It’s not just a fashion statement that belongs in the coolest photos from our childhood and, unfortunately, on the noses of Osheaga influencers, beneath a fringed crocheted beanie with beads at the tips. The eclipse glasses—which have been gathering dust at the back of closets since the total solar eclipse of 2024—are one of the most important parts of our lunch break on August 12, 2026.
Between 12:50 p.m. and 2:39 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, the sun will be partially obscured by the moon over Montreal, and it’s a somewhat mystical event that we won’t want to miss.
SOLAR ECLIPSE (PARTIAL)
A solar eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon that can be seen with the naked eye—with protective glasses—created by the alignment of the Sun and the Moon. The Moon is closer and blocks the Sun’s rays for a short period of time, creating a sort of “night in broad daylight.”
During a partial solar eclipse, the Moon, the Sun, and the Earth aren’t perfectly aligned, but the Moon casts its “shadow” onto the Sun, which changes shape to look more like a fiery apple that a god has taken a bite out of.
On Wednesday, August 12, the Moon will cover 18.3% of the Sun—it’s a small eclipse, but one that’s still visible and requires protective glasses. So let’s break out the grill, the corn on the cob, the plastic folding chairs, and the paper sunglasses, and use the eclipse as an excuse to have a family lunch or a picnic with the coworkers we like.
The solar eclipse will last from 12:50 p.m. to 2:39 p.m., with the peak of the eclipse at 1:45 p.m.
THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE ECLIPSE IN MONTREAL
A solar eclipse isn’t like a lunar eclipse—you need much less of the sky to see it. But you still have to be able to turn your face toward the sun.
We recommend heading to a park, a plaza, or anywhere with a clear view of a large patch of sky. But since the sun will be high in the sky, you’ll be able to see it from almost anywhere in Montreal.
For those who want to go for a walk and see more of the sky, we recommend:
- Bellevue Observatory
- Belvédère Outremont
- Botanical Garden and Planetarium
