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Originally published in Step Out Buffalo
May 28, 2020
By Blonde Rooster

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) and Be Our Guest are encouraging visitors to the Buffalo Waterfront to engage in responsible recreation during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. ECHDC and Be Our Guest recommendations incorporate guidance from the CDC and the New York State Department of Health for reducing the spread of infectious diseases and encourage everyone to enjoy local recreation areas while, practicing social distancing and using common sense to protect themselves and others.

“Canalside has become a destination location and is the catalyst for the rebirth of Buffalo’s historic waterfront,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “While in more traditional times we would be welcoming visitors from far and wide, we need to take precautions to protect ourselves and others during these unprecedented times.” 

“The Buffalo Waterfront is open for the public to enjoy, we are just asking visitors to be smart and follow social distancing rules while we work to keep our waterfront a safe and beautiful destination,” said Robert Gioia, ECHDC Board Chairman. “The success of the upcoming summer season is entirely dependent on our ability to enjoy the waterfront in a whole new way; without crowds, concerts or even sharing food at a table. But in these difficult times we promise there will still be much to enjoy—especially the water, the wildlife and the magnificent sunsets.”

Here are the major changes you need to know about for the 2020 summer season:

  1. An ongoing schedule for cleaning and sanitization has been put in place, including common areas and restrooms at both Canalside and the Outer Harbor.
  2. Restrooms at Canalside will be temporarily limited to one user at a time.
  3. Most of the outdoor seating has been placed in storage, and any remaining seating has been spaced more than six feet apart.
  4. The beach at Canalside has been temporarily closed but the transient docks will be open
  5. Both Clinton’s Dish at Canalside and the beer garden at Wilkeson Pointe will be available for takeout orders
  6. Food trucks will periodically be on site during busy weekends and holidays
  7. Many activities that people have grown to love at Canalside and the Outer Harbor will be available in an online format to allow for safe and responsible participation, including fitness classes and children’s programming.
  8. Buffalo Waterfront is also planning on-site programming that can be enjoyed while practicing social distancing, including scavenger hunts, the Creators on the Boardwalk Farmers Market at Canalside, and a Drive-In Movie Series at the Outer Harbor.
  9. Both kayak and water bike rentals will be available at Canalside, while kayak and SUP rentals at Wilkeson Pointe will be open in the coming weeks.
  10. Other site vendors, such as caricatures, bicycle rentals and boat tours and cruises, will remain temporarily closed until State and CDC guidelines allow them to resume.
  11. Queen City Bike Ferry will be closed for the season.

A listing of all activities will be updated throughout the season, but the initial offerings and hours of operation can be found here. Please note many larger events and festivals, such as the annual July 4 Celebration have been cancelled this year to keep the community safe. However other events will continue to be evaluated during the summer season based upon government guidelines and mandates.