Maybe I came on the wrong weekend, but I ventured out there on a Friday night and the entire area was empty. Perfect weather and yet the entire place was dead. There was a hockey game going on but outside of the arena, nothing was happening, I wandered into a gastropub and there might have been a handful of people. It has a lot of promise — it’s not scenic, more industrial, but could become a neat area, just isn’t quite there yet from what I experienced. Maybe the boardwalk could be more well-lit to encourage people to walk in the area ?
The Downtown area has been transformed. It is nice to stroll around the area. Several open ice rinks and of course NewEra hockey arena- home of the Sabres. The area has allot to see and many diners.
They do a good job of serving the usual bar foods, and a few more items. There is a full bar, but the reason to go is the atmosphere. If its a warm day, sit outside in the canal or in the ruins. The staff here is friendly, and can handle large parties.
So I'm based in a hotel within spitting distance of the Canalside and all the right pieces are here but just not in quite the right order. It's clean, safe, smoke free and child friendly which is all good. It does lack atmosphere and momentum. The few weekend markets that have been on in the last 2 months have lacked anything of real interest. Locals tell me I have caught it between seasons and more will be on in the winter so I would recommend checking before making a detour to come here.
Worth a walk through if you are in the area though.
Good for a walk, have a nice flea market on canal side for interesting shopping too.It is very beautiful and romantic place to be your partner. They have good small activities for kids as well.
