The total solar eclipse is approaching fast! We’re under one month away, with the rare event taking place on April 8th. Parts of Ontario will be in the path of totality meaning you can view the total solar eclipse, including in Toronto. If you do choose to watch, it’s important to do so safely with proper eclipse-viewing eyewear.
Some spots in Toronto will be hosting eclipse-viewing experiences and are providing free glasses so you can enjoy it safely. Let’s jump in.
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When is the total solar eclipse?
The total solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8th, 2024.
According to the City of Toronto, the area “is expected to be a near-total solar eclipse between 2:04 p.m. and 4:31 p.m., with the peak happening at 3:19 p.m”
Downsview Park
Pull up a spot at Downsview Park to catch the total solar eclipse.
Guests are encouraged to meet at the top of the Mound, at 1:30 PM where free eclipse glasses will be given out. There are only 60 pairs so make sure to get there early.
When: Monday, April 8th at 1:30 PM
Where: Downsview Park, 70 Canuck Ave
Tommy Thompson Park
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is celebrating the total solar eclipse at Tommy Thompson Park.
This experience comes with a guided tour of the area, with tour start times are staggered throughout the day so groups can reach their destination in time for the eclipse.
All guided tours will end at 4:00 PM when Tommy Thompson Park opens, meaning you can stick around and hang out at the park or head back with your tour leader.
You’ll be provided free eclipse glasses to enjoy the moment safely, but there is a $15 ticket for the tour. You can register here.
When: Monday, April 8th with time slots from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie St
Toronto Zoo
Join us on Monday, April 8th, during the PA day, for a rare celestial event as a solar eclipse passes through Ontario. Complimentary Solar Eclipse glasses will be provided* to all Zoo guests for your visit.
?Details: https://t.co/FWTqnBoNFG
*While supplies last.— The Toronto Zoo (@TheTorontoZoo) March 11, 2024
Toronto Zoo guests get free eclipse viewing glasses on April 8th. What better way to catch a rare celestial experience than with animals?
According to Toronto Zoo, “Zoo hours are 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. We encourage guests to arrive in advance of the main event to get situated at your favourite animal’s habitat and get ready to observe!”
Sounds like a good time!
When: Monday, April 8th from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Where: Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Rd
Toronto Metropolitan University
TMU is holding an eclipse viewing at the university’s Quad where eclipse glasses will be available for free to those who register for the event.
While the eclipse starts at 2:04 PM, get there a little early to grab your glasses and get situated.
When: Monday, April 8th from 2:04 PM – 4:31 PM
Where: Toronto Metropolitan University Quad (Kerr Hall), 379 Victoria St
The City of Toronto reminds those who are viewing the total solar eclipse that “it is dangerous to look directly at the sun any time – and especially during an eclipse. This can harm your eyes and even cause permanent damage and loss of sight.”
If you want to look at the eclipse, only use safe solar eclipse viewers or filters that meet international standard ISO 12312-2.
Head to these eclipse viewing experiences, grab your total solar eclipse viewing glasses and enjoy safely, Toronto!
