The total solar eclipse is just around the corner, happening on Monday, April 8th. This rare celestial event will be visible throughout Ontario with some towns in the path of totality! If you want the best seat in the house, why not make a road trip out of it? These are five cute Ontario towns to visit for the total solar eclipse.
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First of all, what is a total solar eclipse?
According to NASA, “A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.”
Niagara Falls & Niagara on the Lake
Pack the car and head to Niagara Falls or Niagara on the Lake – the perfect eclipse-watching area.
Niagara Falls, Ontario is meant to be one the best locations to view the event with over three minutes of total eclipse beginning at 3:18 PM EST.
There are a handful of eclipse-themed events happening in the area as well including a free concert featuring The Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, New Friends, The Boneheads and Niagara Symphony Orchestra.
Other festivities around the Niagara region include viewing parties, patio gatherings, and even cocktail tastings.
Want to learn more about the total solar eclipse? NASA and Canadian Space Agency scientists will be giving talks at Niagara Parks Power Station and Old Fort Erie as well.
Check out a full list of events and festivities.
Where: Niagara Region, ON
Kingsville
Kingsville is located in the country’s southernmost community near Windsor, and will be one of the first to see the shadow of the eclipse in Ontario!
Not only is Kingsville great for eclipse viewing, but it’s also an adorable town to visit for the day!
Kingsville offers adorable inns and boutique hotel stays including The Grove Hotel and Inn 31.
This small town features two breweries as well – score! Visit The Grove Brew House or Kingsville Brewery and enjoy. Maybe you’ll even be able to catch the total solar eclipse from a patio.
Where: Kingsville, ON
Leamington
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Leamington is another small town located in Windsor-Essex County that will be among the first to see the eclipse in Ontario.
This town is home to Point Pelee National Park and the Pelee Island Ferry which can take you over to Pelee Island.
Pelee Island will experience over three minutes of totality making it a great place to catch the eclipse
Need a place for overnight? Check out the Horizen Bed and Breakfast for a cute and cozy stay!
Where: Leamington, ON
Cobourg
The Town of Cobourg is on the path of totality during the total solar eclipse!
There are several outdoor locations you can pull up a spot and watch from in this cute town including Cobourg Beach, East Pier, Lucas Point Park and West Beach.
Treat yourself to a dinner at Cucina Urbana Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar afterwards to wrap up the ultimate day of eclipse-watching.
Where: Cobourg, ON
Belleville
This adorable Ontario town is situated on the eastern end of Lake Ontario.
If you’re going to plan a little eclipse-watching getaway then this could be the place for you.
Belleville has a handful of options for stays including Wind Rose Suites, “hip heritage suites” in the heart of downtown. There’s also The Loft on St. Paul, a stunning stay that was previously used as a church.
Eclipse-watching can work up an appetite so while you’re visiting make sure to grab a bite to eat. Some notable local restaurants include The Boathouse, The Lark and The Local Social House.
Where: Belleville, ON
Don’t forget, if you are planning on watching the total solar eclipse you’ll need to do so with the proper eyewear.
According to the Canadian Space Agency, anyone viewing will need to “use special glasses with eclipse filters, as regular sunglasses won’t offer sufficient protection.”
Enjoy the total solar eclipse from any of these cute towns, Ontario!
