Solar Eclipse Weekend: Programming Updates and Safety Tips
Morrisburg and Kingston, ON – On April 8, 2024, parts of North America will experience a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse event. St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) historic sites, Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry and Kingston Pen Tours, fall along the path of totality which will experience two to three minutes of total darkness at the height of the event. To celebrate this history-in-the-making, SLPC’s historic sites are running weekend programming and eclipse viewing opportunities from Friday, April 5 to Monday, April 8, 2024.
Kingston
In Kingston, Fort Henry and Kingston Pen Tours are open Friday through Monday for tours (self-guided at the Fort and regular guided tours at Kingston Pen) for anyone looking to “make a weekend” out of the lead-up to the eclipse. Tickets are available now and can be purchased at forthenry.com and kingstonpentour.com.
On Sunday, April 7, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Fort Henry presents an evening of discovery with Bob McDonald from CBC’s Quirks and Quarks and Dr. Mark Richardson, Manager for Education and Public Outreach at the McDonald Institute at Queen’s University, to discuss the science and significance of the total solar eclipse in a 1-hour presentation, followed by a Q&A and a book signing session. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit forthenry.com.
For the day of the eclipse, Monday, April 8, Fort Henry’s all-ages eclipse-viewing event with special guest Bob McDonald is SOLD OUT. This free event requires pre-registration and capacity has been reached. Parking is limited and pre-registered guests are advised to arrive early.
Tourgoers at Kingston Pen Tours on Monday, April 8 will not miss the eclipse, as tours will pause and guests can enjoy the eclipse (with free glasses provided) from within the institution’s walls.
Anyone planning to visit anywhere in Kingston on April 8 is encouraged to take advantage of the free public transportation that day or at least carpool. Traffic volume will be high and there are multiple road closures in place which will affect travel to Fort Henry and Kingston Pen Tours, so plan your route in advance and leave early.
Morrisburg
Upper Canada Village’s eclipse viewing event at Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site in Morrisburg is also SOLD OUT. All parking in and around Upper Canada Village is paid and the required parking permit capacity has been reached. Upon arrival, all guests will be asked to present their pre-purchased parking permit to enter parking areas. Only guests with valid permits will be admitted.
Permit-holders are reminded that parking may be up to a 1-km walk to the viewing location and that you should bring lawn chairs/blankets, food/water and anything else needed to enjoy the day.
Traffic is also anticipated to be high volume in the Morrisburg area Monday, with possible road closures also in effect. Guests are reminded to plan for delays when exiting the site and on local roads.
Parks of the St. Lawrence campgrounds, day use areas and the Long Sault Parkway are not yet open for the season, and so will remain closed to the public on April 8. There will be no access to or available parking in these areas.
Reminders for All
- All programming on Monday, April 8 is rain or shine.
- A solar eclipse can pose serious eye safety risks; FREE eclipse glasses will be available on-site at all April 8 programming.
- For more safety information and tips, visit Canadian Space Agency.
- This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone, and so, many, many people are going to want to take part in it. Patience, kindness and both a sense of wonder and perspective will be key to enjoying the day.
About St. Lawrence Parks Commission
The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Kingston Pen Tours, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 10 campgrounds and 6 beach day-use picnic areas including the Long Sault and Thousand Islands Parkways.
To learn more, visit www.parks.on.ca.
Media Contact
Amanda Liebeck
Communications and Media Relations
St. Lawrence Parks Commission
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