Great Stuff You Can Do At Canalside On A Nice Buffalo Day

Western New York has many great things to do all over the region, regardless of the time of year. Whether it's tobogganing in the winter, picking world-class apples in the fall, or laying on a fresh-water beach in the summer, the 716 has something fun to offer just about everyone.

As Buffalo's waterfront continues to be redeveloped and reimagined, the Canalside area has proven time and time again to be a top spot to hang out downtown. If you're looking for something fun to do or want to chill with some friends, no matter what it is, we're pretty sure you can have some fun near the corner of Hanover Street and Prime Street.

While many people in Western New York know where Canalside is, do you know what Canalside is?

What Is Canalside

The original terminus for the Erie Canal was right in downtown Buffalo, towards the foot of Main Street near what was then called Canal Street. In the early and mid-19th century, the Erie Canal area was a hotbed of activity, filled with all sorts of shops, brothels, and other locations.

Once the Erie Canal began to lose its prominence in the early 20th century, several urban renewal projects filled the canal's terminus. The area was then redeveloped to build the War Memorial Auditorium and other projects like the Skyway and the I-190.

READ MORE: Buffalo’s Metro Rail Unveils New Remodeled Train Station At Canalside

In the late 1990s, officials all over the area began to rediscover remnants of the original Erie Canal, and after several new projects, Canalside was born.

What Are Some Fun Things To Do At Canalside

Opening this area back up to the public has several benefits, including reconnecting Buffalo with its rich history on the water.

If you're looking for just a few things to do while at Canalside, you can try checking these things out:

Tour 3 Historic Naval Ships From World War 2

Buffalo has a long and distinguished history of service to the Armed Forces; you don't need to go any farther to get a glimpse of that than the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, which has the distinction of being the largest inland naval park in the country. The USS The Sullivans, USS Little Rock, USS Croaker, and several war memorials wait for you to stop by and say hi.

Go Get Out On The Water

With direct access to the Buffalo River and Lake Erie, getting right out on the water is pretty easy. You can rent a kayak or a water bike, take a boat tour of the region, or even pull your boat up and dock at Canalside.

Grab A Bite To Eat

There are many great food options right on the water in Buffalo. Whether you grab some ice cream or something to eat from Clinton's Dish, there's no shortage of opportunities to fill your belly.

Take a Ride On The Carousel

If you want to ride on a historic merry-go-round, you don't have to look any farther than Canalside. The Buffalo Heritage Carousel has a long history that started in 1924 when the Spillman Engineering Corporation of North Tonawanda constructed it. After traveling all over the United States, this historical carousel has returned home to the 716.