What to Know About the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Niagara Falls USA

Cross two items off your bucket list and come witness the 2024 total solar eclipse in Niagara Falls USA! From safety and preparedness tips to frequently asked questions, here's everything you need to know about experiencing the total solar eclipse in Niagara Falls, New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly is a total solar eclipse?

In a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, making the sky darken and appear as if it were dawn or dusk.

2. When is the 2024 eclipse?

The eclipse will cross North America on Monday, April 8, 2024. Totality will occur in Niagara Falls USA at 3:18 p.m., lasting almost four minutes. According to NASA, it will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044!

3. Where can I buy solar eclipse viewing glasses?

Eclipse viewing glasses can be purchased at the Niagara Falls USA Official Visitor Center, located at 10 Rainbow Blvd. in downtown Niagara Falls, New York. The glasses are ISO certified 12312-2:2015, meeting the international safety standard. Along with the solar viewing glasses, commemorative posters, stickers and magnets are available at the Visitor Center, too.

4. Where can I shop commemorative apparel?

Niagara Falls solar eclipse apparel can be purchased online only. Shop this limited-edition merchandise here, and choose from t-shirts and sweatshirts. All orders ship within 10 business days, and all sales are final.

5. Can I watch the eclipse at Niagara Falls State Park?

Yes, Niagara Falls State Park will be open for eclipse viewing! For more information on Niagara Falls State Park's attractions, parking, viewing areas and more, check out their frequently asked eclipse questions. In addition, you can download the NY State Parks Explorer app to receive real-time parking and safety information.

6. What can I bring inside Niagara Falls State Park?

Blankets, small chairs and coolers are permitted. However, pop-up tents, lawn games, amplified music, grills, campfires and heaters are prohibited in Niagara Falls State Park.

7. Will the attractions at Niagara Falls State Park be open?

Yes, both the Maid of the Mist boat tour and the Cave of the Winds will be open and operating on April 8, 2024, as well as throughout the weekend leading up to the eclipse. Click here for pricing and hours of operation for the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds.

8. Where else in Niagara Falls can I see the eclipse?

Niagara County has plenty of outdoor space that will offer unobstructed views of the eclipse, including numerous town and state parks.

9. Will there be eclipse activities happening in Niagara Falls USA?

A number of eclipse events are taking place at a variety of venues around Niagara Falls USA, from public places to attractions, restaurants, wineries and more. Click here for the most up-to-date list of events!

10. Will the eclipse be livestreamed?

Yes, click here to watch NASA's total solar eclipse official broadcast or telescope feed.

11. Where should I stay in Niagara Falls USA?

From top-brand hotels to bed and breakfasts and campgrounds, Niagara Falls USA has a variety of accommodations to choose from for every budget.

12. Where should I park for the eclipse in downtown Niagara Falls, NY?

There are several municipal lots available in downtown Niagara Falls, NY, a parking ramp, as well as metered street parking. Parking fees vary by location, and credit cards are only accepted. Click here to view a parking map of the downtown area, along with the nearest address for each location.

13. What time do the parking lots open?

Niagara Falls city lots and ramps are open 24/7. Niagara Falls State Park lots one and two will open at 6 a.m.

14. Will public transportation be available?

Yes, both the NFTA-Metro and the Discover Niagara Shuttle will be operating.

Safety and Preparedness Tips

Traffic Safety

We are expecting a very high volume of traffic on the day of, and even in the days leading up to and following, the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Here's what to know and how to prepare:

Plan on staying in one place for the day and allow for plenty of extra travel time.
Pack your vehicle with essentials like water, fuel, medications, food, chargers, etc.
To stay up-to-date on traffic conditions, call 511, utilize 511NY's website or download their mobile app, available for Apple and Android devices. In addition, you can view NITTEC's traffic map, which shows real-time traffic across Western New York and Canadian border crossing wait times.
In addition, please be aware of road closures in downtown Niagara Falls, New York, and consider using these alternate routes when arriving to and departing from the destination.
Do not stop to view the eclipse while driving, especially along interstates, parkways, and freeways. Choose a safe viewing destination off the road and arrive early.
Click here to view a parking map of the downtown Niagara Falls, NY, area, along with the nearest address for each location.

Eye Safety

Do not look directly at the Sun during the eclipse. This can temporarily or permanently damage your eyes.
You can view the solar eclipse with ISO-certified eclipse glasses from a trusted source. Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes.

Other Precautions

Prepare for the weather! In April, the weather in Niagara Falls USA can be warm and sunny or cold and rainy (sometimes even snowy!). Make sure to check the forecast and dress accordingly.

Start planning today! Discover more information, including 2024 total solar eclipse special events and programming in Niagara Falls USA, here!