Public Program FAQ
The following is a list of commonly asked questions. Please review these questions first before calling the education office.
Making A Reservation
How far in advance should I make a public program booking?
Our available dates for programming during the year generally fill up two to three months in advance. To ensure we can offer the requested date for your group, please submit your booking request well in advance.
If you would like to request programming for the Remembrance period, please make your booking request during the summer months. The month of November is very popular and availability is often full by the beginning of the school year.
How do I know which programs to request?
For a well-rounded experience we suggest you choose one program and one tour. Each of these programs is described in our online education brochure and organized by theme and grade-level. All programs are 30 to 45 minutes in length.
Do you offer programming on evenings or weekends?
We currently do not offer programming on weekends. Evening programming is only offered during the month of November for the Remembrance period. This package generally involves a tour and theatre presentation.
How do I know my booking has gone through?
You will receive a confirmation email from the Education Department; this will include a document with the rules and expectations of the Museums, as well as final costs per student etc. This is your confirmation letter. In addition, you will receive an outline of the day’s activities and how many groups your classes are divided into, this is your rotation schedule. Please review these documents when you receive them and email us with any questions or concerns.
I have not received an email confirmation in response to my booking request. What should I do?
If you have not received a confirmation of your booking request via email within one week of submitting it, please contact our education department by email or by phone.
What time of day should I book for?
The museum does not open until 9:00am; education programs do not begin until 9:30am at the earliest. Otherwise, the start time is completely flexible to your preference.
Group Sizes And Volunteers
How many individuals can be in a group at one time?
The maximum number of individuals we can accommodate at one time is 90. If you would like to make a booking for more than 90 people, we suggest dividing your group and requesting two or three different days. Smaller group sizes provide a more meaningful experience and a more manageable day for adult volunteers. In order to expedite the process, please have participants divided into their appropriate group prior to arrival.
What is a “supervisory adult”?
A supervisory adult is defined as a teacher or volunteer who acts as leader for their group and can be charged with the direction and supervision of participants . During any Time to Explore periods, the supervisory adults are responsible for the safety and conduct of students. These adults are not charged entrance fees. (This is contrary to any additional adults, who arrive with the group but do not accompany them as leaders during programming, and who must pay the standard $10 admission fee.)
How many adult leaders should we bring with our group?
We request that our groups arrive with a ratio of 1 adult to every 10 school-age participants. For groups of elementary-aged children (K – 4), we recommend a higher ratio of 1 adult to every 7 students.
What will be the role of adult volunteers during programming?
All adult leaders are expected to help direct and supervise participants. They are also expected to help facilitate any activities such as crafts, artwork, etc. During Time to Explore periods, all students’ behaviour and safety is the direct responsibility of the supervisory adults.
Museum Facilities
Do you have a cafeteria?
We do not have a cafeteria on-site. We do have a vending area and an education classroom, both may be used as an eating area for students. If weather permits, students are also welcome to eat outdoors. Please note that we do not have an available microwave, and we do not supply cutlery. Students should be advised to bring cold lunches and their own utensils.
Is there a space to store personal belongings?
Yes, we have a coatroom on-site large enough to store students’ coats and backpacks during programming.