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Niagara Falls Solar Eclipse

Where to Watch & Events

Join us on Monday, April 8, to witness the total solar eclipse in Niagara Falls!

The moon is expected to completely cover the sun in the direct path of totality, making this a rare opportunity to observe this phenomenon. The solar eclipse experience is expected to start at 2:04 pm and last about two and a half hours. The sun will be fully eclipsed at approximately 3:18 pm and lasting for three minutes.

Niagara Falls will be one of the best places in Canada to view the eclipse. We anticipate hundreds of thousands of visitors will share it with us.

Plan ahead:

• Expect crowds, lines and traffic.

• Be sure to purchase your ISO-approved eclipse glasses ahead of time so you can safely enjoy this one-in-a-lifetime experience!

• To stay informed, residents are encouraged to sign up for City of Niagara Falls Solar Eclipse notifications through email or text to receive eclipse-related updates that may impact your day.

• Visit niagarafalls.ca/solareclipse for more safety & preparation tips.

We have many exciting events and activities leading up to and on the day of the eclipse, including a Guinness World Record attempt for the ‘Largest gathering of people dressed as the sun’!

Keep scrolling for a preview of eclipse-related events and activities you can enjoy!

Best Viewing Points

If you are in Niagara Falls for the total eclipse, you have a front-row seat to this spectacular event! We've identified the best viewing points to consider:

• Firemen's Park - 2275 Dorchester Road  

  • North-end viewing area with parking and access to washrooms.

• MacBain Community Centre Park – 7150 Montrose Road

  • Viewing area with lots of parking with access to washrooms and café.

• Patrick Cummings Park – Chippawa Arena – 9000 Sodom Road

  • South-end viewing park with lots of parking and access to washrooms.

• By the Falls – Table Rock and other Niagara Park Commission greenspaces

  • Views of the eclipse will be more limited in select areas.

  • It is recommended to access these areas by public transportation, walking or cycling.

• Your own front or backyard and neighbourhood parks

  • If you can see the sky from your front or backyard or community park, staying home or close to home is a great option. The City anticipates many visitors and traffic to the community.  

Museum Lecture: Eclipse 101

Thursday, April 4

The sheer magnitude of a Total Eclipse drove ancient cultures to the brink of panic. On average for any one spot on the Earth, total eclipses happen only once in 400 years. On Monday, April 8, this will happen in our backyard. Join the Niagara Falls History Museum and Dr. Pihack for an evening of information explaining how best to watch this event safely. Every ticket includes one free pair of eclipse glasses!

• When: Thursday, April 4, 7 pm

• Where: Niagara Falls History Museum, 5810 Ferry Street

• Who: Adult event but appropriate for ages 7+

• Price: $8 per person or $5 for Museum Members. Registration is required.

Intergalactic Dance Party: Star Wars Themed

Saturday, April 6

This is the party you're looking for. Don your lightsaber or stormtrooper helmet, and get ready to boogie down with your fellow Star Wars fans. Costumes are encouraged but not required!

In addition to an amazing dance party led by DJ Marinko, the night will include a photo booth of R2D2 with Carrhunger Creative, Star Wars Trivia with Mind Games Trivia, choreographed Lightsaber battle, costume contest, 905 Hotdog Pound food truck and Star Wars-inspired cocktails.

• When: Saturday, April 6, 7 pm - 11 pm

• Where: Niagara Falls Exchange, 5943 Sylvia Place

• Who: 19+ Event, ID required upon entry

• Price: $30 per person. Registration is encouraged before the event.

Free Community Activities at City of Niagara Falls Facilities

Monday, April 8

PD Day Drop-in Activities at the MacBain Community Centre:

• Pool:  

  • Leisure Swim: 1 pm - 7 pm (slide will be closed)

• Gym:

  • All Ages Pickleball: 12:15 pm - 2:15 pm

  • Badminton: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm

  • Basketball: 4:45 pm - 8:45 pm

• Room F:

  • Table Tennis: 1 pm - 8:45 pm

Community Skating at Gale Centre and Chippawa Willoughby Memorial Arenas: 1 pm - 5 pm

Please note: City Hall will be closed for in-person customer service and payments. Online and phone service will be available.

Details on City of Niagara Falls facility hours on Monday, April 8, can be found at niagarafalls.ca.

Here Come the Suns: Guinness World Record Attempt

Monday, April 8

In celebration of the Total Solar Eclipse, the City of Niagara Falls, in partnership with Niagara Falls Tourism, is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for 'Largest gathering of people dressed as the sun'. Residents are encouraged to pre-register to participate.

The official attempt will take place on Monday, April 8, before the Solar Eclipse activities scheduled throughout the community begin. The City plans to break this record with 300 people dressed in identical sun costumes on Niagara City Cruises' Voyage to the Falls boat tour, located near the brink of the Falls. During this world record attempt, all registered participants will be onboard for this complimentary boat tour.

• When: Monday, April 8, 8 am - 10:30 am (approximately 2.5 hours)

• Where: Niagara City Cruises Main Ticket Plaza - beside the Zipline Tower, located at 5920 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

• Instructions: 

  • Arrive on location by 8 am (firm). 

    • Parking will be at a premium in the area, and some road closures are anticipated. The City encourages participants to be dropped off/picked up, ride a bike, or find other transportation methods if possible. 

  • Arrive wearing solid-coloured black, yellow, or white pants, appropriate footwear and upper-body wear. 

  • Wear the provided sun costume for the duration of the event.

    • One size fits most adults and older children.

      
      

Please be aware that participation is not guaranteed. The City will be registering 500 participants. However, the first 300 participants to arrive at the meeting point will be given a costume. All other registrants will have the opportunity to join the boat tour as spectators (until capacity is reached). 

Thanks to Niagara River Trading Company for assisting the City of Niagara Falls in this Record Breaking Attempt.

Interested participants must register online by April 7 at 4 pm and meet several requirements listed on the registration form. 

Free Concert at Queen Victoria Park

Monday, April 8

Niagara Falls Tourism, in partnership with the City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Parks, is proud to present a star-studded lineup of performances on Monday, April 8, 2024. We are capping off the show with Ontario's own The Glorious Sons at Queen Victoria Park, following the celestial wonder of the total solar eclipse over Niagara Falls.

• Where: Queen Victoria Park, 6345 Niagara River Pkwy

• When: Monday, April 8. Performances begin at 2:40 pm, with the final performance kicking off at 8:30 pm.

The full lineup includes performances by*:

• 2:40 pm - Niagara Symphony Orchestra

• 4:45 pm - The Boneheads

• 6:00 pm - New Friends

• 7:20 pm - JJ Wilde

• 8:30 pm - The Glorious Sons

The slate of entertainment will kick off with the Niagara Symphony Orchestra playing the prelude to the total solar eclipse and will resume playing once totality is reached. This free concert is scheduled to continue until 10:00 pm.

*Artist lineup and showtimes are subject to change without notice

Niagara Falls Public Libraries

Monday, April 8

All activities for this special PD Day will be about space and the eclipse. Join us for games, crafts, obstacle courses, scavenger hunts and more. Have some fun at the library on your day off from school! All ages are welcome!

• Where: All Open Library Locations (Chippawa Library will be closed on Monday, April 8).

• When: Monday, April 8, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

To learn more about events and activities taking place in Niagara leading up to and on the day of the Eclipse, visit:

• City of Niagara Falls Events Calendar

• Niagara Falls Tourism

• Niagara Parks

Check our page for safety tips, updates and information leading up to and on the day of the eclipse!

niagarafalls.ca/solareclipse