy discovering and exploring these science field trips in New Brunswick.
- Fredericton: Science East
- St. Andrews: Huntsman Marine Science Centre
- Saint John: Irving Nature Park
Nova Scotia
If you are in Halifax, below are some suggestions for science field trips.
- Halifax: Discovery Centre
- Halifax: Museum of Natural History
Prince Edward Island
Learn more about nature in Prince Edward Island.
Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, you will find a mini aquarium and science centre perfect for field trip time.
- St. John’s: Memorial University’s Johnson Geo Centre
- Petty Harbour: Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories is blessed with an abundance of outdoor places to explore where families can learn about nature and science. The hikes in Wood Buffalo National Park would provide for many interesting sights and discoveries.
- Fort Smith: Wood Buffalo National Park
- Fort Simpson: Nahanni National Park Reserve
- Yellowknife: Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre
Nunavut
Nunavut is home to several parks and islands. Search for parks to explore in the area you will be visiting.
Across Canada, both bigger cities and smaller towns are home to science centres, discovery centres, aquariums, and more. Plan a field trip with your family to enjoy learning more not only about science and nature but also about God’s creation.
Are you looking for more ideas for science, learning, and field trips? Check out these articles from our The Canadian Schoolhouse Team.
- Kitchen Science Lab
- STEAM Ideas for Kids
- The Science of Fall (with Activities)
- Engaging Experiences Instead of Homework
- Field Trip Bag – Prepare for the Unexpected
- Homeschool Field Trips
Guest Author
This article has been written by homeschooling staff writers of The Canadian Schoolhouse (TCS). Read more from them with Studying History with A Biblical Worldview.