'I can’t wait for it': Port Stanley, Ont. prepares for total solar eclipse
Two weeks before a rare total solar eclipse turns day into night across the region, towns in the direct path of totality are making preparations for the celestial spectacle.
The lakeside town of Port Stanley finds itself in the path of totality for the April 8 solar eclipse, and the Pierside Pub is one of many spots in the small beach town that is planning to observe the astronomical phenomenon by serving up special eclipse-themed drinks and handing out protective eyewear.
"We're going to be open early. It’s not summer yet, but we are treating it like it's a summer day, and then I guess a nighttime day and then back to a summer day because it's going to be a total eclipse in Port Stanley," said Pierside Pub owner Brent Noels.
Over at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 410, members are also preparing to witness the rare event.
"The kids are off school, everybody is ordering their glasses, it will be a packed house here watching the eclipse, and I can’t wait for it,” said Tom McLeod.
For Port Stanley resident Pat Templeton, he is planning on a more private viewing experience.
"I live on the lake and I have a wonderful place to view it from. I’m going to sit outside and watch it from my yard,” he told CTV News London.
Marion Rose lives along the shores of Lake Erie in Elgin County, and she will be throwing a big viewing party for her family and friends.
"We are so excited about it. We honestly have known about it for the last year, my cousin from Vancouver sent me a text and said they wanted to come and camp out here because of the event,” said Rose.
While London will experience 99 per cent totality, the full spectacle of a total solar eclipse is only visible within a narrow path just south of the city. Within the band, and if weather permits, viewers will see the moon completely cover the sun, plunging the region into darkness and exposing the sun’s atmosphere, also known as its corona, creating a brilliant halo.
Elgin County lies directly in this path, making it a prime viewing location. The maximum eclipse will occur at 3:17 p.m., lasting just over two minutes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Boissonnault out of cabinet to 'focus on clearing the allegations made against him,' Trudeau announces
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced embattled minister Randy Boissonnault is out of cabinet.
Families of Paul Bernardo's victims not allowed to attend parole hearing in person, lawyer says
The families of the victims of Paul Bernardo have been barred from attending the serial killer’s upcoming parole hearing in person, according to the lawyer representing the loved ones of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
BREAKING Missing 4-month-old baby pronounced dead after ‘suspicious incident’ in midtown Toronto: police
A four-month-old baby is dead after what Toronto police are calling a 'suspicious incident' at a Midtown apartment building on Wednesday afternoon.
'They squandered 10 years of opportunity': Canada Post strike exposes longtime problems, expert says
Canada Post is at ‘death's door’ and won't survive if it doesn't dramatically transform its business, a professor who has studied the Crown corporation is warning as the postal workers' national strike drags on.
Sask. woman who refused to provide breath sample did not break the law, court finds
A Saskatchewan woman who refused to provide a breath sample after being stopped by police in Regina did not break the law – as the officer's request was deemed not lawful given the circumstances.
'Bomb cyclone' batters B.C. coast with hurricane-force winds, downing trees onto roads and vehicles
Massive trees toppled onto roads, power lines and parked cars as hurricane-force winds battered the B.C. coast overnight during an intense “bomb cyclone” weather event.
EV battery manufacturer Northvolt faces major roadblocks
Swedish electric vehicle battery manufacturer Northvolt is fighting for its survival as Canadian taxpayer money and pension fund investments hang in the balance.
Canada closes embassy in Ukraine after U.S. receives information on 'potential significant air attack'
The Embassy of Canada to Ukraine, located in Kyiv, has temporarily suspended in-person services after U.S. officials there warned they'd received information about a 'potential significant air attack,' cautioning citizens to shelter in place if they hear an air alert.
U.S. woman denied parole 30 years after drowning 2 sons by rolling car into South Carolina lake
A parole board decided unanimously Wednesday that Susan Smith should remain in prison 30 years after she killed her sons by rolling her car into a South Carolina lake while they were strapped in their car seats.