In less than three weeks, tens of millions of people across North America will be treated to a celestial spectacle as a total solar eclipse graces the skies above.
The total solar eclipse will pass through Canada, the United States and Mexico on April 8, 2024.
While countless eyes turn skyward, a few local places stand out as the ultimate viewing destinations.
Residents of Hamilton, Niagara Region, Brantford, Brant County, Haldimand-Norfolk and some areas in Halton Region will be able to experience the rare event, in which the moon passes between the earth and the sun. This causes the sun to appear as entirely blocked by the moon for a short period of time.
Much of the rest of Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga and Kitchener-Waterloo, will only experience a partial solar eclipse.
Viewing of the solar eclipse is weather-dependent and will not be visible if it’s cloudy.
When to watch the 2024 total solar eclipse
After passing through Mexico and the United States, the solar eclipse is set to begin its journey across Ontario shortly after 2 p.m. and last for nearly two and a half hours.
The moon will completely cover the sun at around 3:18 p.m., resulting in approximately two minutes of darkness depending on the location.
Spectators in Hamilton will see the moon completely obscuring the sun for over two minutes in the Mount Hope, east Hamilton Mountain and Rosedale areas. Observers in downtown and West Hamilton can expect a duration of around one minute and 30 seconds, according to eclipse2024.org.
Viewers in Brantford and Brant County will see between 55 seconds and two minutes and 22 seconds of the total solar eclipse.
The best places to witness the total solar eclipse will be Haldimand–Norfolk and Niagara Region, most of which will see around three minutes of darkness.
Burlington residents won’t be as lucky, as the area will only see about 45 seconds of totality.
Another total solar eclipse will not be seen in the Golden Horseshoe for another 120 years.
Where to watch the 2024 total solar eclipse
Local authorities are preparing for the influx of visitors expected to flock to areas within the path of totality in southern Ontario.
This includes planning a number of viewing events in the area.
Niagara Region
Niagara officials are organizing multiple solar eclipse events since the region will be a prime viewing spot.
Astronomy in Action will be bringing its mobile planetarium and solar system educators to Niagara Parks Power Station and Tunnel between April 5 and April 8. Its Q&A sessions with NASA scientists are currently full, but those wishing to attend can join the waitlist.
Mad Science will be hosting family-friendly workshops and activities at Table Rock Centre from April 6 to April 8. Representatives from the Canadian Space Agency are expected to attend to discuss the eclipse with guests.
Niagara Parks is partnering with Toronto Metropolitan University to bring its award-winning SciXchange program to the Butterfly Conservatory, offering hands-on activities related to STEM learning from April 6 to April 8.
Old Fort Erie will also be the host to NASA scientists from April 5 to April 7. They will participate in Q&A sessions about the total solar eclipse. People can join the waitlist for the already-full events at this location.
Hamilton
The City of Hamilton has identified four parks as preferred viewing sites, including Bayfront Park, Pier 4 Park, Confederation Beach Park and T.B. McQuesten Park. A limited number of free protective glasses will be available while quantities last.
Tourism Hamilton will be hosting a free event from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Tim Hortons Field. Registration is required.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and families of McMaster University are invited to its solar eclipse event. Those wishing to attend must register in advance.
Hamilton’s Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is hosting a viewing event at Lime Ridge Mall, which sold out within a week.
The Royal Botanical Gardens is also organizing a viewing event at the Arboretum. Registration is required.
Burlington
The City of Burlington will be hosting a total solar eclipse viewing event at Spencer Smith Park from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 8. Free protective glasses will be available while supplies last.
The Burlington Public Library will be hosting McMaster University’s department of physics and astronomy for a family-friendly discussion about the eclipse.
City officials are also encouraging residents to observe the total solar eclipse at local parks such as Windows-on-the-Lake and Burloak Waterfront Park.
Six Nations of the Grand River
Residents of Six Nations of the Grand River can view the total solar eclipse on April 8 at Parks & Recreation located at 1738 Fourth Line. Protective glasses will be available at the Six Nations Public Library while quantities last.
How to watch the 2024 total solar eclipse
Wearing protective glasses during the total solar eclipse is crucial because looking directly at the sun, even when it’s partially covered by the moon, can cause severe eye damage or even blindness.
The intense solar radiation during an eclipse can harm the retina, which lacks pain receptors, so you won’t feel the damage until it’s too late.
Protective glasses with solar filters block harmful UV and infrared radiation, allowing you to safely observe the eclipse without risking your vision.
Most public events in the Golden Horseshoe will be providing free protective glasses while quantities last. Stargazers can also purchase protective eyewear online.
READ MORE: Toronto school board cancels classes on day of solar eclipse
