Buffalo’s waterfront has a storied history. After serving as one of the country’s major hubs of industry, lined with grain elevators and factories, the waterfront fell silent. However, the waterfront has seen tremendous transformation in recent years and is still undergoing a lot of exciting redevelopment today. The region has blossomed into a beloved getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city; there are more things to do now than ever before. If you’re looking for family activities in Buffalo, it’s worth carving out a day of your visit to discover everything the waterfront has to offer.
Canalside
The first stop is Canalside, located at the intersection of the Buffalo River and Lake Erie. You can either hop off the metro train at the Canalside exit or park in the surrounding public lots. The space has a big open lawn with Adirondack chairs, a boardwalk along the river, a small beach area and a carousel for children.
The Canals
Canalside’s main attraction is the canals which, in warmer seasons, are open for small watercraft. Guests can rent out paddle boats, pedal boats and water bikes to enjoy throughout the canals. During late fall and winter, the canals are iced over and transformed into a public ice rink. Ice skating and ice bike rentals are available at the rink.
Boardwalk & Lawn
The boardwalk and lawn at Canalside stretch along Prime Street. The lawn’s open space is a great public hangout spot; it’s lined with Adirondack chairs and has plenty of capacity to bring in lawn games or enjoy a picnic. The new Resurgence at Canalside is located at the south end of the lawn just above the carousel. This food and beer garden, along with Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream, serves up dishes the whole family will love seasonally in spring and summer.
Queen City Bike Ferry
After hitting the canals, make your way north on the boardwalk toward the Canalside Longshed and Liberty Hound. Here, you’ll find the Queen City Bike Ferry. This small boat takes pedestrians and bicyclists from Canalside to the Outer Harbor and back. Tickets only cost a dollar, so it’s an affordable way to see the area from the water and enjoy more of the Buffalo Waterfront without driving between Canalside and the Outer Harbor.
Outer Harbor
The Queen City Bike Ferry will drop you off at the northernmost end of the Outer Harbor, near Wilkeson Pointe. If you choose to drive from Canalside, the Outer Harbor is only a short drive over the Skyway. There’s plenty of parking along Fuhrmann Boulevard, which stretches down the waterfront along all of the area’s attractions.
Wilkeson Pointe
Wilkeson Pointe features an extended sandy shoreline with two sand volleyball courts, a beer garden and a seating area. Guests can enjoy a cold beverage and relax in Adirondack chairs or hammocks while taking in stunning views of the lakefront. Following the paths, visitors can walk up to the Mound Overlook to check out wind spoon sculptures. A kayak launch, fishing dock and bike rentals are also accessible from Wilkeson Pointe.
Though Wilkeson Pointe is closed for the 2024 season for further development, it will reopen in 2025 with a new food service building, public restrooms and a new outdoor seating area.
Bell Slip
Bell Slip is the next stop. A quieter spot south of Wilkeson Pointe, Bell Slip offers peaceful glances of the waterfront and natural flora and fauna. One of its more hidden features is Hammock Grove, a small section overlooking the waterfront with a collection of public hammocks. After a year of construction, Bell Slip reopened in 2024 with new and improved amenities. These include a public restroom, additional parking, upgraded pathways for biking, roller skating, skateboarding and walking, a shaded seating area and closer waterfront access. Fishing is also permitted in sanctioned areas.
Lakeside Complex
Further south is the Lakeside Complex, a relaxing green space for the public to enjoy. Picnic tables along with a cafe with food and drinks are located conveniently around the complex. This space also includes a bike park, food truck plaza and events lawn. The bike park has three mountain bike tracks, a pump track, a skills track and a tot track for kids. Bikers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to use the tracks they are comfortable with and may either rent a bike or bring their own.
Terminal B
Terminal B is the Outer Harbor’s newest development and one of its most exciting. This 100,000-square-foot open-air event center brings another outdoor concert venue to Buffalo. The canopied stage and sloped law next to the water are sure to set the stage for some of the best shows in the city. Event attendees can park at the venue in designated lots or park for free along Fuhrmann Boulevard.