THE BUFFALO YOU DON’T GET TO SEE ON THE
BUFFALO WATERFRONT
WEATHER CHANNEL
THE ICE AT CANALSIDE
A Buffalonian’s Guide to Winter
BY BRIA N HAYD EN
The real story of a Buffalo winter occurs after the national news cameras that showed up to cover a snowfall have left – on the morning after a storm. After we brush ourselves off and dig ourselves out, we’re out ice biking, skiing, snowshoeing and enjoying winter again. It’s in our DNA. Here are a few suggestions for making the most of Buffalo’s snowy season. THE ICE AT CANALSIDE The hub of the city’s winter experience lies on the frozen replica of the Erie Canal that flows through Buffalo’s waterfront. From ice skating and curling, to ice bowling, ice bumper cars and the Ice Bikes of Buffalo – fitted with stainless-steel frames that allow for seamless pedaling – the Ice at Canalside keeps the waterfront abuzz with activity all winter long. buffalowaterfront.com/ canalside
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THE FROZEN FALLS
Winter transforms Niagara Falls State Park. Freezing mist coats the surrounding trees, creating an icy winter wonderland to walk through. During especially cold winters, the falls themselves appear to freeze, a sight best seen from the Cave of the Winds. For only $7, an elevator takes tourists to the bottom of the Niagara Gorge for spectacular views at the base of the ice-encased falls. niagarafallsstatepark.com
VisitBuffaloNiagara.com
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TOBAGGANING AT CHESTNUT RIDGE COUNTY PARK
Chestnut Ridge – Erie County’s largest park – operates one of the last remaining toboggan chutes in the United States. The chutes that sit atop one of the largest sledding hills in the area (with sweeping views of downtown Buffalo and New Era Field) date back to the 1930s. After plunging down the hill, head to the park’s lodge for a cup of hot cocoa by its roaring fireplace. erie.gov/parks
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CORNER TAVERNS
Anthony Bourdain once described Buffalo’s corner taverns as “cold and harsh outside, warm and hospitable inside.” These pubs can take the edge off any winter night. Some of our favorites include Founding Father’s, The Place, Ulrich’s, Allen Street Hardware, Essex Street Pub and Rohall’s Corner. visitbuffaloniagara.com/ corner-taverns
