Preparations for the solar eclipse viewing are ramping up in Niagara Falls.
The region is set to be one of the busiest tourist destinations next Monday, and many businesses say they’re ready — but it isn’t just storefronts that are gearing up for the surge in activity.
Additionally, the entire Niagara Region has declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the event.
The GO Train is expected to run additional cars that day in an effort to accommodate what Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati says might be “over a million people” who are turning out to the city to view the event.
READ MORE: Niagara Region proactively declares state of emergency over solar eclipse
“We’ve got groups that follow these types of things and say we can expect eight to ten times our biggest crowd ever,” he said.
“For Nick Wallenda we had over 100,000 people in the park … so do the math, that’s like a million people. That alone would be a spectacle.”
In its latest update, the region is warning of massive crowds and long lines. “Consider filling up your gas tank, getting groceries, and running errands before the eclipse.”
Already, children who live in the region are being given a day off school.
READ MORE: Where to view the 2024 total solar eclipse in Hamilton, Niagara and surrounding areas