View the total solar eclipse in Cornwall

A once-in-a-lifetime natural wonder will arrive in Cornwall on Monday, April 8th.

On that day, the Cornwall region will fall in the path of totality of a total solar eclipse, a rare event in which the moon passes in front of the sun and temporarily blocks its light, turning day into night for a brief period of time. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event for residents and visitors to Cornwall and as such, the region could experience an influx of visitors on the day of the event and those leading up to it. Proper eye protection is necessary.

The path of totality is a 115-kilometre wide corridor where 100% of the sun is covered for a period of time. The Cornwall area is one of the few places in Canada that falls in the path of totality.

When will it happen

The eclipse will begin at 2:12 pm and end at 4:37 pm. Totality, where the moon fully obscures the sun, will take place from 3:24 pm to 3:26 pm.

These times are approximate and are based on viewing the eclipse in Cornwall.

Click here to see an eclipse simulator for Cornwall

Eclipse safety

During an eclipse, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection. It is recommended to use ISO 12312-2 approved eclipse glasses for safe viewing.

Sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe to use during an eclipse.

For more safety information on viewing the eclipse, please click here.

Viewing the solar eclipse in Cornwall

Lamoureux Park will be the official eclipse viewing area in Cornwall. Located along the banks of the St. Lawrence River and just steps from Downtown Cornwall, Lamoureux Park is a spacious waterfront park with ample greenspace. Picnic tables will be placed in the park however given the anticipated large crowds, residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the show!

Parking is available at the Cornwall Civic Complex (100 Water Street East) and there are other on- and off-street parking options available throughout Downtown Cornwall.

There will be some music and other activities in the park on the day of the eclipse – click here for full details!

Washrooms will be available inside the Cornwall Civic Complex on the day of the event.

Get equipped

A limited number of ISO-certified eyewear will be available for purchase in advance at the Benson Centre and Aquatic Centre as well as on the day of the eclipse at the Visitor Information Centre in front of the Cornwall Civic Complex leading in to Lamoureux Park.

Keep exploring

Visiting Cornwall for the eclipse? There’s plenty more to see and do! Here are a few other ideas to round out your visit:

– The Cornwall Community Museum in Lamoureux Park will be open on Monday, April 8th from 9 am to 4 pm. Stop by the museum (located west of the children’s playground and splashpad) and learn about the rich history of the Cornwall region! Admission is free (donations are welcome)!

– Add an escape room challenge to your experience with a visit to Rush Hour Escapes in Downtown Cornwall. Rush Hour will be open on Monday, April 8th – visit www.rushhourescapes.ca to book your visit!

– Enjoy some old-fashioned family fun with a visit to Archie’s, which will be open on Monday, April 8th.

– The City of Cornwall will be hosting public swims and skates on Monday, April 8th at the Benson Centre and Aquatic Centre (please note space is limited). Visit the City website to register.

– Grab a bite to eat and do a bit of shopping in Downtown Cornwall and the Cornwall Square, Cornwall’s indoor shopping centre. Both are located just across the street from Lamoureux Park!

– If you’re looking for another site to view the eclipse, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission is hosting a viewing event at Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site beside Upper Canada Village. Make sure to pre-purchase a parking pass for the event through their website.

Extend your stay

Extend your stay at one of our great accommodations – but don’t delay as they are expected to fill up fast! Call to book your room today:

Best Western Parkway Inn & Conference Centre
1515 Vincent Massey Drive
613-932-0451

Chesley’s Inn
40 First Street West
613-360-4625

Comfort Inn
1625 Vincent Massey Drive
613-937-0111

Hampton Inn by Hilton
1757 Vincent Massey Drive
613-932-9399

Ramada Hotel & Conference Centre
805 Brookdale Avenue
613-933-8000

Super 8 Cornwall
2694 Brookdale Avenue
613-932-8888

Find out more

For additional information on the eclipse in Cornwall, make sure to visit the total solar eclipse page on the City of Cornwall website.

#ExploreCornwallON

Looking for other fun things to do in Cornwall? Check out the Explore section of our website for other fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Also, make sure to check out our Events Calendar for information on other upcoming events in Cornwall.