All the Ways to Enjoy Canalside This Winter
Canalside, Buffalo’s beloved summertime destination and the linchpin of the city’s revitalized waterfront, transforms when the temperatures dip below freezing. Festivals in the summer sun and paddleboats in the replica Erie Canal waterways make way for wintry outdoor activities and 33,000 square feet of ice to skate, curl and bike (yes, bike) upon. Here are all the ways to experience Canalside this winter:
Enjoy public ice skating
Lace up your skates and take to the Ice at Canalside for some classic skating with family and friends in the heart of Downtown Buffalo. Weekly promotions at The Ice include Lunch Break Skate Tuesdays, Free Community Skating Wednesdays and Kids Club Sundays. Every Friday, The Ice also hosts their Friday Night Lights event, which features happy hour drink specials, a live DJ, giveaways and a firework show. Throughout the winter season, you can enjoy Special Event Saturdays, which include themed skating nights, food and drink specials and plenty of other activities. Find all the info about admission pricing, skate rentals and more at buffalowaterfront.com.
Try out the Ice Bikes of Buffalo
A truly Buffalo-born activity, the Ice Bikes of Buffalo were invented and debuted right here at The Ice at Canalside. This exclusive attraction allows you to pedal and steer around the ice in the same manner as riding a traditional bike. It’s the perfect way to get in on the action if ice skating isn’t your thing, or if you’re just looking to switch it up. You can hop on this Katie Couric-approved phenomenon anytime that public skating is open on The Ice.
Take a spin on an ice bumper car
Ice bumper cars are back for the 2024-2025 winter season! Canalside’s newest way to experience The Ice is to slip, slide and smash your own ice bumper car with your friends and family. The ice bumper cars have their own dedicated section on the rink and can be reserved by visiting the Winter Pavilion. Check out the video above to see them in action.
Find your inner-Canadian with curling
Team up with a group of your most competitive pals to try out this Olympic activity for yourself. If you’ve never curled before, no need to worry, as Canalside provides you with all the equipment you’ll need. Reservations include an instructor, curling stones, grippers, sliders and brooms. Visit the curling section of buffalowaterfront.com to book your lane in advance!
Rent an igloo
Warm up and get cozy in one of Canalside’s heated, transparent geodesic igloos! Located adjacent to The Ice, these igloos can accommodate up to 8 individuals and are available to rent throughout the winter season. Each booking includes 90 minutes in an exclusive heated space, admission and skate rentals for up to 8 skaters and complimentary hot cocoa. Learn more and reserve your own igloo experience here.
Stop by the Nosh & Nibble Snack Shack
After chilling on The Ice, Canalside’s Nosh & Nibble Snack Shack is a perfect spot to grab a warm cup of hot cocoa and a quick bite to eat while enjoying a gorgeous winter day. Featuring a variety of local favorites, like Paula’s donut holes, craft brews from Resurgence Brewing Company and other sweet treats, the Nosh & Nibble Snack Shack has everything you need to fuel up for a day well spent on The Ice.
Snap a pic with Shark Girl and the Bills Mafia Sleigh
Canalside’s favorite gilled gal is anxiously waiting for you to take a selfie with her! Capture your visit to The Ice by striking a pose with Shark Girl, located at the top of the Immigrant Steps at the Replica Canals. While you’re there, you’ll also find the Bills Mafia Sleigh, where you can take a group photo with your full crew. Don’t forget to tag us (@visitbuffaloniagara) and use #InTheBUF when you post!
Grab some good eats
Once you’ve worked up an appetite carving up the ice, take a walk over to close by restaurants like Liberty Hound, Panorama on Seven, Pizza Plant and Pod City Beer Labs, Southern Tier Brewing Company and Pearl Street Grill & Brewery.
See the grain silos all lit up
This nightly spectacle on the side of the former Connecting Terminal is a dynamic projection light show that is guaranteed to amaze.
