'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
Serial sexual offender linked to unsolved 1970s homicides of four Calgary girls, women
An investigation into unsolved historical homicides from the 1970s has linked the deaths of two girls and two young women in and around Calgary to a now-deceased serial offender.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Dabney Coleman, actor who specialized in curmudgeons, dies at 92
Dabney Coleman, the mustachioed character actor who specialized in smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in '9 to 5' and the nasty TV director in 'Tootsie,' has died. He was 92.
Information commissioner faces $700K funding shortfall, says system is 'overwhelmed'
Canada's information commissioner says her office is facing a $700,000 funding shortfall that could impact its ability to investigate complaints about government transparency and accountability.
BREAKING Craig Berube named as next head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Craig Berube as their new head coach.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
Backlash over NFL player Harrison Butker's commencement speech has reached a new level
The NFL is distancing itself from controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a recent commencement address.
Person charged in random assault on actor Steve Buscemi in New York
A person wanted in connection with the random assault on actor Steve Buscemi on a New York City street earlier this month was taken into custody Friday, police said.