There’s a major astronomical event coming on April 8th, 2024: the solar eclipse in Ontario. Parts of southern Ontario are among the very few places in the world that are along the solar eclipse’s path of totality. This is a once in a lifetime event, so you won’t want to miss it. All we have to do is keep our fingers crossed for clear skies and good weather.
Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.
In fact, the next total solar eclipse that comes to Canada won’t be until August 23, 2044, and its path crosses parts of the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. We are very lucky that a total solar eclipse is coming to Southern Ontario and so many of us will have the opportunity to witness it.
Join the Ontario Hiking Facebook Group
You are also welcome to join our Ontario Hiking Facebook Group – it’s a great way to ask questions about hiking in Ontario, share your Ontario hikes, and get inspired!
Come Hiking With Us! Join an Upcoming Group Hike or Tour!
We are so excited to have group hiking adventures within Ontario and beyond. Learn more about how you can join us for a group hiking trip.
Map of the 2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality
What is a solar eclipse? A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. The sun is partially or fully blocked by the moon. Day turns into night for a few minutes when the sun becomes completely blocked.
The map above details the solar eclipse’s path of totality. Anywhere between the red lines is where you’ll experience a full solar eclipse where the sun becomes completely blocked by the moon. The closer you are to the blue line, the longer the eclipse happens. In Ontario, Fort Erie will experience the longest amount of totality.
The best places to view the solar eclipse in Ontario are anywhere without obstructions facing a southwesterly direction. In Ontario, Pelee Island is the first to experience the solar eclipse at 3:12pm, and Cornwall is among the last to see the eclipse at 3:24pm. The shadow only lasts around three minutes, so you’ll need to make sure you’re on time and ready to go at your preferred location.
An Absolute MUST: Protect Your Eyes!
Do NOT look at the solar eclipse with the naked eye! It can result in blindness or irreversible damage to your retina. Don’t worry, there are safe ways to look at the solar eclipse. Make sure you wear international standard (ISO) certified eye protection glasses with filters to watch the solar eclipse.
These solar glasses are an inexpensive and safe way to view the solar eclipse. These sunglasses use protective film that is ISO certified and 100% solar safe for watching an eclipse. They’re made out of paper and fold easily to fit in your pocket. You’ll receive a pack of four solar glasses, one for each member of your family or group of friends. Get yours here.
Solar Eclipse in Ontario: Pelee Island
Pelee Island is the first place where you can view the solar eclipse in Ontario. You can enjoy a little over three minutes of darkness starting at 3:12pm. While the southernmost point of Canada is actually Middle Island in Lake Erie, Pelee Island is the most southern populated point of Canada. Venture along the western coast of Pelee Island for the perfect spots to admire the eclipse.
Solar Eclipse in Ontario: Kingsville
Kingsville is a fantastic choice to watch the solar eclipse in Ontario, especially if you live in the Windsor area. Even for those living on the US side in the Detroit area, it might be a good idea to cross the border and head to Kingsville for prime eclipse viewpoints. Get as close to the waterfront as you can, including Lakeside Park or nearby Cedar Beach Conservation Area.
Solar Eclipse in Ontario: Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee National Park is another terrific place to view the total solar eclipse, especially at the most southern tip or along the southwestern shores. Point Pelee is the southernmost point of mainland Canada, so you will be able to witness the eclipse without any obstructions.
Solar Eclipse in Ontario: Rondeau Provincial Park
Here’s an amazing park that lies under the radar for many: Rondeau Provincial Park. It’s a renowned bird watching destination with over 360 species of birds, as well as excellent hiking trails. Take The Southpoint Trail down to Lake Erie to see the eclipse in all its glory.
Solar Eclipse in Ontario: Port Stanley
Port Stanley and Port Stanley Beach are along the path of totality for the 2024 eclipse. Port Stanley Beach has a lengthy section of sand where you’ll be able to carve out an eclipse viewing area all to yourself. Don’t venture over to Little Beach as it’s facing the wrong direction for the eclipse.
Solar Eclipse in Ontario: St. Thomas
St. Thomas is just barely within the highlighted section for the total solar eclipse (whereas it misses the bigger city of London). If you’re going to watch the eclipse in St. Thomas, head to the St. Thomas Elevated Park. You’ll be able to walk on the boardwalk high above the town, and it’s one of the best places to view the solar eclipse in Ontario.
The St. Thomas Elevated Park is Canada’s first and only elevated park. It’s free, open to the public, and was built by volunteers and community donations. There’s a parking lot at 1 Centre Street, and the park is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year.
Long Point
Long Point and Long Point Provincial Park is one of the greatest areas to view the solar eclipse in Ontario. This stretch of land on Lake Erie is ideal to watch this once in a lifetime phenomenon. This spit of land jets far out onto Lake Erie, and there’s plenty of parking so you won’t miss out even if it’s busy.
As alternatives, you can also check out Turkey Point Beach or Port Burwell Provincial Park. Basically, any southwestern facing spot in this stretch along Lake Erie (without the obstruction of too many trees) is what you’re looking for.
Port Dover
The beach town of Port Dover is yet another excellent location on Lake Erie where you can see the solar eclipse. Walk out on the pier to the Port Dover Lighthouse for an unparalleled view of the eclipse. Anywhere along the beach and the waterfront will do the trick, too.
Hamilton
Hamilton is right along the path for the total solar eclipse. As the City of Waterfalls and a place renowned for its nature and trails, there are no shortage of great locations to view the eclipse in Hamilton. You can view the eclipse from anywhere along the edge of the escarpment, like the Mountain Brow or Scenic Drive.
