Things to do.
Starting Memorial Day weekend, get ready to journey through 200 years on the Erie Canal.
Experience the Canal Like Never Before.
Join us at Canalside in Buffalo all summer long for events and exhibits for all ages!
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
Visit the exhibition
Get tickets
Visiting the exhibit is free but requires a ticket for timed entry. A typical visit takes 45 minutes to an hour.
More information on amenities and accessibility is available on plan your visit.
Exhibit hours
- Sun–Mon: 12–5pm
- Tue: Closed
- Wed: 12–5pm
- Thu–Sat: 12–8pm
Tours
Free Guided Tours
Free guided tours are available Fridays and Saturdays at 1pm and 7pm
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.
Waterway
of Change Complex Legacies of
the Erie Canal
Select a date to view available time slots. If you have any problems, please try booking on the ticket website
or contact us.
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.
There’s Something for everyone.
Enjoy live performances, art installations, and music events for all ages inspired by the rich history and culture of the Erie Canal and Buffalo’s waterfront.
Step back in time with guided tours that explore key landmarks, stories, and the enduring impact of the canal on Buffalo and beyond.
Engage with captivating short films and interactive talks designed to entertain and educate visitors of all ages.
Celebrate the diverse communities that shaped Buffalo’s identity through cultural events and storytelling that honor their contributions.
Event calendar
From historical tours and films to concerts and scavenger hunts, keep an eye on the calendar all summer long to take advantage of all the Erie Canal Bicentennial has to offer.
