Solar Eclipse 2024 – Things to Know
Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Things to Know
A large volume of visitors are expected in the Niagara Falls and Fort Erie area the entire weekend leading up to the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Niagara Parks has been working closely with police and emergency services at the provincial, regional and municipal levels to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests during this once-in-a-lifetime event.
In order to make the most of your experience, here’s some important information you should consider to make the day unforgettable.
Safety Overview
We recommend that visitors plan out their day in advance of the total solar eclipse to prepare for potential challenges with transportation and communication, and to ensure they have access to ISO-certified solar eclipse viewing glasses to safely the view eclipse.
Where possible, guests are encouraged to use public transit or other modes of transportation to avoid issues due to traffic congestion.
Click here for more emergency preparedness tips from Niagara Regional Police.
Road Closures
There will be multiple road closures in effect on the day of the eclipse and potentially over the weekend, if deemed necessary by the Niagara Parks Police Service. Beyond official road closures, guests should anticipate heavy traffic and vehicular congestion throughout the City of Niagara Falls and Town of Fort Erie. Traffic on the major highways and roads getting into the Niagara Falls and Fort Erie area is also expected to be very congested.
-Niagara Falls-
On Monday, April 8, beginning at 12 p.m. noon until 12 a.m. midnight, the following road closures will be in place:
- Niagara Parkway from Queen Street to Fraser Hill
- Clifton Hill from the Niagara Parkway to Victoria Avenue
- Murray Street from the Niagara Parkway to Fallsview Boulevard
-Fort Erie-
On Monday, April 8, beginning at 8 a.m. until after crowds disperse following the eclipse, the following road closures will be in place:
- South Niagara Parkway (Niagara Boulevard) closed in both directions from Central Avenue to Dominion Road
- Dominion Road to Albert Street
Travel & Transportation
For guests planning to view the eclipse from the Falls or the Town of Fort Erie, please plan to park and either walk, take public transit or other means of transportation such as cycling to get to your chosen viewing area. Due to the road closures, walking will likely be the best and easiest way to move around throughout Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls.
Niagara Parks’ will operate its Falls Incline Railway on an extended schedule throughout the weekend and the day of the eclipse, transporting guests from the Fallsview tourism area to Table Rock.
Guests are encouraged to consider taking public transit such as the WEGO bus service in Niagara Falls and GO Transit if travelling from the GTA, which has just announced there will be special event service on Monday, April 8 (Click here for more info). During the road closures, WEGO buses will be operating on a reduced routing schedule. Niagara Parks’ WEGO bus service will operate a shuttle from Rapidsview to Table Rock and will have buses to transport guests traveling into the destination on GO Transit.
WEGO Red line and Blue line will move to reduced routing due to the road closures. Service delays and disruptions should be expected for any routes travelling through the tourism area. For up to the minute bus arrival information please download and refer to the “TRANSIT APP.”
Parking
On the day of the eclipse, all of Niagara Parks’ parking lots within the core Queen Victoria Park area overlooking the Falls will be offering a $35 flat rate for parking.
Niagara Parks’ Rapidsview Parking Area (located on Upper Rapids Boulevard south of the Falls) will offer a shuttle to Table Rock Centre throughout the day. Click here for a full listing of Niagara Parks’ public parking lots.
There are also many private and municipal parking lots located throughout the destination for guests to park and walk or take public transit to the Falls. For more information about parking within the City of Niagara Falls, click here.
