16.6°C Vancouver

Apr 8, 2024 3:17 PM - The Canadian Press

Total solar eclipse set to fall over Canada

Share On
total-solar-eclipse-set-to-fall-over-canada
A total solar eclipse is set to fall over parts of eastern and central Canada today, prompting massive crowds to gather in its path for a chance to catch a glimpse of the rare celestial event. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

A total solar eclipse is set to fall over parts of eastern and central Canada today, prompting massive crowds to gather in its path for a chance to catch a glimpse of the rare celestial event.

The path of totality, where the sun goes directly behind the moon, will first cross through southwestern Ontario around 3:15 p.m. and move east through Quebec and Atlantic Canada before exiting Newfoundland around 3:45 p.m. eastern time.

Cities and towns along the path have braced for their populations to swell with eclipse chasers, with Ontario's Niagara region declaring a preemptive state of emergency.

But with cloudy skies in the forecast for parts of southern Ontario, some may shift their viewing plans towards areas where clearer skies are expected, including Quebec to the east or the U.S. border to the west.

While the next total solar eclipse in Canada is expected to pass through western provinces in 20 years, the phenomenon only happens in any given location roughly once every 360 years by some estimates.
Much of Canada will still be able to witness a partial eclipse.

But those gathered along the path of totality, ranging from 164 to 196 kilometres wide, will get the full show weather permitting.

As the total eclipse approaches, the sky will darken and wildlife may go silent as if nighttime nears.

Temperatures will dip and the winds may even start to change. The moon's shadow will start to creep up on the landscape to the west. Shadow bands may be visible on the ground, which some have described as resembling waves of light on the bottom of a swimming pool.


Latest news

our-trade-talks-with-washington-will-continue-in-the-coming-weeks-dominic-leblanc
CanadaAug 01, 2025

Our trade talks with Washington will continue in the coming weeks: Dominic LeBlanc

Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-US trade, says that our trade talks with Washington will continue in the coming weeks, his comments come after President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Canada from 25 percent to 35 percent. LeBlanc, who was in Washington during the time, said that no development is expected in the near future. Prime Minister Mark Carney's minister said that he will speak to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick next week and that the two will meet face-to-face in late August to discuss the issue. LeBlanc said that Canada's ambassador to the US, Christine
charges-laid-in-august-2024-homicide-of-dillan-unger-in-langley
BCAug 01, 2025

Charges laid in August 2024 homicide of Dillan Unger in Langley

Charges have been laid following an investigation into an August 2024 homicide in Langley, British Columbia. On August 2, 2024, at 12:46 a.m., Langley RCMP responded to a report of gun shots in the 7000-block of 202B Street in Langley. Two men suffering from gun shot wounds were subsequently located at the hospital. One of the men succumbed to his injuries and the second was released from hospital. To further the investigation, IHIT identified the victim as 41-year-old Dillan Unger of Langley. Throughout the course of this investigation, IHIT has worked in close partnership with the Langley
tragic-incident-near-comox-lake
BCAug 01, 2025

Falling tree kills mother, 26, and five-month-old baby at B.C. campground

A mother and her five-month-old baby have been killed by a tree that fell in a Vancouver Island campground. Police say emergency responders were called to the scene in Cumberland, B.C., on Thursday afternoon.RCMP say that the 26-year-old mother died at the scene and the infant was taken to hospital but did not survive.They say there is no criminality suspected in the initial investigation, and no further details on the case will be released.BC Emergency Health Services says they received a call for ambulances to attend in the 1100 block of Comox Lake Road, the address for Cumberland Lake Park
trump-orders-us-nuclear-subs-repositioned-over-statements-from-ex-russian-leader-medvedev
WorldAug 01, 2025

Trump orders US nuclear subs repositioned over statements from ex-Russian leader Medvedev

President Donald Trump says he's ordering the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines. This decision comes after what he calls ``highly provocative statements'' by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Trump posted on his social media site that he's taking action in case Medvedev's words are more than just rhetoric. He emphasizes the importance of words and hopes for no unintended consequences. The impact on U.S. nuclear subs,which routinely patrol global hotspots, remains unclear. This move escalates tensions between Washington and Moscow at a delicate time. Trump also mentions sen
b-c-park-reopens-while-search-continues-for-man-missing-in-coquihalla-river
BCAug 01, 2025

B.C. park reopens, while search continues for man missing in Coquihalla River

Police say the Othello Tunnels in Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park in Hope, B.C., has reopened, while a search to find a missing man who fell into the river last weekend continues. RCMP closed off the area in the park as a police underwater recovery team went into the Coquihalla River on Wednesday to try to find the 19-year-old man but was unsuccessful. There was also no sign of the man using a drone to search along the river on Thursday. RCMP say they will resume the search on Saturday, and parts of the park may be restricted to public access due to those efforts. Hope RCMP Staff Sgt. Mike S

Related News