Where to watch today’s solar eclipse in Ottawa, eastern Ontario
Millions of spectators in Canada, the United States and Mexico are anticipating today’s total solar eclipse.
While Ottawa is not along the path of totality, there are a number of ways you can experience the celestial event.
Partial eclipse facts for Ottawa:
- Moon coverage of the sun at its peak: 98.8 per cent
- Level of darkness at its peak: Similar to dusk or dawn
- Start time of eclipse: 2:10 p.m.
- Time of peak coverage: 3:25 p.m.
- End of the eclipse: 4:35 p.m.
Here are a few of the ways you can experience the eclipse locally:
Canadian Aviation and Space Museum:
The museum is hosting an event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, April 8.
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The event will be included with regular admission and will include safe viewing for participants. The museum is offering programming on eclipses and how to view them safely, including instructions on how to make-your-own pinhole viewer.
Staff will also be offering additional viewing through solar filtered binoculars and magnified solar projectors. In case of inclement weather, the museum will be streaming the eclipse live in its theatre.
You’re encouraged to book tickets ahead of time as parking will be limited.
Canadian Museum of Nature:
The museum will be hosting a viewing event from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, April 8.
Eclipse glasses will be provided along with free museum admission. Science interpreters will demonstrate the use of LightSound, an accessibility device, which translates the visual experience of the eclipse into sound.
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Attendees can also watch a live stream inside the museum.
It’s recommended you buy you tickets ahead of time. ($18 for adults, $16 for seniors, youth and students.)
If you’d like to head south, Kingston will experience a total solar eclipse —- for the first time in 700 years! Up to 500,000 people are expected to descend on the Limestone City on Monday, as it’s directly in the path of totality.
The Ontario Provincial Police is also warning people to anticipate delays while travelling thanks to the expected influx of travelers expected.
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Total eclipse facts for Kingston:
If you have high-quality solar eclipse glasses, you can experience the eclipse from anywhere in Kingston, including the following sites which will offer washroom access.
- Lake Ontario Park – 920 King St. West
- INVISTA Centre (south field) – 135 Gardiners Rd.
- Cataraqui Kinsmen Arena – 1030 Sunnyside Rd.
- Kingston East Community Centre (Grenadier Park) – 779 Hwy. 15
- Lion’s Civic Gardens/Isabel Turner Library – 935 Gardiners Rd. (parking at Cataraqui Centre)
- LaSalle Secondary School – 773 Hwy. 15
- Maple Elementary School – 529 St. Martha St.
- Frontenac Secondary School – 1789 Bath Rd.
- Bayridge Secondary School – 1059 Taylor Kidd Blvd.
Queen’s University Eclipse Ambassadors will also be on site at these locations to help answer questions.
The City of Kingston is also offering a free special event at Grass Creek Park, located at 2991 Highway 2, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The event will feature live entertainment, food trucks and educational programming among other things.
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St. Lawrence Parks Commission events:
Fort Henry Solar Eclipse Experience:
Fort Henry will host a free eclipse-viewing event for all ages.
The event runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and includes educational guest speakers, live music and entertainment, children’s activities, and a vibrant array of artisans and food vendors.
Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the Kingston Food Bank.
Click here for more information.
Upper Canada Village:
Upper Canada Village is hosting an event from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Guests will congregate in the open area around the Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site along the backdrop of the St. Lawrence River.
Admission is free and guests will be given a free pair of solar viewing glasses that will allow them to observe every stage of the eclipse safely.
A Beavertails food truck will be open, background music will set the ambiance and portable washrooms will be on site.
Paid parking is required and must be purchased in advance at www.uppercanadavillage.com
Other locations around eastern Ontario:
Brockville
A total eclipse viewing event will be held at the Blockhouse Island in Brockville from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
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Total eclipse facts for Brockville:
- Start time of eclipse: 2:10 p.m.
- Time of peak coverage: 3:24 p.m.
- End of the eclipse: 4:35 p.m.
Cornwall
An eclipse viewing party is being held at Lamoureaux Park from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. You are asked to bring your own lawn chair and safety eyewear.
Partial eclipse facts for Cornwall:
- Start time of eclipse: 2:12 p.m.
- Time of peak coverage: 3:26 p.m.
- End of the eclipse: 4:35 p.m.
You can also view the eclipse online here.
