If you haven’t heard, there’s a solar eclipse coming through Southern Ontario on Monday, April 8 this year! A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, therefore temporarily blocking the sun. To look directly at the eclipse, special glasses are required — regular sunglasses won’t cut it! As a precaution, local schools have moved a PA Day for that day, which means that families can learn about this fascinating natural phenomenon and enjoy it safely together. There are special events taking place in Toronto, as well as in Hamilton and the Niagara Region, which are on the “path of totality”. So be prepared with our Guide to Seeing the Solar Eclipse in Toronto and the GTA!

For more information and tips on keeping safe, check out the City of Toronto website here.

Plus, find instructions to make a homemade eclipse projector from the Canadian Space Agency here!

Toronto Events

Aga Khan Park — Solar Eclipse At The Park
When: April 8, 1:45-4:30pm
Where: Aga Khan Park, 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto
Hang out in the beautiful Aga Khan Park to watch the solar eclipse with friends and family in a relaxed outdoor setting. Admission includes a pair of solar glasses, and a speaker session about eclipses.

Barbara Hall Park — Solar Eclipse of the Heart
When: April 8, 1:30-4:30pm
Where: Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto
The 519 Community Centre and the Church Wellesley BIA celebrate the solar eclipse, visible from Toronto for the first time in 375 years! There will be free snacks, music and family activities, plus free glasses (while supplies last).

CN Tower — Solar Eclipse at the Tower
When: April 8, 2:00pm
Where: CN Tower, 290 Bremner Blvd., Toronto
With the best views of the city, you can even see all of Toronto below going dark briefly from the CN Tower. At both the 360 Restaurant and on the Main Observation Level, free eclipse glasses are provided. Plan to arrive before 2:00pm (or book your dining reservation for 2:30pm) to get up in time for the main event.

Downsview Park — Solar Eclipse Viewing and Glasses Giveaway
When: April 8, 1:30pm
Where: The Mound at Downsview Park, 60 John Drury Drive, North York
Head to higher ground on top of “the Mound” for the solar eclipse and gear up with free eclipse glasses, first-come, first-served with limited quantities available.

Ontario Science Centre — Astronomy Hub: Eclipse Edition 
When: April 6-7, 2024
Where: Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Over the weekend before the eclipse, learn about its science with presentations and hands-on activities at the Special Exhibition Hall.

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) — Solar Eclipse Celebration at Tommy Thompson Park
When: April 8, Tours starting at 12:00pm and ending at 4:00pm
Where: Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie Street, Toronto
Join Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in celebrating this rare celestial event with a guided hiking tour through Toronto’s urban wilderness to see the eclipse safely from various natural viewpoints around the park. Each paid ticket includes both the tour and a pair of ISO 12312-2 compliant solar eclipse glasses.

Toronto Public Library Events
When: Various times March 27 – April 8
Where: Participating TPL branches
Toronto Public Library locations across the city are holding free crafts and activities, including making pinhole solar viewers to safely watch the eclipse.

Toronto Zoo — Solar Eclipse at Your Toronto Zoo
When: April 7-9; Eclipse viewing: April 8, 2:55-3:05pm
Where: Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto
Junior Citizen Scientists can help the zoo document what their animals do the day before, during, and the day after a solar eclipse. Complimentary glasses will be provided to all Zoo guests on April 8 (while supplies last).

Hamilton Area Events

Solar Eclipse at Tim Hortons Field
When: April 8, 1:00-4:31pm
Where: Tim Hortons Field, 64 Melrose Ave. North, Hamilton
Register in advance for this free event through Eventbrite. Solar eclipse glasses will be handed out to all ticket holders upon entry.

Tourism Hamilton
Tourism Hamilton’s website has further information on viewing gatherings, where some are giving away limited quantities of glasses.

Niagara Area Events

Niagara Falls Solar Eclipse Concert 
When: April 8, 2:30pm-10:00pm
Where: Queen Victoria Park
Niagara Falls Tourism presents a free rock show, including The Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, New Friends, The Boneheads and a special performance from the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, playing a prelude to the total solar eclipse.

Niagara Parks — 2024 Solar Eclipse Events
Niagara Parks hosts an exclusive lineup of events, including:

  • Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel — Astronomy in Action
  • Table Rock Centre — Mad Science for Kids
  • Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory — STEM with SciXchange
  • Old Fort Erie — Q&A with NASA Scientists

Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) Camping Packages
When: April 7-8, 2024
Where: Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, and Long Beach
NPCA parks are opening the camping season early so families can appreciate the eclipse in a natural setting, for either overnight and day-use camping. NPCA staff also provide campers with safety solar eclipse glasses.

Find more Special Events in Toronto and the GTA here!