With the highly-anticipated total solar eclipse set to mesmerize spectators on Monday, eclipse chasers are packing their bags and flocking to Montreal in a last-minute scramble to secure a clear view of the celestial spectacle. As the moon obscures the sun along a 115-mile-wide "zone of totality" sweeping across North America, climatic records have revealed that southwest US offers the best chances of clear skies. However, cloud cover is expected to increase as the eclipse progresses towards Canada.

Many eclipse enthusiasts committed to organized expeditions years ago, primarily centered in Texas. As a result, hotel rates in American cities along the zone of totality have skyrocketed, according to research conducted for The Independent. These rate increases have been driven by the surge in demand, as hotels in cities such as Little Rock and San Antonio have experienced more than a 150% rise in prices.

However, nature itself seems to be dictating the final outcome in terms of which locations will truly enjoy an unobstructed view of this cosmic phenomenon. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's eclipse weather map predicts cloud coverage along the entirety of the eclipse's path across America, including heavy cloud anticipated over Texas. Even Niagara Falls, overwhelmed by the expected number of eclipse viewers, declared a state of emergency.

Among the few expected breaks in the clouds are small patches in the Midwest (parts of Missouri and Indiana), southern Quebec, and northern Maine. This makes Montreal, with its population of 1.8 million, the only major city where a clear view of totality is nearly assured.

Such is the demand for last-minute flights to Montreal that Sunday's earlier departures from London were completely booked on Air Transat and Air Canada. British Airways, with only a handful of seats remaining in premium economy and business class, is among the few options for eclipse chasers. Meanwhile, hotel rates in Montreal have actually declined by 6% compared to last year, as the city was not initially considered a prominent viewing destination.

Although there is a slight chance for lucky passengers on scheduled flights from the UK to the US and Canada to witness the eclipse from above, no airlines are publicizing "eclipse-chasing" flights due to the unpredictable nature of wind conditions and timing. Passengers on middle-of-the-day departures to Boston, New York, and Toronto may have a brief opportunity to fly beneath the eclipse, albeit only for seconds due to the astonishing closing speed of westbound jet aircraft and the eastbound eclipse.

As the countdown to the spectacular solar event intensifies, eclipse chasers eagerly head to Montreal, where the promise of clear skies offers a rare opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring occurrence without obstruction.