By Kate Bartlett
Summertime is upon us, and there’s no better way to appreciate the beauty of Buffalo than on the Harborfront. Over recent years, Buffalo’s waterfront has seen a major revival. From Canalside to Outer Harbor, Silo City and LaSalle Park, there’s plenty to discover on the Buffalo Waterfront. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a workout with a view, a walking tour, or concerts on the water, there’s an itinerary to fit everyone.
Outer Harbor
Take in a more natural side of the city at the Outer Harbor featuring more than 200 acres of green space with well-maintained health and wellness trails for biking, walking and jogging. Explore the winding path and natural playground at Wilkeson Pointe; take the dog for a swim on their natural beach, drop the kayak in at the docks, or relax with a drink and lawn games on the Great Lawn. With summer fitness classes and bicycle rentals presented by Independent Health, the Outer Harbor has a variety of activities, all with a guaranteed lake breeze and city views. Fitness class schedule and full calendar of events online at https://buffalowaterfront.com/outer-harbor.
Like Side Bike Park
Bring your bike, and your kids, to the Lake Side Bike Park complete with various off roading trails to test our your skills. Trails range in difficulty level and are well marked. The main park offers a pump track, skills loop and a tot track for little ones. Mountain bike rental available as well as Lakeside Café for light food and drinks.
Canalside
Canalside has been a local and tourist favorite for several years and is arguably the heart of downtown Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization. Located at the 1825 terminus of the Erie Canal, Canalside hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The summer scene includes concerts, festivals, bike rentals, boat tours, kayak/water sport rentals, as well as an expansive boardwalk and lawn seating to take in Buffalo views. Families enjoy paddleboats outside Explore and More as well as the historic Buffalo Heritage Carousel. Various fitness classes are also offered at Canalside including Body Pump, Zumba and La’ Movement Fitness; visit https://buffalowaterfront.com/canalside for full schedule.
Both the Outer Harbor and Canalside host a variety of concerts and festivals. The 2023 concert series include national acts including Our Lady of Peace, Gaslight Anthem, BPO and The Strictly Hip, Alter Bridge – Pawns and Kings Tour, Dark Star Orchestra, Arkels, Jimmy Eat World and Manchester Orchestra. Tickets start at $35 and are available at https://buffalowaterfront.com/concerts.
Creators at Sunset & FriYay Family Events
New events on the Waterfront for 2023 include Creators at Sunset and FriYay Family events. Creators at Sunset is an outdoor vendor market with local artisan and food vendors with live music on the waterfront. The market will run Fridays from 6-10pm, May-August on the Canalside boardwalk. FriYay is a children’s event featuring free-play activities from Explore and More Children’s Museum Friday’s from 11-1pm. Featured activities include interactive boat bulding at the Longshed, ice cream specials at Clinton’s Dish, Buffalo Heritage Carousel promotions (buy 1 adult ticket and child rides free) as well as an activity center sponsored by Highmark.
There’s always something new to discover on the Buffalo Waterfront, and summer is the perfect time to get out and explore. For more information visit https://buffalowaterfront.com/ and follow on social media.