Meat Cove magic: Eclipse watchers get special show in northern Cape Breton
It was like the cosmos aligned for a truly special event in a special place.
Monday’s total eclipse passed over only the smallest slice of Nova Scotia – the northern Cape Breton community of Meat Cove - a place that feels like the edge of the earth.
"That was completely incredible. I was not prepared for how amazing that was going to be. That was miraculous!” said Kelly Klein, moments after witnessing the total eclipse.
With the kind of stunning cliffside ocean scenery the Cape Breton Highlands are known for, Nova Scotia’s northernmost community made for a picturesque place for an eclipse pilgrimage.
A roughly three-hour drive north of Sydney, Meat Cove is one of the most remote communities in the Maritimes.
"It's the end of the road, so it's a spectacular place to come see something like this,” said Keith MacLeod, who drove up from New Glasgow, N.S.m, to witness the event.
The distance didn't stop hundreds from parking along the only road in and out of the community, including one couple all the way from Massachusetts.
"We've always wanted to go to Nova Scotia, so we thought 'Why not make a Carly Simon trip out of it?’” said Jeanine Duchaney, who added she and her travel partner planned to visit many other locations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
People who live in the local area seemed to enjoy their community's moment in the sun – or, perhaps more accurately, out of it.
"Meat Cove is a pretty special little spot,” said Melissa Hines, who, along with her mother, spent the afternoon hosting a fundraising tea and social to celebrate the eclipse and raise funds in memory of her father. "We all get to experience this together, right? As a community, as Cape Breton Island, as a province."
For many, it was their first time laying eyes either on Meat Cove or a total eclipse.
When the mountain scenery finally descended into mid-afternoon darkness, roars of excitement went up from the crowds lining the mountainside, beach and nearby campground.
Minutes later, when the sun started to reappear, it dawned on people they had witnessed something incredible.
"Because it's once-in-a-lifetime, man. I love coming to Meat Cove, and especially for a good reason,” said Rick Carabin, who, along with at least eight family members, made the drive from Sydney.
In a place where land meets ocean - and for one day, moon met sun - the stars aligned for a spectacular experience.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING International students will be allowed to work 24 hours a week starting in September
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says international students will be able to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week starting in September.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
MPs targeted by Chinese hackers question why Canada didn't tell them
Members of Parliament are questioning why Canadian security officials did not inform them that they had been the target of Beijing-linked hackers, after learning from the FBI that the international parliamentary alliance they are a part of was in the crosshairs of the Chinese cyberattack in 2021.
Norovirus spreading at 'higher frequency' than expected in Canada
Norovirus is spreading at a 'higher frequency' than expected in Canada, specifically, in Ontario and Alberta, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
B.C. premier says Vancouver speech praising Hamas attack was 'most hateful' he can imagine
B.C. Premier David Eby has joined other politicians denouncing remarks at a demonstration in Vancouver where protesters chanted “long live Oct. 7,” praising that day's attacks by Hamas on Israel.
Less alcohol, or none at all, is one path to better health
Moderate drinking was once thought to have benefits for the heart, but better research methods have thrown cold water on that.
In a world first, king-size cigarettes in Canada must feature one of these warnings starting Tuesday
Tobacco manufacturers have until Tuesday to ensure every king-size cigarette produced for sale in Canada has a health warning printed directly on it.
WATCH
WATCH So you haven't filed your taxes yet…
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.
Anne Hathaway reveals she's now five years sober
Anne Hathaway first shared she lost interest in drinking after a bad hangover in 2018. She’s now five years sober.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Toronto
-
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
-
'Don't use the phones': Ford tells Ontario's students
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province's latest attempts to limit cellphone use in classrooms are designed to help students focus on learning.
-
Identities of officers involved in death of Mississauga father Ejaz Choudry to be made public, court rules
A request made by Peel Regional Police to shield the identities of the officers involved in the 2020 death of Mississauga father Ejaz Choudry has been rejected by the courts.
