Wow, from concerts to board games to Adirondack chairs to kayaking to food, there sure is something for everyone at Canalside. I've been visiting Canalside since they moved Thursday in the Square to the waterfront. I still go to some of the concerts but I now find myself enjoying the Adirondack chairs, green space, and waterfront while relaxing reading a book. It's awesome that children (and adults) can play free games such as ping pong, giant Connect 4, Foosball, among others. I love the backdrop of the skyway on one side and the waterfront on the other. You can get some great pictures of the sunset accompanied by some of the navy ship. If you're feeling hungry, there are a couple of different convenient options: Clinton's Dish, Liberty Hound, and possibly even the Hatch or Templeton Landing. Parking can be a little tricky when there are concerts but there are options. It's nice that motorcycles get VIP parking right in front near Lloyd Street. It will be interesting to see what happens when the HarborCenter project is completed but either way, I'm looking forward to going back to Canalside time and time again. read more

See all

As a Buffalo native, it makes me so happy to see Buffalo thriving. So many great things are happening downtown, and I personally think the development of canalside really kick started everything. They have a little bit of everything! You can see concerts on Thursdays in the summer. You can play ping pong in a snowstorm ( I have done this and it was the epitome of Buffalonian life). You can do everything! Sample of summer activities -bike rentals -water biking -sail boats/paddle boats -giant chess, checkers, ping pong, jenga etc. Sample of winter activities -ice skating -curling -ice bikes They have vendors and crafters and Fourth of July fireworks and everything! Canalside is where it's at! read more

See all

Ive come to canalside to enjoy the waterfront, concerts, sailboat rides, and other events during the summer as well as iceskating in the winter. I love what they have done with everything and that the concerts are very affordable. Ive been to the method man and redman concert, as well as the Ludacris concert and enjoyed both. Ice skating is pretty fun but the rental skates are pretty uncomfortable. read more

Canalside - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

Buffalo finally has made something of our waterfront! A great place to go on a beautiful summer day! Oh wait you can also go on a freezing winter day as well! I have done both. In the summer they have many thing to do. Walk the boardwalk, watch the boats go by, maybe hop in a kayak or a waterbike to enjoy the water. Once you do that, you can grab a bite to eat at one of restaurants, have a beer or some ice cream. If you walk across the street. Play a giant game or checkers or try some yoga on the water. In the winter you can ice skate and have some hot chocolate. Take a picture with shark girl and enjoy the winter weather as this us Buffalo. This is the place to come to see how buffalo is becoming great! read more

Canalside - Here he is - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Great destikation, It Is a pretty nice place. When visiting its Easy to Access by public transportation, evento during holidays! read more

Canalside - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I relished the cool breeze off the water and a comfortable Adirondack chair to lounge in under the shade of a tree. Really, was a pleasant little place to escape to downtown. Tuesday afternoon, and the park was fairly empty. A great place to sit and relax and enjoy good conversation with a friend. One word of warning. Beware the rude children who feel it necessary to invade your personal space, stand in front of you, and just stare! read more

Canalside - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

There is so much to do at the Canalside! This is my first time going in at least 12 years and it's so beautiful, relaxing and fun! Totally different! I am shocked at how amazing it is and how much there is to do! Kayaking, boating, paddle boarding, water bike peddling, jet skiing, bike riding, booze cruise, a 2 hour harbor cruise, free concerts, restaurants, ice cream and custard shacks, the Naval & Military Park and museum which has SO MUCH history and SO MANY dedications AND the biggest American Flag I've seen in person! There's probably so much more I'm forgetting. Seriously, we'll be here a couple times a week til summer ends! Thank you to Governor Cuomo, ECHDC and whoever else helped build the Canalside to what it is today! read more

See all

Love what has become Canalside, from music to vendor shows to food there is something for everyone down at Canalside no matter what time of year it is.the boardwalk is gorgeous and the VIP tent is a great place for events. My family has come to just about everything at Canalside and it is one of our favorite spots to see a concert outside! read more

See all

Canalside is a pretty nice set up, and I appreciate what they've done with the space, but events seem to be hit and miss. That makes it tough to review. We came for the Boardwalk Bazaar. They had a list of entertainment, but nothing indicated who would be there when so I assumed that with the exception of music, other performers would be there for the duration of the event. Instead the aerial performers weren't even setting up until almost two hours in when we were leaving. No fire eaters or acrobats. No Nickel City reptiles. Maybe they were there later, but a schedule should have been made public so people could plan their visits accordingly. As it is, I'll never be able to talk my family into going back because it was a let down. Still, it's a great place and they offer lots of great things during the summer. Just wish this specific event went better. read more

I personally love coming down to canal side to go kayaking and to attend the events. My family friends & I always have such a fun time.

