This is the 1st place in Canada that will see the eclipse and totality for more than 3 minutes

If you want a front-row seat to the eclipse in the middle of Lake Erie, Pelee Island is your best bet.

Canada's southernmost place is in the heart of the eclipse zone but you'd have to get over before Monday.

Totality is a word that's been added to our vocabulary over the past few weeks, as anticipation builds toward the celestial event.

It's where the sun's light will be completely blocked out by the moon. Many places will fall just short of it.

To get the full experience, you need to travel south, near the shore of Lake Erie.

Even though places such as Kingsville and Leamington will have totality for about two minutes, you can kick it up a notch by venturing a little bit farther.

Because Pelee Island is in the middle of the path of totality,it will experiencethree minutes and nine seconds of total darkness and it will be the first land in Canada to experience the phenomenon.

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Tom Sobocan, public relations director for the Royal Astronomical Society's Windsor group, explains where and how to watch the eclipse on April 8.

Tom Sobocan, with the Royal Astronomical Society's Windsor chapter, says people headed out across Essex County to watch the eclipse shouldto plan ahead.

"You should plan to get on the road early because there will be traffic jams," he told CBC News adding people also might want to consider taking the day off.

In Leamington, there will be several road closures starting at 8 a.m. on Apr. 8:

• Seacliffe Drive West at Forest Avenue
• Seacliff Drive East at Erie Street South
• Bruce Avenue at Cherry Lane
• Cherry Lane at Robson Road
• Donald Avenue at Robson Road
• Bruce Avenue at Robson Road

As of 11 a.m. ET on Friday, Environment Canada is calling for a 40 per cent chance of showers with some clouds.

"If you can hang out outside and see if there's a break in the clouds, it's worth even just a glimpse of it, because it's once in our lifetime," StevenPellarin previously said.

The University of Windsor astronomy professor will be taking in the eclipse fromPoint Pelee National Park, across the lake from theIsland.

Pelee Island Mayor Cathy Miller says the island isa unique destination to take in the celestial event.

"Having no light pollution, no noise pollution, you'll be able to have a completely panoramic view of what's going on in the sky," she said.

"It will be special. And we will have one whole extra minute than everyone else."

Best spot on island to catch eclipse

"Fish Point."

That's the optimal spot on Pelee Island to catch Monday's solar eclipse, according to Miller.

It's the island'sand Canada's most southern point.

"It will be beautiful. There's a little trail out to the woods and then it's wide open."

"The sun should be right over you."

Miller says another prime viewing spot would be near the island's lighthouse on the northeastern shore.

"Another nature preserve. There's different types, it depends what your interests are."

The island has more than 800 hectares of protected and conservation land.

Island planning mode

Miller says they've been planning for the eclipse since around this time last year, but ultimately there's only so much they can do.

"We started hearing some rumblings and getting some requests in and people asking questions because there are big followers of these things, and they do travel for it and they plan well in advance for it."

She said no matter the planning, it's difficult being an "extremely seasonal" island.

"We have challenges with transportation getting here, whether people can get on the water in time and all these types of things."

There are a handful of eclipse-related events being held on the island, including ones at the winery, a restaurant patio party, legion luncheon and live music at the quarry.

An extra ferry is running on the day of from Leamington, but it's already sold out.

However, travellers without a ticket couldstill get over to the island over the weekend.

"I do believe there's still accommodations available," said Miller.

OPP are sending out more boats on the lake, she added, and they've been in contact with emergency management Ontario.

Miller said it's expected more people will be going out on the lake on their own watercraft.

"It's very challenging to be overrun at any time on Pelee Island. We're in a good position to be able to meet the demands of the people that are actually coming."

As for where she plans on taking in the big event on the island, the mayor says she'll more than likely take it in from her backyard, with her husband and dog.

LISTEN |Still space in heart of eclipse zone on Pelee Island - if you get over before Monday:

Windsor Morning8:14Still space in heart of eclipse zone on Pelee Island - if you get over before Monday