Toronto 
For those looking to view the solar eclipse from southwestern Ontario this April 8th, you’ll have the option of almost the entire Lake Erie shoreline.
Along Lake Erie’s northern shores are many southwestern Ontario towns and cities, some of which have Eclipse Viewing Party plans well underway.
Each location is set to be busier than normal on April 8th, and it is important to plan for plenty of walking around each of the towns or smaller cities.
As a large part of southwestern Ontario falls under the eclipse’s path of totality, there are a number of spots in the area for solar eclipse viewing.
Colchester Beach & Harbour
The beach is the main part of the town, with ample parking available all around the lake shore. The beach is a perfect viewing location, while the municipality surrounding the beach has many things to see and do outside of the eclipse. A notable activity for adult viewers is visiting the nearby wineries.
Partial eclipse begins: 1:58:08 to 4:27:43 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:13:36 p.m. to 3:15:00 p.m.
Totality Duration: 1m 24.5s
Kingsville
The town of Kingsville in southwestern Ontario is putting on their own official Solar Eclipse Watch Party on April 8th.
The party takes place at the Grovedale Arts and Culture Centre and Mettawas Park (103 Park Street) with activities scheduled for 1-4pm.
They’ll have live music as families can enjoy crafts, bird feeder building, children’s reading circles and colouring, an art market, and a photo booth!
The town’s Lakeside Park, or the nearby Cedar Beach Conservation Area, are additional local spots from where to catch the Eclipse. Much of the local dining here is located near the water.
Partial eclipse begins: 1:58 p.m. to 4:28 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:14:03 p.m. to 3:15:13 p.m.
Totality Duration: 2 hours, 29 minutes
Leamington
As one of Ontario’s and Canada’s southernmost towns, Leamington is also considered a waterfront and lake destination. It is also the gateway to Point Pelee National Park, the southernmost point in Canada which juts out onto Lake Erie as a large peninsula.
Both the town and the National Park are perfect locations for the April 8th solar eclipse.
Within town are more waterfront areas for eclipse viewing like Seacliff Beach and the Marina. Leamington’s Erie Street will end in the south at the waterfront.
Walk north on Erie to find Leamington’s local restaurants and pubs. The city is expecting a large influx of visitors and recommend walking as much as possible to avoid traffic during your visit.
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Partial eclipse begins: 1:58:40 p.m. to 4:28:06 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:13:43 p.m. to 3:15:50 p.m.
Totality Duration: 2 minutes, 7 seconds
What you need to know for Eclipse viewing at Point Pelee National Park
Wallacetown
Wallacetown’s official 2024 Solar Eclipse viewing party takes place at the town’s Backus-Page Museum. The museum is offering the space to view, as well as glasses for sale online.
They’ve also arranged to have local food trucks on site, to host tours of the Agricultural Centre, and a small market of local vendors.
The museum will be closed for the day, but parking will remain open.
The museum is located within John E. Pearce Provincial Park which offers excellent views of the rocky Erie shoreline. Before heading into the park, there are various stops for picnic food including one in Wallacetown, and more in Dutton.
Partial eclipse begins: 2:00:57 p.m. to 4:29:26 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:15:56 p.m. to 3:17:25 p.m.
Totality Duration: 1 minute, 29 seconds
Port Stanley
Port Stanley, as part of Elgin County, has multiple waterfront areas for viewing the eclipse. The town has two main beaches of the same name with a long pier and plenty of sandy spaces or picnic tables.
Port Stanley has a number of restaurants and shops near both beaches on Main Street and William Street.
The Port Stanley Visitor Centre, located at 199 Carlow Road, opens at 9:30 and will be handing out eclipse viewers while supplies last.
Partial eclipse begins: 2:01:21 pm to 2:29:43 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:16:00 to 3:18:03 p.m.
Totality Duration: 2 minutes, 3 seconds
Rodney
The Erie Gardens are about halfway between Rodney and Port Glasgow, and the garden will play host to an official Solar Eclipse Viewing Party on April 8th.
The party is hosted in partnership with the Lions Club who will have fresh burgers for sale on site. Visitors can also reserve a pair of viewing glasses online in advance.
