Eclipse of the century
The complete english version will be available soon.
In certain sectors of Montréal, on April 8, 2024, the Moon will completely hide the Sun for a period of up to two minutes, depending on the specific area you are in. This is a total solar eclipse.
Observing this rare and remarkable phenomenon will be especially magnificent at Parc Jean-Drapeau because it provides an ideal eclipse-watching area, with many uninterrupted vantage points toward the Sun, in a charming decor.
Experts from the Planetarium and Espace pour la vie will be on hand to enlighten curious onlookers and hand out 150,000 glasses for safe viewing of the eclipse.
It's a rare opportunity to personally witness a total solar eclipse right here in Montréal because the next one in our city doesn't occur until 2205!
Don't miss this much-anticipated meeting of the Moon and the Sun!
Schedule
April 8, 2024
Opening of the site | 11 a.m. |
A diversified program | 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Eclipse begins | 2:14 p.m. |
Total solar eclipse | 3:26 p.m. |
Eclipse ends | 4:36 p.m. |
Rates
Free |
-
The rates shown above do not include parking rates.
- Major events : parking spaces are limited and traffic is heavy during major events: it is strongly recommended to use the subway for your trips.
Free glasses
Starting at 11 a.m.
The distribution of observation glasses will be done at Espace 67 on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one unit per visitor. The 150,000 eclipse glasses will be offered free of charge for as long as stocks last.
A three-stage eclipse
Partial phase
2:14:36 p.m. to 3:26:53 p.m.
Special glasses must be worn
The Moon gradually moves in front of the Sun and increasingly hides it. The ambient light decreases, and the Sun takes the shape of an increasingly thin crescent.
Total eclipse
3:26:53 to 3:28:19 p.m.
No need for eclipse glasses
The people located in the path of totality will see the Sun completely disappear behind the Moon. The sky darkens, like it does at twilight, with 360-degree sunset colours on the horizon; the brightest stars and planets appear.
At this time, only the Sun's corona will be visible around the dark silhouette of the Moon. This is the most spectacular moment of the eclipse.
Partial phase
3:28:19 p.m. to 4:36:54 p.m.
Special glasses must be worn
When totality ends, the Moon gradually uncovers the Sun, hiding it less and less. Ambient light increases, the Sun takes the shape of an increasingly larger crescent, until it goes back to its original shape.
Program
Rain or shine
A live broadcast, by NASA, will be presented on big screens so you don't miss anything of the eclipse, even under cloudy skies. The program will also be maintained, regardless of weather conditions.
Discoveries
11 a.m.
The experts Olivier Hernandez, director of the Planetarium, Auriane Egal and Jonathan Gagné, both astrophysicists, will be at Espace 67.
The public can also explore the "Eclipse stations" of the scientific booths animated by Loïc Quesnel as well as the Planetarium and Espace pour la vie crews.
A discovery of the "creative stars", giant works of art created on site by Montréal visual artists, and the public is invited to sign one side of the structure and leave an imprint of their presence at this historic event!
Musical entertainment
1:30 p.m.
DJ Champion, a well-known figure in electronic music, will be welcoming the public with some up-tempo tunes to get everyone bopping to the same beat.
Sophie Fouron, a host who is widely popular with the public, will be the master of ceremonies and will make the connection between nature, art and science.
Demystifying the eclipse
2 p.m.
Laurie Rousseau-Nepton, an Innu astronomer and a professor at the Dunlop Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, and David Saint-Jacques, Canadian Space Agency astronaut, will explain the astronomical phenomenon that is occurring.
A ceremony will follow, led by Charli Otsi'tsaken:ra Patton (Knowledge Keeper), to introduce the presentation of the audiovisual work entitled "Le Savoir des Premiers Peuples sur les Éclipses Solaires (Indigenous Knowledge of Solar Eclipses)", two indigenous stories illustrated by the drawings of visual artist Isadora and music by the composer Martin Roy.
Music and song celebration
3:15 p.m.
The legendary Diane Dufresne will be lending her incomparable voice to the rendering of a song which will be a prelude to this celestial show.
She will be accompanied by a pre-recorded performance by the Orchestre Métropolitain (OM), conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, which has a specially prepared work linked to the space theme.
Safe observation
You should never look directly at the Sun during the partial phases of the eclipse with the eye alone or through an optical instrument without specific protection.
Sunglasses are not suitable
Regular sunglasses are not opaque enough to provide protection and they potentially allow invisible but dangerous wavelengths to get through to the eye.
