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Solar Eclipse Viewing in Greater Toronto Area: Best Places to Watch, Guided Events

On April 8, 2024, Canadians will experience a significant astronomical event, the first total solar eclipse to traverse the country in six decades.

This natural spectacle will cut a diagonal path across North America, from the southwest to the northeast, offering millions a unique view of the cosmos in the afternoon. In Ontario, observers will be treated to variations of the eclipse, with the Sun completely obscured or appearing as a crescent moon, depending on their location.

Here is a short guide on watching the solar eclipse in GTA: 

15 of the Best Places For a Solar Eclipse Getaway in Canada

Contents:
  • When to See Partial/Total Solar Eclipse in GTA
    • Toronto
    • Durham
    • Halton
    • Peel
    • York
  • Where to See
    • Best Places to Watch
    • Guided Viewing Events
    • Places Nearby Other Than Hamilton & Niagara Falls to See Total Solar Eclipse
  • Solar Eclipse Safety/Where to Buy Glasses (last minute options)

When to See Partial/Total Solar Eclipse in GTA

In the Greater Toronto Area, residents will witness a nearly complete solar eclipse, with the Sun obscured by approximately 99%. This occurrence highlights the phenomenon of solar eclipses, where the moon positions itself between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow that temporarily cloaks the Sun’s light.

Those parts areas of Oakville and Burlington will experience a total solar eclipse for a brief moment.  The path of totality, where the eclipse is fully visible, offers a brief period of daytime darkness.

According to timeanddate.com, the partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. with the Moon’s edge touching the Sun, visible through eclipse glasses. By 2:27, about 20% of the Sun is obscured. The eclipse causes noticeable temperature changes and sharper shadows. As it progresses, the sky darkens, affecting light levels, colours, and even wildlife behaviour. The maximum eclipse occurs at 3:19:56, with the Sun at its most obscured. Gradually, natural conditions and animal behaviour revert to normal, with the partial eclipse concluding at 4:31 p.m.

Duration and percentage of the totality of the solar eclipse for different communities across the Greater Toronto Region:

All times are in the afternoon (p.m.)

The maximum eclipse is around 3:20 p.m., with noticeable changes from 3:12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Toronto: Partial Eclipse: 2:04 to 4:31; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19; Magnitude: 99.5%

Durham

  • Ajax: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:40 to 4:32:02; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:29; Magnitude: 99.5%
  • Cannington: Partial Eclipse: 2:06:09 to 4:32:00; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:41; Magnitude: 98.1%
  • Clarington: Partial Eclipse: 2:06:24 to 4:32:24; Maximum Eclipse: 3:21:02; Magnitude: 99.78% (Port Granby will see a total solar eclipse, see map below)
  • Newcastle: Partial Eclipse: 2:06:20 to 4:32:28; Maximum Eclipse: 3:21:03; Magnitude: 99.85%
  • Oshawa: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:57 to 4:32:12; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:43; Magnitude:  99.61%
  • Pickering: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:34 to 4:31:58; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:23; Magnitude: 99.5%
  • Scugog: Partial Eclipse: 2:06:10 to 4:32:09; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:47; Magnitude:  99%
  • Uxbridge: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:47 to 4:31:56; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:28; Magnitude:  98.7%
  • Whitby: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:50 to 4:32:07; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:36; Magnitude: 99.57%

Halton

  • Halton Hills: Partial Eclipse: 2:04:05 to 4:31:02; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19:07; Magnitude: 99.2%
  • Burlington (not all of Burlington will see total eclipse): Partial Eclipse: 2:04:03 to 4:31:15; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19:14; Magnitude: Total Eclipse
  • Oakville: Partial Eclipse: 2:04:22 to 4:31:23; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19:28; Magnitude: 99.95 to 100% (parts of West Oakville bordering Burlington will see total eclipse like Bronte Village, southern parts of Bronte Creek Provincial Park. See the section where to see for more details.
  • Milton: Partial Eclipse: 2:04:09 to 4:31:10; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19:14; Magnitude: 99.56

Peel

  • Brampton: Partial Eclipse: 2:04:31 to 4:31:18; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19:29; Magnitude:  99.1%
  • Caledon: Partial Eclipse: 2:04:33 to 4:31:11; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19:26; Magnitude:  98.6%
  • Mississauga: Partial Eclipse: 2:04:33 to 4:31:25; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19:34; Magnitude: 99.64%

