Save the Date:

On April 8, 2024, residents and visitors to Port Colborne will find themselves in the direct path of totality during an historic total eclipse of the sun. This spectacular event will start at 2:04 p.m. and ending at 4:33 p.m., with totality occurring at 3:18 p.m.

As the moon's shadow casts its dark veil over our community, Port Colborne invites residents and visitors alike to join in a series of family-friendly events, safely view the eclipse from designated viewing areas, and immerse themselves in an incredible day of celestial fun in Port Colborne.

As the skies above Port Colborne offer an opportunity to witness the grandeur of a total solar eclipse, the City will also offer a variety of fun family-friendly events for residents and visitors alike: 

Don't miss your chance to be part of history as Port Colborne basks in the shadow of the total solar eclipse. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and prepare for an unforgettable experience!

Event Details:

What is a Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun – known as the path of totality – will experience a total solar eclipse. The sky will become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk. Weather permitting, people along the path of totality will see the Sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which is usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun.

What you can see during a total solar eclipse depends on the weather and the location from which you view it. You need clear skies to have the full eclipse experience, with a clear view of the Sun and Moon. However, the eerie daytime darkness associated with eclipses is still noticeable with cloud cover.
Event Schedule

Join us from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre for some family friendly solar eclipse activities.

 

Planetarium Show:

Visitors will have the chance to immerse themselves in the wonders of the cosmos as planetarium staff will share constellation stories, northern light insights, and so much more inside an immersive inflatable 4k planetarium. Register for event. 

Solar Tours:

Stargazing enthusiasts can enjoy a tour of the universe with a live presenter. Explore the powerful sun, learn about the eclipse is, how the aurora work and so much more!  and so much more inside an immersive inflatable 4k planetarium. Register for event.

Telescope Tours:

Have your chance to view the eclipse using a 10-inch Dobsonian Telescope. Astronomy guides will provide hands-on telescope experiences, a chance for attendees to view sunspots and solar flares using solar filters to ensure safety. 

“Let’s Talk Science”:

Join science experts from Brock University to spark curiosity and strengthen STEM connections. Learn about Solar Eclipse safety by creating a pinhole camera that can be used to safely view the eclipse or by creating eclipse art that will project crescents during the eclipse.

Port Colborne Public Library and Museum:

Join city staff at their interactive station to learn about the Solar Eclipse through crafts and  activities, plus take advantage of their mobile library and even sign up for your very own library card. 

FREE Community Skate:

Vale Health & Wellness Centre. 

Rink 1 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  & Rink 2 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Port Colborne YMCA FREE Programming: 

  • Pool (Lane & Leisure)  - 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  

Where to watch the Solar Eclipse

Residents are encouraged to gather with friends, family, and fellow sky gazers at prime viewing locations across Port Colborne to marvel at the breathtaking phenomenon. From the Vale Health & Wellness Centre to Sugarloaf Marina, numerous spots offer unobstructed views of the spectacular display in the sky. 

  1. Vale Health & Wellness Centre – As a designated viewing area, the Vale Health & Wellness Centre has lots of parking and a great view of the sky. The Let’s Talk Science and Ontario Planetarium Experience and telescope viewing stations will all be available at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre. 
  2. H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park – Interested in staking a seat by the water? This signature park is an awesome place to check out the eclipse. This area will have tons of parking options and a great view of the sky to catch the historic moment. 
  3. Sugarloaf Harbour Marina – While the City isn’t encouraging boaters to launch their boats early, given the cold and unpredictable April weather, the Marina will still be an awesome place to check out the eclipse. 
  4. West Street / Downtown Port Colborne – Grab a coffee or a snack at one of the amazing businesses along West Street while you wait for the total eclipse. With a clear view to the sky, West Street or other areas in downtown Port Colborne will make a great place to see the eclipse from. 
  5. Lock 8 Gateway Park – Grab some takeout from one of the dozens of restaurants along Main Street and head to Lock 8 Gateway Park to watch the eclipse from the comfort of your own lawn chair. An excellent view right along the canal! There won’t be any official city programming here, but there’s tons of space to stretch out and enjoy. 
  6. Nickel Beach – While the City won’t have any official programming or activities in this location, Nickel Beach could be a great place to see the eclipse. We recommend Zone 2 parking lot, with a fantastic view to the sky. 
  7. Centennial Cedar Bay Beach – While the City won’t have any official programming or activities in this location, Centennial Cedar Bay Beach could be another excellent place to see the eclipse. Be sure not to trespass on private property in this area.
  8. Your own front or backyard – If you can see the sky from your own front or backyard, staying home is a good option. The city anticipates an influx of visitors and traffic to the community, so staying home could be a great option.

