Unlike annual occurrences, total solar eclipses are exceptionally rare, happening once every few centuries. Destinations across South Eastern Ontario have been planning ahead to welcome you on April 8th with special viewing parties, themed events and celestial celebrations.

Witnessing the 2024 solar eclipse promises to be a remarkable event and Kingston’s geographical position places it within the narrow strip of the “path of totality,” making it an ideal location for witnessing the eclipse. With various events planned across the city, including at Fort Henry and Grass Creek Park, there’s no shortage of options for eclipse enthusiasts.

Far be it for us to tell you what makes Kingston so special for the April 8th solar eclipse — check out Mommy Gearest’s latest blog post, pointing you squarely into the path of totality.

Transit Kingston will be offering free transit courtesy of Tourism Kingston. Find a park and ride location.

Primary viewing location + programming will take place at Grass Creek Park, located off highway 2 between Kingston and Gananoque.

View the full lineup of events happening in Kingston here including maps of viewing sites, information on accommodation partners, and entertainment.

Bay of Quinte

The Bay of Quinte website has a map of the best viewing locations and some featured events, including a Greater Napanee viewing party, BOQ.Bike Belleville ride,  Bollywood Night at BayLeaf and Total Eclipse of the Sun Party at The Waterfront Pub.

The complete solar eclipse represents an opportunity to mark an important milestone in the history of the Rotinonhsyon:ni (People of the Flint/Iroquois People).   Join the Kenhtè:ke Seed Sanctuary and Learning Centre and friends on April 8th from 1:30-4 pm to honour this historic moment in time. Events will include sharing of Rotinonhsyon:ni history, cultural practices and observation through eclipse glasses on the land of the Peacemaker.

1000 Islands Gananoque

The Town of Gananoque will fall into darkness for three minutes and 39 seconds. To mark this momentous occasion, the Town of Gananoque will host “Total Eclipse of the Park” at Joel Stone Park on April 8, with other community events happening throughout the weekend prior.

Brockville

The city will sit in the path of totality and is celebrating with a special Solar Eclipse Viewing event on Blockhouse Island with food & music, special exhibits, and a vendor market. Learn More

Prince Edward County

There are various events happening in the county to celebrate this rare eclipse.

These include a Solar Eclipse Party at Sandbanks Winery, The Waring House,  The Royal Hotel, Slake Brewery, a solar Eclipse Beach Party at Drake Devonshire, and an Epicurean Eclipse at the newly-renovated Sergeants Mess Hall at Base31 where you can indulge in a delicious four-course meal prepared by Chef Jamie Kennedy, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

View them all and more on the Visit The County website.

Cornwall

Lamoureux Park in Downtown Cornwall will be the city’s official viewing area, and different activities will take place in the park on that day. For additional information, please visit Cornwall Tourism’s dedicated landing page.

A limited number of ISO-certified eyewear will be available for purchase in advance at the Benson Centre and Aquatic Centre as well as on the day of the eclipse at the Visitor Information Centre in front of the Cornwall Civic Complex leading to Lamoureux Park. Make the most of your visit.

SDG Counties

Upper Canada Village – Morrisburg, Ontario – Monday, April 8, 2024, from 1pm-4:30pm, at Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site, for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Witness the magic of a total solar eclipse with the St. Lawrence River as your backdrop. Get FREE eclipse glasses, bring your lawn chair, enjoy eclipse-themed music, and tasty treats by BeaverTails, and hop on the beloved Miniature Train for an afternoon of fun. Gates open at 12 pm. Pre-purchase your parking pass online https://www.uppercanadavillage.com/event/solar-eclipse-2024/

Destinations with partial Eclipse viewing

1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways

The week before the eclipse, on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, Rideau Lakes Public Library is hosting an all-ages talk about the eclipse with Canadian amateur astronomer Frank Hitchens.

Furnace Falls Farm Lunch & Learn – Apr. 7 & 8
Enjoy lunch while learning about our fascinating solar system and how to watch the eclipse safely.

Indoor Viewing Party on the big screen Public Library, Kemptville Branch 1:45 in the program room.

For more information on all of these events, visit the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways website.

Lennox and Addington

The L&A Dark Sky Viewing Area is a great place to see the stars anytime… but if you want to learn a little more about the night sky, they host events from April to October.

The Town of Greater Napanee will be hosting an event to view the solar eclipse passing through our area! Join us on the Soccer Field at the Strathcona Paper Centre on Monday, April 8th, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

Please remember safety first and learn how to watch safely. 

Learn more about why this solar eclipse is such a big deal in 2024, view the path of totality and see what times the sun will be fully eclipsed across South Eastern Ontario on April 8.