Niagara Falls deemed top viewing spot for April’s solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will be visible in the area for the first time in nearly 100 years on April 8 and Niagara Falls is being touted as one of the best places to see it.

“Expect to see the moon covering the face of the sun starting about 2pm…when the shadow of the moon crosses the sun. What they call totality is when the moon goes over the face of the sun starts at about three o’clock.” says astronomer Mario Carr.

Carr says the total eclipse will last only for a short time, longer depending on where someone watches from.

“That goes on for about 1.50 in Hamilton and in Niagara where you’re more in the centre will be three minutes and 30 seconds.”

The mayor of Niagara Falls is expecting upwards of a million people to flock to the city for the “once in a lifetime” event.

“We’ve got groups that follow these types of things and say we can expect eight to ten times our biggest crowd ever. For Nick Wallenda we had over 100,000 people in the park…so do the math that’s like a million people. That alone would be a spectacle.” says Mayor Jim Diodati.

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He’s anticipating the largest crowd Niagara Falls has ever had.

The last time the Niagara Region saw a total eclipse was back in 1925 and there won’t be another one for 120 years.

“People have been booking accommodations a year in advance, for Sunday night we’re almost completely sold out…for Monday night we have a couple hundred rooms available.” says Lindsay Dicosimo of the Hilton Niagara Falls.

As of now, a room at the Hilton on the day before the eclipse will cost you more than $700.

“Like anything in the area, it plays with supply and demand. There’s a demand for this event. Guests are booking a year in advance. We’re anticipating it to be another New Year’s Eve.”

Experts advise to not look directly at the eclipse and to pick up a pair of special eclipse glasses before the big day.