Eclipse brings excitement, tourism to Eastern Townships
The total solar eclipse is coming with plenty of safety warnings, but in the Eastern Townships, there's excitement about the fact that the celestial event is becoming a tourist attraction.
For most, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"A solar eclipse, a partial one, happens every few years, but a total [eclipse], this is what is super rare. The last one, for example, over Montreal was in 1932," said Julie Bolduc-Duval, executive director of Discover the Universe.
While there are school closures and warnings about protecting people's eyesight, many across eastern Canada are mostly excited.
"I had the chance to see a total solar eclipse in 2017 in the United States, and it's really something," Bolduc-Duval said.
On April 8, the eclipse is slated to cross Mexico and the U.S. before heading into Canada.
The spots directly under this shadow are called the path of totality, where viewing the eclipse will be the best.
Quebec's Eastern Townships are right centre.
"It goes straight through Sherbrooke and Astrolab du parc national du Mont-Mégantic above two dark sky reserves," explained Lysandre Michaud-Verreault, a spokesperson for Tourism Eastern Townships.
Magog, Sherbrooke and Coaticook should have the best seats in the house for the celestial show.
The Eastern Townships tourism board says it is expecting around 75,000 people at 50 watch parties.
That's not counting those who will be coming to watch on their own.
The region says it is especially good for tourism because it's happening in what would normally be a quiet time of year.
"After Easter, it's not as crowded as it could be, but for the eclipse, it is. So it brings a lot of people," said Michaud-Verreault. "We are pretty busy. The occupation rate is pretty high."
There are also events in Montreal, with hundreds or even thousands expected to pack into Parc Jean Drapeau for a viewing party.
"It's just an amazing experience. You kind of feel part of this universe," said Bolduc-Duval.
If you miss this one, there's always next time but for eastern Canada, there's no other eclipse anticipated for at least 50 years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton stabbed with toothbrush and broken broom handle: victim's family
The family of one of Robert Pickton's victims says the convicted serial killer suffered an incredibly violent death at the hands of another inmate.
'Lots of love, darling': Hundreds of love letters dating back to 1920s up for sale
Hundreds of love letters from decades past are up for grabs, offering a peek into days when pen and ink were conveyors of connection when miles apart.
'It feels like freedom': Why some Albertans like going nude in nature
Few people can say they accidentally purchased a nude beach — but Shelley can. When she saw a piece of land she could fondly remember camping on was up for sale, she inquired about it and ended up purchasing it. She soon found that there were already inhabitants on it.
Five things to know about the NHL playoffs
The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers are both one win away from advancing to the Stanley Cup final.
Is intermittent fasting better than counting calories? Maybe not, but you might stick with it
As weight-loss plans go, it's easy to see the allure of intermittent fasting: Eat what you want, but only during certain windows of time — often just eight hours a day.
Daughter of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt files court petition to remove father's last name
A daughter of actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt filed paperwork to legally remove "Pitt" from her name on the day she turned 18.
Father who killed one-year-old son with axe may be allowed to travel in southwestern Ontario
A Mennonite father who killed his one-year-old son with an axe may be allowed to travel to parts of southern Ontario in the coming months
Tick season is underway in Ontario. Here's how to protect yourself
Tick season is well underway and there is a new species of ticks causing new diseases, which is why you need to take steps to protect yourself.
Two celestial shows will be visible across Canada this week
Canada is getting not one – but two – celestial shows over the next few days. Keep an eye on the sky for the northern lights and parade of planets!