Self-touring the Museum
Explore the wonders of Nova Scotia at the Museum of Natural History. See stunning Mi'kmaq artifacts, sea creatures, live frogs, and more! Interact with the Netukulimk exhibit and learn the sights and sounds of Nova Scotia's forests or explore space with Science on a Sphere. No visit is complete without stopping by to see Gus the Gopher Tortoise, who has been delighting Museum visitors for more than 70 years.
Suggested length of a self-tour: 1 hour+
Scavenger hunts of the Museum’s permanent exhibits are available. Please enquire when booking your self-tour. Self-tour groups are welcome to take part in any public programming. Visit our Daily Events page for program information.
Group Size
Groups can be any size but must be 10 or more individuals for a group rate to apply.
Group Rates & Student Rates
Admission |
Museum |
| Youth group Minimum 10 youth required for group rate. 1 adult chaperone per 5 youth free. |
$3.00 Additional adult chaperones: $8 |
| Adult group (18 years old+) Minimum 10 adults required for group rate |
$8 |
| School self-tour (Elementary, junior high, high school) 1 adult chaperone per 5 students free. |
$3.00 Additional adult chaperones: $8 |
| School tour with staff facilitated program. 1 adult chaperone per 5 students free. Check for available programs |
Program admission: Additional adult chaperones: $8 |
Groups pay in a single transaction to receive the group rate.
To prebook your visit, please contact Liz Spence at Elizabeth.spence@novascotia.ca or call (902) 424-6512.
Payment
Payment can be made by cash, cheque, credit card or invoice. Invoicing must be arranged at the beginning of the booking process. Cheques should be made payable to the “Minister of Finance”. Please ensure only one transaction/payment per school or group. We request that you enter the museum and pay before unloading from the bus.
Guidelines
- Teachers are asked to advise the chaperones that they must stay with the group of students assigned to them at all times.
- Chaperones and teachers are responsible for the safety and/or behaviour of students during their visit.
- There is no food or drink in the museum galleries.
- Running is not permitted in the museum.
- Our live animals are always a favourite! Get up close but please no tapping or banging on the tanks.
- Please no flash photography of the live animals.
Lunch
Our multi-purpose room may be available for your group to have lunch, however this is only by prior arrangement. Visitors should not bring meals that require heating. Please ensure all garbage and personal belongings are removed before departure. In fine weather our fenced in backyard is a great option.
Bathrooms
Male, female and accessible/family washrooms are located on the lower level of the museum.
Gift Shop
The museum gift shop is located near the reception area, to the right as you enter the museum.
For schools, the museum enforces a limit of 5 students at a time in the gift shop and they must be accompanied by their designated chaperone.
Parking
The Museum of Natural History has a pay and display lot on site which is administered by the QEII Health Science Centre. This is a public lot and is frequently used by Museum visitors and those visiting the area.
Parking is $1.50 per hour and the machine accepts coins and credit cards. Tickets must be clearly displayed on the dashboard area prior to entering the Museum.
In addition to the Museum's parking lot, there are numerous parking meters surrounding the Museum.
On Arrival
Museum staff will greet you at the admissions desk upon your arrival.
Please have an accurate head count of the group (including adults, teachers, EPAs, chaperones and students). This information will be required to process your payment.
Coats, backpacks and lunches should be left in the coatroom or as indicated by museum staff.
Booking
To prebook your organization’s visit, please contact Liz with your organization’s name and visit details, at mnhgroups@novascotia.ca or call 902-424-6512.