I lodge the canalside, the atmosphere is just relaxing. There is games( ping pong, foos ball, corn hole, and etc) that you play with friends and family for no cost. I really like the wine slushies( had a couple of them). Just the overall walk down the boardwalk is relaxing. read more

Canalside - Wine slushies $8 - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

This is such a great place that has been made for Buffalo and one with loads of events! I enjoy coming down here to take a walk on the boardwalk or to enjoy the lights on the silos across the river at night time. There are loads of things to do almost every day during warmer weather including ping pong, movie nights, yoga, concerts, festivals and so much more! They've put a lot of time and work into making this place an important spot for people to gather downtown. You can tell the people appreciate it because the crowds continue to grow year after year as more and more things take place here. Parking can be a challenge and now parking is paid until 10pm every day which is unfortunate. It's better to take the subway here if possible from somewhere else when it's actually running anyway. read more

Awesome place to come and chill. I would advise taking the subway down here because it is cheaper that finding parking. I would highly advise coming down here for the fire works on fourth of July because they are really nice and you cant have a bad seat. The events down here suck though. They are moving everything down there and for some smaller events it is nice but they don't need to do every event in buffalo down on the canal when there are plenty of easily accessible places in buffalo. read more

We stopped here before heading to Martin House. Ok, this is probably the best to do with only 1-2 hours before our tour. We passed by the zoo which didn't look too appealing. This was nearby and quick to do a tour of the canal along with battleship, submarine, and other ships too. There is a park to walk along too which is nice. We had lunch at the nearby Tim Horton's which was my last one on the way home:) So, this was fine but I wouldn't spend a whole day here in Buffalo. read more

If you're trying to live your summer out loud with a thousand other Buffalonians, this is the place. Been here twice this month (Pride and Kerfuffle) and lemme just say I'm happy I'm a little lady, as elbow room can be scarce to come by. This is of no fault of the venue, which is rather large, and gorgeous when the crowd thins. The waterfront sunset (ours complete with bubble guns and beach balls) is heavenly. There are lawn chairs in the shade, and many nearby places to park, even if some of them take half an hour to escape, as drunken people clog up traffic immensely. So what's the problem? Human nature. Festival goers throw their trash on the ground, despite the multiple designated bins, and elbow their way into a sardine can of people, because who doesn't want to breath the exhales and get rained on by the sweat of superstars? Both events I've been to have been single entry with overpriced food, but if you're coming on your own terms, on some random Tuesday morning, entirely worth it. Otherwise bulk up before you come and shake what your mama gave you. read more

Love going here! There is so much to do and they keep adding more! As a family we like walking up and down the Canalside and watching the water! Best of all that is free! They have a lot of really cool additions like the children's museum and paddle boats! The navel ships are right up on the water, they do cost extra to go in and have specific operating hours but you can get a pretty good look at them for free! We like walking down to the Erie basin Marina look out tower, and boy is it a workout climbing all those stairs! I'm just not a fan of finding parking, last time we went I ended up scanning my debit card at a meter and paid about $10 for a couple of hours. read more

Canalside - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Beautiful view. Breathtaking. Peaceful. Fabulous! 10/10 recommend. Nice to take walks down the boardwalk. read more

Canalside - enjoying the view - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Canalside is some of the best Buffalo has to offer! Historic, family-friendly, great for the adventurous and the arm-chair connoisseurs - Canalside literally has something for everyone! read more

After being away from Buffalo for ten years due to work, I wasn't sure what to expect coming back. For years, there had been talks of renovating the waterfront and revitalizing a city that has been best known for our sports team's futility. Things have clearly changed for the better, and Canalside is indicative of the city's resilience. This has become a hot spot for folks in the summertime, as there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat or knock back a drink along the way. Movies, concerts and more will pop up down here, so there are things for all sorts of people to enjoy. All in all, I'm a fan of taking a leisurely stroll down at Canalside, snagging an ice cream along the way for good measure. It's nice to see that our city is on the up and up! read more

