The city is all set to welcome its biggest crowd ever. Close to a million folks from every nook and cranny will arrive to witness the magic unfold. Niagara is gearing up for the occasion with all necessary precautions being addressed with a state of emergency declaration.
The eclipse kicks off down in Mexico around 11:07 a.m. PT, making its way up to southern Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Niagara Falls being one of the prime viewing spots, expect the sky to turn pitch black for four minutes sometime between 2 and 4 p.m. ET. This is going to be an absolute Instagram-worthy moment.
Eclipse timing and schedule
TIME
14:04:51 Partial Eclipse Begins
15:18:18 Totality Begins
15:20:03 Maximum Eclipse
15:21:49 Totality Ends
16:31:59 Partial Eclipse Ends
Best Viewing Spots
Create an unforgettable experience in the backdrop of the majestic Niagara Falls. Watch nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena at one of these prime viewing spots around Niagara.
Niagara Falls
- Firemen’s Park: This is one of the top spots to view the Solar eclipse in Niagara Falls, Ontario. With viewing area located on the north-end, Firemen’s Park has ample parking spots and access to facilities.
- MacBain Community Centre: Another great spot in Niagara to witness solar eclipse 2024. They have a viewing area, complete with plenty of parking spots, washrooms, and a café for refreshments.
- Patrick Cummings Park – Chippawa Arena: This south-end viewing park offers unobstructed views of this celestial wonder that is occurring after 45 years, and the venue has plenty of convenient facilities.
Fort Erie
- Bay Beach: If you are looking for a serene spot to enjoy the view, Bay Beach is a great choice! On 7th April 2024 you’ll also have the opportunity to watch an age-appropriate celestial movie, telescopes and astronomers – Movie Magic under the Cosmic Canopy at Bay Beach.
- Ferndale Park, Optimist Park, Crystal Ridge Park: Most popular parks in and around Fort Erie are all set for eclipse viewing .
Port Colborne
- The grandeur of solar eclipse can be viewed at Vale Health and Wellness Centre, H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park, and Sugarloaf Harbour Marina too.
- Some of the other spots to enjoy the Solar eclipse in Niagara Falls, Ontario: against picturesque backdrops in Port Colborne are West Street/downtown Port Colborne, Lock 8 Gateway Park, Nickel Beach, and Centennial Cedar Bay Beach.
- The city has also planned some immersive and interactive experiences at the Ontario Planetarium: Planetarium Show, Solar Tours and Telescope Tours and Port Colborne Public Library and Museum.
Other Nearby Areas
- St. Catharines: Visit Brock University for celestial viewing and educational exhibits.
- Welland: Rec Rentals @ the Docks, Welland Stadium, and WIFC North Course are available for eclipse viewing, with public washrooms open.
- Wainfleet: While there are no dedicated viewing areas, public beaches and parks are open for eclipse enthusiasts.
- Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority Parks: Join eclipse events at Ball’s Falls, Binbrook, and Long Beach.
Places to stay
Embassy Suites by Hilton: This hotel has one of the best and prime viewing spots for the solar eclipse in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Spacious suites, prime location, great facilities like private balconies are reasons why you should consider this as a great place to stay.
Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls-Falls view: Steps away from the falls, this contemporary hotel provides modern comforts and stunning vistas. You can witness the eclipse together with fellow enthusiasts at the hotel’s observation deck. Enjoy an unobstructed view of the solar eclipse as it paints the sky with celestial hues.
Best Western Plus Cairn Croft Hotel: If you are looking to enjoy a peaceful retreat, amidst the chaos, among the lush gardens and tranquil courtyards, this charming hotel is your best bet. You can venture out to nearby parks or waterfronts for an unforgettable eclipse viewing experience.
Old Stone Inn Boutique Hotel: Nestled in the heart of Niagara Falls, this boutique hotel is all about old-world charm and historical representation. Witness this rare occurring of solar eclipse while being delighted by a comfortable stay.
Some of the other spectacular and most obvious choices include Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa and Sheraton on the Falls. These luxury hotels are probably fully booked, but they are situated on the brink of the falls and offer panoramic views of both the natural wonder and the sky above.
Getting there
From Toronto, you can get to Niagara in less than 2 hours. As per the recent stats published on Niagara Police website, around 14,000+ hotel stays have already been pre-booked. On the day off, you can expect traffic congestion on both Niagara roads and provincial highways. It is important to plan your travel 48 to 72 hours in advance.
Safety precautions
Safety is and must be your utmost priority while trying to catch a glimpse of this celestial wonder. The last thing you’d want is to directly look at the sun and incur permanent damage. Directly looking at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause solar retinopathy, leading to irreversible harm to the retina’s light-sensitive cells. Symptoms may not manifest until hours after exposure, potentially resulting in blurred vision, retinal burns, or permanent vision loss.
Remember, ordinary sunglasses or multiple pairs of sunglasses are not proper protection for your eyes. To safely witness a solar eclipse, it’s essential to use proper protective gear, such as solar filters or eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. These filters allow for safe viewing of the sun’s rays during the eclipse. It’s best recommended to always cover your eyes with the filter before looking up at the sun and remove it afterward.
For photography enthusiasts, it’s a little different. It’s best to seek expert advice before using a solar filter with cameras, telescopes, or binoculars. The solar filter must be securely attached to the front of the optical device to prevent any risk of damage. With these guidelines and precautions, you are good to safely enjoy this much-awaited, breathtaking spectacle of a solar eclipse.
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