Suggested Parking Lots
South Parks
| LOT | ADDRESS |
| Old Fort Erie | 350 Lakeshore Rd, Fort Erie, ON |
| South Parkway Parkettes | Various spots Niagara Parkway (Southbound) |
Central Parks
| LOT | ADDRESS |
| Falls Parking (Lot A) | 6635 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON |
| Floral Showhouse Parking (Lot B) | 7145 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON |
| Rapidsview Parking (Lot C) | 7651 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON |
| Queen Victoria Place | 6349 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON |
| Kingsbridge Park | 7870 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON |
| Rainbow Bridge | 4348 Hiram Street, Niagara Falls, ON |
North Parks
| LOT | ADDRESS |
| Butterfly Conservatory/Botanical Gardens | 2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON |
| Niagara Glen | 3050 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON |
| Queenston Heights Park | 14184 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON |
Suggested Parking Lots
South Parks
Old Fort Erie
350 Lakeshore Rd, Fort Erie, ON
South Parkway Parkettes
Various spots Niagara Parkway (Southbound)
Central Parks
Falls Parking (Lot A)
6635 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Floral Showhouse Parking (Lot B)
7145 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Rapidsview Parking (Lot C)
7651 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Queen Victoria Place
6349 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Kingsbridge Park
7870 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Rainbow Bridge
4348 Hiram Street, Niagara Falls, ON
North Parks
Butterfly Conservatory/Botanical Gardens
2565 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Niagara Glen
3050 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON
Queenston Heights Park
14184 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Niagara Parks Amenities
All of Niagara Parks’ guest experiences within Queen Victoria Park will be open to the public on the day of the eclipse. While staff at Niagara Parks’ attractions, restaurants, quick serve outlets, shops and transportation services will be doing their best to manage the potentially high volume of guests, guests are advised that longer than average wait times are likely to be expected.
Niagara Parks’ Old Fort Erie Welcome Centre will be open during the day on Monday, April 8, for guests gathering in that area to view the eclipse.
Beyond Niagara Parks’ regular washroom facilities, there will be additional portable toilets placed at key locations across the Queen Victoria Park area and at Old Fort Erie, including a large bank at the concert site.
For more information about hours of operation for our sites on the weekend and day of the eclipse, please visit niagaraparks.com/hours.
More Planning Tips
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Viewing Glasses
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. All guests should prepared to bring their own ISO-certified viewing glasses to safely view the total solar eclipse.
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Weather
Weather can be unpredictable by the Falls and can change very quickly. Even on a clear day, mist from the Falls is to be expected and waterproof/resistant clothing is recommended. It is advised that guests watch the weather forecast closely, dress in layers and prepare for all types of weather conditions.
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Tents or Shade Structures
Niagara Parks does not permit tents or shade structures of any kind throughout the Queen Victoria Park area, from Clifton Hill to Kingsbridge Park. Outside of the core Queen Victoria Park area, tents or shade structures are permitted, as long as they do not require any staking into the ground.
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Traffic Congestion
While the road closures are planned for Monday, April 8, increased traffic congestion in and around the Niagara region is expected to begin on Friday, April 5 and build throughout the weekend. The expected traffic congestion and gridlock could impact guest movement and access to supplies and amenities; all guests should be prepared and have a full gas tank, extra water and food.
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Communication
As with any large event that brings high levels of visitation into a concentrated area, it is possible that cell signal may be compromised. If cell signal does get overwhelmed, it is possible that electronic pay systems may be unavailable – guests should plan to bring cash, if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I view the eclipse?
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.
Click here for recommended viewing spots across the entire Niagara River corridor.
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Will there be road closures on the day of the eclipse?
Yes, road closures will be in effect within Queen Victoria Park (Clifton Hill to Fraser Hill) and in the Town of Fort Erie to allow pedestrian access and alleviate traffic congestion on Monday, April 8, 2024. Further details around the road closure plan will be announced closer to the date including exact locations and times.
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Do you have any events happening leading up to and on the day of the eclipse?
Yes! For a full line-up of eclipse events please be sure to check out Niagara Parks Eclipse Events.
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Should I bring my own solar eclipse viewing glasses?
Yes, we will only have a limited number of glasses available for sale at some of our retail sites including: Table Rock Centre, Niagara Parks Power Station, Butterfly Conservatory, and Old Fort Erie, so we recommend guests bring their own glasses/viewers to ensure you’re able to safely view the eclipse.
Niagara Parks solar eclipse glasses will also be handed out the day of the eclipse with admission purchase and as part of programming events, while supplies last. Check out our line-up of events here Niagara Parks Eclipse Events.
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Where should I park on the day of the eclipse?
Parking locations are located near or at each viewing location but please note that there will be road closures on the day of the eclipse and arriving early is recommended for parking as parking lots will get full fast.
Click here to view suggested parking lots.
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When is the solar eclipse happening?
The solar eclipse will take place on Monday, April 8. The eclipse is expected to start around 2 p.m. and last for about two and a half hours. The sun will be fully eclipsed at 3:18 p.m. for approximately 3 and a half minutes.
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