This exhibit invites visitors to explore the transformative story of the Erie Canal. It begins with the traditional homeland of the Haudenosaunee and the canal’s opening in 1825, tracing how it helped turn Buffalo into a bustling port and shipping hub by the late 19th century.
It also highlights the diverse perspectives of Indigenous Peoples, Black individuals, women, and immigrant communities affected by the canal’s development, offering a richer understanding of its cultural and historical significance.
Through an interactive multimedia experience featuring short films, touchscreens, audio, historical artifacts, and dramatic lighting, visitors of all ages and abilities will discover Buffalo’s rapid transformation, the technical innovations behind the canal, and the vital contributions of individuals to the city’s development.
Sponsored by: Local 210 Laborers Union
Summer hours: Memorial Day through Labor Day
Monday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Visiting the exhibit is free but requires a ticket for timed entry. A typical visit takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Reserve your free ticked entry here.
Tours of the Waterway of Change
Free Guided Tours:
Free guided tours are available Fridays and Saturdays at 1pm and 7pm
Reserve a guided tour spot here.
Private Tours and Group Experiences:
Whether you’re planning a school field trip, corporate outing, senior group visit, or family gathering, our tours are tailored to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Contact a member of our team for your group experience here.
Located in downtown Buffalo, Canalside is an area of the waterfront that can be accessed through entrances off Marine Drive and Main Street. It’s also accessible by the NFTA-Metro rail (Erie Canal Harbor stop). For GPS navigation, enter “Canalside Buffalo” or use “44 Prime St., Buffalo, NY 14202” as the destination address.
The Buffalo History Museum and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation are committed to making our exhibits, public programs, and other offerings inclusive and welcoming for all visitors.
Service animals:
Service dogs specially trained to assist a person with a disability are welcome.
For visitors with limited mobility:
All exhibits, including Waterways of Change, are wheelchair and mobility device accessible.
For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing:
All exhibition films are open captioned.
For more information about accessibility and your experience, please either email your questions to eriecanal@buffalohistory.org or call (716) 873-9644, ext. 501.
Wheelchair-accessible public and family restrooms are available inside the Longshed building and Gateway building.