Niagara Falls may be designated the go-to place to experience the solar eclipse on April 8, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty of places to experience the once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
It will be the first time since 1979 that Niagara has experienced a solar eclipse, which occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and Sun, casting a shadow and – when totality is reached – plunging the area into temporary darkness.
In Niagara, totality is expected to occur at 3:18 p.m. and last for about three minutes.
Meanwhile, on April 8, Niagara-on-the-Lake will host events at venues across town.
Attendees will be able to raise – and don – their eclipse glasses to experience this cosmic phenomenon in the following locations:
Queenston Mile Vineyard is hosting an eclipse viewing party on April 8 from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and include souvenir eclipse glasses, pizza (one slice per person), salad and live music. Purchase tickets: www.queenstonmilevineyard.com/event.
Bella Terra Vineyards is hosting eclipse blind tastings, April 5 to 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Blind tastings include three mystery wines, “jar”cuterie, a note card and pen. Tastings are $34.95 per person. Book a spot: bellaterravineyards.ca.
Marynissen Estates, with Twist and Sprouts Food is hosting a yoga, lunch and wine event on April 8. Sessions are $55 and will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Information: marynissen.com/shop/ols/products/eclipse-event-ticket.
Ironwood Cider and Runaway Greek are hosting an eclipse watch party from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 and include one drink and eclipse glasses. Information: facebook.com/ironwoodcider.
Palatine Hills Estate Winery is inviting people to view the eclipse from the winery’s patio. The first 40 people will receive a free pair of eclipse viewing glasses. Information: facebook.com/PalatineHillsEstateWinery.
Wayne Gretzky Estates is hosting a viewing event. Tickets are $40 ($20 for wine club members) and includes eclipse glasses, a branded black glass of Gretzky Brut, appetizers and a drink ticket. Information: mywinecountry.com/on/solar-eclipse-event-2024.html.
Reif Estate Winery is hosting an eclipse event from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $70 and include a barbecue lunch, food wine, eclipse glasses and live entertainment. Information: exploretock.com/reifestatewinery/event/465620.
Grape Escape Wine Tours and Ravine Vineyards are hosting “Sips & Eclipse” from 1 to 5 p.m. The event is sold out, but a waiting list is available. Contact to join the list: office@tourniagarawineries.com.
Konzelman Estate Winery is hosting its sold-out “Eclipse by the Lake” event from 2 to 5 p.m.
Non-winery events
Weather permitting, Niagara Cycling Tours has organized a four- to five-hour ride to witness the eclipse. Participants will experience an exhilarating journey through carefully selected trails for optimal eclipse viewing. Spots are limited. Information: niagaracyclingtours.ca/book-now.
Brock University is hosting “Eclipse on the Escarpment,” an event featuring exhibits led by the university’s researchers, educators and experts, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free and participants will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses. A viewing of the eclipse will be held on Alumni Field. Information: brocku.ca/mathematics-science/fms-solar-eclipse-event.
