Waterfront Guide
Your Guide to Canalside and the Outer Harbor
From paddle boating and picnicking to fitness classes and sunset views, the Buffalo Waterfront offers something for everyone across Canalside and the Outer Harbor. Rent a kayak or bike, join a public event, or simply relax by the water. Your adventure starts here!
Explore the Waterfront
Canalside
Located at the historic terminus of the Erie Canal, Canalside is the heart of Buffalo’s waterfront revival. It hosts hundreds of free and low-cost events year-round, including:
- Concerts and festivals
- Outdoor fitness classes
- Ice skating and winter fun
- Children’s programs and history tours
Outer Harbor
The Outer Harbor offers over 200 acres of green space, scenic lakefront walking trails, and activities such as:
- Wilkeson Pointe
- Independent Health Wellness Trail
- Lakeside Bike Park
- Free fitness classes
- Kayak and bike rentals
Explore by Category
Not sure where to start? The Buffalo Waterfront has something for everyone, including fitness classes, family fun, and everything in between. Browse by category to find what's calling your name.
Parking & Transportation
In addition to parking at the Naval & Military Park and Erie Basin Marina, visitors can find ample options nearby.
- Surface lots and ramps off Washington Street and Michigan Avenue
- Additional parking in the Cobblestone District (Perry Street, KeyBank Center, Harborcenter)
- All lots offer accessible parking
- On-street and metered parking available
Canalside is accessible by the NFTA-Metro Erie Canal Harbor Station.
Accessible parking is also available inside the Harborcenter parking ramp at 100 Washington Street if Canalside parking is not available.
Free parking is available at:
- Wilkeson Pointe (wheelchair-accessible parking available)
- Lakeside Complex
- Outer Harbor Event Space along Fuhrmann Boulevard
The free Buffalo Waterfront Shuttle makes it easy to explore Canalside without needing to move your car. Just hop on and enjoy the ride!
- May 23–June 22 (Spring): Friday–Sunday, 12–10p.m.
- June 25–August 31 (Summer): Wednesday–Sunday, 12–10 p.m.
- September 5–September 28 (Fall): Friday–Sunday, 12–10 p.m.
Know Before You Go
Here’s some dos and don’ts when visiting the Waterfront. Please follow posted signage at specific sites like The Ice at Canalside and the Lakeside Bike Park.
- Visit from sunrise to sunset
- Enjoy gardens (but don’t enter flowerbeds or pick flowers)
- Bike, rollerblade, or skateboard at safe speeds
- Launch non-motorized watercraft under 8 feet at designated spots
- Fish at approved areas
- Use open lawns and seating
- Bring leashed dogs (except at concerts and special events); clean up after them
- Visit after sunset
- Use motorized vehicles on paths/lawns (except in parking areas)
- Smoke, use drugs, or carry weapons
- Consume alcohol outside designated areas or bring your own
- Damage plants/wildlife
- Barbecue, use tents, or perform (without permits)
- Organize sports (without permits)
- Litter, panhandle, or rummage in trash
- Enter canals or climb on structures
- Feed birds
- Play loud music or conduct commercial activity (without permits)
- Block entrances or place flags/poles in the ground
- Use plastic tarps on lawns
- Ignore staff instructions