The Dundas Peak offers a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the town of Dundas. It’s one of the more scenic lookout spots in Hamilton and you will be able to see the eclipse from high above the city. Also, the Devil’s Punchbowl is an amazing place to see a waterfall and the eclipse from its lookout point.
Fort Erie
As an alternative to the busy Niagara Falls, I suggest heading to Fort Erie to see the solar eclipse. In fact, Fort Erie is geographically closest to totality out of any location in Ontario, so you’ll be able to view the eclipse for the longest amount of time here by comparison to anywhere else. Check out Crescent Beach, Windmill Point Park, or even further down the waterfront to Crystal Beach for prime viewing locations.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is most likely going to be the most popular spot to view the solar eclipse in Ontario. It’s the most touristed destination out of every place featured on this list. With that said, it isn’t the best place to see the solar eclipse in Ontario.
Our lookout to the American Falls and the Horseshoe Falls faces east or southeast, and you should be at a point that looks southwest to see the eclipse. I’m sure that you will be able to see the eclipse from quite a few more open spaces, such as the path alongside the Falls. With that said, you’d be better off viewing the eclipse from the US side of Niagara Falls if anything.
Briefly, if you plan to be in Niagara Falls, I’m sure you will be able to view the eclipse, but be prepared for tons of traffic and crowds. I’d head to nearby Fort Erie instead if it were me, even if you’re staying in the Falls.
Belleville
Belleville is fortunate to receive two minutes of totality at 3:21pm. You can spend a great day in Belleville and likely not encounter too many crowds as I’m sure that this solar eclipse city won’t be on the radar for too many tourists.
Right in town, head over to Zwick Island to walk the flat path and check out the solar eclipse from the southern side of the island. Potter’s Creek Conservation Area is another great place to watch this astronomical event, especially on the southwestern edge of the park by the water.
Sandbanks Provincial Park (Prince Edward County)
In Prince Edward County, the beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park are prime places to view the solar eclipse in Ontario. They face west and southwest, and they’re pretty unobstructed once you get out to the beach and the water. Please note that the park is not officially open for the season, but you can still enter by foot.
Kingston
Kingston is a great place to see the solar eclipse in Ontario. It will be visible for three minutes at 3:22pm. Fort Henry National Historic Site is hosting an eclipse viewing event. In fact, they’re having an entire weekend of celebrations for this special occasion. This is one of the best places in eastern Ontario to watch the total solar eclipse.
There are many other places in the city that would make for great solar eclipse viewpoints. The Waterfront Trail is an excellent choice, though the Gord Downie Memorial Pier may be the best choice right in downtown Kingston. The southwestern side of Lemoine Point Conservation Area could incorporate a short hike with a great eclipse spot, too.
Gananoque and the Thousand Islands
Gananoque, the Gateway to the 1000 Islands, as well as the Thousand Islands themselves are the perfect destination to see the solar eclipse in Ontario. There are so many things to do in the 1000 Islands for lovers of the great outdoors, like hiking, kayaking, cycling and more.
In the 1000 Islands National Park the Landon Bay Lookout offers scenic views and a high viewpoint to see the solar eclipse. While there are other trails in the Thousand Islands, I’d choose to either see the eclipse from either the Landon Bay lookout or Joel Stone Heritage Park in Gananoque.
Unfortunately, the 1000 Islands Tower is closed until May, so you won’t be able to view the solar eclipse from up high on this tower. But, if you love kayaking, you could paddle out on the St. Lawrence River to see the eclipse from out on the water.
Brockville
Brockville is another waterfront town that offers fantastic vantage points for solar eclipse viewing in Ontario. Head to Blockhouse Island or any spot along the water for the best views. In addition, Upper Canada Village is reportedly hosting an eclipse event. Stay tuned for more details.
Cornwall
Lastly, Cornwall is one of the final major places in Ontario where you should view the solar eclipse. It will be visible for a little over 2 minutes at 3:24pm. If you live in Eastern Ontario, Cornwall is an excellent choice to experience the total solar eclipse. Here are some more things to do in Cornwall during your stay.
Lamoureaux Park is the most obvious choice. This is a huge park overlooking the water, so you’ll find that there are fewer obstructions (trees) right on the water. A less obvious and perhaps more scenic choice is Guindon Park. There are some vantage points overlooking the water that could make for great solar eclipse viewpoints.
In Summary: Best Places to See the Solar Eclipse in Ontario
As you can see, Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area are not on this list of the best places to watch the total solar eclipse in Ontario. While Toronto and the GTA may see a partial solar eclipse, these destinations are not in the path for a total solar eclipse.
You’ll need to head to one of the places that I’ve recommended in this blog post or a place that lies within the path of the full shadow in the map that I’ve posted above. Please remember to wear the proper eye protection for solar eclipse gazing. Thankfully, you can buy solar sunglasses that aren’t expensive and will do the trick.
Happy solar eclipse watching!
| Follow Ontario Hiking on Social Media! Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Newsletter | Join the Community |
Become an Ontario Hiking Supporter!
Join the Ontario Hiking Patreon and you’ll become a VIP member of the Ontario Hiking community! You’ll receive ad-free, downloadable hiking guides with new guides added weekly. Plus, there are many more perks! Become an Ontario Hiking Supporter today!
Thank you for this insightful article! And all other articles on your blog that are so informative and useful. I am your big admirer. We were thinking of Niagara Falls as well but now we are planning to head to either Fort Erie or Port Dover to watch the eclipse.
Thank you so much, I’m so happy you love the website! Hope you got to see the eclipse!