Calgary
-
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
-
Premier Danielle Smith to announce update to passenger rail service
Premier Danielle Smith will be in Calgary on Monday to announce more details about a plan to improve rail service in Alberta.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Wet, cold and snowy start to the week prompts weather warnings/statements
A low complex (multiple low-pressure systems) across the western Prairies and B.C. will create some challenging conditions over the next few days.
Edmonton
-
Company ordered to pay $360K in 2022 death of central Alberta worker
An oilfield equipment supply company has been ordered to pay $360,000 in connection with the death of a worker more than two years ago.
-
Trans Mountain pipeline project ushers in new era for oilsands hub Fort McMurray
As the urban centre at the heart of Canada's oilsands industry, Fort McMurray has seen more than its share of ups and downs.
-
Premier Danielle Smith to announce update to passenger rail service
Premier Danielle Smith will be in Calgary on Monday to announce more details about a plan to improve rail service in Alberta.
Montreal
-
McGill University says pro-Palestinian demonstrators 'refuse' to collaborate, encampment violates policies
McGill University says the growing encampment on its lower field in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza violates its policies.
-
Recycle your wine bottles and watch them transform into bridges, sidewalks
In a time of push for bigger and better infrastructure, Quebec researchers are working toward an environmentally friendly way to build bridges and construct sidewalks.
-
Geneviève Biron named head of Santé Québec
Manager Geneviève Biron has been named the first head of the government corporation Santé Québec. Minister of Health and Social Services Christian Dubé made the announcement Monday afternoon in Quebec City.
Ottawa
-
Province to open new 'regional office' in Ottawa
Premier Doug Ford announced the province will be opening a new regional office dedicated to Ottawa on Monday.
-
Via Rail unveils new early morning train service between Toronto, Ottawa
Via Rail says it will be operating an early-morning train service between Ottawa and Toronto for commuters hoping to arrive before 9 a.m.
-
Ottawa looks to move photo radar and red light camera tickets out of provincial courts
A report for the city's finance and corporate services committee recommends the city implement an administrative penalty system for adjudicating parking and camera-based offences, with municipally appointed hearing officers adjudicating ticket disputes instead of the provincial courts system.
London
-
Arson charge laid after fire set outside downtown London, Ont. residence
A woman is in police custody after allegedly setting a fire outside a home in the city’s core late last week.
-
London man charged with sexual assault following alleged downtown incident
Police have charged a 20-year-old London man with sexual assault following an alleged incident downtown.
-
'I'm grateful for every new day': $20-million donation transforms LHSC cancer care
The Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre has officially been unveiled in London, Ont. As announced in November, the $20-million gift was left to the London Health Sciences Foundation from the late Archie and Irene Verspeeten.
Barrie
-
Barrie police seek alleged car-bombing suspect
An alleged suspect has been identified by police for a car-bombing incident in Barrie last fall.
-
Dump truck rollover closes northbound Highway 400 lanes
Police say the Highway 400's northbound lanes are still closed after the crash early Monday.
-
Sentencing hearing adjourned for teen murderer
The adjourned sentencing hearing was set to begin for the third of three young men who have pleaded guilty to their involvement in the murder of a 17-year-old Barrie boy outside his home in late 2021.
Northern Ontario
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Human skeletal remains found in Chelmsford area of Greater Sudbury, police say
A gruesome discovery was made in a remote wooded area of Greater Sudbury on Sunday night, Sudbury police say.
-
'Deeply unhappy' grocery shoppers plan to boycott Loblaw-owned stores in May
A boycott targeting Loblaw is gaining momentum online, with what could be thousands of shoppers taking their money elsewhere in May.
-
One taken to hospital after car flips over in Sudbury
One person has been taken to hospital with unknown injuries following a collision on Notre Dame Avenue in Sudbury on Monday.
Kitchener
-
Ont. government announces new rules for cellphones in schools
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says the province's latest attempts to limit cellphone use in classrooms are designed to help students focus on learning.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING International students will be allowed to work 24 hours a week starting in September
Immigration Minister Marc Miller says international students will be able to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week starting in September.
