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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

How much does it cost to visit The Exploration Place?

You can find our admissions prices here.

Where can I buy tickets?

Visit us at our Visitor Services desk to purchase admission tickets. Tickets can also be purchased online here. Please note, tickets purchased online can be redeemed on any date we are open to the public. You can print your tickets or present the electronic version on your mobile device.

What are your hours? Are you open on statutory holidays?

Our hours of operation can be found here, as well as any upcoming days that we will be closed. You can also check our homepage, which will tell you if we are open or not.

We are open all statutory holidays except for December 25th.

How long should I allow for a visit?

The length of a visit depends on the person. We recommend that you plan to spend at least 1 h 30 to explore everything we have to offer.

I can't afford the price of admission. What are my options?

Earned revenues from admissions, memberships, and purchases ensure we can continue to welcome our visitors through the doors and offer them exceptional experiences.

In order to increase accessibility, we are part of the Northern Routes Cultural Discovery Pass. These passes can be checked out at the Prince George Public Library. These passes provide free access for any combination of up to four adults or children to some of North Central BC’s premier museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, including The Exploration Place.

We also offer free memberships to all Lheidli T’enneh members.

Memberships

How much is an annual membership?

Membership prices can be found here

How can I purchase a membership?

Memberships can be purchased at our Visitor Services desk, or online here.

What are the membership benefits?

Benefits of membership can be found here.

Does my membership give me free admission to other centres, like Science World?

A membership to The Exploration Place includes free or reduced admission to hundreds of science centres and museums in North America through reciprocal agreements with the Canadian Association of Science Centres and the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Certain restrictions may apply. Please note: In order to qualify for our reciprocal membership program, you must live within 150km of Prince George.

To receive free admission, you will be asked to show your membership card and a piece of government-issued photo ID. Please note: our current membership system only issues digital membership cards to the primary contact on the membership. Many centres will ask for membership cards for each person on the membership. While we are having our system’s technicians work on issuing multiple cards, in the meantime, those with group memberships, such as family memberships, may request a travel letter. Travel letters can be used in place of membership cards when you are travelling to other centres. To request a travel letter, email us at info@theexplorationplace.com

 

How do I get my membership card?

The Exploration Place offers digital membership cards. Going digital means you never have to worry about forgetting your membership card, in addition to being more environmentally friendly and helping to reduce administrative costs.

For instructions on how to download your digital membership card, visit us here. This site also contains more information about digital cards, what to do if you prefer a physical card, and more.

Please note: our current membership system only issues digital membership cards to the primary contact on the membership. Many centres will ask for membership cards for each person on the membership. While we are having our system’s technicians work on issuing multiple cards, in the meantime, those with group memberships, such as family memberships, may request a travel letter. Travel letters can be used in place of membership cards when you are travelling to other centres. To request a travel letter, email us at info@theexplorationplace.com.

How can I find out my membership expiry date or log in to my account?

To access membership pricing on bookings and event registrations, you will need to log in to your account. If you don’t already have an account set up with us, click on the “Forgot your password?” link and follow the instructions. 

This site will also give you more information about your membership. Here, you can also view and edit your contact information, change your password, view your order history, and more.

I have an Origins membership. I heard this membership has been discontinued. What can I do?

In our efforts to enhance our visitors’ experience and offer even more opportunities for enjoyment, we’ve made some adjustments. We’ve discontinued the Origins memberships to pave the way for a more inclusive system.

Our visitors have asked, and we listened. Now anyone who purchases food or beverages from Origins Kitchen can enjoy them in the beautiful Gaia Gallery.

So what happens next? As a valued existing Origins member, you have several options to choose from:

  • Continued Benefits: You can continue to enjoy the perks of your Origins membership until your expiry date. Your 10% discount in Origins Kitchen, Elements Retail, and member discounts on programs and events remain yours to take advantage of. You will also receive one free admission voucher to enjoy our museum galleries or to share with a friend so they can enjoy all we have to offer.

  • Switch Membership Types: You can convert your Origins membership to another membership type, tailoring your experience to suit your preferences.  You will also receive one free admission voucher to share with a friend so they can enjoy all we have to offer. (Please note, depending on the membership you choose, there might be a nominal fee to upgrade.)

  • Pro-Rated Refund: Alternatively, if you prefer, you can opt for a pro-rated refund for the remaining duration of your existing Origins membership.

Our Visitor Services desk is ready to assist you with whichever choice suits you best. Simply swing by, and our team will be delighted to guide you through the process, answer any questions, or assist with your decision. You can also contact us at info@theexplorationplace.com for assistance.

We genuinely value your membership and the support you’ve shown us. Our members’ enthusiasm for discovery drives us to keep evolving and enhancing your experience here at The Exploration Place.

General

Can I bring my own food or drinks into the museum?

Outside food or drinks are not permitted inside The Exploration Place. Exceptions are water and milk/formula/food for infants.

We have a fabulous onsite cafe, Origins Kitchen, which offers a variety of snacks, coffee, baked goods, soup, sandwiches, and more! If you purchase food from Origins Kitchen, you may also enjoy it in our beautiful Gaia Gallery.

No food or drink of any kind (other than water) is permitted in museum galleries beyond the Gaia Gallery. Food or drinks can attract unwanted pests that can be a danger to our Animal Ambassadors and museum collections.

Is there a coat check?

Due to space and staffing constraints, we do not have an onsite coat check.

