You’re invited to witness a total solar eclipse this spring in New Brunswick - one of the best locations in the world for viewing this spectacular phenomenon. On April 8, 2024, the sun will be completely blocked by the moon in Fredericton, Woodstock, Florenceville-Bristol and Miramichi, as the path of 100% totality passes through their skies. This extraordinary cosmic event is reason to celebrate with events planned for stargazers throughout the entire weekend.
What is a solar eclipse?
The moon moves in a constant orbit around the earth, and the earth moves in a constant orbit around the sun. Sometimes, this orbital pattern causes the moon to block the sun’s light from reaching earth – this is called a solar eclipse.
What does totality mean?
During a total eclipse, the sun and earth must be in a direct line, causing the moon to cast a shadow over the earth. This shadow is very narrow and referred to as the path of totality. Those lucky enough to find themselves in the path of totality will experience complete darkness as the moon blocks the sun.
Where are the best places to view the complete solar eclipse?
Western New Brunswick Region
(Canterbury, Meductic, Woodstock, Hartland, Florenceville-Bristol, Perth-Andover, Plaster Rock, Tobique Valley, New Denmark, Grand Falls)
The first entry point in New Brunswick for the solar eclipse is the western part of the province, between Woodstock and Grand Falls. Experience the phenomenon in person or watch the live stream of David Hunter’s high altitude balloon launch. The #ExploreNB team will be at the Eclipse Planetarium Party held on Monday April 8 from 1pm to 5:30pm at Potato World in Florenceville-Bristol as part of this historic moment, and famous astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield will give a special two-hour speech that evening at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre.
The entire Western NB Region will be hosting exciting eclipse-themed events throughout their communities. For more information, visit their website, Instagram and Facebook.
Accommodations
Florenceville-Bristol
Shamrock Train Suites
Amsterdam Inn Florenceville-Bristol
Woodstock
Best Western Woodstock
Howard Johnston by Wyndham Woodstock
Additions to Your Trip
Florenceville-Bristol
Andrew & Laura McCain Art Gallery
Shiktehawk Walking Trail
Noah's Ark Cafe
Woodstock
Woodstock Farm & Craft Market
Maliseet Trail (Hays Falls)
Honourable Charles Connell House
Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve
Grab a Bite
Florenceville-Bristol
Exit 153 Restaurant
On the Boardwalk Cafe & Wine
Florenceville Inn Restaurant & Sportsbar
Woodstock
The River Restaurant
Creek Village Gallery & Cafe
Thai Hut
Walter’s Table
Fredericton
New Brunswick’s capital is pulling out all the stops for the solar eclipse with special events planned for the entire weekend, leading up to a public observation of the eclipse! Their organizing committee has prepared a weekend of fun beginning on Saturday, April 6. It includes eclipse-themed shows at the Planetarium, kids workshops, STEM exhibits, astronomy sessions, Indigenous storytelling and more, all set in a festive atmosphere. Special eclipse viewing glasses will be provided for Monday’s main event. Visit EclipseFest Fredericton for more information.
Accommodations
Delta Fredericton
Chateau Fredericton
Radisson Kingswood
Best Western Plus Fredericton
Additions to Your Trip
Fredericton Taproom Trail
Mactaquac Provincial Park
Beaverbrook Art Gallery
Grab a Bite
Isaac’s Way
Wolastoq Wharf
The Pickle Jar
And many more
Doaktown
Doaktown, nestled between Miramichi and Fredericton, is the place to be for the eclipse with the all-inclusive Sky Experience 2024 taking place from April 7-9.
Here, you’ll find an aspiring astronomer’s dream agenda: stargazing with high-end telescopes, speakers like Trevor Jones and Ashley Northcotte, immersive astrophotography experiences, and an astrotourism destinations pavilion with retailers and astronomy clubs. Book an all-inclusive package for two-and-a-half days of activities, presentations, accommodations, meals, morning yoga, and a star party.
Accommodations
The Sky Experience has packages with Storeytown Cottages, The Ledges Inn, and Ponds Resort.
Additions to Your Trip
Atlantic Salmon Museum
Priceville Suspension Footbridge
Route 8 High Wheeler Antiques & Collectibles
Grab a Bite
The Lower Ledge Gastropub
Parker’s Country Diner and Takeout
Bett’s Village Family Restaurant
Miramichi
From April 3 to 8, the riverside city of Miramichi will be hosting eclipse-themed activities for stargazers to enjoy: an astronomy conference (Astronomy East 2024) on April 5-7, a music festival (Cosmic JamFest) on April 5-6, a light and sound drone show on April 6, and an eclipse viewing celebration with food vendors, music and family friendly activities on April 8. Check out the full program for all the details!
Accommodations
The Rodd Miramichi River
Travelodge by Wyndham Miramichi
Ramada by Wyndham Miramichi
Additions to Your Trip
French Fort Cove Nature Park
New Brunswick Aviation Museum
Metepenagiag Heritage Park
And more
Grab a Bite
1809 Restaurant & Bar
O’Donaghue’s Irish Pub
Namaste Bistro
Gabi’s Pie Shoppe
And many more
Moncton-Dieppe
In Moncton and Dieppe, the solar eclipse will be partial (99.89%). For those outside the path of totality, the sun appears to be partially covered by the moon. EclipSol, Moncton’s Solar Eclipse Festival, will take place at Bore Park on April 8 from 12pm to 6pm. Come enjoy many free activities for all!
Accommodations
Visit Destination Moncton-Dieppe to explore the many accommodation options in the region.
Additions to Your Trip
Resurgo Place
Magnetic Hill Zoo
Trails & Parks
Grab a Bite
Hungry before or after eclipse-watching? Take your pick!
What preventative safety measures do I need to view the eclipse?
Except when the moon is completely covering the sun, it is not safe to look directly at the eclipse. Special eye protection is required for solar viewing.
Even viewing the sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a solar filter can result in severe eye injury. Make sure to purchase your safe solar viewing glasses well in advance so you can enjoy the eclipse experience safely.
Each of the events listed above will have free safety glasses available.
New Brunswick Invites You to Our Prime Solar Eclipse Viewing Location
In 2024, New Brunswick will become a celestial stage for a rare and awe-inspiring event. As we prepare to witness this extraordinary incredible occurrence, it's clear that New Brunswick's natural beauty and welcoming communities will create an ideal backdrop for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you're invited to share this moment with us!
The total solar eclipse in New Brunswick promises to be a moment of wonder, unity, and profound connection to the universe. It's a reminder that even in our fast-paced world, there are still events that can captivate our collective imagination and bring us together to marvel at the wonders of the world.
So, mark your calendars, plan your trip, and get ready to be a part of this historic moment in New Brunswick — an experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all who are fortunate enough to witness it.
