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Good times solar-brated in Kingston

April 9, 2024

Thank you to everyone who solar-brated the eclipse in Kingston with us. It was truly a day to remember and despite a few clouds, the sun, joy and community shone through. 


Photo credit: Tim Forbes for Tourism Kingston

“Thank you to the community and our residents who helped by experiencing the eclipse from their neighbourhoods, this allowed us to reopen roads and resume service sooner and faster than planned,” says Brad Joyce, Commissioner of Infrastructure, Transportation and Emergency Management. “The reduction of daily vehicle travel was substantial and made it much easier to maintain emergency services, health service access and transit.” 


Photo credit: Tim Forbes for Tourism Kingston

Forecasted cloud cover appeared throughout the day and deterred many of the anticipated day trip visitors. But residents and visitors were still treated to an incredible display, and many gathered to experience this across the Kingston:

  • Kingstonians and its visitors viewed the rare solar spectacle safely. More than 170,000 pairs of eclipse glasses were distributed through partner agencies and hotels.
  • Local hotels welcomed approximately 10,000 guests. 
  • Approximately 20,000 people sought out the prime viewing locations around Kingston.
  • Grass Creek Park’s Total Eclipse in the Park boasted 1,500 revelers, who were treated to live music and entertainment. 
  • Digital guests took part in the day as well, with more than 50,000 views of the City of Kingston’s web cams, located at Breakwater Park, Confederation Basin, Richardson Beach and Springer Market Square

The City thanks its community partners including Kingston Police, Utilities Kingston, Queen’s University, Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Kingston Fire & Rescue, Tourism Kingston, Limestone District School Board, KFL&A Public Health, Frontenac Paramedics and Kingston Health Sciences Centre for helping to make this celestial event out of this world and safe.

With the eclipse over and the next one not happening in our region until 2399 you may be wondering what to do with your eclipse glasses – we have a few suggestions. 

  • You could keep them as a souvenir.
  • Donate them! Organizations like Astronomers Without Borders collect used glasses to distribute to communities in need for future eclipses. Tourism Kingston’s Visitor Information Centre and Utilities Kingston are collecting gently used eclipse glasses at their offices.
  • Recycle them by removing the lenses and putting the plastic in the trash and then recycle the remaining cardboard frames.


Photo credit: Tim Forbes for Tourism Kingston

How did you solar-brate? Tag us on social media with your photos and share your experiences with us: