Experience the Canal like never before.
Journey though 200 years of Erie Canal history with interactive experiences designed for visitors of all ages.
Visit Today
Waterway
of Change Complex Legacies of
the Erie Canal
This exhibit invites visitors to explore the transformative story of the Erie Canal. It begins with the traditional homeland of the Haudenosaunee and the canal’s opening in 1825, tracing how it helped turn Buffalo into a bustling port and shipping hub by the late 19th century.
It also highlights the diverse perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, Black individuals, women, and immigrant communities affected by the canal's development, offering a richer understanding of its cultural and historical significance.
Through an interactive multimedia experience featuring short films, touchscreens, audio, historical artifacts, and dramatic lighting, visitors of all ages and abilities will discover Buffalo’s rapid transformation, the technical innovations behind the canal, and the vital contributions of individuals to the city’s development.
Sponsored by: Local 210 Laborers Union
Photo Credit: Local Projects and Matthew Digati
Visit the exhibition
Free Admission At The Door
Free and open to the public, this exhibit is designed to be enjoyed in a 30-45 minute visit.
Exhibit hours
- Mon–Wed: Closed
- Thu–Sat: 12pm–5pm
- Sun: 12pm–5pm (Sensory hour from 11am–12pm)
For parties of 10 or more, please Contact our Team to ensure a seamless experience.
View amenities and accessibility information.
Tours
Docent Guided Tours
Tours are available on Saturdays at 1pm.
These tours fill up fast, we recommend reserving your spot to ensure availability.
Private Tours and Group Experiences
Whether you're planning a school field trip, corporate outing, senior group visit, or family gathering, our tours are tailored to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Multilayered history of the canal.
Commercial Slip Thresholds
Gaze over the remnants of the businesses that once lined Commercial Slip, and reflect on the goods they produced and the diverse communities of workers who shaped the heart of Buffalo’s economy.
Seneca Chief Boat
Experience a full-sized replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, which holds significant historical importance as the first boat to navigate the canal nearly 200 years ago.
Plan Your Visit.
Located in downtown Buffalo, Canalside is an area of the waterfront that can be accessed through entrances off Marine Drive and Main Street. It’s also accessible by the NFTA-Metro rail (Erie Canal Harbor stop). For GPS navigation, enter “Canalside Buffalo” or use “44 Prime St., Buffalo, NY 14202” as the destination address.
Shuttles are available from nearby parking lots.
Canalside at the buffalo waterfront
Open seven days a week from dawn to dusk
Waterway of Change exhibit
- Mon–Wed: Closed
- Thu–Sat: 12pm–5pm
- Sun: 12pm–5pm (Sensory hour from 11am–12pm)
Commercial slip thresholds
Five exterior activations open seven days a week
Explore the map to find shuttle stops, restrooms, parking, accommodations, and more.
You have plenty of great options! Check out the full listing of restaurants around Canalside.
Check out the full list of hotels and lodging around Canalside.
Wheelchair-accessible public and family restrooms are available inside the Longshed building and The Chandlery building.
The Buffalo History Museum and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation are committed to making our exhibits, public programs, and other offerings inclusive and welcoming for all visitors.
Service animals
Service dogs specially trained to assist a person with a disability are welcome.
For visitors with limited mobility
All exhibits, including Waterways of Change, are wheelchair and mobility device accessible.
For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing
All exhibition films are open captioned.
For visitors with sensory sensitivities or anyone who prefers a calmer museum experience, we offer Sensory Hour every Sunday from 11am-12noon with limited crowd size, muted audio components and dimmed lighting. Additionally, we have sensory kits available at all times that include noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, and various fidget and texture toys.
For more information about accessibility and your experience, please either email your questions to eriecanal@buffalohistory.org or call (716) 873-9644, ext. 501.