What are the hours for the Canadian Antiques Roadshow?
The tickets are divided into a.m. and p.m. (Please check your tickets to see whether you should come in the morning or the afternoon.) The doors open at 9:00 and everyone who joins the line before 4 p.m. is entitled to an appraisal.

What kind of items is the Canadian Antiques Roadshow looking for?
Obviously, we're very interested in items that reflect the history and culture of Canada - but of course the Roadshow will accept and appraise any antique. Bring something you want to know more about or something that you find curious. You will be able to talk to some of the most knowledgeable people in the country, who can identify, date and advise you about your object(s) - so make the most of it. Bring parts of things too: if you want an opinion about a tea service, bring the teapot and a few other pieces, not the whole lot. Or maybe the drawer from a dressing table will be enough (together with a photograph) for the expert to go on.

Besides more common items, we (and our viewers) are always interested in the unusual, too. So if you have an item that is out of the ordinary, tell us about it.

How many objects can I bring?
We limit the number of items you bring to two, particularly if they belong in different categories. If you bring a book and a piece of silver, you'll have to queue in two different lines. Choose wisely.

Will my objects be safe?
Another reason not to bring three suitcases full of china! We cannot take responsibility for the safety of your objects, so please wrap fragile items well. Bubble wrap is excellent for protecting ceramics, but layers of newspaper or acid-free tissue work just as well. Items chosen for an on-air appraisal will be placed in a secured room until your taping.

What about large or heavy objects?
We don't expect you to drag a large piece of furniture to the show - though some people do! If we think your large item sounds interesting, we will send our advance crew out to your home. If they believe it is worth having an expert review, then we will have our movers arrange for pickup of the item and deliver to the show venue. After the show, the item will be returned to your house. You'll be given a special appointment card, so you don't have to wait in line, too. Additional information about large or heavy objects (requiring a moving truck) will be sent with the newsletter and will appear with the ticketing information for each venue when it is made public.

What expert will I see?
There are quite a few experts at each show, but because they all work for auction houses or for their own businesses, each location brings a different group together. So you may not get to talk to your favourite, but there is always someone who can answer your questions.

How long will I have to wait to have an appraisal?
It is hard to say which queue will be the longest at any given show; the Porcelain and Miscellaneous tables are always busy. But for that reason we always have several experts for each discipline. They are chosen so that their various fields of expertise complement each other - so we can cover as broad a range of subjects as possible. Nevertheless, you may have a several hour wait, so make sure you wear comfortable clothing, bring a snack and perhaps a fold-out chair - and be prepared for any weather difficulties!

What items are selected to go on TV?
We have very little idea what will turn up on the day, and it is up to the Roadshow experts to shout out when they are shown something interesting. The expert shows the object to the television team and a decision is made whether to record it. Some of the factors affecting this decision are: rarity, quality, what the expert can say about the object and, of course, value. Sometimes objects are fascinating for other reasons - local history, local culture or a mystery object that confuses everyone!

What happens if my item is selected to be videotaped?
The expert will organize the recording. Sometimes there is a bit of a backlog, in which case we invite you into our waiting room where you can relax with other guests over a cup of tea. You and the expert will be made-up by our make-up artist to make sure our bright lights don't make you look too pale, and then you can talk to the expert about your object in front of the cameras. This lasts for about five minutes. Don't worry, there are plenty of people on hand to take the stress out of the situation! But just because your item is videotaped does not mean that it will end up on TV.

Can I come and watch or do I have to bring some antiques?
At most Roadshows there simply isn't room for people who haven't brought along something to show the experts.

When will the program be broadcast?
You can find out the broadcast order of the current shows by visiting:

Can the Roadshow value my objects via email?
Unfortunately, we cannot give detailed advice anywhere but at a Roadshow. However, we may be able to ask our experts to give you some additional information about your item if you can provide us with information and pictures. If accepted, your item will appear for all to see in the questions and answers section of our web site. Please note that although your item's evaluation may end up in the Q & A section of the website, no personal details will be disclosed.

Can you refer to me to an appraiser?