What to see and do in Buffalo Canalside, naval museum and river (New York, USA)

What to visit in Buffalo Canalside, naval museum and river

• Canalside · historic Buffalo front
• Buffalo Naval & Military Park
• Rollin’ on the River historical cruise

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Buffalo Canalside, naval museum and river

heritage

Canalside · historic Buffalo front

Canalside transforms the former port environment of the Erie Canal into an urban waterfront promenade. Its public spaces bring together views, areas to rest and activities that change with the season.

Activities for your visit

• Stroll along the boardwalk and public areas.
• Get to know the surroundings of the old canal.

Tips for this place

• Check the activity program for your date.
• Navigation services operate seasonally.

Check access ↗

The public walk along Canalside is free. Boats, rentals, concerts and other services can have their own entrance; The waterfront ferry is seasonal.

Reference sources and location

• Buffalo Waterfront Canalside

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify an entrance, boarding, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 42.877, -78.8795.

Buffalo Waterfront Canalside

museum

Buffalo Naval & Military Park

The historic ships USS Little Rock, USS The Sullivans and USS Croaker form a naval museum along the waterfront. The enabled areas allow you to get closer to life on board and the history of military service.

Activities for your visit

• Tour the ships and open spaces included.
• Get to know the museum's exhibitions.

Tips for this place

• There are stairs and narrow passages on board.
• Check areas closed for conservation.

Book tickets ↗

Choose Self-Guided Tour for the self-guided daytime tour or Docent-Led Tour for the guided one and select an available date. In winter, guided tours are offered with their own calendar; Below deck areas of USS The Sullivans remain closed for conservation.

Reference sources and location

• Buffalo Naval Park · hours, admission and conservation

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify an entrance, boarding, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 42.8778, -78.8823.

Buffalo Naval Park · hours, admission and conservation

history

Rollin’ on the River historical cruise

This narrated tour from Buffalo Harbor Cruises presents the industrial past and transformation of the Buffalo River. The silos and spaces of the port are observed from the ship, depending on the route of the day.

Activities for your visit

• Get to know the industrial landscape of the river.
• Listen to the narration of the tour.

Tips for this place

• Boarding is at Erie Basin Marina.
• Check the date: cruises have a seasonal calendar.

Book river cruise ↗

Select Rollin’ on the River and an available outing. Launch at 329 Erie Street, Erie Basin Marina; The route may vary due to weather, maritime traffic or the captain's decision.

Reference sources and location

• Buffalo Harbor Cruises · Rollin’ on the River

Approximate reference of the place from its official location; it does not identify an entrance, boarding, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 42.8771, -78.8894.

Buffalo Harbor Cruises · Rollin’ on the River

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-Day Buffalo Itinerary Canalside, Naval Museum and River

1. Day 1

   Canalside and Naval Park

   Stroll along the public front and spend time with the boats and exhibits open with your ticket.

2. Day 2

   History from the river

   If departures are available, go to the Erie Basin Marina boarding with the advance notice indicated by the operator; In bad weather the plan changes.

Tips for visiting Buffalo Canalside, naval museum and river

• Check the open areas of the ships and the winter calendar.
• Boat tours are seasonal: confirm a departure before organizing your day around the cruise.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Buffalo Canalside, naval museum and river

Wings, roast beef and fried fish to sample Buffalo cuisine, along with flavors from its Polish heritage and the traditional stands of Western New York. The photographs show real dishes; The legends identify the reference preparations.

Buffalo · The classic of wings

Buffalo wings

Fried wings covered in spicy sauce, accompanied by celery and blue cheese dressing. Buffalo is its city of origin and its taverns serve everything from the classic version to their own preparations with different levels of spiciness.

Reference: Visit Buffalo · Buffalo Wing Trail

Buffalo Roast beef sandwich

Beef on weck

Very thin slices of roast beef on a kummelweck bread covered with coarse salt and caraway seeds. It is served with gravy and horseradish, a signature combination of Western New York.

Reference: Visit Buffalo · Beef on Weck Route

Buffalo Friday Tradition

Fish fry

Battered and fried fish, often haddock or cod, with potatoes and accompaniments such as coleslaw, potato or macaroni. It is a classic in the bars of the region, especially on Fridays and during Lent.

Reference: Visit Buffalo Fish Fry Trail

Buffalo Broadway-Fillmore Polish Heritage

Pierogi

Soft dough dumplings with varied fillings, present in the Polish Buffalo tradition. Broadway Market is one of the places to find them; The ruskie version in the photo combines potato and cheese.

Reference: Visit Buffalo · Babcia’s Pierogi at Broadway Market

Western New York Roadside Stands

Grilled hot dog

Traditional Buffalo stands grill sausages over charcoal and allow you to add mustard, relish, onion or other accompaniments. Long versions and potatoes or onion rings are part of this informal food from the region.

Reference: Visit Buffalo · Hot Dog Trail

Buffalo and Lewiston · Local tradition dessert

Frozen custard

Creamy frozen dessert made with a base that includes egg yolk. It is common in the classic stands in Buffalo and also in Lewiston; It is served in a glass or cone and with flavors and accessories that change depending on the location.

Reference: Visit Buffalo · Ice cream parlors and frozen custard