Partial eclipse begins: 2:00:37 p.m. to 4:29:16 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:15:25 p.m. to 3:17:23 p.m.
Totality Duration: 1 minute, 58 seconds
Wheatley
The small town of Wheatley is surrounded on the south and east by the Wheatley Provincial Park. It is expected that many people will head to the shoreline areas near Wheatley to view the April 8th solar eclipse.
The provincial park will still be closed on April 8th, but there are many other areas from which to view the eclipse near Wheatley.
Additionally, the Two Creek Conservation Area north of the town provides spaces for viewing along with several trails to explore throughout the rest of the day.
Partial eclipse begins: 1:58:56 to 4:28:17 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:13:54 to 16:08 p.m.
Totality Duration: 2 minutes, 14 seconds
St. Thomas
St. Thomas is a perfect place for those in London to catch the solar eclipse.
While London is not under the path of totality, those in the city will only need to drive about a half-hour south to St. Thomas, and they’re under the path! St. Thomas is about halfway between Port Stanley and London on Highway 25 and is in a gorgeous part of Ontario forest.
One of the town’s more unique attractions is also a perfect spot for solar eclipse viewing on April 8. The St. Thomas Elevated Park is an old bridge converted into a green space which overlooks the town. The bridge has places to stop and rest, as well as numerous public art pieces.
Partial eclipse begins: 2:01:32 to 4:29:46 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:16:29 to 3:17:48 p.m.
Totality Duration: 1 minute, 19 seconds
Port Dover
All of Norfolk County will see total solar ecliose and Port Dover is a perfect place to witness this celestial spectacle. The town is home to a beautiful beach, a the Black Creek Conservation Area, and a scenic harbour/marina area.
All of these areas are suitable for solar eclipse viewing with wide open views of the skies. Other attractions to check out while you’re here include the Port Dover Harbour Museum, the Woodhouse Gallery, shows at the Lighthouse Theatre, or the riverside trails.
The Lynn Valley trail is the largest of them all, and can connect hikers or bikers to the nearby town of Simcoe.
Partial eclipse begins: 2:02:55 to 4:30:48 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:16:48 to 3:20:04 p.m.
Totality Duration: 3 minutes, 16 seconds
Dunnville
Dunnville, a picturesque community nestled along the Grand River and conveniently located between Niagara and Hamilton regions, presents a unique opportunity to witness a solar eclipse in totality.
The No. 6 RCAF Dunnville Museum, known for its rich aviation history and artifacts from WW2 Flight Training School, invites enthusiasts to experience this celestial phenomenon.
With the museum positioned directly in the eclipse’s path of totality, guests can enjoy complete darkness in mid-afternoon. Alongside museum tours, the event will feature the Kitchener Waterloo Astronomy Club, offering insights with their equipment. A limited number of free eclipse glasses will be available for a safe viewing experience, making the museum grounds an ideal location to witness this extraordinary event.
Complete the trip by heading to Dunnville’s Centennial Park to see ‘Muddy’ – the world’s largest Mudcat statue and the town’s mascot. You can also head to Port Maitland, which straddles the mouth of the Grand River and enjoy a scenic walk along the West Pier to the lighthouse.
Partial eclipse begins: 2:03:53 p.m. to 4:31:25 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:17:31 to 3:21:01 p.m.
Totality Duration: 3 minutes, 30 seconds
Cayuga
Cayuga, a quaint town cradled by the Grand River and flanked by Caledonia and Dunnville, transforms into a prime viewing spot for the solar eclipse.
Toronto Motorsports Park, celebrated for its dragstrip and comprehensive 3-kilometre racing circuit, invites eclipse enthusiasts from 10 am to 4 pm to witness the celestial spectacle.
Ruthven Park National Historic Site, a 1,500-acre haven of natural beauty ideal, is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature before the solar spectacle.
Partial eclipse begins: 2:03:34 to 4:31:09 p.m.
Total Eclipse: 3:17:23 to 3:20:30p.m.
Totality Duration: 3 minutes, 7 seconds
