{"id":23480,"date":"2024-03-27T16:00:13","date_gmt":"2024-03-27T20:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.familyfuncanada.com\/toronto\/?p=23480"},"modified":"2024-04-09T20:46:42","modified_gmt":"2024-04-10T00:46:42","slug":"solar-eclipse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.familyfuncanada.com\/toronto\/solar-eclipse\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Seeing the Solar Eclipse in Toronto and the GTA"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2014 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!<\/p>\n

For more information and tips on keeping safe, check out the City of Toronto website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Plus, find instructions to make a homemade eclipse projector from the Canadian Space Agency here<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Toronto Events<\/h3>\n

Aga Khan Park \u2014 Solar Eclipse At The Park<\/a><\/strong>
\nWhen:<\/strong> April 8,\u00a01:45-4:30pm
\nWhere:<\/strong> Aga Khan Park, 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto
\nHang out in the beautiful Aga Khan Park to watch the solar eclipse with friends and family in a relaxed outdoor setting.\u00a0Admission includes a pair of solar glasses, and a speaker session about eclipses.<\/p>\n

Barbara Hall Park \u2014\u00a0Solar Eclipse of the Heart<\/a>
\nWhen:<\/strong> April 8, 1:30-4:30pm
\nWhere:<\/strong> Barbara Hall Park, 519 Church Street, Toronto
\nThe 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).<\/p>\n

CN Tower \u2014 Solar Eclipse at the Tower<\/strong><\/a>
\nWhen:<\/strong> April 8, 2:00pm
\nWhere:<\/strong> CN Tower, 290 Bremner Blvd., Toronto
\nWith 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.<\/p>\n

Downsview Park \u2014 Solar Eclipse Viewing and Glasses Giveaway<\/strong><\/a>
\nWhen:<\/strong> April 8, 1:30pm
\nWhere:<\/strong> The Mound at Downsview Park, 60 John Drury Drive, North York
\nHead 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.<\/p>\n

Ontario Science Centre \u2014 Astronomy Hub: Eclipse Edition<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0
\nWhen: <\/strong>April 6-7, 2024
\nWhere:<\/strong> Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto
\nOver the weekend before the eclipse, learn about its science with presentations and hands-on activities at the Special Exhibition Hall.
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) \u2014 Solar Eclipse Celebration at Tommy Thompson Park<\/strong><\/a>
\nWhen:<\/strong> April 8, Tours starting at 12:00pm and ending at 4:00pm
\nWhere:<\/strong> Tommy Thompson Park, 1 Leslie Street, Toronto
\nJoin Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in celebrating this rare celestial event with a guided hiking tour through Toronto\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Toronto Public Library Events<\/a> <\/strong>
\nWhen:<\/strong> Various times March 27 – April 8
\nWhere:<\/strong> Participating TPL branches
\nToronto Public Library locations across the city are holding free crafts and activities, including making pinhole solar viewers to safely watch the eclipse.<\/p>\n

Toronto Zoo \u2014 Solar Eclipse at Your Toronto Zoo<\/a><\/strong>
\nWhen:<\/strong> April 7-9; Eclipse viewing: April 8, 2:55-3:05pm
\nWhere:<\/strong> Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto
\nJunior 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).<\/p>\n

Hamilton Area Events<\/h3>\n

Solar Eclipse at Tim Hortons Field<\/strong><\/a>
\nWhen:<\/strong> April 8, 1:00-4:31pm
\nWhere:<\/strong> Tim Hortons Field, 64 Melrose Ave. North,\u00a0Hamilton
\nRegister in advance for this free event through Eventbrite<\/a>. Solar eclipse glasses will be handed out to all ticket holders upon entry.<\/p>\n

Tourism Hamilton<\/a><\/strong>
\nTourism Hamilton’s website has further information on viewing gatherings, where some are giving away limited quantities of glasses.<\/p>\n

Niagara Area Events<\/h3>\n

Niagara Falls Solar Eclipse Concert<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>
\nWhen:<\/strong> April 8, 2:30pm-10:00pm
\nWhere:<\/strong> Queen Victoria Park
\nNiagara 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.<\/p>\n

Niagara Parks \u2014 2024 Solar Eclipse Events<\/a>
\n<\/strong>Niagara Parks hosts an exclusive lineup of events, including:<\/p>\n