Prepare your eyes Toronto! On April 8, 2024, a once in a lifetime total solar eclipse is set to darken North America at about 3:19pm EDT. If you live in parts of Southern Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, you’re in luck because these areas are predicted to be some of the best viewing spots to take your date to!

Did you know the next one won’t grace our skies until 2144? Making it truly one-in-a-lifetime.

So, what is a solar eclipse? “A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.” (source NASA) This celestial event is known to completely pass over Mexico, United States and Canada.

But there’s a catch! You must be in the path of totality in order to see it, if you aren’t, you’ll only see a partial eclipse. 

Where to see the solar eclipse

Toronto falls just outside of the zone where you can view the solar eclipse but these are some of the best spots that are within the path of totality with the local time and duration:

• Point Pelee National Park (3:13 p.m. EDT; 2 minutes, 45 seconds)
• Long Point Provincial Park (3:16 p.m. EDT; 3 minutes, 27 seconds)
• Hamilton (3:18 p.m. EDT; 1 minute, 50 seconds)
• Niagara Region (3:19 p.m. EDT; 3 minutes, 15 seconds (St. Catharines)
• Kingston (3:22 p.m. EDT; 3 minutes, 2 seconds)
• Montreal (3:26 p.m. EDT; 1 minute, 15 seconds)
• Mont-Orford (3.27 p.m. EDT; 3 minutes, 22 seconds)

Remember to view it safely! Here’s some tips

While this all sounds very exciting, the light can also do some damage to your eyes if you’re not careful! If you’re planning on viewing the solar eclipse, make sure you have eye protection ready with special eclipse glasses.

Did you know you can pick up FREE glasses around Toronto for this special event?  TeaPot, the line of great-tasting canna-infused iced teas (19+) has put a pair of solar eclipse glasses in the latest issue of KIND Magazine.

Regular sunglasses or any homemade filters do not work!

If you catch even the smallest glimpse of the sun when it’s not fully covered, it will be too bright and potentially damaging for you eyes.

Hungry after viewing the 2024 total solar eclipse? Here are 10 amazing underrated date night restaurants in Toronto!