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Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls

2024 Solar Eclipse

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2024 Solar Eclipse in Niagara Falls

Join Niagara Parks on an extraordinary cosmic journey with our exclusive lineup of events leading up to the highly anticipated solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, happening directly over the iconic Niagara Falls.

 

Below you’ll find information about our listing of designated viewing areas and upcoming programming. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history!

Things to know about the Solar Eclipse

Meet Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen

Sunday, April 7 | 2:00 p.m. | Queen Victoria Park

Join us for a special Q&A session and meet and greet with Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen!

Born and raised in London, Ontario, Hansen’s journey has taken him from the skies as a Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot to space as an astronaut when he joined the Canadian Space Agency in 2009. Hansen will become the first Canadian to orbit the Moon in 2025.

Hear about Hansen’s upcoming flight to the moon on the Artemis II mission with our public Q&A session on the Queen Victoria Park event stage at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 7. Then, at 3 p.m., join us at the Niagara Parks Power Station for a special presentation by Hansen.

Space is limited for the presentation at the Niagara Parks Power Station and registration is required. Click the link below to register via Eventbrite.

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Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel

Astronomy in Action | Friday, April 5 – Monday, April 8

Astronomy in Action will be bringing their mobile planetarium and educators for some hands-on, immersive learning about the solar system and the significance of the solar eclipse!

While you’re at the Niagara Parks Power Station, be sure to check out Brock University’s solar telescope and viewing booth outside in the Sandie Bellows Plaza from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on April 5, 6 and 7.

The power station will also be the host site for a number of interactive talks and Q&A sessions with NASA scientists from April 5 to 7. Registration is required.

Table Rock Centre

Mad Science for Kids | Saturday, April 6 – Monday, April 8

Stop by Table Rock Centre for family-friendly FunStations and Exploration Stations with Mad Science! Hosted Saturday, April 6 through Monday, April 8, kids of all ages are invited to take part in fun and interactive workshops and activities. Representatives from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) will also be stationed at Table Rock Centre throughout the weekend to meet with guests and talk about what to expect during the eclipse.

One of the top viewing spots for the eclipse, Table Rock Centre will be a one-stop shop for families throughout the weekend of April 6 to 8, offering access to a variety of culinary options, great shopping and Niagara Parks’ top attraction, Journey Behind the Falls.

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Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

STEM with Scixchange | Saturday, April 6 – Monday, April 8

Niagara Parks is partnering with Toronto Metropolitan University to bring their award-winning SciXchange program to the Butterfly Conservatory, offering hands-on activities related to STEM learning from April 6 to 8.

On Monday, April 8, an astronomer from Toronto Metropolitan University will also be onsite to engage with guests interested in learning more about the significance of the solar eclipse.

Old Fort Erie

Q&A with NASA Scientists | Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 7

Join us at Old Fort Erie for a once-in-a-lifetime chat with NASA scientists! Discover the expertise of these knowledgeable scientists as they unravel the mysteries behind this rare celestial phenomenon. Enjoy a unique blend of scientific insights and captivating anecdotes.

Registration for the NASA Q&A sessions at Old Fort Erie is currently full.

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NASA Scientists Speakers

Free Concert & Fireworks | Monday, April 8 | Queen Victoria Park

Enjoy a free concert at Queen Victoria Park to celebrate the awe-inspiring celestial event happening over Niagara Falls! This free concert, presented by Niagara Falls Tourism, will take place before and after the eclipse, making it the perfect way to spend an unforgettable day in Niagara Parks.  

The full lineup includes The Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, New Friends, The Boneheads, and a special performance from the Niagara Symphony Orchestra. The entertainment will kick off with the Niagara Symphony Orchestra playing the prelude to the total solar eclipse and resuming once totality is reached when the moon fully eclipses the sun–a truly epic moment. A special fireworks display over Niagara Falls will officially conclude the concert at 10 p.m.

For more information, visit niagarafallstourism.com

Eclipse Viewing Locations

Niagara Falls and the Town of Fort Erie will experience the longest period of time where the moon will completely eclipse the sun resulting in total darkness, making the destinations prime viewing locations. The following locations are recommended viewing spots across the entire Niagara River corridor.

For visitors interested in seeing the eclipse from central Niagara Parks, they can expect to get the best view facing the Niagara Falls city skyline.

South Parks

Old Fort Erie (350 Lakeshore Rd., Fort Erie, ON)

South Parkway Parkettes

Central Parks

Kingsbridge Park (7870 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON)

Sandie Bellows Plaza at the Niagara Parks Power Station + Tunnel (7005 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON)

Table Rock Centre (6650 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON)

Queen Victoria Park (6345 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON)

Oakes Garden Theatre (5825 River Rd., Niagara Falls, ON)


North Parks

Botanical Gardens (2565 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON)

Niagara Glen (132 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON)

Queenston Heights Park (14184 Niagara River Pkwy, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON)

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What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon aligns perfectly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow that momentarily obscures the Sun’s brilliance.

Beginning at 2:04 p.m. on April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will transform Niagara Falls into a mesmerizing display of shadows and light as the moon covers the sun, briefly turning the day into night. The sun is expected to be fully eclipsed at approximately 3:20 to 3:23 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time).

Niagara Falls (Ontario and New York), as well as Fort Erie and Buffalo, New York, are located directly in the path of totality to experience a full solar eclipse, a celestial event that has not been visible from Ontario since the 1970s and will not be visible again in Niagara Falls until 2144. This means that this area will experience the longest period of time where the moon will completely eclipse the sun resulting in total darkness, making the destination a prime viewing spot.

Eye safety

While this once-in-a-generation event promises breathtaking views, it’s crucial to protect your eyes from the intense sunlight. Niagara Parks recommends using certified solar viewing glasses or solar filters to safeguard your vision while observing the eclipse. Niagara Parks will have complimentary viewing glasses and filters available at its programming sites for guests visiting on Monday, April 8 (while supplies last). These specially designed glasses ensure that you can enjoy the mesmerizing spectacle safely, allowing you to witness the cosmic alignment without compromising your eye health.

Remember to prioritize eye safety as you immerse yourself in the wonders of the 2024 solar eclipse!

Warning: Looking directly at the sun during an eclipse without designated viewing glasses (ISO 12312-2 international standard) can cause serious damage such as partial or complete loss of eyesight. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

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