York

  • Aurora: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:14 to 4:29:05; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:00; Magnitude: 98.6%
  • East Gwillimbury: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:21 to 4:31:37; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:04; Magnitude:  98.3%
  • Georgina: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:45 to 4:31:46; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:20; Magnitude:  97.8%
  • King: Partial Eclipse: 2::05:04 to 4:31; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19:53; Magnitude:  98.8%
  • Markham: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:16 to 4:31:44; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:06; Magnitude:  99.2%
  • Newmarket: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:17 to 4:31:36; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:01; Magnitude: 98.5%
  • Richmond Hill: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:08 to 4:31:38; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19:58; Magnitude:  99%
  • Vaughan: Partial Eclipse: 2:04:59 to 4:31:33; Maximum Eclipse: 3:19:51; Magnitude:  99.1%
  • Whitchurch-Stouffville: Partial Eclipse: 2:05:25 to 4:31:44; Maximum Eclipse: 3:20:10; 99% Magnitude:

Where to Go to See the Solar Eclipse:

If you are a person only interested in seeing the partial/total eclipse (not interested in eclipse photography with surrounding landscape view etc), you can enjoy the eclipse from your yard/sidewalk if the view along the southwest is unobstructed by trees or other high buildings.

The sun during the maximum eclipse will be around 45 degrees altitude from the horizon. Depending on your location, 45 degrees is sufficiently high to see the sun from your house.

To verify whether the view of the partial/total eclipse will be the sun obstructed from your location, check the position of the sun the day before (April 7) at around 4 p.m.

If you live in an apartment, you can also visit parking lots of strip malls, parks, open fields, or high points with minimal obstruction to the southwest horizon near your house for hassle-free viewing.

Watch Online:

Total Solar Eclipse in Parts of Port Granby, Oakville and Burlington:

You can visit parts of  Port Granby, west Oakville and southern Burlington to see a total solar eclipse.

Observers in these areas will have the extraordinary opportunity to see the daylight sky darken, stars become visible, and the Sun’s corona emerges. The corona, resembling a glowing ring around the moon, produces a spectacular light show akin to the northern lights. This event promises a breathtaking experience for those under the path of totality, encapsulating the awe of witnessing day turning into night in a span of a minute.

Best Places to See Total Solar Eclipse:

From Your House: If you live in parts of Oakville or Burlington that are under the total solar eclipse (see map here to verify), we suggest you see the eclipse from your house, provided your view is not obstructed by tall apartment buildings.

If you are visiting Oakville, Burlington, you can visit:

  • Lake Ontario waterfront parks (many) in Burlington and Oakville (east limit: southern edge of Tannery Park*)
  • Bronte Village – Great places to eat and many scenic parks
  • Bronte Creek Provincial Park (day-use area parking (the entire park DOES NOT see total eclipse). Do not walk the trails with trees on the southwest side if you plan to see the eclipse.*
  • Royal Botanical  Gardens and even IKEA Burlington and Costco Burlington (shop/eat and see eclipse from open parking lots).
  • Port Granby (not many parks within the total eclipse area)

*FYI (update April 6): A new map claims that NASA’s calculation is wrong. According to this map, the edge of the total solar eclipse is Holyrood Park in Oakville.

Best Places to See Partial Solar Eclipse:

You can always see the solar eclipse from outside your house or deck/balcony/sidewalk if it has a clear view of the southwest horizon.

Best Parks:

Check the weather and cloud cover before you travel.

Sun’s direction during the eclipse (Yellow Line); Shadowed Area: Path of Totality. Credit: Suncalc.org

  • All Lake Ontario waterfront Parks in GTA with a clear view of the southwest horizon like Colonel Sam Smith Park, Tommy Thomson Park, or Millenium Park, Pickering.
  • Waterfront Trail, make sure you are in areas with an open view of the water. Some portions of the trail pass through thick-treed areas on the southwest side.
  • All waterfront beaches
  • Toronto Islands
  • You can also watch from Lake Ontario (If you can brave the cold waters of the lake, then rent a canoe).

Solar Eclipse Viewing Events on April 8:

Only events which are not sold out at the time of publishing are listed:

