Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Jan 23, 2024
On April 8, 2024, the Eastern Townships will be the scene of the next total solar eclipse. At just an hour and a half from Montréal and touching the borders of Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire, discover your best place to observe this exceptional astronomical phenomenon in the heart of the Townships.
The vibrant heart of the Eastern Townships, Sherbrooke shines with its cheerful microbrewery tables, storytelling murals, parks for sunny strolls and a bustling local scene! If you’re coming to watch the solar eclipse here, make sure the sky is clear between 3:27 p.m. and 3:31 p.m., because that’s when the eclipse will be most complete. End your day around the Lac des Nations and at the Marché de la Gare to fill your bags with local flavours.
Where to go? Bishop University’s outdoor stadium and the stadium at the Université de Sherbrooke (reserved for students). Presentations at the Centre des Foires de Sherbrooke (for a fee). Special menu at OMG Resto.
Where to stay? Find accommodations for the solar eclipse in and around Sherbrooke by clicking here:
Several good restaurants, charming boutiques, a breathtaking view of Lake Memphremagog and Mount Orford... You’re definitely in Magog! On April 8, 2024, all eyes in this popular Eastern Townships town will be on the sun as the moon passes overhead between 3:27 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. You too can experience this unique moment in Magog! Then head out and enjoy a walk along the Marais de la Rivière aux Cerises.
Where to go? Historical presentations at Maison Merry (free of charge). A special menu at Bistro Koz.
Where to stay? Find accommodations for the solar eclipse near and around Magog by clicking here:
Nestled at the foot of Mount Brome, Bromont’s inviting village centre is an ideal place to enjoy the solar eclipse. Stroll through Vieux Bromont. The charming boutiques on Shefford Street are full of treasures. Here, the total eclipse will be visible from 3:27 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. While you’re in the region you might want to head to Désirables Gâteries to stock up on tasty treats while you wait for the sky to darken.
Where to go? Free activities at the Place publique and the Campus Germain-Désourdy. Access to the Bromont, montagne d’expériences chairlift for a fee. Hiking trails at the Parc des sommets Bromont (access for a fee).
Where to stay? Find accommodations for the solar eclipse in and around Bromont by clicking here:
Are you in dire need of fresh air? Come and watch the solar eclipse in Sutton between 3:29 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. You’ll find yourself nestled right next to the Sutton mountains, two steps from the United States border. For outdoor enthusiasts, between the Mont-Sutton, the Parc d’environnement naturel de Sutton, Plein air Sutton and the Au Diable Vert mountain resort, you’ll find everything you’re hoping for.
Where to go? Bilingual guided presentations at the Obervétoile (reserved for guests lodging at Au Diable Vert, and accessible to day visitors depending on places available).
Where to stay? Find accommodations for the solar eclipse in and around Sutton by clicking here:
Being the gateway to the Eastern Townships from Montréal, Granby is inviting you to come and watch the solar eclipse right here. The eclipse will be complete between 3:26 p.m. and 3:29 p.m. While you’re in town, head to the Café de la Brûlerie, a local institution, for a drink or a bite to eat. From there, you’re close to Lac Boivin and its nature interpretation centre.
Where to go? Free access to the Zoo de Granby parking areas (the Zoo will be closed). Indoor or outdoor entertainment at the Centre d’interprétation de la nature du Lac Boivin.
Where to stay? Find accommodations for the solar eclipse in and around Granby by clicking here:
Close to the US border, the town of Coaticook invites you to restore your energy and truly relax. Walk across the town’s river on the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America at the Parc de la Gorge. To watch the total eclipse from Coaticook, simply look up towards the sky between 3:27 p.m. and 3:31 p.m. Psst... Enjoy an ice cream cone at the iconic Coaticook dairy as you’re waiting for the astral phenomenon to unfold.
Where to go?Entertainment planned at the town’s Parc Chartier.
Where to stay? Find accommodations for the solar eclipse in and around Coaticook by clicking here:
This small village in the heart of the Des Sources region will draw you into its peaceful yet upbeat lifestyle. While waiting for the moon to hide the sun between 3:28 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., have a seat at the P’tit Bonheur in Saint-Camille and enjoy a delicious pizza! You’re now on the beautiful Townships Trail, so get back behind the wheel and explore the typical landscapes of the Townships.
Where to go? Downtown commented outdoor observation.
Where to stay? Find accommodations for the solar eclipse around Saint-Camille by clicking here.
On the day of the eclipse, opt for a stopover in the Coeur Villageois of Danville and sit back in the tranquility of its rolling landscapes to watch the sky as long as you like, but especially between 3:28 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Afterwards, you might want to explore the surrounding area; you’ll find plenty of trails and circuits to choose from.
Where to stay? Find accommodations for the solar eclipse in and around Danville by clicking here:
With the Parc national du Mont Mégantic, designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, just 40 minutes away, the town of Lac-Mégantic is a must for observing the total eclipse, which will take place between 3:28 p.m. and 3:32 p.m. This delightful town, with its Dolce Vita ambiance, offers the perfect setting for a peaceful, relaxing getaway. Before you leave, take a stroll along the lake or stock up on cheese at the La Chaudière cheese factory!
Where to go? Entertainment awaits in the downtown sector.
Where to stay? Find accommodations for the solar eclipse in and around Lac-Mégantic by clicking here:
Nestling at the foot of Mont Mégantic, did you know that Notre-Dame-des-Bois is one of the most elevated villages in Québec? At an altitude of 555 metres, you can watch the moon completely obscure the sun between 3:28 p.m. and 3:32 p.m. To learn more about astronomy, head to the ASTROLab museum (closed on April 8, 2024) to unlock all the mysteries of the sky.
Where to go? Outdoor presentations in front of the ASTROLab (paying activity).
Where to stay? Find accommodations for the solar eclipse in and around Notre-Dame-des-Bois by clicking here.
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