I have had lunch here many time, the food is pretty good Ambiance is happy and it's right on the water! Today we are here for drinks only I have to rate the specialty cocktails are okay, not great....but because we have traveled so much, it's hard to make comparisons Would definitely come back Love the Buffalo Canal side!!!! read more

When you get a half day and decide to drive from your new home in Rochester to Buffalo, solely to kayak at Canalside, you know it's a great place to be. I spent a lot of time at Canalside while i was living in Buffalo and I miss it now that I'm gone, during the summer months, of course. It's a great place to spend a day, $20 for an hour of kayaking, dual kayak options, water bikes, little tiki huts with food and beverages to grab and enjoy out on the boardwalk or at tables near the stand, activities going on for kids and adults, yoga, restaurants with great views, it's just wonderful. I have come here some afternoons by myself just to sit on a bench and read with a 21st Amendment Hell or High Watermelon in my hand and life is good. It can be very crowded on the weekends, but weekdays are the perfect time to go if you have a chance. read more

Awesome area to explore. We had never been here before. Beautiful river front to look at with all the boats, little shops alongside, as well as an awesome veteran park (veteran and former military wife here). Very nicely done. Take a tour of the ship read more

See all

Canalside is definitely the place to be if you want to enjoy some winter weather. We came today for ice bumper cars and this attraction did not disappoint! The seven minutes felt much longer on that cold ice and I felt like a kid again. It's expensive if you have kids ($7 for 7 minutes) but it's a nice date idea. Be prepared for large crowds because it was empty when we got there and in the blink of an eye it was mobbed. Also, make sure you're on time for your slot because it's hard to squeeze in if you're late. And thanks to the guy with the locs who was working today. The best customer service ever. read more

If you are looking for some winter activity canalside has huge ice skating place to go. The music was nice , there is cafe next to it which was great to get warm and have some hot chocolate . It was easy to find parking around it. Free street parking. The admission and rental was almost $10! Anyway even if u do not want to go for ice skating , it is fun to just walk around :) They have more fun games going on. Be sure to check them during Holliday's :) read more

Canalside - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Very pleasant place to hang out. A lot of activities...pedal boats, Buffalo history cruises, group pedal bikes, games, including foosball, ping pong, pool, etc. Giant sandbox, bikes, boats for kids too. Music, live bands, yoga, or just sit and enjoy the view. Plenty of free parking on the weekends. Only thing missing...food choices were slim for a noon time visit Also, full indoor restrooms were nowhere to be found. They're getting there but I'm used to the numerous, reasonably priced food choices in NYC parks! read more

Canalside - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, you got a good thing goin' on with Canalside. This waterfront space is a worthy heir to the Thursday in the Square action, and decidedly breezier and more comfortable than the Square. It's also a great place to host other events, such as the recent Citybration festival, where we popped our tent as a vendor. It was not a tough sell to get us to set up in the shade with panoramic views of the city, skyway and harbor. And that's without mentioning the local businesses that surround Canalside and make it a complete destination. You can get wings at Pearl Street, local brews at Liberty Hound, and even head out on the water with Buffalo Kayak or the Spirit of Buffalo. That said, just having a well-kept patch of grass on the water is a great thing for the city. If Buffalo can do for the rest of the waterfront what it has done for Canalside (i.e., carefully curate and planned both green space and retail to reflect Buffalo's unique character, not just plop down big boxes and parking lots and government buildings willy-nilly), this city is gonna be seriously rockin' in under a decade. And with Canalside, it's already well on its way. The only caveat: parking can be tough during events. But you can still make it work by parking in a city lot and walking, or parking anywhere near the subway and riding the rest of the way into the city on the train. If it's not super-crowded, you can also trypark for free on the side streets around the apartment buildings (just don't block the wheelchair sidewalk ramps). Or just bike! Seriously, what are you waiting for? Grab your picnic blanket and go! read more

Canalside - Citybration @ Canalside - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

