Buffalo’s Canalside: A Fun Afternoon Without Breaking the Bank

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Western New Yorkers have been yearning for a closer connection to Buffalo’s waterfront and now they finally have it.

My husband and I just spent two hours on the canal, soaking up the sun, without spending a dime. We were surrounded by families and, like them, we learned a lot about the possibilities for having fun on the water, without spending a dime and without getting wet.

There are great photo opportunities at Canalside: the BUF sign is available 24/7, as is the inspiring sand sculpture by local artist Eric Jones. Sunday had a patriotic theme saluting the iron will of the military, but the theme will change over the summer.

Children rushed to take rides on Buffalo’s historic solar-powered carousel. Built 100 years ago in North Tonawanda, the carousel has undergone a successful and painstaking four-year restoration.

There is no charge to watch and listen to this wonderful attraction in the park. Participants will have to pay a dollar, or more if they wish, to take a ride.

There is a large sandy area called “the beach”, reserved for children and adults who wish to put their feet and hands in the sand.

Do you like to play chess, checkers or backgammon outdoors? Tables already equipped with game boards awaited the players.

The canalside promenade leads visitors to a multitude of other entertainment choices for which one can pay or simply watch others participate in the spirit of adventure.

Visitors can rent a kayak, pedal boat or water bike, and purchase tickets for several boat tours. A caricaturist for hire is ready to take portraits of people.

Resurgence at Canalside also offers food and drinks for purchase with shaded seating.

Walking toward the Commercial Slip, we spotted the Seneca Chief, a full-scale historic replica of the type of boat that opened the Erie Canal in 1825. It is a community boat building project that has involved hundreds of volunteers who donate their talents to this day.

Brian Trzeciak, executive director of the Buffalo Maritime Center, said people have been drawn to help and observe the project. It speaks to the Queen City’s historical roots.

“Buffalo is a waterfront city,” Trzeciak said. “This boat brings that image to life.”

Trzeciak said the Seneca Chief will make an appearance at the Tonawanda Canal Fest later this month, then head to Lockport, Medina, Brockport and Rochester in August.

While visiting Canalside, visitors can check out the traveling exhibit “I Love New York.” Its goal is to introduce New Yorkers and visitors to the adventures that await those who choose to vacation in the Empire State.

Buffalo native Tracey Wilson “hosts” the exhibit, which features fun facts, a free photo opportunity and a spin on the prize wheel.

The free “I Love NY” roadshow will leave Canalside, but will be presented next weekend at the Taste of Buffalo.

No trip to Canalside is complete without visiting and honoring the men and women who preserve our freedoms. Buffalo Naval and Military Park has grown considerably in recent years: the ships, monuments, military equipment and gardens.

Visitors can pay for a tour aboard the ship or simply stroll along the waterfront, free of charge, reading the markers that commemorate the nation’s and community’s many military connections, successes and sacrifices.

Keep your eyes peeled for extraordinary encounters during your Canalside expedition.

We were prepared for a view of Buffalo’s silent weekend visitor, the tall ship Lettie G. Howard, but we were less prepared for an enthusiastic chorus of “YMCA” from the Buffalo Pedal Tours pedal trolley that passed us late in the afternoon.

It was all fun and it was all free.