Eclipse glasses
These special glasses have an almost completely opaque filter, compliant with the ISO 12312-2 standard, and allow you to observe the eclipse safely. The filter must be intact: no holes, scratches, cracks or peeling is allowed.
Filters for cameras, telescopes and binoculars
Because they capture and concentrate intense sunlight, optical devices increase the danger when used to observe the Sun. You should never look directly at the Sun with an optical device unless it's fitted with filters that are specially designed for solar observation.
Écoresponsabilité
La Société du parc Jean-Drapeau et Espace pour la vie sont fiers d'accueillir la population pour cet évènement exceptionnel et s'engagent à offrir un environnement écoresponsable!
Services
Food offering
An assortment of street food trucks will be on site, along with a variety of food offerings from the Ste-Hélène Bistro-Terrasse restaurant, appealing to every taste, appetite and liking of every food enthusiast.
Customers with functional limitations
A reduced-mobility area will be set up near the stage. You can make a reservation for the individual with reduced mobility, as well as for the chaperone.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are there any items prohibited on the site?
There will be a search at the entrance of the site and prohibited items will be confiscated. To help you avoid any unpleasantries, we recommend that you not bring these items on the site. Any item deemed to be inappropriate by the show's security staff might be confiscated.
Here is a partial list of prohibited items:
- Any item that might cause injuries
- Firearms, knives and arms of any kind
- Ammunition, pocket knives, Cayenne pepper, electric shock weapons (Tasers), etc.
- Fireworks
- Items intended for sale and promotional purposes
- Illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia
- Professional audio and video recording equipment (except for accredited media representatives)
- Drones
- Laser pointers
- Walkie-talkies
- Megaphones
- Alcoholic drinks that don't come from the site
- Glass bottles and cans
- Umbrellas
- Large backpacks (camping style)
- Chair
- Cooler
- Any sign will be assessed by security
Prescriptions must be properly labelled and medications must be placed in a container that matches the name on the holder's ID document.
-
Are dogs allowed on site?
Only guide or service dogs are allowed on the event site.
-
Do I have to pay to access the site?
Access to the site as well as the event is free.
-
Is smoking or vaping cannabis permitted at the Parc?
In the province of Québec, smoking or vaping cannabis in public areas, both indoors and outdoors, is prohibited. This consumption ban comprises the entire Parc Jean-Drapeau territory, including the public road.
Please note this legislation applies to the Parc at all times, even during events.
If you see any non-compliance with the regulations, please contact Parc Jean-Drapeau's security department at 514 872-9999. The security department will take charge of communicating with the emergency services or the police, if required.
Learn more
To obtain more details regarding the activity, available services or for any request for information, do not hesitate to contact our staff.
150 ans du Parc
This year, Parc Jean-Drapeau is celebrating 150 years of spectacularly human history!
To celebrate this historic moment, the Parc is getting ready to unfurl a festive and diverse program to reflect our rich, exciting history. To everyone's delight, a series of special events and activities will be offered throughout the year, all in an unparalleled setting!
Mobility
Getting to Espace 67
To make it easier to get around, here is the exact location of the Espace 67 at Parc Jean-Drapeau posted on Google Maps.
Subway Station
The Jean-Drapeau subway station on the Line 4 — Yellow is located on Île Sainte-Hélène, in the heart of Parc Jean-Drapeau. To get to the Parc easily and quickly, the subway is still the best way to go!
River shuttle
During the summer season, Parc Jean-Drapeau visitors can use the river shuttle as a means of transportation, from the Vieux-Port de Montréal (Jacques-Cartier pier) and the city of Longueuil.
STM shuttle
Three STM shuttles provide a connection between the Jean-Drapeau subway station and various attractions.
Bike
The Parc is one of the few places where you can cross the Saint Lawrence River on your bike: simply take the bike paths of the Jacques Cartier Bridge, the Concorde Bridge or the Bike link.
Walking
People can enjoy many of the cycling paths to get to or pass through the Parc Jean-Drapeau, either running or walking.
With more than 25 kilometres of trails and pathways, the Parc is a pleasant spot for hiking, all year round.
Parking
Motorists can get to Parc Jean-Drapeau by taking the Jacques Cartier Bridge or the Concorde Bridge.
Nearby parking areas: P10, P11
Taxibus service
You can reserve a taxi for your travels at the Parc by using a valid STM transport fare.
-
Subway
Station -
STM
shuttle -
River
shuttle - Bike
- Walking
- Parking
-
Taxibus
service
© Société du parc Jean-Drapeau inc.