Timeline
10:00
Grab a coffee at Wonder Coffeehouse. It is a short walk from the waterfront area, and the cafe opens at 08:00, so you have plenty of time to settle in before the crowds arrive.
10:30
Walk to the Edward M. Cotter fireboat. This 118-foot vessel is the oldest fireboat in the world still on active duty. While tours are limited to festival appearances, seeing the historic landmark up close is worth the stop. Check the bus routes 14, 16, or 42 if you need transport.
10:45
Head to Templeton Landing at the Erie Basin Marina. Enjoy lunch with a view of Lake Erie from the patio. The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 AM, making it the perfect spot for a mid-morning meal.
11:30
Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park
Stroll through the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park. Located adjacent to Canalside, this park features three historic warships, including the USS Little Rock. It is a quiet place to walk and reflect on the city's maritime heritage.
Local tip
Templeton Landing's patio is open seasonally, so check if it is accessible during your visit.
Check before you go
- Edward M. Cotter: Tours are only available during festival appearances. You can still view the boat, but do not expect a guided tour unless a festival is happening.
- Templeton Landing: Open Mon-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri-Sat 11AM-10PM, and Sun 10AM-2:30PM for brunch.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Buffalo (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).