Water

A Wonder of the World

Buffalo Niagara’s waterways are more than just beautiful – they’re a lot of fun, too. The region is surrounded to the west and north by Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Niagara River. Most notably is Natural Wonder of the World Niagara Falls, which is less than a half hour drive from the City of Buffalo, a popular tourist destination and frequent respite for locals.

Did you know over 680,000 gallons of water pour over Niagara Falls every second? Niagara Falls State Park is home to over 400 acres of lush landscape and wildlife, the beautiful Falls themselves, and many famous attractions. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Niagara Falls State Park offers a breathtaking view of one of nature’s marvels as it was intended to be seen. World-class attractions such as the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds, offer the nine million+ visitors each year an opportunity to feel, see, and experience the rush of Niagara’s waters. Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States and is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Most remarkable waterfronts
-Hemisphere Magazine

Great Lakes account for 20% of Earth’s fresh water

Annual visitors to Niagara Falls

Hitting the Waves

“Buffalo is up there with places like New Zealand and Oregon. There’s only a few places in the world you can do all of this,” said Kevin about Buffalo's extreme sport and water activity options.

Buffalo is a Catch!

Thanks to our two Great Lakes, Buffalo is full of beautiful places to toss in a line and try your hand at catching a fish. Learn just some of the top spots here.

Green Spaces in Buffalo Niagara

If you'd prefer to stay on shore while enjoying Western New York's outdoor offering, there are plenty of parks, trails, and green spaces for yourself (and your furry friends)!

Niagara Falls

Experience a Natural Wonder of the World up close and personal, how it was meant to be enjoyed

Waterfronts and Waterways in Buffalo Niagara

Much of Buffalo’s resurgence can be attributed to our completely redeveloped waterfront, including Canalside, the Outer Harbor, and the wards of the Buffalo River. Check out just some of the City of Buffalo waterfront attractions below. And explore our more rural offerings as well.
Canalside - A playground for all ages. take a free wellness or fitness class, play a free game (giant chess or checkers, anyone?), and rent a kayak or water bike. There are family activities, restaurants, and concerts, just steps from the Central Business District.
Outer Harbor – On mighty Lake Erie’s edge, access the trails, walking and biking paths, beaches, and parks that dot over 200 acres of green space and reclaimed shoreline. Wilkeson Pointe, Lakeside Complex and bike park, and the Bell Slip along the Health Wellness Trail are popular destinations.
Bird Island Pier -​ Allows for an intimate walk in the middle of the water and is recognized as a terminus of the Underground Railroad between the U.S. and Canada. Accessible from Niagara Street, near Rich Product’s headquarters.
Silo City - Grain silos stand along the Buffalo River as an ode to Buffalo’s industrial past, now rejuvenated into breweries, rock climbing structures, art galleries, and performing arts venues.
Buffalo RiverWorks -​ A restaurant and brewery featuring a Ferris wheel, roller derby track, multiple ice hockey rinks, and a high ropes course, and is home to big-name concerts and events.
Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park - The largest inland Naval & Military Park in the country featuring four decommissioned Naval vessels.
 
Our rural areas are bisected by the Erie Canal, the Genesee River, Chautauqua Lake, and dozens of smaller inland lakes, creeks, and streams. Sail on Chautauqua Lake or visit the shoreline for recreation at Long Point State Park or the Chautauqua Institution, home to a nine-week season of programming dedicated to arts, culture, and education. Many of the region’s waterfronts, including Cuba, Rushford, and Silver Lakes, feature rental properties for an easy staycation destination, as well. Whichever way you like the enjoy the water, you’ll find it here.