Note: complimentary ISO 12312-2 glasses being offered by Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island are currently SOLD OUT and no longer available for pick-up.
A total solar eclipse will be visible in Windsor Essex, weather permitting, on Monday April 8th, 2024 and Windsor Essex will be in the path of totality. Windsor Essex is one of the premier spots in the WORLD to see the 2024 eclipse.
During a total solar eclipse, the path of totality is a narrow corridor approximately 100 to 115 km wide where the Sun appears to be completely covered by the Moon for a short period of time (between 2 and 3 minutes). This is the most spectacular part of the eclipse, as those who are lucky enough to be in this corridor are able to see the Sun’s corona, the chromosphere, prominences and streamers. Visitors will travel to our area to witness this event. Proper eye protection is essential before and after totality.
The partial phase should start at approximately 1:58pm and end at 4:28pm. Totality should take place 3:12pm to 3:15pm. Click here for detailed timing and information.
Where To View?
Several sites in Windsor Essex will be deemed in the path of totality, and primary public access sites to view the eclipse include:
3:00+ minutes of totality
- Lake Erie North Shore
- Pelee Island
2:30+ of totality
- Point Pelee National Park
- Seacliff Park & Beach
2:00+ of totality
- Hillman Marsh
- Lakeside Park
1:30+ of totality
- Colchester Beach and Harbour
- Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Where To Stay?
Make it an escape and book a room at one of the hotels near or in the path of totality. Check out accommodation options including:
Hotels listed above still have availability and some are offering exclusive viewing package. For more accommodation options in the region click visitwindsoressex.com/stay.
Construction Notice
There are two ongoing construction projects in the region that could impact travel to prime eclipse viewing sites. Click on the icons below for more information
The intersection of Howard Avenue and Middle Side Road in Amherstburg will be temporarily closed for a construction project spanning nine months. During this period, a designated detour route will be in place, directing traffic from County Road 8 to County Road 11 and finally to County Road 18.
Residents of LaSalle, particularly those residing along Huron Church, Broderick, Disputed, and Front Roads, should anticipate an increase in traffic volume. We kindly remind all motorists to prioritize safety by adhering to posted speed limits and driving cautiously. Please plan your travels accordingly, considering the additional time required to reach your destinations.
Our Traffic Enforcement Unit will maintain a vigilant presence in these areas, closely monitoring for traffic infractions, including speeding and aggressive driving, throughout this construction period. We greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation during this time.
County Road 50 is closed between County Road 13 (Erie Road) and Klies Beach Road for culvert replacement beginning March 11 for approximately 11 weeks (Map ID#2). All businesses remain open during construction. The map below shows the posted detour.
Please click here for the suggested detour by the County of Essex.
The Ontario Provincial police issued a bulletin letting the public know there will be road closures in Leamington to assist with the flow of traffic.
The following road closure will begin at 8:00 a.m. on April 8:
- Seacliff Drive West at Forest Avenue
- Seacliff Drive East at Erie Street South
- Bruce Avenue at Cherry Lane
- Cherry Lane at Robson Road
- Donald Avenue at Robson Road
- Bruce Avenue at Robson Road
Solar Eclipse Event Guide
Click here to view our Solar Eclipse Event Guide. Reserve your place at one of the best viewing areas in Canada. Stay tuned for one-of-a-kind events, trip packages, and experiences leading up to the 2024 solar eclipse.
Windsor Essex businesses and organizations are hosting viewing parties like ‘Celest-Fest at the Beach’ hosted by the Essex Region Conservation Authority at Holiday Beach Conservation Area; Total Eclipse Sailing on the Pelee Islander II, Eclipse Viewing Party at Oxley Estate Winery, or make it an overnight stay at Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast! Check out the full Eclipse Event Guide and check back often as new events will continue to be added.
Safety Precautions & General Info
Very important! Looking directly at the Sun, without appropriate protection, can lead to serious problems such as partial or complete loss of eyesight. During any solar eclipse, it is imperative to wear special glasses with filters designed for eclipse watching (ISO 12312-2) international standard) to prevent eye damage. Regular sunglasses will not protect your eyes sufficiently. A few tips for you include:
A few highlighted details include:
- While driving, avoiding looking at the eclipse and keep your eyes on the road.
- Follow local directives and road signage as you travel on April 8th and stay updated on road conditions at 511on.ca. Expect increased traffic, especially along the Lake Erie North Shore and Route 50.
- If travelling to view the eclipse, we encourage booking accommodations EARLY, especially if planning to stay along the Lake Erie North Shore.
- It is not safe to look at the sun without eye protection. Make sure you are using ISO 12312-1 international standard glasses.
- If appropriate eye protection is not available, viewing strategies including an eclipse box or a live stream.
Click here for safety guidelines provided by the Province of Ontario.
For an more detailed interactive guide on the eclipse, maps and simulators and more go to WindsorSolarEclipse.com, provided by the Windsor Centre, Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
Windsor Essex Map of Totality
*Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island has provided complimentary ISO 12312-2 Standard glasses to several events within the region. The glasses meet the requirements for eclipse viewing, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island will not be held liable if injury occurs with use of the glasses. You can learn more about the eclipse and about viewing it safely from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and the American Astronomical Society.
Information Sources:
https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/eclipses/solar-eclipses.asp
https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/eclipses/solar-eclipses.asp
https://eclipse2024.org/
https://www.timeanddate.com/