  • Toronto Zoo: Help the Toronto Zoo Welfare Science team document what the animals do during a solar eclipse! The sun will be covered, and during this dark period, Toronto Zoo is interested in the activity levels of our animals and any changes in their behaviours and asking help recording the animals during this unique event! Free glasses supplied.
  • Etienne Brulé Park, 10 Catherine Avenue, Toronto: Join RCIScience and EcoSpark for an unforgettable solar eclipse viewing experience! Soak in the awe-inspiring moment the moon eclipses our sun against the natural beauty of the Old Mill Dam while we explore how the eclipse impacts local wildlife behaviour through the NASA Citizen Science Soundscapes project. Eclipse viewing glasses will be provided to registered participants on a first-come, first-served basis to witness this celestial wonder. (Free – Register)
  • 34 Hanover Road Toronto: Please join us at a community gathering to observe the near-total solar eclipse. We welcome you to come learn from some of North York’s brightest academic minds, hear about the historical significance of eclipses for First Nations peoples, and enjoy cultural musical performances. Free Glasses available (Free – Register)
  • Kerr Hall at Toronto Metropolitan University Toronto: Join us in the Quad at Toronto Metropolitan University to safely view the eclipse and learn more about this stellar phenomenon! Eclipse glasses will be available for free to those who register for the event. (Free – Register)
  • Woodbine Beach, 1675 Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto: Come watch the solar eclipse with us, we’ve got glasses for everyone! ($5 – Buy)
  • Brews & Views:  Firkin on the Bay, 68 Marine Parade Drive Toronto:  To keep you vibin’ right, inside or patio side, we’ve got a FREE pair of Solar Eclipse Glasses with any food or drink purchase (limited supply) and a special eclipse menu. (Free – Register)
  • The Mound – Downsview Park – Free Glasses: Come to the top of the Mound on April 8 at 1:30pm to grab yours before the eclipse starts. We have limited quantities available, only 60 solar eclipse glasses to give out for this special occasion, so first-come, first-served! (Details)

Travelling outside of GTA to See Solar Eclipse:

Parts of Southwestern Ontario, the Niagara Falls Region, Hamilton, and cities/towns along Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River from Port Hope up to the Quebec Border will see a total Solar Eclipse.

The case for travelling: From the most of GTA, the eclipse reaches 99% coverage, appearing nearly full. Yet, the Sun’s vast size and intensity mean that even this small difference between a partial and total eclipse greatly affects what you see and feel. Fortunately, the path of totality is just a 30 to 60-minute drive away, making it possible to take a short journey and experience the total eclipse in neighbouring areas.

If you have not bought tickets for guided viewing (like Tim Hortons Field with free solar eclipse glasses),  we suggest you head to Port Hope* (nearest and within an hour’s drive from Scarborough), Cobourg, Quinte West, Napanee, Prince Edward County if you live in Scarborough, North York, Durham Region/cities in eastern York Region.

*Not all of Port Hope will see total solar eclipse. Select places near Lake Ontario to view the eclipse.

If you use 401 West (travelling towards Toronto, say from Port Hope) or other southwest-facing roads, it is better to travel back home after the partial eclipse ends so that your eyes are protected from the sun’s glare during the eclipse.

West of Toronto

If you are in downtown Toronto, Etobicoke, Peel, or Halton Hills, visit Oakville or Burlington. Otherwise, head to Southwestern Ontario, like Haldimand County, Cayuga (Toronto Motorsports Park),  towns along Lake Erie, or St. Thomas, to see the total solar eclipse with comparatively fewer crowds.

There is no need to choose fancy places (tourist hot spots) to see the eclipse. Any town, village, park, or even a parking lot with a clear view of the southwest sky is good for experiencing the solar eclipse. The advantage of choosing town/village centres is that if the weather plays spoilsport, you can browse local shops or eat.

Use this map to choose a location. When you click on your chosen place, the map will show the duration of the eclipse and other details.

If the location you have chosen is at the edge of the eclipse, move half a kilometre south as a new calculation (map) claims NASA’s coordinates are wrong.

Important: Check weather predictions and plan ahead before you travel. Make sure your vehicle’s gas tank is full, 401 traffic is expected to be a pain!

Solar Eclipse Glasses/Eclipse Safety:

Buy Glasses: If you weren’t able to get free eclipse glasses, experiencetheeclipse.com has glasses available online until April 6th. According to the website, they ship every day by noon.

Observing a solar eclipse without adequate protection poses a significant risk of permanent eye damage. It’s important that you only use eclipse glasses that adhere to the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard. These specialized glasses are designed to filter out harmful solar radiation, protect your eyes from the intense brightness of the Sun, and allow safe viewing of the eclipse’s partial phases. Please visit your nearby library to inquire about complimentary eclipse glasses.

If you are on the path of the total eclipse, you can remove the glasses during the total eclipse duration (a few seconds to a minute, depending on your location) and put them back during the partial eclipse phase. This needs to be carefully timed. 

Be cautious with cameras or binoculars, as their lenses can intensify sunlight and cause harm. For those without eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, constructing a pinhole projector offers a safe means of indirect observation. Remember to supervise children and inspect viewing equipment for any signs of damage before use.

Skin safety is also important during an eclipse, as the Sun’s rays can still be intense even during partial phases. Remember to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and protective clothing to prevent sunburn and skin damage. By following these safety guidelines, you can fully enjoy the wonder of a solar eclipse while protecting both your vision and your skin from harm.

 

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