Halifax Planetarium

The shows are presented by volunteer amateur astronomers, mostly for the Halifax Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Currently, public shows are on alternate Thursdays only. Ages range: 8 and up.
This is not a fancy planetarium like in some spiffy science centres, but the setting is friendly and intimate, and the presenters approachable. It is a great way to learn about the sky, and the show always goes on, rain or shine!

Let’s start with the only bad thing: your neck might get a bit sore after staring up at «the night sky» for an hour.
Seriously, I kind of wish that they just put mats down on the floor and everyone could lie down and stargaze.
So, if you’ve never been, here’s the deal: They do different presentations throughout the year, typically an hour in length and $ 5/​adult. You do have to e-​mail ahead of time to reserve space (see their Web site). You’ll get a star chart print-​out and some optional brochures if you want to expand and/​or apply your learning.
Once you’re in, they gradually adjust your eyes to night vision by dimming the lights. Then the magic begins. You wouldn’t think at the beginning that a simple domed tent and some strange looking machine could transport you into the night sky. But it happens. The presenter my evening also made sure to inject a fair bit of humour.
The machine itself was made by hand in the 1950s and technically belongs to the Museum on Natural History but is on permanent loan to Dalhousie.