Canalside is one of my favorite places to go in Buffalo in the summer. I especially enjoy going on a week day or morning when it's not too crowded though it's always entertaining people watching during the boys times. Canalside is just a reminder of progress in Buffalo. Each time I go something new has been added. What is there not to do? You can grab an Adirondack Chair and chill while enjoying the great outdoors. You can join a free fitness class most days of the week. Catch up on your local history. Play in the sand with your children. Rent a kayak, water bike or paddle boat. Purchase a Buffalo souvenir. Play outdoor games. Eat, drink, be merry. Sky's the limit at Canalside. On an average day there is an abundance of fun summer activities to partake in. On special day there is even more, concerts, movies, art exhibits, festivals, etc. Depending on the time and day parking can be tricky. If this is a concern you can take always hop on the subway and ride it to the end! Oh, and don't forget to get your picture with Sharkgirl! read more

Canalside - The Cool Globes art exhibit is one of many things to check out at Canalside. - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

See all

Canalside is SO much better than it used to be! I remember taking field trips out here with school to see the naval park. At the time, there was nothing here but the naval park. It's great that there are restaurants, concerts, and other recreational activities taking place here now! I came here to kayak with BFLO Harbor Kayak. Had a great time! The grain silos are amazing to see up close. I recommend scoping Canalside out any time, but especially at sunset. What a view! This is a true up and coming gem. I hope the momentum continues! Would be great to see more business and residential space pop up down here. It was quiet on Wednesday night but it'd be great to eventually see lots of people down here enjoying such a wonderful space! BIG FAN. read more

I was very surprised and excited to see what is going on here. Activity everywhere, hundreds of families, boats everywhere. Clinton's Dish open with new menu and new huge patio with plenty of tables. Liberty Hound and The Hatch, crowded and the new outside bar next to the Hatch was great! Games for young and old, just lots going on and it's great to see Buffalo finally coming alive! read more

See all

Unless you plan on going there for a specific reason, say Zumba on Tuesdays during the summer, or taking part in activities such as kayaking and the water bikes, there's really not much to do down here. Don't get me wrong, all of those things are incredibly fun. Canalside has so many events going on during the summer months, and there's good food to eat in the area. But if you're just looking to go to see what it's all about, or just want to take a walk on the boardwalk, there really isn't all that much to do. All the times I've come down to Canalside are usually unplanned, your simple "oh, let's go check out what's going on down there, because there's nothing else going on!" I always seem to end up walking to the boardwalk, which comes to an abrupt end along the river right where the overpass is stationed. I kind of think it was bad planning, just sort of ending it right there. While there is a sidewalk beside the old train car station that you could keep walking down if you wanted to, it's not really a part of Canalside. So, we walk the short distance down the boardwalk, and then walk back. I could read the signs about Erie Canal history as I already have dozens of times, go take my selfie with Shark Girl, and then go. Or, I can sit around in the dozens of lawn chairs they put out, and bake in the sun on a really hot day because there isn't a lot of shade to be found. I haven't tried the water bikes before, but they seem like fun. Too expensive for me to be even remotely interested in it, however. People in my family own kayaks too, so I don't really need to rent them when I could just go with my family whenever I wanted. The boat tours do seem really fun though, and I'm longing to try the Bike Ferry out when I finally get my bike down there. Only go to Canalside if you specifically plan on doing something. It's really only fun here if you want to spend the money to do it. I just wish the area was bigger, and that there was more to explore. read more

Canalside Concert Events are really great. They have free concerts on Thursdays during their summer series. They have food trucks, lots of space to walk on the dock before the headliners come on, and it is a very lively place to be. If you shell out a little extra for VIP tickets ($40), you get 3 free drinks, free food, unlimited soda and waters, and a premium viewing. That forty bucks paid for itself with the perks we were offered. They also have VIP bathrooms that are not as gross. The acoustics are good, and it is easy to park in the garage right next to the venue. read more

See all

I like this area. Ive spent time here walking, hanging in a chair, taking pictures, and learning about the US navy on the boats you can tour. Its nice in the summer and winter. You can sunbath in the summer, or take one of the free exercise classes that seem to pop up. You can skate in the winter, and now ice bike, I did not even know that existed until I came here a few months ago. Parking is usually pretty easy I have found. There are a few places to eat, although most of them have a better view then food, but you are here for the view anyway, right? read more

I live pretty much across the street from Canalside and have been loving the decline in all types of traffic since covid. But I don't really like people much anyway. read more

