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Ice at Canalside photos courtesy of Buffalo Waterfront
Ice at Canalside photos courtesy of Buffalo Waterfront

Ice at Canalside opening Nov. 25

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Thu, Oct 20th 2022 09:00 am

Waterfront rink will kick off skating season with ‘fun-filled extravaganza’

Grab your skates and embrace the Buffalo winter!

Be Our Guest Ltd. will open the Ice at Canalside, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, Friday, Nov. 25. What organizers are calling “An opening night extravaganza” will kick off the season from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Included will be a DJ performance, a colorful display of holiday lights, fresh food and drink, fireworks, “and so much more for the entire family.” For complete details on the event, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com.

 “It’s that time of year when Canalside turns into a scene from a favorite holiday movie – with skating, festive music, and tasty rinkside food,” Erie Canal Harbor Development Board Chairman Robert Gioia said. “We encourage everyone to make plans to experience the wonder of winter on the waterfront. With a wide variety of activities, there’s something for every family to enjoy.”

Kevin Parkinson, vice president of finance and operations for Be Our Guest, said, “The Ice at Canalside offers fun for the entire family right along Buffalo’s historic waterfront in the heart of downtown. We have an array of new activities, theme nights – partnerships that we hope will entice all of Western New York to come down and embrace in the experience.”

Several popular attractions will make their return to the ice this year, including skating, curling, ice bikes and ice bumper cars presented by Five Star Bank. A new menu will also be available at the Nosh and Nibble Snack Shack.

“Being able to enjoy four seasons, especially on Buffalo’s beautiful waterfront, is one of the many great things about living in Western New York” said Michael Ball, vice president of community affairs for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York. “As the official health plan of Canalside, we’re ready to welcome our community to the Ice at Canalside for another great season of ice skating and winter activities.”

Rink admission and skate rentals can be purchased from inside the Honda Winter Pavilion.

A press release said, “Guests are required to complete a waiver prior to participating in any activity at Canalside. Waivers can be completed on site or online at www.buffalowaterfront.com.”

Curling will be available for pre-reservation, along with walk-up sales. Leagues and specialty programing will be announced in the coming weeks, including Skate Great Learn to Skate, GameOn Leagues and Healthy Buffalo Broomball.

The Ice at Canalside will be open through Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023.

The press release added, “To visit the ice, take the NFTA Metro Rail to the Erie Canal Harbor Station stop, or there is ample parking in Canalside area parking ramps and surface lots. Access to the rink is available from Main Street, Commercial Street and Marine Drive.”

Ice at Canalside photos courtesy of Buffalo Waterfront

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Hours of Operation

√ Monday: Closed, but leagues and private parties welcome

√ Tuesday: Closed, but leagues and private parties welcome

√ Wednesday: 3-7 p.m.

√ Thursdays: 3-7 p.m.

√ Fridays: 1-10 p.m.

√ Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

√ Sundays: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours:

√ Dec. 25: Closed

√ Dec. 26 through Jan. 1: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

√ Jan. 16: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

√ Feb. 20-23: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

√ Feb. 24: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Hours may change due to weather. For the most up-to-date hours of operation, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com, or follow Buffalo Waterfront on social media.

Pricing

Public Skating:

√ Ages 5 and under: Free

√ Children and military: $6

√ Age 13 and up: $8

√ Skate Rental: $5

√ Skate walker TBD

Highmark BCBS of WNY Members receive $1 off admission, $10-off season passes, and $19-off family season passes.

•Curling: $15 per person, with a four-person minimum; up to 10 people

•Bumper cars: $8 for an 8-minute ride

•Ice bike: $12 per half-hour

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