WHERE TO SEE A TOTAL ECLIPSE

For months, Niagara Falls has been tabbed by eclipse chasers as a prime location: smack dab in the middle of the path of totality on Monday, and already home to a top tourist destination.

That excitement has led the region to declare a state of emergency ahead of eclipse day, when it is expecting as many as a million visitors and the busiest day the city has ever seen. The eclipse there can be seen around 3:18 p.m.

But if you’re planning to travel to catch totality and want to avoid the crowds, there are plenty of other cities near Toronto from which the eclipse will be visible — if the weather co-operates.

Travelling west from Toronto, the total eclipse will first become visible in parts of Oakville, the last town on the shores of Lake Ontario to catch totality before the path crosses the lake. But totality will only be visible for less than a minute, and for much of the town, not at all.

Further locations, including Bronte and Burlington, will experience totality for longer, as they are closer to the centre of the eclipse’s path. Downtown Hamilton will experience close to two minutes of totality, with multiple viewing locations around the city — including a free, ticketed event at Tim Hortons Field.

The city will also be providing a limited number of eclipse glasses starting at 12:30 p.m. at Bayfront Park, Pier 4 Park, Confederation Beach Park and T.B. McQuesten Park.

Farther west, the path of totality intersects with Brantford and St. Thomas. Totality will be briefly visible in parts of Chatham. London lies outside the path of totality, with just one quarter of one per cent of the sun visible from behind the moon.

Travelling east from Toronto, the path of totality will make landfall again near Port Hope.

Totality will continue along Lake Ontario’s shore through Belleville and Prince Edward County. Kingston will experience about three minutes of totality (at 3:22 p.m.).

The city is hosting a Total Eclipse of the Park event at Grass Creek Park. Nine other public viewing locations will also be open.

If you’re planning to travel on eclipse day, make sure you have an eye on the forecast. If it’s cloudy you may be disappointed.

“That’s one of the reasons why a lot of the eclipse chasers are leaving town and heading for Mexico or Texas, for that better chance of a clear sky,” said Dr. B. Ralph Chou, former president of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s Toronto chapter.