'Once in a lifetime': The moment the solar eclipse turned Kingston, Ont. dark

Canadians were able to experience a total solar eclipse, as the Moon passed between the Sun and Earth, bringing darkness to various parts across the country for several minutes on April 8, 2024.

Kingston was one of the major Canadian cities that witnessed a total solar eclipse, with totality beginning at 3:22 p.m. EDT.

Officials issued an alert beforehand, warning that Kingston was bracing for an influx of up to 500,000 visitors — which would triple the city's population.

Although many Ontario destinations battled with cloud cover throughout the day, conditions over Kingston improved as the partial eclipse got underway after 2p.m. EDT.

Yahoo News Canada spoke with an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces, who said the experience was a "Once in a lifetime thing for myself."

Totality was set to hit the region at 3:22 p.m. EDT, and last for 2 minutes and 51 seconds. Minutes before totality occured, there was a noticeable drop in air temperature and the shadows grew longer as darkness began to set in.

Streetlights and storefronts became illuminated and cheers began to erupt from the crowd as the skies grew nearly black and stars became visible.

"It is incredible to see everyone come out and be together to witness this eclipse," said Kingston resident Athel Hagi to Yahoo Canada.