Heading to Niagara Falls for the 2024 solar eclipse? Tips and best viewing sites

Niagara Falls is expecting upwards of a million visitors on April 8 as it will experience totality for almost four minutes during the 2024 eclipse. Totality will occur at 3:18 p.m., according to Destination Niagara USA's website, and with free admission to places like Niagara Falls State Park, it could get pretty packed.

Here's what you should know if you plan to visit the Niagara Falls area for the eclipse.

Is Niagara Falls prepared for the solar eclipse?

NASA scientists and astronauts, fireworks and of course, the eclipse itself, will draw many to the park and surrounding areas in the days leading up to the big event.

But Niagara Falls-area agencies have been preparing for over a year.

"We had already ordered solar eclipse glasses (by August of 2022), knowing there would be a demand," says Destination Niagara USA director of communications Sara Harvey.

And while the closest event of this magnitude was back in 2012 when Nik Wallenda walked across Niagara Falls, New York State Parks Director of Public Affairs Angela Berti says they're going to be ready.

"We're pulling that playbook back out and kind of taking a look at some of the stuff we did then and try and apply it to this because that was a really, really large scale event," Berti said. "But again, our staff is super good at crowd operation, crowd management, parking logistics."

Where to see the solar eclipse in Niagara Falls

Other vantage points throughout Niagara County that may be a little less crowded are Fort Niagara State Park and Old Fort Niagara along Lake Ontario or even on a boat out on the lake, Harvey says.

Places just outside the downtown Niagara Falls area, like the Transit Drive-In Theatre and Freedom Run Winery in Lockport and Gratwick-Riverside Park in North Tonawanda, are also hosting eclipse events.

Will Niagara Falls be safe during the eclipse?

The Niagara Falls State Park staff is taking all possible steps to anticipate the needs of visitors, Berti said.

The park's police force along with New York State Police and the Niagara Falls Police Department have been working together to ensure everyone's safety during the eclipse weekend.

And Gov. Kathy Hochul has held meetings with Homeland Security and other state law enforcement agencies for several years now to coordinate efforts for events just like this one, Berti said.

How accessible will Niagara Falls be during the eclipse?

The Niagara Falls Trolley, which is ADA-compliant, will be running throughout the park, Berti said, and other accommodations are also in the works for the big event.

Niagara Falls parking and traffic during solar eclipse

Parking lots 1 and 2 will be open for passenger vehicles, the state park website states, and lot 3 will be dedicated to tour buses.

However, the lots, which will be opening around 6 a.m., are first-come, first-serve and expected to fill up very quickly.

"People are going to have to be prepared, come early, plan to stay late," Berti said. "Plan to walk a little bit ... bring your patience."

Other parking options include spots throughout the city within walking distance to the Falls.

Will the Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist be open during solar eclipse?

Cave of the Winds, which takes you beneath the American Falls, will be selling tickets for eight minute increments the day of the eclipse.

And the non-ticketed Maid of the Mist, which takes you through the waters of the American and Horseshoe Falls, will be weather dependent.

What will the economic impact be in Niagara Falls?

The typical occupancy rate of hotels in the Niagara Falls area is between 45-50%, Harvey said. But the eclipse is expected to bring in close to 100% occupancy as hotels are either already booked up or nearing that.

And the rates for those hotels and Airbnbs are "certainly more than they would get during that time or anytime, really," Harvey says.

Harvey recommends booking rooms outside of downtown Niagara Falls because of the currently limited availability.

And as for the economic impact, Harvey says its a "huge way to kick off the season."

"We don't really have anything we can compare this to," Harvey said. "Just knowing that the hotels are pretty much twice as busy as normal this time of year and rates are three or four times what they normally would be ... that hotel impact alone will be a multimillion dollar impact."

Increased traffic expected at Canadian border for solar eclipse

An increase in traffic across the border into New York state for the eclipse is expected, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) representative said.

"CBP has been working with our local and federal partners to ensure a safe and secure environment with the expected influx of travelers at all our land border parts of entry throughout New York state."

The CBP is reminding travelers to plan accordingly and anticipate possible delays.

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Witness the Solar Eclipse at Niagara Falls. Tips, best viewing sites