Many of Ontario's best eclipse events will be in Hamilton and Niagara on April 8. Here's a list
There are lots of ways you can view the total solar eclipse in Hamilton, Burlington, Six Nations and Niagara
You may have heard the joke by now: "How do you organize a solar eclipse party? You planet."
But you could also let someone plan it for you.
And throughout the Hamilton-Niagara region — home to some of the best areas in Canada to see the total solar eclipse on April 8 — there are plenty of options.
That day, people across the continent will see the moon pass between the sun and the Earth. In some places, it will partially block out the sun. But in others — including Hamilton, Burlington, Ont., Six Nations, Ont., and the Niagara Region — the moon will fully block the star's light.
The length of time will vary depending where you are. In Hamilton, for example, the sun will be completely hidden for about two minutes starting at 3:18 p.m. ET, according to the Canadian Space Agency. However, it will be at least partially covered from about 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Here's some of what's going on, including outdoor viewing parties, overnight camping and an inflatable planetarium.
Hamilton
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Hamilton Centre is running a free, all-day event at CF Limeridge — "clouds or shine."
You'll get the chance to look through professional telescopes, with safe solar filters, or are welcome to bring your own, the group says. There'll also be educational activities for kids and adults, and free eclipse glasses and parking.
The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in overflow parking lots C and D, and you're asked to register in advance.
There will be a free ticketed event at Tim Hortons Field organized by the city. The event page says it will include free parking and guests will be given free eclipse glasses. The city says programming will include family-friendly music, educational solar eclipse videos, and a University of Toronto eclipse broadcast. A beverage truck at the stadium will hand out free coffee and hot chocolate.
The city has also designated several parks "eclipse viewing areas" and will have some glasses available at those locations, including Bayfront and Confederation Beach Park. Limited number of pairs will be available as of 12:30 p.m., the city says.
If you've got connections to McMaster University, another option is that school's viewing party at the Ron Joyce Stadium. The party will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are free but limited to four per McMaster community member.
If you're downtown, the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel is hosting an eclipse countdown and viewing at its lounge from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Organizers say they'll provide eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Six Nations of the Grand River
People can gather at Six Nations Parks & Recreation to view the eclipse between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. The event is intended for the community and "parking is limited," Six Nations elected council said in a news release. "Once the parking lot is filled, vehicles will be turned away."
Brantford, Ont.
Brantford Region Indigenous Support Centre and Woodland Cultural Centre are hosting an event at 184 Mohawk St., in Brantford on Monday. Starting at 12:30 p.m., there will be bagged lunches while supplies last. At 1 p.m., there will be a Haudenosaunee astronomy presentation, followed by eclipse viewing outdoors. Organizers say to bring a blanket or chair.
Burlington, Ont.
The Royal Botanical Gardens's arboretum will host a "picnic-style" viewing party from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers. The event is free but you have to register and pay to park.
At Spencer Smith Park, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and members of city council will be in attendance to view the eclipse with residents between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. City staff will give out eclipse glasses.
St. Catharines, Ont.
Brock University is hosting an event on eclipse day from 12 to 4 p.m. The event at the main campus is free and open to the public, but university asks that attendees register in advance. There will be some paid parking. Brock will have a variety of educational exhibits led by researchers, and a community viewing of the eclipse.
Niagara Falls, Ont.
Niagara Parks is promoting several events, including some leading up to the date. The Power Station will host educators and a mobile planetarium from April 5 through 8. NASA and Canadian Space Agency scientists will give talks.
From April 6 to 8, the nearby Table Rock Centre will hold interactive workshops geared toward kids.
On eclipse day, the Butterfly Conservatory will have an astronomer from Toronto Metropolitan University present to talk with guests.
The falls will be lit up specially for the eclipse on April 7, and there will be live music on April 8 with performances from The Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, New Friends, The Boneheads, and the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, which will play a prelude to the eclipse, resuming when the moon fully covers the sun.
For the theatrically inclined, Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls Tourism are partnering to break the Guinness World Record for having the most people dressed as the sun. Organizers are asking participants to register in advance. The attempt will take place at 8 a.m. at 5920 Niagara River Parkway. To break the record, the city says it needs 300 people who will be given a costume and go on a complimentary boat tour. Another 200 people can go on the tour.
Wainfleet, Ont.
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is opening its Ball's Falls, Binbrook, and Long Beach parks early for the eclipse.
At Long Beach in Wainfleet, Ont., the group camping area will be available for day-use on April 8. People can also book sites to camp at from April 7 to April 8.
Port Colborne, Ont.
At the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, there will be telescopes to view the eclipse, and an inflatable planetarium.
Fort Erie, Ont.
Fort Erie looks to have Canada's longest totality, meaning it will see the longest period of darkness during the eclipse: three minutes and 46 seconds. There will be road closures and designated viewing areas including Bay Beach and Crystal Ridge Park.
What if you can't see the eclipse?
If weather, work or something else prevents you from physically seeing the eclipse, or if you want a different view, there are streaming options too, including one from NASA.
Are you hosting or joining an eclipse event we should know about? Let us know at [email protected]
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Samantha Beattie