Let there be (a momentary loss of) light!
story: IAN STALKER photos © 1) Jean-François Savaria – Tourisme Montréal; 2) Parc Jean-Drapeau; 3) @jfsavaria – Tourisme Montréal; 4) Eva Blue – Tourisme Montréal; 5) Biosphère, Environment Museum.
Here comes the (temporary absence of) the sun.
Tourism officials in Montreal say that city will provide excellent viewings of the April 8 solar eclipse and it is preparing for an influx of visitors.
The rare celestial occasion is generating worldwide excitement and prompting many to travel long distances to be able to watch it in spots where it will be particularly spectacular.
“As one of the only major Canadian cities in the direct path of the solar eclipse on April 8, Montréal is set to be a prime viewing location. The city will experience total darkness starting at 3:26 p.m. and the moment of totality is expected to last about 90 seconds. The view will be especially good from Parc Jean-Drapeau, downtown and west of the island,” says Emili Bellefleur of Tourism Montreal.
“There is lots of excitement in the city as this will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Montréal in nearly a century. The last total solar eclipse visible in Montréal goes back to 1932 and no other such event is expected for another 180 years, making this a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon.
“There are many exciting and educational activities planned in Montréal for April 8 and we expect both locals and visitors to attend these family-friendly celebrations. Parc Jean-Drapeau will be holding a large-scale viewing event in partnership with the Space for Life – Planetarium. The free event begins at 11 a.m. on April 8 and will feature live music, educational programming, interactive artwork and more. Free protective glasses will be distributed — while supplies last) — to encourage safe viewing.
“The Science Centre is another ideal location in the city. The family friendly attraction will have educators on site to explain the science behind the eclipse. Title sponsor Cirque du Soleil will bring a pair of giant eclipse glasses to Montréal for the summer and offer everyone on site at the event a chance to win tickets for its show Kurios!”
Bellefleur’s colleague Aurelie de Blois said tourism authorities have already seen eclipse-related tourism benefits.
“Bookings are currently 3.5% higher in Montréal over last year,” she says. “Given that the weather is a determining factor for viewing the eclipse, we expect there will be a lot of last-minute decisions! It’s worth mentioning that this eclipse makes Montreal attractive especially for those living north of the trajectory, so it’s this clientele that we’re expecting to see more of on April 8.”
Meanwhile, Bellefleur says she “absolutely” expects that some of those on hand for the eclipse will be visiting Montreal for the first time, be favourably impressed by it and so will return on future visits.