Is there free WiFi?

Yes, public wireless Internet access is free inside the Museum. Ask our Visitor Services Assistant for the password.

Is the museum accessible?

To find out more about parking and accessibility, visit us here. We strive to be as accessible as possible. If you would like help planning your visit, you can contact us at 250.562.1612 or email us at info@theexplorationplace.com.

Are pets allowed into the museum?

Pets are not permitted inside The Exploration Place, due to biosecurity rules to keep our Animal Ambassadors safe. Assistance or guide dogs for people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, or reduced mobility are allowed. We reserve the right to ask for proof that the animal is an assistance or service dog.

Can I drop my kids off at the museum?

Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to supervise the children in their care at all times while inside the museum.

What kinds of programs do you offer? How do I find out more about programs and events?

You can find out more about our current programs and events and how to register on our Events Calendar. We also have a News section, which you can check for important updates and announcements.

You can also sign up for our newsletter, which will let you know what is happening around the museum.

Follow us on social media:

What kinds of things are there for kids to do? What about adults?

We aim to engage visitors of all ages.

While we do not have a dedicated Children’s Gallery, there is plenty to keep kids busy at the museum. Along with our dinosaurs, mammoth, and exhibits, our Upper Biome is perfect for hands-on exploration for little ones, with a variety of natural history objects to discover. The Biome also features a climbing structure, and who could forget – our live Animal Ambassadors, which are always the most popular members of our team. There is also an interactive floor and a one-storey slide that is fun for adults and kids alike!

We have daily Animal Ambassador feedings at 10:30am and 4:30pm, and a Meet the Keeper every afternoon at 2:30.

We have in-house historical exhibits that explore our local history, as well as natural history and science exhibits. We alternate our travelling exhibits in the George Phillips Exhibit Gallery between more adult-oriented history exhibits and more kid-friendly science exhibits approximately every three months. Please note: Due to COVID-19 and our closure, we had to reschedule many exhibits. This has resulted in a temporary change in our normally alternating schedule. Visit here to learn more about each of our galleries and to find out what’s on exhibit or coming soon.

We also frequently have fun science demos happening in our galleries, and new and exciting programs and events happening all the time. Check our Events Calendar to see what’s coming up!

Do you have camps for kids?

Our Science Alliance Day Camps teach kids about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) in a fun, “hands-on, minds-on” interactive setting. Through experiments, activities, games, presentations, guest speakers, field trips, and more, we have gotten local kids excited about science and learning since 1996.

Science Alliance runs through July and August, with registration typically opening in March/April. Spring Break camp registration opens in January, and Winter Break camp registration opens in November.

Visit here for more information.

Do you offer childcare?

We no longer offer preschool or after-school care. However, we are partnering with the Lheidli T’enneh on a new childcare centre currently under construction in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park. This centre is slated to open in 2025. Stay tuned for more information!

Do you offer guided tours?

Our gallery interpreters are always at your disposal to explain exhibits, artifacts, and more. Guided tours can be set up by appointment. Contact us at info@theexplorationplace and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Can I take pictures in the museum?

Yes, you may take photos in the museum, provided you do not use a flash. Flashes can be harmful to our artifacts, particularly in the Hodul’eh-a: A Place of Learning gallery. They can also be stressful for our Animal Ambassadors.

Do you offer facility rentals for events, parties, or meetings?

Yes, we do! We also offer catering from Origins Kitchen. Go here to find out more or contact us at bookings@theexplorationplace.

What kind of programming do you offer teachers and schools?

We have lots of FREE options for teachers to engage your students at the museum or in your classroom. Our 2023-2024 school programs are always free, thanks to our generous sponsors at the Drax Foundation. Visit here to see what we offer and to find out how to book.

Do you have gift cards?

Yes! Our gift cards can be pre-loaded with any amount, are reloadable, and can be redeemed for admissions, memberships, food and beverages from Origins Kitchen, and merchandise from Elements Retail.

Where can I find more information about Prince George's history?

There are lots of ways to find out more about local history, whether you’re a researcher, a student, or you just want to know more about a specific subject.

  • Visit the Ted Williams History Centre.
  • Visit our Online Collections Database, which showcases many of our historical photographs and artifacts. With over 1,000 linear feet of archival materials including over 1.5 million images and 80,000 artifacts (and growing!), we are always digitizing and adding more.
  • Research and Services: Visit here to find out more about our curatorial services and how to contact our curatorial department.
How can I donate an artifact?

It’s best to contact us before bringing in a donation. Contact our curatorial team at 250.562.1612 or email chad.hellenius@theexplorationplace.com.

Is The Exploration Place part of the City of Prince George? Is the museum funded by our tax dollars?

The Exploration Place is a non-profit organization and registered Canadian charity, and is not municipally funded. We are an independent organization funded only in part through a service contract with the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George. In a typical year, we must raise over $2,700 daily over and above those funds to keep our doors open to the public.

We rely on donations, private foundations, government grants, and earned revenue to fund our operation.

How can I support The Exploration Place or volunteer?

The Exploration Place is a non-profit organization and registered Canadian charity. Every dollar spent on admissions, memberships, programs, food and beverages, and merchandise supports us to continue the work we do. Find out different ways you can support us here.

How can I offer feedback or ideas for future programs and events?

You can reach us at info@theexplorationplace.com or call us at 250.562.1612. We want to hear from you!