Total Solar Eclipse: Montréal’s Best Spots for an Unforgettable Viewing Experience
On April 8, 2024, a uniquely rare total solar eclipse will take place and offer areas in southern parts of Québec an amazing show. The Moon will pass between the Sun and the Earth and line up perfectly to hide the Sun for a short moment. Depending on where you are during what's known as the “moment of totality,” everything will fall into darkness for up to three and a half minutes. Many events are planned to help astronomy buffs and the curious at heart to take full advantage of this truly unique phenomenon. Read on to learn about the best spots in the city to observe this astounding astronomical event!
Montréal Science Centre, presented by Cirque du Soleil
Address: 2 rue de la Commune Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 4B2, Canada
Event: Free
Time: 1pm to 4:30pm
Head down to the Science Centre, right out front, and take part in a full afternoon of discovery and entertainment! Slip on your free eclipse viewing glasses to watch the celestial show and take part in all sorts of scientific activities designed to feed your curiosity. But wait, there’s more! Our science educators will be there to demystify eclipse phenomena and walk you through the science of these mysterious and fascinating astronomical events.
Street-side animation will add a touch of wonder to this already wonderful experience. Circus artists from Cirque du Soleil’s KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities show will be roaming around the site in full costume and makeup to entertain audiences.
More still? Yes! You can also enter an exclusive on-site contest, presented in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil, for a chance to win one of the family prize packages to see the show KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities and to visit the Science Centre.
Don’t miss a thing! Join the Facebook event today!
Parc Jean-Drapeau | Montréal
Address: Espace 67, at 67 chemin Macdonald, Montréal, QC H3C 6A3
Event: Free
Time: 11am to 5pm
Espace pour la vie and Société du parc Jean-Drapeau come together to present an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the celestial show at parc Jean-Drapeau during a day filled with music, art, entertainment, and enchantment. The park’s experts will be on hand to distribute 150,000 eclipse glasses and answer all your questions with a smile!
Learn more by visiting the parc Jean-Drapeau website.
Trottier Space Institute at McGill and the McGill University Physics Department
Address: McGill Campus, Lower Field (to the right of the Roddick Gates) | 859, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal
Event: Free
Time: 1pm to 4:30pm
A special event will take place on the McGill campus to celebrate this rare event. The Trottier Space Institute Eclipse Fair and Viewing Party is your invitation to dive into the fascinating world of solar eclipses. Explore the science behind this rare astronomical event with stands, hands-on activities, and demonstrations for all ages. Free eclipse glasses will be available to ensure everyone’s eye safety!
Learn more by visiting the Facebook event page.
From Home
If you live inside the Path of Totality, you’ll be lucky enough to watch the eclipse from home! Use the interactive map below to check if you live inside the Path of Totality or download the Mon éclipse app.
Whatever you do, don’t forget to protect your eyes with certified eclipse glasses. That’s the best way to make this extraordinary event both safe and spectacular!
