Summer months are treasured in Buffalo. After long winters with cold temperatures that often stretch into spring, warm and sunny days are the perfect opportunity to get outside and make the most of the season. Kayaking is just one great way to experience Buffalo’s waterways while staying active and enjoying the outdoors. It’s a fun, beginner-friendly activity, so it’s ideal for people of all ages and experience levels.
Buffalo and the surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities to get out onto the water. Downtown, in particular, is home to several places to launch a kayak, as it sits right at the intersection of the Buffalo River, Erie Canal and Lake Erie. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an experienced kayaker, there are plenty of kayak launch spots to try out! Best of all, you don’t even need to own a kayak to join in on the adventure.
Canalside
44 Prime Street, Buffalo
If you don’t own a kayak, BFLO Harbor Kayaks provides rentals on the southern tip of the Canalside boardwalk. The launch point places paddlers close to where the Buffalo River meets Lake Erie; you’ll get a great view of the waterfront, including the Buffalo Naval Park, Outer Harbor and many of the silos and grain elevators remaining from the city’s industrial past.
Beyond kayaking, Canalside has plenty to enjoy before or after your time on the water. Visitors can grab a treat from Nick Charlap’s Ice Cream, enjoy food and drinks at Resurgence at Canalside, relax on the sandy beach area or spend time on the large grassy lawn with Adirondack chairs. Plus, Canalside has water bikes available for rent.
Outer Harbor
225 Furhmann Boulevard, Buffalo
Wilkeson Pointe Kayak Launch has been a staple at this Outer Harbor park even before the space underwent its transformation last year. The kayak launch is located in the middle of the southern edge of the park near the slip, offering a calm entry point onto Lake Erie.
Visitors can park just steps away from the launch and bring their own kayak or rent equipment from Longboards Paddle & Pedal Co. Single and tandem kayaks, as well as paddleboards, are available at hourly and day rates.
When you’re ready for a break from the lake, Wilkeson Pointe has everything you need to unwind. Perro & Poni serves up Tex-Mex-inspired dishes and drinks close to the launch. There is ample seating available, as well as public restroom access. Additionally, the area features a whimsical Windspoon public art installation and a Park Golf course with rental equipment. Sometimes called the “pickleball of golf,” park golf is an accessible game that combines elements of golf, croquet and mini golf for visitors of all ages.
Ohio Street Kayak Launch
421 Ohio Street, Buffalo
Kayakers with their own equipment may enjoy this quiet spot along the Buffalo River. The Ohio Street Kayak launch has a small parking lot with close spaces to the shallow self-launch spot. From the river, you’ll have outstanding views of the Riverworks Ferris wheel and event center and Canalside to the north. To the south, the river winds past Silo City and a handful of smaller green spaces. After returning from the river, paddlers are only a short walk from some of the city’s most beloved watering holes: Hartman’s Distilling Co. and Resurgence Brewing Company.
Mutual Riverfront Park
41 Hamburg Street, Buffalo
Mutual Riverfront Park offers kayakers a convenient place to launch directly onto the Buffalo River from the aluminum dock and launching chute. Located near Buffalo’s iconic grain elevators and silos, the launch provides a unique waterfront setting while exploring one of the city’s most recognizable areas. Street parking is available nearby, and Elevator Alley Kayak Rentals is located directly across the street for those who need to rent a kayak before heading out on the river.
Red Jacket Riverfront Park
20 Smith Street, Buffalo
Red Jacket Riverfront Park is another convenient place to launch a personal kayak onto the Buffalo River. There is a parking lot with plenty of spaces right next to the shallow self-launch area. Before or after your time on the water, be sure to check out Hopeful Currents, a colorful waterfront mural by artist Emma Brittain that adds another point of interest to the park.
Ellicott Creek
1578 Ellicott Creek Road, Tonawanda
The Ellicott Creek Park Kayak Launch is located just across the creek from the main park. The launch features two roller launches, along with a shallow area for those who prefer to self-launch. Parking is available right next to the launch, so it is easy to unload equipment and get on the water. While Ellicott Creek Park across the street also has shallow shoreline areas where kayaks can be launched, the designated launch offers a more convenient option for paddlers.
Before or after your trip, visitors can also enjoy the park’s amenities, including playgrounds, restrooms, disc golf and tennis courts. Local and migratory birds commonly use the foliage lining the creek for nesting; be on the lookout for Canadian geese, red-winged blackbirds and other bird species!
North Tonawanda Botanical Gardens
1825 Sweeney Street, North Tonawanda
For those looking to paddle the Erie Canal, the NT Kayak Launch Facilities offer a quiet and convenient place to get on the water. The launch features two roller launches next to a large parking lot, making it easier to put in your kayak before setting off along the canal. Once on the water, you’ll also have views of nearby Ellicott Island Park, including its popular dog park, as you make your way along the canal.
Eastern Park
278 Fillmore Avenue, Tonawanda
Eastern Park Kayak Launch is a quiet launch spot for kayakers with their own equipment. Two roller launches provide direct access to Ellicott Creek close to the creek’s Erie Canal connection. Paddlers can head north toward North Tonawanda and the Erie Canal or head southeast along Ellicott Creek toward Ellicott Creek Park. For those spending extra time at the park, Eastern Park also features a playground, making it a great stop for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors.