The anticipation surrounding the upcoming April 8 solar eclipse has sparked a flurry of activity and preparations, from securing safe viewing glasses to navigating the recent state of emergency declaration in the Niagara Region.
While Toronto will witness approximately 99 per cent of the eclipse, Niagara Falls finds itself directly under the path of totality, promising a breathtaking total eclipse experience. As a result, hordes of eclipse enthusiasts are flocking to the tourist hotspot, prompting a swift response from hotels in the area.
With Niagara Falls bracing for a substantial surge in visitors over the weekend leading up to Monday, April 8, hotel rates have seen a dramatic escalation, according to Booking.com and other booking platforms.
For instance, the Fullerton Manor Inn, which typically charges $120 this time of year, now demands a minimum of $550 for a room on Sunday, April 7, to Monday, April 8. Similarly, the Niagara Falls Marriott Fallsview, usually priced around $200, now commands a minimum of $809 for a king bed room during the eclipse period.
Even budget-friendly accommodations have been swept up in the pricing frenzy. The Comfort Inn, normally priced at approximately $70 per night, now charges $419 for a room over the eclipse, while the Country Inn, typically valued at $85, demands $510 for April 7.
While Niagara Falls undoubtedly offers one of the best vantage points in the province to witness the solar eclipse, the strained infrastructure of the Niagara Region, coupled with the exorbitant costs, may prompt some eclipse-goers to consider alternative viewing options within the city limits.