Where to Buy Science Supplies and Telescopes in Victoria, BC (After Quarky Science)
For many science enthusiasts in Victoria, BC, Quarky Science was more than just a retail shop – it was a niche hub for hands-on learning. In fact, as one local astronomy forum once described it, “Way out there in left field is Quarky Science, an absolute must for all the professional and amateur” observers looking for serious gear. The store offered a wide range of telescopes, microscopes, lab glassware, STEM kits, optics and educational tools for students, homeschool families, amateur astronomers and hobbyists.
For years, anyone searching for telescopes Victoria BC or a reliable science store Victoria option often ended up discovering this small but well-stocked shop. Its carefully selected inventory combined entry-level science materials with serious equipment like large-aperture Dobsonian telescopes and certified solar filters. Although the shop is now closed, it left a strong impression on the local STEM and astronomy community.
“The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” – Albert Einstein
With Quarky Science no longer operating, many educators and science enthusiasts are now searching online for science stores nearby, scientific equipment near me, or trusted retailers carrying telescopes Vancouver Island. Below are the top stores in Victoria, BC that continue to serve the local scientific and STEM community.
Top 5 Science & STEM Shops in Victoria, BC
While Quarky Science once offered a broad mix of lab equipment, telescopes and STEM kits, several Victoria businesses now cover similar ground – from professional instrumentation to hands-on learning tools. Below are practical, location-based alternatives with useful details.
1. Rockland Scientific International Inc.
- Address: 520 Dupplin Rd, Victoria, BC V8Z 1C1
- Phone: (250) 370-1688
Rockland Scientific is not a retail toy or hobby shop – it’s a globally recognized manufacturer of precision oceanographic instruments. Their equipment is used in marine research, turbulence measurement and environmental monitoring. While primarily serving research institutions and government agencies, they represent the highest level of professional science instrumentation in the Greater Victoria area.
If you’re searching for high-end scientific equipment near me, this is one of the most advanced providers in the Greater Victoria region – though it primarily serves institutions rather than retail customers.
✔ Best for: Advanced researchers, marine scientists, institutional buyers
✔ Not ideal for: Casual hobby purchases or children’s STEM kits
2. UVic Science Stores
- Address: University of Victoria, 168 Petch Building, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2
- Phone: (250) 721-8853
Located on the University of Victoria campus, the UVic Science Stores provide laboratory supplies, glassware, chemicals and research materials primarily for faculty and students. Access is generally limited to UVic account holders, but it remains a key scientific supply hub in the region.
While not a public-facing science store Victoria option, it remains a key scientific supply hub for university-level lab work.
✔ Best for: University-level lab equipment and reagents
✔ Note: Not open to general walk-in retail customers
3. School House Teaching Supplies
- Address: 3170 Tillicum Rd #103, Victoria, BC V9A 7C5
- Phone: (250) 385-9030
A long-standing local education store, School House Teaching Supplies carries classroom science kits, manipulatives, experiment sets and curriculum-aligned materials. While not focused on advanced lab instrumentation, it offers practical resources for teachers, homeschool families and early STEM learners.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin
For teachers searching for practical classroom tools or families looking for science stores nearby, this is one of the most accessible retail options.
✔ Best for: Classroom science materials, educational kits, learning aids
✔ Strength: Teacher-friendly inventory with hands-on learning focus
4. BC Hobbies
- Address: 1644 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 2C5
- Phone: (250) 383-0051
BC Hobbies is one of the better-known electronics stores Victoria BC residents rely on for robotics kits, components and model engineering supplies. While not strictly a science retailer, it functions as an informal electronics store Victoria makers often turn to for STEM builds and DIY projects.
✔ Best for: Robotics, model engineering, electronics projects
✔ Strength: Strong selection for hands-on technical hobbies
5. Two Otters Science & Nature Company
- Address: 803 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 2H4
- Phone: (250) 590-0554
Two Otters specializes in science-themed toys, exploration tools, magnifiers and nature kits. It doesn’t replace a dedicated telescope retailer, but for families and younger learners, it remains one of the most approachable science stores nearby in downtown Victoria.
✔ Best for: Children’s science kits, nature exploration tools
✔ Strength: Engaging, accessible science products for families
Where to Buy Science Supplies in Victoria, BC: Store Comparison
If you’re looking for lab equipment, STEM kits, robotics tools or educational science materials in Victoria, this comparison makes it easier to choose the right shop. The table below highlights what each store specializes in, who it serves best, and whether it’s open for general walk-in customers.
