On Monday, April 8, Kingston will experience its first total solar eclipse in nearly 700 years. For a few minutes in the afternoon, we’ll be in the path of totality, which means the Moon will be perfectly aligned between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out the Sun’s rays entirely.

The eclipse will begin at 2:09 p.m. and end at 4:34 p.m. Totality will take place from 3:22–3:25 p.m. and last approximately 3 minutes. Times are approximate and based on viewing the eclipse in Kingston.

Witness the solar eclipse safely

The path of totality is an incredible spectacle, but care must be taken to protect your vision. If you plan to take part, remember that looking directly at an eclipse without proper eye protection is dangerous. Sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe to use. Looking directly at an eclipse without specially made eye protection can cause partial or total blindness and there is no treatment for the damage.

KFL&A Public Health has extensive information on eye health and how to view the eclipse safely. Watch this video from the Canadian Space Agency to learn how to properly use your glasses during the eclipse. 

Conservation tip! Please do your part to keep your eclipse glasses from becoming litter! To properly dispose of eclipse glasses, remove the plastic lenses and dispose of them in the garbage. The cardboard frame can be placed in recycling.

Celebrate the eclipse from anywhere in Kingston! 

The entire city will be in the path of totality, so once you have high-quality solar eclipse glasses, you can experience the eclipse from anywhere in town, including your own neighbourhood!

If you plan to attend an event, the following sites offer washroom access and Queen’s University Eclipse Ambassadors to help answer questions about viewing the Eclipse. You must bring your eclipse glasses, as they will not be available for purchase at these locations.  

•        Lake Ontario Park - 920 King St. West 
•        INVISTA Centre (south field) - 135 Gardiners Rd. 
•        Cataraqui Kinsmen Arena - 1030 Sunnyside Rd. 
•        Kingston East Community Centre (Grenadier Park) - 779 Hwy. 15 
•        Lion's Civic Gardens/Isabel Turner Library - 935 Gardiners Rd. (parking at Cataraqui Centre) 
•        LaSalle Secondary School - 773 Hwy. 15 
•        Maple Elementary School - 529 St. Martha St. 
•        Frontenac Secondary School - 1789 Bath Rd. 
•        Bayridge Secondary School - 1059 Taylor Kidd Blvd. 

Special Events 

The City, Tourism Kingston, and partner organizations are offering special events on the weekends of April 6 - 7 and April 8. Learn more about the events on the Tourism Kingston Solar Eclipse website.  

The City is also offering a free special event at Grass Creek Park, 2991 Highway 2, from 1 - 5 p.m. on Monday, April 8, featuring live entertainment, food trucks, educational programming and more.

Getting around

Because Kingston won’t be in the path of totality again until the year 2399, we’re expecting thousands of people to visit the city. If you’re heading to a viewing area, consider leaving your car behind! Cycle, walk or take Kingston Transit for free. Plan your trip

Be prepared for traffic delays

The City of Kingston has planned road closures, lane restrictions and detours to ensure that essential and emergency services can access critical health care services. Learn more about navigating Kingston on eclipse day and follow the City on X or Facebook to stay up to date on the latest closures and detours.