Buffalo boasts a stunning scenic waterfront, and there’s no better way to explore it than by bike. Canalside and the Outer Harbor, which have undergone significant redevelopment over the past few decades and continue to see exciting upgrades today, offer some of the most unique and enjoyable biking experiences in the city. With breathtaking views and trails that serve as gateways to both Buffalo’s vibrant present and its storied past, the area is perfect for riders of all levels. Featuring mostly flat, asphalt paths, these beginner-friendly trails provide a beautiful and easy ride, making Canalside and Outer Harbor must-visit destinations for those looking for fun places to bike ride in the city.
Biking at Canalside
Canalside is a summertime hotspot. Aside from its waterways for paddle boats and water bikes, it’s a scenic place to bike alongside the Buffalo River. Paths around Canalside are best suited for bikers looking to take things slow or who are new to biking.
Where to Get Bikes
Visitors can bring their own bikes or rent one of the Blue Bikes available on the boardwalk. There are nearly 50 adult, child and trike bikes offered through the program. Highmark insurance holders who show their card at the rental office can enjoy their first hour for free. Non-members pay only $1 for their first hour. All additional hours cost $5 for both members and non-members. Full-day bike rentals cost $15. Helmets and bike locks are also available for an additional fee. Please note that anyone using a bike rental through Blue Bikes under 15 years of age must wear a bike helmet. There is also an Independent Health Reddy Bike station located just steps from the Naval Park.
Places to Bike Ride at Canalside
Aside from riding around the boardwalk, the best routes to follow at Canalside run north and south from the boardwalk. To ride north, cross the canal bridge heading toward Marine Drive. Then, take a left to ride through Veterans Park. Continue following Marine Drive up to Erie Street, where another left turn allows you to follow Erie Street to attractions like the Erie Basin Marina Observation Deck, Erie Basin Beach and the Historic Lake Erie Marker. Since these routes end up on residential roads, younger riders may want to stick to southern bike paths.
Taking the boardwalk south past the Buffalo Heritage Carousel and the Beach at Canalside will lead you to the Shoreline Trail. You can follow this trail to the Outer Harbor, which has several different bike routes to explore. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can also pay $1 to take the Queen City Bike Ferry across the Buffalo River to reach Outer Harbor. The vessel supports about 49 passengers and 25 bikes at one time.
The Shoreline Trail
The Shoreline Trail is one of Buffalo’s most popular bike routes. This 8-mile segment of the Empire State Trail begins at Buffalo Harbor State Park and stretches north along parts of Lake Erie, the Buffalo River and the Niagara River to the Gateway Harbor on the Erie Canal in Tonawanda.
To follow the Shoreline Trail from Canalside to the Outer Harbor, bike south on the boardwalk past the Buffalo Heritage Carousel and the beach. Continue following the bike route past Key Bank Arena, which runs along South Park Avenue. Then, cross Michigan Avenue near Ballyhoo to follow the trail as it follows Ohio Street. After crossing the Ohio Street Bridge and passing Silo City, continue along Ohio Street under Highway Route 5 to reach the northern tip of Buffalo Harbor State Park.
Biking at the Outer Harbor
Buffalo’s Outer Harbor received a complete facelift over the last couple of years. These improvements, many of which involved new bike paths and bike facilities, have made Outer Harbor a prime summertime destination. With safe asphalt paths and bike part facilities, bikers of all ages and abilities will love this spot.
Where to Get Bikes
If you don’t have your own bike, an Independent Health Reddy Bike location can be found on Fuhrmann Boulevard right by the Lakeside Complex. Another Reddy Bike station is located at Buffalo Harbor State Park.
Places to Bike Ride at Outer Harbor
The Outer Harbor waterfront is lined north and south with key attractions you can see when biking. If you start biking from Buffalo Harbor State Park, you can choose to ride north or south.
Lakeside Complex
When riding north up Fuhrmann Boulevard, your first major stop will be the Lakeside Bike Park, part of the Lakeside Complex. Aside from bike rentals, riders can enjoy three mountain bike tracks, a pump track and a skills loop. There’s even a tot track for new bike riders to gain skills on. Plus, the Complex has a food truck plaza and green spaces to refuel with a snack before continuing your journey.
Independent Health Wellness Trail
The bike park connects to the Independent Health Wellness Trail, which allows you to continue venturing north without having to ride on Fuhrmann Boulevard. Follow this path past the Outer Harbor DIY Skatepark around the newly renovated Bell Slip and Hammock Grove. The path will eventually lead you to Wilkeson Pointe, a popular point of interest with a small beachfront, beer garden, wind spoon attraction and volleyball court. Wilkeson Pointe is reopening in spring 2025 after extensive construction. Bikers can expect a new food service and restroom building, outdoor seating area and elevated trails near the water’s edge. If you continue north on Furhmann from Wilkeson Pointe, you’ll reach the Outer Harbor dock for the Queen City Bike Ferry just past Times Beach Nature Preserve.
Connections to the Shoreline Trail
Riding south from Buffalo Harbor State Park comes with fantastic views of Buffalo’s old grain elevators from Gallagher Pier, Gallagher Beach or Tifft Street Pier. At Tifft Street, riders can also cross under Highway Route 5 and ride up paths alongside Tifft Nature Preserve. These paths eventually connect to Ohio Street and the Shoreline Trail back to Canalside.