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COVID-19 Safety Measures

Information for a Safe and Healthy Visit

We are excited to have you visit us! Your health and safety are a priority.

Proof of Vaccination

As of December 1, 2021, proof of vaccination will be required to visit the museum for those aged 12 and older. 

(Until November 28, 2021, proof of vaccination is required to access the eating area inside the museum for those aged 12 and older).

You can show either of the following as proof:

• A vaccination certificate and identification that has your name and date of birth
• A vaccination passport and identification that has your name and date of birth.

In order to be considered fully vaccinated, you must have received your final shot at least 14 days before your visit.

Before You Visit

• Please read our Terms for Visiting about safe practices.
• If you feel ill, are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, or have travelled outside the country in the past 14 days, please stay home.
• Tickets must be purchased in advance, online.
• Admission is time-ticketed. Entry times are spaced in 15-minute increments.
• Arrive at the museum no earlier than 10 minutes before the entry time on your ticket.
• Download a floor plan (PDF). Printed plans are not available on site.

What You Can Expect During Your Visit

Health and Safety

• A mask covering the face, nose and chin must be worn by all staff and visitors, including children age two and older. Exceptions (proof is not required):
  • children under two years old
  • people who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons
  • those who require accommodations in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.
• Respect physical distancing (2-metre separation) for those not in your social bubble.
• A "social bubble" is defined as members of the same household or a pre-existing social bubble, to a maximum of six people.
• Hand sanitizers are placed throughout the museum.
• The frequency of rigorous cleaning has been increased across the museum.
• Proof of vaccination is required for those aged 12 and older to access the eating area inside the museum (see above for details).
• As of December 1, 2021, proof of vaccination will be required to access the museum for those aged 12 and older (see above for details).

Moving Around the Museum

• To ensure physical distancing and to avoid congestion, follow the path marked by arrows on the floor.
• Space on elevators is limited, so we encourage use of stairs as much as possible.

Galleries

• All of our permanent galleries are open.
• High-touch areas are closed for now. These include the Bird Care Clinic (Bird Gallery) and the Extinction Theatre (Fossil Gallery).
• Some hands-on interactives in galleries will not be accessible.
• The theatre is closed.
• The live butterflies exhibition is closed for the foreseeable future.

Food and Refreshments

• You may bring a water bottle. We have a bottle-refill water station. Water fountains are turned off.
• Food and drink may be consumed inside the designated indoor and outdoor eating areas.
• Proof of vaccination is required to access the eating area inside (see above for details).
• Nature Café is closed, but vending machines will offer beverages, snacks and quick food options.

Amenities

• Strollers are not available for loan at this time.
• Wheelchairs are available by request.
• Personal strollers are permitted, but we encourage you to park your stroller in the designated zone upon entry and walk with children and toddlers when possible in order to avoid the wait for the elevator.
• The museum has unsupervised racks where you can hang your coat.
• Lockers and ATM kiosks (bank machines) are not available at this time.

Information for Members

• Members are required to reserve tickets online before visiting. You must get your tickets in advance.
• On Thursdays and Sundays, a special time slot from 10 am to 11 am is reserved exclusively for members.
• Proof of membership will be required at the time of entry.
• About membership.