By Kate Bartlett
This summer, experience the Buffalo Waterfront at Canalside and Outer Harbor. With a variety of events and activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone here on the lake. Just don’t forget to take in the views along the waterfront, under the iconic Skyway, with sights of the city skyline; it’s an outstanding adventure.
“Explore Buffalo” offers comprehensive tours of Canalside and the waterfront by foot, while “Buffalo River History Tours” offer a variety of harbor boat tours including sunset cruises, cocktail cruises, private charters and a pirate boat tour for the kids (and young at heart). Both schedules are available online.
Two of the most recent additions to the Canalside area include the Longshed building and the Heritage Carousel. Visitors are welcome to tour the Longshed building and watch a replica of an 1825 Erie Canal Boat being built. The remarkable wood-frame building is currently used by the Buffalo Maritime Center to construct a replica of the Seneca Chief, which transported Governor DeWitt Clinton from Buffalo to NYC to mark the opening of the Erie Canal. Volunteers are welcome to join the crew to help this project, which is expected to take 3 years to complete.
The Buffalo Heritage Carousel is a beautifully restored solar-powered vintaged park-style carousel. Originally designed in 1924 in North Tonawanda, it celebrates the history of carousel manufacturing in WNY as well as the use of renewable energy that began with hydro-electric power from Niagara Falls to Buffalo. At only $1 per ride, everyone can enjoy this historic piece of art, it’s truly a sight to be seen.
Canalside is hosting a variety of events on the waterfront throughout the summer. Fitness classes (many free of charge) are frequently held on the lawns and include yoga, barre, Zumba and more. Check online for days and times. Families can enjoy story times on the lawn sponsored by EPIC most Wednesdays throughout the summer months from 11am-1pm. Explore and More also offers Free Play Fridays from 11am-1pm with a variety of games and activities. Family-friendly movie nights are being held on the front lawn at 6pm on June 15th, July 20th, and August 17th, check online for movie listings. Pride Festival is June 5th, with many anticipated to follow. Details to be released soon on their website and social media.
While in the area, be sure to walk through the Naval and Military Park, the largest in the country and home to the USS the Sullivans. The ships remain closed to the public as crews work to assess damage and remove water, but the park remains open for the 2022 season.
Kayak rentals are available and boaters can paddle down the river the historic grain elevators and underneath the Skyway. The Bike Ferry runs non-stop daily from 12-8pm weekdays 8am-8pm on weekends for only $1 per person one way. No reservations necessary, tickets can be purchased at the kiosk on site, but maps are available at www.queencityferry.com. Blue Bike Rentals are also available on the Boardwalk.
Hungry? There’s plenty of options at the café, beer garden, and ice cream shop on the boardwalk. Liberty Hound offers live music and a full bar and restaurant menu with Lakeside outdoor seating. Or, just bring a picnic or hope for one of many food trucks to be available.
Explore a more natural side of the city at the Outer Harbor, not far from Canalside, offering more than 200 miles of green space. This area includes the Independent Health Wellness Trail, Wilkeson Pointe, the Lakeside Bike Park, and the Lakeside Event Lawn. Visitors can rent kayaks and bikes to explore the miles of paved trails along the waterfront; the bike ferry connects this area to Canalside and downtown Buffalo, making a memorable ride. Various fitness classes are also offered at this location, free and open to the public. The much-anticipated Outer Harbor concert schedule was just released featuring TYGA, Ja Rule, T-Pain, Jimmie Allen and Moe. Tickets and more information online.
Be sure to visit https://buffalowaterfront.com/outer-harbor and https://buffalowaterfront.com/canalside for more information and follow the Buffalo Waterfront on social media for latest schedule updates.