Niagara Falls is shutting down several streets for the enormous eclipse crowds

Niagara Falls will shut down several major streets on Monday, April 8, in preparation for the much-hyped solar eclipse, when record crowds of tourists are expected to descend on the region to experience the eclipse's path of totality.

A state of emergency was declared by Niagara Region officials over the weekend, well in advance of the big event this coming Monday. Now, local law enforcement is warning locals and visitors of major road closures that, combined with crowds projected to break one million, should grind the tourist hotspot to a halt on Monday morning.

Niagara Regional Police announced on Wednesday that "many roadways" in Niagara Falls will be closed to vehicle traffic starting 11 a.m. on April 8 and not reopening until the next day, warning that "additional closures may be required."

Niagara Parks will shutter major streets Falls Avenue, Victoria Avenue, Clifton Hill, Fallsview Boulevard, Murray Street and Fraser Hill. Niagara Regional Police will close several more streets and limit them to local traffic, including Morrison Street, McRae Street, North Stree, and Portage Road.

#NiagaraEclipse Road Closures

As of 11am on April 8th, many roadways in #NiagaraFalls will be closed to vehicular traffic & not reopening until April 9.

Plan ahead to adjust routes.
Additional closures may be required.

Follow us, @NiagParksPolice & @OPP_HSD for info on April 8 pic.twitter.com/3aD6H4yAcq

— NRPS (@NiagRegPolice) April 3, 2024

The move to shutter major streets is an unusual precaution by local officials, though there have been clear warnings of the enormous crowds expected to take in the once-in-lifetime opportunity to see the sun blacked out from the sky.

In the months leading up to Monday's rare celestial spectacle, Niagara Falls has witnessed a huge spike in Airbnb and hotel bookings, while glasses to safely watch the eclipse have been in hot demand across Ontario.