Visitors cannot mistake this space-age attraction. As one comes upon the grounds of the imposing site, the depths and mysteries of our universe suddenly arise in the mind, the eyes stimulated by the humongous gleaming silver ball, its spider-like supports protruding from its base, resembling some kind of otherworldly spaceship. Small boats and canoes glide across the waters over which the giant spacecraft looms, not unlike a fleet of fighter ships. Visitors flock to the entranceway, filing inside one after the other, as if sucked in by an invisible beam. Once inside the structure, many of the mysteries of space come to light, while countless other questions spring forth in the brain, perhaps never to be answered, but frustratingly pondered until the end of time.

With permanent galleries exploring the fields of biology, physics, natural history and more, Science World makes for a fun and educational way to drive yourself bananas contemplating some of the world’s greatest phenomena. And if that’s not enough, temporary exhibits breeze through regularly offering the latest insight to universal and earthly mysteries, from videos to hands-on exhibits to virtual realty. Science World in Vancouver allows visitors to explore everything from the cause, mechanisms and results of a sneeze, to the inner-workings of a gigantic beehive, to a laser light show about the formation of galaxies in the ALCAN OMNIMAX Theater. ---Words and photos by Michael Rando.