Set your alarm and your coffee maker: on Saturday, March 29, 2025, New Brunswick will wake up to a cosmic show worth pulling yourself out of bed for.
Bitten Sunrise
At sunrise, the province will experience a partial solar eclipse, a rare and surreal moment where the Moon slides between Earth and Sun — slicing off a dramatic arc of daylight just as the Sun peeks above the horizon. Translation: the sunrise will look like something out of a sci-fi dream sequence. Think: glowing crescent sun rising over the Bay of Fundy.
This isn’t one of those blink-and-you-miss-it moments. The eclipse will already be in progress as the Sun rises, giving early risers a chance to see a Sun that’s visibly “bitten” by the Moon. Maximum coverage — between 25% and 40%, depending on where you are — will happen minutes after sunrise. Then, slowly, the Moon will move along and normal daylight will resume. But not before you’ve had a moment of pure wonder.
How Much of the Sun Will Be Covered?
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Moncton: ~35%
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Saint John: ~33%
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Fredericton: ~36%
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Northern NB (Edmundston, Campbellton): up to ~40%
While it's not a total eclipse, it’s the next best thing — especially because it happens so close to the horizon. And if you know where to look, you can see the partial solar eclipse all unfold with a thermos in hand.
Where to Catch It
To really soak in the strangeness of a half-eclipsed Sun climbing over the landscape, you’ll need a clear view of the eastern horizon. Bonus points for bodies of water, wide-open skies, or coastal chill vibes. A few of our favourite vantage points:
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Saint Andrews: The east-facing coastline near Indian Point or Katy’s Cove offers spectacular sunrise views, and there’s something extra poetic about watching a celestial event in Canada’s oldest seaside resort town.
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Irving Nature Park, Saint John: A local classic with wide water views and enough salty air to wake up even the most reluctant morning person.
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Magnetic Hill area, Moncton: Slight elevation and good sky visibility make this a smart (and convenient) option.
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North Side Green, Fredericton: Pack a blanket and watch the show from riverside grass.
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Mactaquac Provincial Park: Slightly farther out, but worth the early drive.
Safety First — No, Seriously
Looking directly at the Sun without protection can damage your eyes — even during a partial eclipse. You'll need ISO-certified eclipse glasses (not regular sunglasses). If you're feeling crafty, you can also make a pinhole projector or use a colander to cast the crescent shadows on the ground. Solar filters for your camera or binoculars are essential if you're planning to document the moment.
Want to Photograph It?
You’ll be shooting into the Sun (literally), so protect your gear and your retinas. Use a solar filter, and stabilize your shot with a tripod — the low light of sunrise plus the eclipse makes for a tricky exposure. But get it right, and you’ll have a shot that’s social-media gold.
Watch the Weather
Clear skies are key, so keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to March 29. A cloudy horizon could block your view completely. Fingers crossed for a crisp March morning.
One More Thing
This eclipse is part of Saros Cycle 149 — a celestial pattern that repeats roughly every 18 years and 11 days. The last time this happened was in 2007, and the next time you’ll catch it? Not anytime soon.
So yes, this is a “set the alarm” kind of moment. Bring a friend, a blanket, maybe a breakfast sandwich — and see New Brunswick from an entirely different angle.
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