Communities in the path of the April 8 solar eclipse are preparing to receive many visitors. In Quebec, the Eastern Townships region is particularly dynamic. Much further south in Texas, small towns like Fredericksburg, Terrell and Sulfur Springs are also taking it seriously.
Why Texas?
“The chances of good weather are better there because here, in Quebec, the temperature can be quite execrable. As I’m a fan of eclipses, I don’t want to miss it,” explains Philippe Moussette, president of the Vega astronomy club in Cap-Rouge, who will be in Texas for the event.
“Second, instead of 3 minutes 30 seconds, I’m going to have 4 minutes 22 seconds of total eclipse. And another thing is that it’s probably going to be hotter in Texas than in Quebec. »
IMAGE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The path of the total eclipse of April 8, 2024
But if the weather is nice, the Eastern Townships won’t have much to envy of Texas. Virtually the entire region will be in the path of the total eclipse, a path that will also affect Montérégie and the south of Montreal.
“Residents will be able to observe the eclipse from their backyard,” notes Lysandre Michaud-Verreault, spokesperson for Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est. For visitors, there are already 40 to 50 observation sites spread across the entire territory. At the moment, we have a capacity of approximately 50,000 people, but we should reach a capacity of 75,000 people. »
Eastern Townships Tourism has prepared guides for communities who want to organize observation sites (provide parking, toilets, etc.) and for tourism business owners (promotion, staff training, etc.) .)
PHOTO TIMOTHY D. EASLEY, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Total eclipse in Kentucky in 2017
Observing a total eclipse can generate significant economic benefits for a community. In 2017, 1.6 million people visited South Carolina to view a total eclipse, leaving $269 million in the local economy. We are talking about benefits of US 63.5 million for Wyoming and US 127 million for Nebraska. The small town of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, alone, designated by NASA as the point of greatest totality in the United States, has garnered benefits of US$30 million.
Eastern Townships Tourism has worked with the entire industry to coordinate efforts to attract visitors and keep them in the region longer.
“The eclipse lasts between three and four minutes,” recalls M.me Michaud-Verreault. As long as you’re traveling, you might as well take the opportunity to visit the region. »
It was also a matter of relieving congestion in the area around Mont Mégantic by creating other activity centers. Several will also broadcast live on a giant screen the animation of the ASTROLab of the Mont-Mégantic national park.
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Mont Mégantic will be at the heart of the trajectory of the total eclipse on April 8.
The event at Mont-Mégantic Park is already sold out, as are the guided hikes at Mount Hereford. Occupancy rates vary between 95 and 100% for accommodation around the park, in Haut-Saint-François, around Lac-Mégantic, in North Hatley and in Sherbrooke.
There is still room in Magog and Orford, where occupancy rates vary between 40 and 70%.
“It’s not yet complete, but it’s filling up more quickly than the other weekends in April,” comments Mme Michaud-Verreault. There is still room in Bromont and Granby. »
Eastern Townships Tourism has not forgotten the catering sector.
“There is a very small percentage of restaurants that are open on Mondays in the region, especially more touristy or more gourmet restaurants,” explains M.me Michaud-Verreault. We make them see the business opportunity to stay open this Monday. The eclipse ends around 4 p.m. People will want to eat. »
What if the clouds take over?
“It will be possible to observe the eclipse rain or shine, particularly with the broadcast of the ASTROLab or NASA broadcast,” she says. Even if there is cloud cover, it will not have the same opacity throughout the region. »
Philippe Moussette and several other amateur astronomers will not take any risks and will head to Texas.
“A total eclipse is a crazy phenomenon,” he maintains. When the shadow comes, it suddenly gets dark, it’s not like a sunset. It’s like turning off the light. »
He will stay in Dallas and go to the suburbs, Terrell or Kaufman, depending on last minute conditions.
With the example of traffic during the total eclipse of 2017, small communities are preparing. Fredericksburg, about 100 miles from San Antonio, has developed a comprehensive guide for residents, businesses and visitors. In particular, we recommend stocking up in advance, planning all the necessary food for the day of the eclipse and having cash. Cell phone networks are expected to be overloaded: it may be difficult to use a credit or debit card in some businesses.
And like everywhere, you must obtain certified glasses in advance.
Consult the eclipse page on Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est