While the stores above cover many everyday science and STEM needs in Victoria, some specialized equipment – from large Dobsonian telescopes to certified solar filters – simply isn’t available on local shelves. Anyone searching specifically for telescopes Victoria BC today will likely discover that inventory is limited locally.
For example, finding a 12” Dobsonian or comparing Celestron Trailseeker tripod deals often requires checking Canadian online retailers. Similarly, enthusiasts comparing telescopes Vancouver Island options may find that nearby cities like Nanaimo occasionally list inventory – making a quick drive for a telescope Nanaimo purchase a practical alternative.
Shop | Address | Phone | Main Focus |
Rockland Scientific International Inc. | 520 Dupplin Rd, Victoria, BC V8Z 1C1 | (250) 370-1688 | Oceanographic and precision scientific instruments |
UVic Science Stores | 168 Petch Building, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2 | (250) 721-8853 | Lab supplies, glassware, chemicals |
School House Teaching Supplies | 3170 Tillicum Rd #103, Victoria, BC V9A 7C5 | (250) 385-9030 | Classroom STEM kits & teaching materials |
BC Hobbies | 1644 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC V8T 2C5 | (250) 383-0051 | Robotics, electronics, model engineering |
Two Otters Science & Nature Company | 803 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 2H4 | (250) 590-0554 | Science toys, nature kits, magnifiers |
While the stores above cover many everyday science and STEM needs in Victoria, some specialized equipment – from large Dobsonian telescopes to certified solar filters and professional lab glassware – simply isn’t available on local shelves. For those harder-to-find items, a handful of trusted Canadian online retailers ship reliably to BC and often carry a broader selection than any single physical store.
Online Alternatives for Victoria Residents
With Quarky Science closed, some of its most sought-after products – large-aperture telescopes, certified solar filters, specialty lab glassware – simply aren’t available on local shelves anymore. For Victoria residents who need specific equipment, Canadian online retailers fill that gap reliably, often with better selection and competitive pricing.
Best Canadian Online Science & STEM Stores
Store | Website | Ships to BC | Best For |
Astronomics Canada / Khan Scope Centre | khanscope.com | ✅ Yes | Telescopes, eyepieces, Dobsonians, mounts |
Agena AstroProducts | agenaastro.com | ✅ Yes | Eyepieces, filters, accessories |
Spectrum Scientifics | scientificsonline.com | ✅ Yes | Lab glassware, optics, science kits |
Scholar’s Choice | scholarschoice.ca | ✅ Yes | STEM kits, homeschool curriculum, classroom tools |
Steve Spangler Science | stevespanglerscience.com | ✅ Yes | Experiment kits, demo tools, science toys |
Amazon.ca | amazon.ca | ✅ Yes | Wide range – telescopes, kits, electronics, robotics |
Lee Valley Tools | leevalley.com | ✅ Yes | Precision tools, maker supplies, educational kits |
STEM Fuse / Indigo | chapters.indigo.ca | ✅ Yes | Entry-level STEM kits, children’s science books |
What You Can Find Online That’s Hard to Source Locally
- Large-aperture Dobsonian telescopes (10”+) – Khan Scope Centre carries a wide selection that no Victoria retailer currently stocks
- Certified solar filters and hydrogen-alpha equipment – only available through specialty astronomy retailers online
- Professional lab glassware sets – borosilicate flasks, burettes, condensers – available via Spectrum Scientifics or Amazon.ca
- Robotics and electronics components – Arduino kits, Raspberry Pi accessories, sensor packs through Amazon.ca or specialty maker stores
- Curriculum-aligned homeschool science kits – Scholar’s Choice and Steve Spangler offer grade-specific packages unavailable in most local shops
A Few Practical Tips for Ordering Online from Victoria
Shipping to BC is generally fast from Canadian retailers – most offer 3-5 business day delivery. For US-based stores like Agena AstroProducts, orders under $150 CAD typically clear customs without additional duty fees, making them practical for accessories and eyepieces. Always check whether a retailer ships fragile optics with adequate padding – reputable astronomy stores like Khan Scope Centre specialize in safe telescope shipping and include manufacturer warranties.