If you're from Buffalo, then you are most likely familiar with the song, Low Bridge, official title, Fifteen Years on the Erie Canal. And if that doesn't sound familiar perhaps the chorus will spark your memory: Low bridge, everybody down Low bridge cause we're coming to a town And you'll always know your neighbor And you'll always know your pal If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal Back in the day, the Erie Canal's western terminus was the Erie Canal Harbor, originally built in 1825, which was known as America's "gateway to the west" one of the busiest ports in the country, teeming with canal and rail traffic traveling from the Atlantic seaboard across the Great Lakes. The infamous Canal Street with its bars and brothels, gave way and became Little Italy, and by the 1950s urban renewal had claimed the once busy port. In the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) was formed to reclaim the historic area (details about the reclamation/development plan can be found here). One of the projects was the restoration of the Commercial Slip which was the original outlet of Little Buffalo Creek into the Buffalo River. With the restoration of the slip completed, the Erie Canal Harbor was reopened in 2008. Canalside was also a part of the revitalization, and today is a destination point for both tourists and residents of Buffalo. Canalside offers a variety of activities year round. During the winter months ice skating, ice bikes, and curling are available. Check out this calendar to get the scoop on winter events and activities taking place at Canalside. And within walking distance you will find the Naval & Military Park, Riverfest Park, the Erie Basin Marina, First Niagara Center, Harborcenter, and Coca-Cola Field. So bundle up and venture out from your apartment to see what's happening in this historic district, and of course, feel free to share a comment about your experience. Destination Canalside, Buffalo, New York
If you're from Buffalo, then you are most likely familiar with the song, Low Bridge, official title, Fifteen Years on the Erie Canal. And if that doesn't sound familiar perhaps the chorus will spark your memory: Low bridge, everybody down Low bridge cause we're coming to a town And you'll always know your neighbor And you'll always know your pal If you've ever navigated on the Erie Canal Back in the day, the Erie Canal's western terminus was the Erie Canal Harbor, originally built in 1825, which was known as America's "gateway to the west" one of the busiest ports in the country, teeming with canal and rail traffic traveling from the Atlantic seaboard across the Great Lakes. The infamous Canal Street with its bars and brothels, gave way and became Little Italy, and by the 1950s urban renewal had claimed the once busy port. In the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) was formed to reclaim the historic area (details about the reclamation/development plan can be found here). One of the projects was the restoration of the Commercial Slip which was the original outlet of Little Buffalo Creek into the Buffalo River. With the restoration of the slip completed, the Erie Canal Harbor was reopened in 2008. Canalside was also a part of the revitalization, and today is a destination point for both tourists and residents of Buffalo. Canalside offers a variety of activities year round. During the winter months ice skating, ice bikes, and curling are available. Check out this calendar to get the scoop on winter events and activities taking place at Canalside. And within walking distance you will find the Naval & Military Park, Riverfest Park, the Erie Basin Marina, First Niagara Center, Harborcenter, and Coca-Cola Field. So bundle up and venture out from your apartment to see what's happening in this historic district, and of course, feel free to share a comment about your experience.