7 Venues for Observing the Total Solar Eclipse in the Eastern Townships

On April 8, a solar eclipse will immerse Québec (and all of North America) in partial darkness, with the exception of a thin 200-km-wide path where total darkness will last for a short period of time! The last total solar eclipse to have been observed on our territory happened in 1972 and the next one will unfold in 2106! So, for many among us, this will be the event of a lifetime! In fact, it has generated so much enthusiasm that The New York Times dubbed the “path of totality” THE #1 DESTINATION TO VISIT IN 2024!

In Brome-Missisquoi, the eclipse will begin at approximately 2:15 p.m. and will end at around 4:37 p.m. The totality phase will last more or less 3 minutes starting at 3:26 p.m. Sutton is where the duration of the total eclipse will be the longest lasting about 3.30 minutes. A mAp created by the organization Éclipse Québec indicates the timespan of the totality phase in different cities found along the route of the eclipse. And, so you won’t miss this exceptional celestial event, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best venues where you’ll be welcomed to observe this unique phenomenon.

Be Prepared!

Foremost, it’s important to remember that looking directly at the sun is very dangerous for your eyes. During an eclipse, as the surrounding light diminishes, our curiosity increases. We might sometimes let our guard down and look up without thinking. However, during the totality phase, you’ll be able to view the celestial phenomenon directly, safely and without protection! So, your first step in preparing yourself for the event is to find suitable protective eyewear. here’S a list where you can purchase these throughout Québec. Choose eyewear that complies with ISO 12312-2:2015 international standards. You should also beware of mainstream online shopping platforms that don’t check the quality of the glasses sold on their sites.

Don’t wait too long! With all the hype surrounding the event, we expect most suppliers will quickly run out of stock.

Would you like to learn more about the eclipse? Download the Fédération des astronomes amateurs du Québec MON ÉCLIPSE application and you’ll have your own layman’s handbook in your pocket! From their historical background to a panoply of scientific details, you’ll discover all there is to know concerning this phenomenon and be accompanied in real time during all the important phases of the eclipse.

7 Venues to Observe the Eclipse

In Bedford Township

👉 Parc Duhamel
In Bedford Township’s Parc Duhamel, you can be sure that all your questions will find answers thanks to the astronomers’ club who will be welcoming you here! The format is friendly and informal, and volunteers will be on hand at the entrance to direct you to the best place to park. Bring your lawn chair, protective eyewear and popcorn for the show of a lifetime!

In Bromont

👉 Bromont, montagne d’expériences
Join us at the top of the ski mountain for a front-row seat to the show! The summit can be reached by hoping in a gondola, by hiking up the trail or perhaps on snowshoes. Admission fees must be paid at the tIcket counter before departure. You’ll need to bring your own safety glasses.

👉 Parc Des Sommets Bromont
Head out to either Mounts Bernard, Horizon or Spruce with an amateur astronomer, who will interpret the phenomenon in real time on each of the three peaks. The activity costs $20 +tx per person and includes protective eyewear. Reserve your place now! SOLD OUT !!

👉 Place publique Bromont and Campus Germain-Désourdy
Those who have chosen this observation point will have the pleasure of meeting educators from the Fédération des astronomes amateurs du Québec at 2:30 p.m. They’ll be ready to explain first-hand what’s actually happening in the sky. Protective eyewear will also be distributed on site. We expect a big attendance here! Plan your outing by consulting the list of available parking areas for the event.

In Cowansville

👉 Centre de la nature
Cowansville hopes to see you between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the CENTRE DE LA NATURE’s visitor’s chalet where there will be a live broadcast of the ASTROLab’s presentation hosted by André Robitaille who’ll accompany you throughout the event. The location by the shores of Lac Davignon should provide a good visibility. Protective eyewear will be available at the reception desks of the Town Hall, the aquatic centre and the municipal library.

In Sutton

👉 Au Diable Vert Mountain Resort
With ObservÉtoiles, their open sky planetarium, Au Diable vert is without a doubt one of the best venues for observing the solar eclipse. In fact, because of its geographical location, less than 2 km from the centre of the Totality Path, you’ll experience total darkness for 3.32 minutes!   Au Diable vert is, of course, renowned for its unusual accommodations, and any reservation of three nights including April 7 or 8 features access to the ObservÉtoiles planetarium, where the event will be explained in real time by astronomers. You’ll also be able to access the planetarium without renting a lodging for $35 per person plus parking fees. for more information contact au diable vert mountain resort directly.

👉 Mount SUTTON
Head to MOuNT SUTTON for a morning of springtime skiing and an afternoon of eclipse watching! You’ll receive a friendly welcome at the bar Le Tucker at the foot of the slopes where they’ll be broadcasting Mount Mégantic ASTROLab’s presentation in real time. Protective observation glasses will be available for purchase onsite.

What Happens If It’s a Cloudy Day?

We’re all hoping for a sunny day and blue skies above on April 8, but you’ll be glad to know that all won’t be lost if the clouds may want to cast a shadow on the event. A cloud cover might indeed block our view of the sun and prevent us from observing the halo of light that will surround the moon or the elongated spikes normally seen (these are long, red, gaseous streamers escaping from the solar surface). The fact remains, daylight will give way to dusk for a few minutes, and a drop in temperature may be felt as well as changes in the wind. The phenomenon, even if short-lived, may cause some animals to change their behaviour. If you listen carefully, you’ll certainly hear birds singing to announce the end of the day … in the middle of the afternoon!

Prolong Your Stay 

Why not transform this unique moment by reserving a longer stay? When you arrive in the region as early as Saturday, take some time to immerse yourself in the local culture by joining one of our HERITAGE CIRCUITS and savour our delicious regional cUISINE. Enjoy a Sunday filled with outdoor adVENTURes or hours of pure spa relaxaTION. All this to put you in the right mood for the great event you’ll experience on Monday.

Consult our accommodationS list! Keep an eye out for special packages! Among other deals, Au Diable vert includes access to their ObservÉtoiles planetarium in their three-night stay package, and the CHÂTEAU BROMONT is offering a 15% discount on April 7 and 8!