Get ready! A rare total solar eclipse is set to darken the skies this spring in what will be a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
Parts of Ontario will be able to witness a total solar eclipse this April as the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking out the face of the sun.
However, not everyone will be able to see the eclipse — Toronto will unfortunately be just outside the eclipse’s path of totality, meaning that viewers here will only see about 99 percent of the sun covered and won’t be able to experience the moment of darkness that comes with a total eclipse.
Thankfully, you don’t have to go far to be able to experience totality. There are many nearby cities and towns that will be in the path of totality come April. Here are seven cities that are 3 hours or less from Toronto where you can see the Apirl 8 2024 total solar eclipse.
Hamilton
Details: About an hour away, Hamilton will be solidly inside the path of totality. Here, totality will begin at 3:18 p.m. and last for 1 minute and 47 seconds.
There will be designated viewing locations in the city, including Hamilton conservation areas, parks and more, with limited quantities of eclipse safety glasses to be issued at certain locations. More information on where to watch the eclipse and which sites will be distributing eclipse glasses can be found on the Hamilton Tourism website.
Burlington
Details: Also an hour from Toronto, the city of Burlington will be in the path of totality for the eclipse. The eclipse will occur quite briefly here, however, at just a minute and 34 seconds at Burlington Beach, according to Eclipse2024.
According to the BurlingtonGreen Environmental Association, the student-led Monarch Butterfly Eclipse Project is selling ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses ahead of the event, with 20 percent of the gross sales going directly to support BurlingtonGreen’s year-round Nature-Friendly Burlington program.
Niagara Falls
A total solar eclipse.
Details: The Niagara region will be one of the best places in the province to experience the eclipse, boasting one of the longest durations of totality in Ontario at 3 minutes and 32 seconds.
Niagara Falls will also have a host of activities and things to do to celebrate the day, with a free concert and eclipse programming at multiple sites, including the Niagara Butterfly Conservatory, Power Station and Tunnel, and Table Rock Centre.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Details: About 25 minutes from the falls, you can experience the celestial event in the tranquil town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The partial phase of the eclipse will begin in Niagara-on-the-Lake at 2:04, according to Eclipse 2024. Totality here will begin at 3:18 p.m. and last for 3 minutes and 14 seconds, just a bit less than that of Niagara Falls.
An array of events are being hosted in town to celebrate the eclipse, including watch parties and a cycling tour.
After the eclipse, you can hang around in town to peruse quaint stores and walk the charming cobblestone streets.
St. Catharines
Details: About an hour and a half away, St. Catharines will also be fully in the path of totality during the eclipse. The partial phase of the eclipse will begin here at 2:04 p.m., with totality beginning at 3:18 p.m. and lasting for 3 minutes and 14 seconds, according to Eclipse2024.
According to the city, everyone is welcome to observe the total solar eclipse from St. Catharines’ parks. Brock University will also be hosting a free public event.
Kingston
Details: The total solar eclipse will begin in Kingston at about 2:09 p.m. and will reach totality at 3:23 p.m. Totality will last here for 2 minutes and 51 seconds, according to Eclipse2024.
The city of Kingston is celebrating the eclipse in a big way, with special viewing locations, activities, events and performances. The grounds around Fort Henry National Historic Site will also be open on April 8 with free admission to Fort Henry Hill.
Downtown Kingston will also have a number of activations to celebrate the eclipse, with full programming available on the city’s website.
Belleville
A solar eclipse.
Details: About 2 hours from Toronto, Belleville will also get to experience the total solar eclipse.
The partial eclipse will begin in Belleville at 2:08 p.m., according to Eclipse 2024, with totality to begin at 3:22 p.m. and last for 1 minute and 19 seconds.
On its website, the city is reminding viewers to make sure they have proper eyewear for the eclipse, and has a list of solar eclipse glasses vendors and solar viewer resources.
Oakville
Details: Parts of Oakville are just within the path of totality, according to Time and Date, although the duration of totality here will be quite short.
The partial phase of the eclipse will begin here at 2:04 p.m., with totality taking place at 3:19 p.m. and lasting only 32 seconds, according to Time and Date.
If you want to catch the show here, spots along Oakville’s lakeshore area will be perfect for viewing it, including the Oakville Lighthouse.
Port Dover
Details: Just over two hours from Toronto. Port Dover in Norfolk County will be a great place to catch the eclipse.
The eclipse will begin here at 2:02 p.m. Totality will begin at 3:16 p.m. and last for 3 minutes and 13 seconds.
As for where to watch it in Port Dover, you could head to one of Port Dover’s beaches or take in the show at the Port Dort Lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the water.
According to Norfolk County, you can pick up solar eclipse glasses in the area ahead of the celestial event.
What is the 2024 solar eclipse path?
To see where the path of totality will be in Ontario, you can refer to Time and Date’s online eclipse map.
The website Eclipse2024 also provides details on which cities in Ontario will be in the path of totality, and how long the total solar eclipse will last in each.
What time is the eclipse in Toronto?
In Toronto, the solar eclipse will take place at 2:05 p.m. While Toronto won’t experience totality, it will see about 99.6 percent of the sun covered by the moon. This will occur at 3:19 p.m., according to Eclipse2024.
If you’re planning to watch from Toronto, there will be a number of eclipse events and watch parties going on in the city, including at the Toronto Zoo, Toronto Metropolitan University and Tommy Thompson Park.
Enjoy, and don’t forget the eclipse glasses!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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