In Hamilton or Niagara on April 8? Here are some of the region's best solar eclipse viewing parties

You may have heard the joke by now: "How do you organize a solar eclipse party? You planet."

But you could also let someone plan it for you.

And throughout the Hamilton-Niagara region home to some of the best areas in Canada to see the total solar eclipse on April 8 there are plenty of options.

That day, people across the continent will see the moon pass between the sun and the Earth. In some places, it will partially block out the sun. But in others including Hamilton, Burling‐ ton, Ont., Six Nations, Ont., and the Niagara Region - the moon will fully block the star's light.

The length of time will vary depending where you are. In Hamilton, for exam‐ ple, the sun will be com‐ pletely hidden for about two minutes starting at 3:18 p.m. ET, according to the Canadian Space Agency. However, it will be at least partially cov‐ ered from about 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WATCH | Why the Hamil‐ ton-Niagara area is one of the best from which to view the eclipse

Here's some of what's going on, including outdoor viewing parties, overnight camping and an inflatable planetarium.

Hamilton

If you've got connections to McMaster University, one op‐ tion is that school's viewing party at the Ron Joyce Stadi‐ um. The party will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are free by limited to four per McMaster community mem‐ ber.

Six Nations of the Grand River

People can gather at Six Na‐ tions Parks & Recreation to view the eclipse between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Burlington, Ont.

The Royal Botanical Garden‐ s's arboretum will host a "pic‐ nic-style" viewing party from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring the Hamilton Amateur As‐ tronomers. The event is free but you have to register and pay to park.

Niagara Falls, Ont.

Niagara Parks is promoting several events, including some leading up to the date. The Power Station will host educators and a mobile plan‐ etarium from April 5 through 8. NASA and Canadian Space Agency scientists will give talks.

From April 6 to 8, the nearby Table Rock Centre will hold interactive workshops geared toward kids.

On eclipse day, the Butter‐ fly Conservatory will have an astronomer from Toronto Metropolitan University present to talk with guests.

The falls will be lit up spe‐ cially for the eclipse on April 7, and there will be live music on April 8 with performances from The Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, New Friends, The Boneheads, and the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, which will play a prelude to the eclipse, resuming when the moon fully covers the sun.

Wainfleet, Ont.

The Niagara Peninsula Con‐ servation Authority is open‐ ing its Ball's Falls, Binbrook, and Long Beach parks early for the eclipse.

At Long Beach in Wain‐ fleet, Ont., the group camp‐ ing area will be available for day-use on April 8. People can also book sites to camp at from April 7 to April 8.

Port Colborne, Ont.

At the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, there will be tele‐ scopes to view the eclipse, and an inflatable planetari‐ um.

WATCH | How to safely view the eclipse

Fort Erie, Ont.

Fort Erie looks to have Canada's longest totality, meaning it will see the longest period of darkness during the eclipse: three min‐ utes and 46 seconds. There will be road closures and designated viewing areas in‐ cluding Bay Beach and Crys‐ tal Ridge Park.

What if you can't see the eclipse?

If weather, work or some‐ thing else prevents you from physically seeing the eclipse, or if you want a different view, there are streaming op‐ tions too, including one from NASA.

Are you hosting or join‐ ing an eclipse event we should know about? Let us know at hamilton@cbc.ca