Top Things to Do in Niagara Falls for the 2024 Solar Eclipse

The 2024 solar eclipse on April 8th is one of the most highly anticipated astronomical events of the year. Located directly in the path of totality, it’s no secret that Niagara Falls is one of the best spots to experience it!

If you’re planning on visiting Niagara for this highly anticipated happening, here’s a guide to make the most of your visit. There’s plenty to do before totality begins at 3:18 pm so check out these top things to do in Niagara Falls for the 2024 solar eclipse!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links where I may receive a kickback at no extra cost to you. It helps keep IBB alive so thank you!

Visit the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Start your day in Niagara Falls for the 2024 solar eclipse with a flutter of colour at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory! Head to the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens where you’ll find one of the largest butterfly conservatories in North America.

This miniature rainforest has been a sanctuary for over 60+ butterfly species since 1996. Step inside as you witness over 2,000 of these beautiful creatures flitting about within the conservatory’s glass dome. Visitors will enjoy watching more common species such as Monarchs and swallowtails as well as the stunning colours of tropical breeds like the blue morpho and banded orange. You’ll also spot beetles, Koi fish, turtles and other small animals which coexist with the butterflies to help keep potential predators at bay.

RELATED: For more details and what to expect during your visit, check out my guide to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory.

Don’t be surprised if they flutter in and around your head. Butterflies have no sense of personal space so resist the urge to swat and just enjoy the magic of the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory! 

Check Out Journey Behind the Falls

Next, let’s feel the rumble of the Horseshoe Falls as we head into the belly of the beast with Journey Behind the Falls. Niagara Falls carries 20% of the world’s freshwater as it flows in from our gorgeous Great Lakes.

Recently renovated, visitors have numerous storyboards adorning the walls where you’ll learn about the history of these lands we walk on beginning with acknowledging the Attiwonderonk (Neutral), Haudenosaunee, Mississauga and additional Indigenous groups who have called this area home since time immemorial and traversing the many years since colonization into what Niagara Falls is today.

RELATED: Journey Behind the Falls is one of the top indoor attractions in Niagara Falls. Check out more great things to do indoors in Niagara Falls with my guide!

Once you’re done learning about the area, hop in the elevator as you descend 38 metres (approximately 125 feet) below the surface to access 198 metres (about 650 feet) of tunnels. Visitors can access two portals located behind the Horseshoe Falls itself where you’ll witness the Niagara River travelling 65 kilometres per hour over the crest. There’s no doubt that you’ll be amazed by the power you feel from the falls! The biggest draw though is the observation deck where you’ll enjoy great views of the Horseshoe Falls as well as the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

By now it’s probably getting close to the peak eclipse time so head up to ground level to catch the main event!

Views of The Falls

Experience Totality at 3:18 pm

At 2:04 pm, the moon will begin to traverse between Earth and the sun, thus beginning the 2024 solar eclipse. While anyone and everyone in the area will be tempted to look straight into the sky to witness this incredible event, solar eclipse viewing is not to be done willy-nilly!

Don’t look at the sun without some sort of eye protection. Solar viewing glasses or a handheld solar viewer are necessary to prevent any damage to your eyes while the eclipse is in its partial phases. However during the time of totality, it is safe to look towards the sun as the moon will be covering it entirely!

If you don’t have a pair, Niagara Parks will be giving out eclipse viewing glasses at various points along the parkway on April 8th. If you arrive early, try to snag a pair as there’s only a limited amount available.

Finally, it’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for! As the clock strikes 3:18 pm, the entirety of Niagara Falls will be engulfed in darkness for 3 minutes and 31 seconds. The moon will then continue along its path until the solar eclipse is completed at 4:31 pm for a total length of 2 hours and 27 minutes.

Head to the Power Station & The Tunnel

The eclipse may be over but there’s still plenty of fun to be had in Niagara Falls! The Niagara Parks Power Station is one of the newest attractions in Niagara Falls and a favourite for many, myself included. I originally visited the Power Station during Doors Open in 2019 and it has been transformed into an incredible museum dedicated to the history of power generation in Niagara!

Walk past the massive blue generators as you learn about the technology developed to harness the power of the Niagara River and supply electricity to the surrounding area. Interactive exhibits allow you to further understand the importance of the power station back in the 1900s as you “follow the flow” throughout the power station. You also might be surprised to learn how connected Nikola Tesla was to the area!

Once you’re done, take your second elevator ride of your day in Niagara Falls to The Tunnel. Descending even further than Journey Behind the Falls, you’ll be almost 55 metres (180 feet) below the surface as you step into one of the tunnels that used to channel water for power generation. Walk for approximately 10 minutes and you’ll come upon the incredible observation deck at the base of the Horseshoe Falls.

Never before have the falls been seen from this angle! And in my opinion, these are the best views of the Horseshoe Falls which is why I saved it for last. Take your time and enjoy the views before heading back up to the ground floor.

Grab a Meal at the Table Rock House Restaurant

After the day’s excitement, you’re bound to be hungry. There’s no better spot to grab a bite to eat than at the Table Rock House Restaurant. Conveniently located within the Table Rock Centre, sink your teeth into some incredible local eats while enjoying brilliant views of the Horseshoe Falls.