Eclipse Viewing Glasses Giveaway with PORTicipate Pass or Library Card

Eclipse glasses are currently SOLD OUT. 

 

To learn more about solar eclipse safety or to find reputable dealers for eclipse glasses, visit the Niagara Region Eclipse webpage.

 

Emergency Preparedness

The City is working closely with neighbouring municipalities and the Niagara Region in planning for such a large-scale event in our small community. Our top priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees and residents alike. Our emergency response teams are planning for potential contingencies with an aim toward minimizing risks as we prepare to welcome thousands of visitors to Port Colborne. We are considering things like how we will address medical emergencies, large crowds, potential communication interruptions, and how we can effectively coordinate across agencies.

 

Be prepared, Port Colborne:

  • Be prepared for crowds, lines and traffic
  • If they’re going out, take snacks, water and first-aid supplies
  • Fill up your gas tank, get groceries and run errands before the eclipse
  • Make sure you have eclipse glasses 
  • Check ahead for travel conditions and road closures
  • Plan for child care on April 8 as most schools will be closed
  • Make sure children know how to view the eclipse safely
  • Check portcolborne.ca for service changes, closures and other important information 

Road Closure:

A road closure will be in effect on Steele Street from Sugarloaf Street (near the Port Colborne Urgent Care Centre) to the base of Fielden Ave (near the public boat launch) to allow for easy movement of pedestrians and emergency vehicles. 

See map below:

Parking Restrictions:

In anticipation and as part of our emergency response plans, we are implementing some temporary parking restrictions in the streets close to H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park and Sugarloaf Harbour Marina on April 8, 2024. These parking restrictions will allow unobstructed access for emergency vehicles, should they be required.

If you typically park on one of these streets, please make alternative parking arrangements on April 8, 2024. Vehicles parked on these streets on April 8, 2024 will be towed to the Port Colborne Fire Hall at 3 Killaly Street W.

See map below:

 Restricted Services

City Hall will be open with limited service capacity as many staff will be redeployed to support the eclipse events and traffic.

Unavailable services include:

  • Marriage licence 
  • Building permits 
  • Lottery licence

  • Planning applications

 

The public boat launch will also be closed SUNDAY, APRIL 7 at 6 p.m. to TUESDAY, APRIL 9 at 8 a.m.

 

Helpful Tips:

How to avoid eye injuries

It is very dangerous to look directly at the sun at any time, but during an eclipse the temptation to have a quick glance can be very strong. 

To avoid damaging your retinas when viewing the solar eclipse:

  • Do not view the eclipse at all or use a proper method of blocking the sun's dangerous rays while viewing
  • Use a filter that blocks all dangerous light. To do this, you must use ISO-certified eclipse glasses from a reputable vendor that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. The manufacturer's name and address must be printed on the product.
  • Do not use any viewer if it has scratched or wrinkled lenses

How to tell if your solar eclipse glasses are safe
You should not be able to see anything through a safe solar filter except the Sun itself.

If you're not sure if the product came from a reputable vendor, don't use it.

Safe solar filters produce a view of the Sun that is comfortably bright like the full Moon. If you glance at the Sun through your solar filter and find it uncomfortably bright, out of focus or surrounded by a bright haze, do not use it.

What to avoid
  • Ordinary sunglasses or multiple pairs of sunglasses
  • Neutral density or polarizing filters, such as those made for camera lenses
  • Smoked glass
  • Photographic or X-ray film (unexposed, exposed or developed)
  • Eclipse glasses with a binocular or telescope 
  • Potato-chip bags, DVDs, and any other do-it-yourself filters

 For more information, visit the Niagara Region webpage.