It was a beautiful day for a walk. Enjoyed all the memorials and the company. Next year we will have to get kayaks and see the silos up close. We will be going to the film festival over the weekend. Time to learn more about my new home state. I'm always excited when I get to do/see something new. Being a newbie to the area, nothing is boring for me. read more

See all

It wouldn't be hyperbolic to say I'm in love with Canalside. It's like skating in Rockefeller center except bigger, cheaper, and prettier. The staff is AMAZING. Literally just hangin' around to answer questions or help you learn curling. The skates are incredibly comfortable and easy to put on. You can also check out a can jam set for the cost of your drivers license (which you get back upon game return). You can stroll, run, bike, kayak, canoe, or just stare off into space. If you can dream it, you can do it (at canalside). Buffalo wins. read more

Canalside - From the vip section! - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

We, along with I think half of the city, decided to check out the new ice rink at Canalside. It was crowded. Really really crowded. The lines weren't really incredibly long, but things were a little too chaotic for my desire to try skating and falling down, so instead we did a lot of walking around and people watching. Some minuses that prevent me giving it five stars: There were only a few heaters, and they didn't seem to really be putting out any heat, when they were running at all. Also they need to give some training to the Zamboni guy, we watched what had to have been the most inefficient ice cleaning job ever. All of this stuff is just minor nitpicking though, so don't let my complaints turn you off of this place, I'm sure in a month or so it'll be like a well-oiled machine. read more

Canalside - Ice skating at the rink. - Parks Near Me - Buffalo, New York

I truly enjoy our nights out at Canalside. They are still working out the "kinks" of how to handle thousands of people in the space as far as how to set up tents/toilets/tickets but each week they seem to have it better laid out than the week before. It's a great place for concerts or just a walk around on the boardwalk. Parking is pretty easy for the most part and it's kept clean. read more

Yay Canalside! I first visited Canalside last summer before I moved to Buffalo and I found it to be very nice. The investment in the area has been very high quality and from what I have heard it is a 100% improvement over what was there previously (or not there, I guess). It was the NHL Entry Draft FanFest that brought me to Canalside on a warm early summer's evening. The place was buzzing with fans around the outdoor stage that was flanked by two big screens that broadcast the goings-on inside the First Niagara Center. I honestly think most of the fans (97% of which were Sabres fans) came down specifically to boo the Toronto Maple Leafs first overall selection in the draft, which they did with authority lol There were a few skills competition booths, lots of food trucks and at least one beer tent. The real attraction for me, however, was the amazing boardwalk and the setting sun over Lake Erie. I really think Buffalo has something special with its sunsets and the way the warm summer breeze dances off the lake. I was in the mood for some fro-yo, so I asked one of the security guards where I could get one. She said The Dish was the place to go for ice cream, but wasn't sure if they served frozen yogourt. I tried looking up The Dish on Yelp, but it doesn't have its own entry (Canalside was the only thing that came up). If I have a choice between frozen yogourt, "real" ice cream and soft serve, I take fro-yo and the real stuff all day long. Unfortunately, all that The Dish serves is soft serve, so I took one for the team and grabbed a choco-vanilla twist. A few more food options at Canalside would be great - particularly healthy food options, would really make Canalside first class. With so many things going on at Canalside this summer, I'll definitely be back soon. I'm also looking forward to lacing up for a skate at Canalside this winter, but I'll be sure not to wear my Leafs jersey ;) read more

See all

We love to visit canal side. Today was a perfectly comfortable Summer day to come and relax, watch the boats and people. There's always a hub of activity here. If there's not a festival or concert going, check out the naval museum, or take a boat tour. Perhaps you're the kayaking or water bike type? Afterward you can grab a bite to eat nearby. It's also nice to sit in one of the many lounge chairs with a cold beer and/or snack. If you have young children there's a great play area for them as well. I hope to see a few more restaurants open up right in the vicinity. read more

Absolutely love this place. There is always something fun happening down there. They have food, wine, beers and the biggest sand box I have seen for the kiddos. This venue is perfectly placed on the water with lots to do. They have movies, yoga and concerts in the grassy area in the Summer. It is close proximity to other restaurants. In the winter they have ice skating and curling. No matter what time of the year this place is always hopping. If you are around stop and check it out. read more