The locals make a big deal about this place but it really is nothing. All major cities with a waterfront have done a much better job with making it an attraction. There is one ship that is old, plus several monuments. They have concerts there but the music is generally bad (Buffalo is not a noteworthy city - skip it and go to Niagara Falls and Toronto). It's better than what it used to be which is nothing, but I would not waste my time going there. Anything you can buy there is very overpriced. Not worth going.
We grabbed a tour boat from a dock at Canalside and then stayed for ice cream and to look at all the artists. It was a great spot to enjoy the lake and people watch. Parking was easy in a paid garage across the street. They even had a climbing wall for free, that my 8 year-old loved.
Great little trail along the Canalside which also pays homage to our veterans with a few memorials and large military ships, airplanes, tanks etc.
Seen a few concerts there, you're able to get up close and personal and the tickets are cheap! Beautiful spot!
The tour was a hour and a half and the guide was very knowledgeable of the history along the river. The cost was $24 each but well worth it. It was a fun tour!