-
Hidden camera found in Guelph home, man arrested
Police have arrested a 46-year-old Guelph man after a woman said she found a hidden camera and was hit with a bat several times.
Windsor
-
Motorcycle driver dead after crash with car on Dougall Avenue
A 19-year-old motorcycle driver has died after being struck by a car on Sunday evening. Around 8:30 p.m., police responded to the crash in the southbound lanes of Dougall Avenue near the E.C. Row Expressway.
-
Sentencing delayed for Windsor denturist convicted of sex offences
Sentencing has been delayed for a Windsor denturist convicted of sex offences.
-
Two weekend fires under investigation
Windsor fire and police are investigating two fires over the weekend.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeg trial of man accused of killing four women starts with bid to toss jury
The trial of a Winnipeg man accused of killing four women began this morning with a preliminary matter before the jury is called in next week.
-
A timeline of the Jeremy Skibicki case
The trial for the man accused of killing four Indigenous women in Winnipeg is set to get underway on April 29.
-
Jets forward Namestnikov hospitalized after taking puck to side of the head
Winnipeg forward Vladislav Namestnikov was hospitalized Sunday after taking a slapshot to the side of the head during the third period of the Jets' 5-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
Regina
-
Kindersley, Sask. man facing drunk driving charges after fatal crash with cyclist
A 20-year-old Kindersley man faces multiple charges for impaired driving and failing to stop at the scene of a fatal crash that led to the death of a 21-year-old man in the town west of Saskatoon early Saturday morning.
-
Saskatchewan highlights preparations made ahead of wildfire season
Saskatchewan has brought in resources early to prepare for this year's fire season. A drier than normal summer is forecast with eleven fires currently active.
-
Here's when your street will be swept
Residential street sweeping in Regina is set to get underway this week with more than 1,000 kilometres of roadway expected to be cleaned over the next six weeks.
Saskatoon
-
Kindersley, Sask. man facing drunk driving charges after fatal crash with cyclist
A 20-year-old Kindersley man faces multiple charges for impaired driving and failing to stop at the scene of a fatal crash that led to the death of a 21-year-old man in the town west of Saskatoon early Saturday morning.
-
Saskatoon Public Schools says budget increase won't cover growing enrollment or class complexity
Saskatoon’s public school board says that despite “record” funding from the province this year, the ministry’s allocation to the division doesn’t make the grade.
-
New funding aims to get more First Nation people working in Sask. energy, mining sectors
The province has teamed up with the Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence to find out how to get more Indigenous Peoples working in the energy sector.
Vancouver
-
B.C. premier says Vancouver speech praising Hamas attack was 'most hateful' he can imagine
B.C. Premier David Eby has joined other politicians denouncing remarks at a demonstration in Vancouver where protesters chanted “long live Oct. 7,” praising that day's attacks by Hamas on Israel.
-
B.C. secures 8 new sites for middle-income rental housing scheme
British Columbia has secured eight new sites for its BC Builds program, in which land owned by the province, non-profits or community groups is pre-zoned to build middle-income rental housing.
-
Historic church in Vancouver for sale for $10M
A nearly century-old church in one of Vancouver's most desirable neighbourhoods is up for sale.
Vancouver Island
-
London Drugs stores remain closed Monday after 'cybersecurity incident'
Dozens of London Drugs stores across Western Canada remained closed Monday following what the company described as a "cybersecurity incident" over the weekend.
-
Historic church in Vancouver for sale for $10M
A nearly century-old church in one of Vancouver's most desirable neighbourhoods is up for sale.
-
'He was watching from up above': Canucks comeback win takes on special meaning for grieving B.C. family
Sunday's comeback win by the Vancouver Canucks had special meaning for Carol Morin and her family.
Kelowna
-
B.C. breweries take home awards at World Beer Cup
Out of more than 9,000 entries from over 2,000 breweries in 50 countries, a handful of B.C. brews landed on the podium at the World Beer Cup this week.
-
B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA
An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.
-
Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found
Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.
