Canalside

Overview of Canalside

Built around the remains of the original 1825 terminus of the Erie Canal, Canalside is a lively waterfront hub with a collection of museums, restaurants, attractions, and outdoor activities.

Activities at Canalside

Explore & More Children’s Museum

Explore & More Children's Museum is a 43,000-square-foot, four-story hands-on play space with exhibits and activities centered around the region’s history.

Buffalo Heritage Carousel

On Canalside’s great lawn, you can find the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, a solar-powered, restored 1924 merry-go-round with hand-painted wooden animals originally manufactured in nearby North Tonawanda. Rides are donation-based starting at $1.

Outdoor Rink and Riverfront Promenade

Weather permitting, a sprawling outdoor rink is open for roller skating in the summer and ice skating, ice bike rentals, and ice bumper cars in the winter (admission varies). Along the riverfront promenade, a refreshment stand serves ice cream, snacks, and beer. You can pull up a colorful Adirondack chair and watch boats entering the Buffalo River or enjoy a picturesque sunset.

Sunset Sails and Boat Tours

Several charter companies launch sunset sails and boat tours from Canalside, and a bike ferry takes riders across the Buffalo River to the Outer Harbor seasonally for $1 each way. The area serves as the city’s epicenter of festivals and a summer concert series that attracts popular artists in a variety of genres.

The Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park

Adjacent to Canalside is The Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park. This park is considered a must-visit for those interested in military history, with its two ships, a submarine, and several helicopters, along with well-designed exhibits on everything from prisoners of war to Marine Corps memorabilia.

Many recent travelers describe Canalside as a must-visit area with lots to see, do, and learn. While some note that it may take a while to find parking during events, others prefer the energetic atmosphere when there’s a festival or event taking place.

Events at Canalside

In addition to daily fitness classes during the summer, Canalside hosts several large events, such as the city's Pride festival, a children's book festival, and cultural events celebrating Asian and Indian cuisine. Meanwhile, the adjacent Outer Harbor plays host to outdoor concerts for touring acts like Chappell Roan and Counting Crows.

Hotels near Canalside

A handful of top hotels are within walking distance of Canalside, including Buffalo Marriott at LECOM HARBORCENTER and the Courtyard Buffalo Downtown/Canalside.

Hours of Operation

Canalside is located in downtown Buffalo on the Lake Erie waterfront. It’s open from dawn to dusk year-round; attraction hours vary, and many attractions are open seasonally.

Parking at Canalside

Free and metered street parking and paid lots are available. Canalside is the last stop on the Metro Rail, so public transportation is recommended during festivals or Sabres games at nearby KeyBank Center when parking can be challenging.

For more information, visit the Canalside website.