Indulge in tastes of the region as dishes are crafted using several ingredients sourced right from Niagara. You’ll find a focus on old French-based cuisine that ties in international inspirations and flavours. They might be worldly but you’re supporting Ontario farmers, producers, brewers and distillers thanks to the Table Rock House Restaurant’s FeastON certification! 

RELATED: The Table Rock House Restaurant is one of the best spots for dinner in the Falls. If you’re looking for more great eats, check out this guide to the top restaurants in Niagara Falls.

Their menu changes seasonally so it may have changed by the time of the eclipse, however if the Ontario Burrata is on the menu, this appetizer is a must. Rich and creamy burrata is nestled atop a delicious concoction of spaghetti squash, roaster chestnuts, cranberries and poached pears that’s drizzled with maple syrup and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds that your tastebuds will adore. The fried vegetable dumplings and Atlantic crab cake are also delightful!

As for mains, I can’t resist if duck is on the menu and the duck leg confit is absolutely delightful. The succulent meat falls off the bone alongside brasied red cabbage, crushed celery root and crispy brussel sprouts topped with a delicious Jordan cherry jus. Another fantastic main is the glazed salmon marinated in rosemary and smoked honey from Niagara’s Rosewood Estates. Mingling alongside a butternut squash ratatouille, chestnuts and honey-poached cranberries topped with pumpkin seeds, you can’t go wrong with these sweet and savoury flavours.

Chances are the Table Rock House Restaurant will be busy during the 2024 solar eclipse so I highly recommend making reservations if you can!

Inside the Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse

More Things to Do in Niagara Falls for the 2024 Solar Eclipse

Of course, there are more experiences you can enjoy while in Niagara Falls for the 2024 solar eclipse. If you’re thinking of visiting two or more of the experiences listed above, I highly recommend purchasing a Niagara Parks Wonder Pass Plus.

For the set rate of $49 plus tax, you will have access to the above Niagara Falls attractions as well as the incredibly beautiful Floral Showhouse and Niagara’s Fury. The Floral Showhouse features two main rooms which host numerous floral exhibits all year round. Feast your eyes on plants from around the world from vibrant blooms to subtle succulents. As for Niagara’s Fury, this 4D film shares the telling tale of the last Ice Age and the formation of Niagara Falls. On top of that, you’ll also have two days of unlimited access to the WeGo bus system and the Falls Incline Railway!

Unable to utilize all of the attractions covered in the Niagara Parks Wonder Pass Plus during your visit for the eclipse? While the WeGo access expires after 48 hours, you can utilize the pass for the other attractions up until April 30th, 2024! Sounds like a great reason to extend your visit or plan a return trip before the month is over.

However, that’s not all Niagara Falls has to offer! It may not be top of mind for hiking but with trails like the Niagara Glen, there are some incredible hikes in Niagara Falls nature fans will want to check out. For those travelling to Niagara Falls with kids, the Heartland Forest is guaranteed to be a hit. Plus there are several free things to do in Niagara Falls that will help you enjoy the area while keeping costs down, not to mention all the beautiful waterfalls we have in the Niagara Region! For even more ideas on how to expand your trip to Niagara, check out these blogs on my site.

Views Towards the Rainbow Bridge From the Niagara Parkway

What to Expect in Niagara Falls During the 2024 Solar Eclipse

As I mentioned, Niagara Falls is in the path of totality and anyone who is an astronomy enthusiast has had their eye on this for weeks, months even. This means that the area will be incredibly busy as tourism entities are preparing for thousands of visitors to descend upon Niagara Falls.

I highly recommend you arrive early in the day to secure a parking spot and enjoy your day in Niagara Falls on foot. This will allow you to make the most of your time in Niagara Falls! The WeGo bus system will be in operation, meaning you can park further out and ride it in to mitigate traffic. 

If you don’t want to deal with driving and parking, you can always see what’s available for hotels in Niagara Falls. Many have been fully booked for weeks and others are charging an exuberant amount because of the 2024 solar eclipse, but you may still be able to find affordable deals within the area. Click here to see what Niagara Falls hotels are available. 

Due to the vast crowds that will be congregating in the Falls, be prepared to wait longer than you’d like. Anything that you can manage to secure a reservation for whether it’s attractions or meals, I’d recommend doing so to help make your day go as smoothly as possible.

Also in case it’s not clear, allow yourself ample travel time to get to and from destinations in and around Niagara Falls. What may normally take 10 minutes will probably take upwards of 20-30 on April 8th, 2024.

Sunset Over the Horseshoe Falls

See You For the 2024 Niagara Falls Solar Eclipse!

Since you’re making the trek to Niagara Falls for the 2024 solar eclipse, I hope this guide will help you make the most of your stay. As you can see, Niagara Parks has plenty to offer so take advantage of their Wonder Pass as you settle in for the astronomical event of the year. The full solar eclipse will certainly be an experience to remember! Check the weather, dress accordingly and we’ll see you April 8th in the Falls!

Disclaimer:
This post is brought to you in partnership with Niagara Parks. However, all of the content and opinions here are honest and speak to my personal experience as always!

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