Attractions Nearby Buffalo, Day Trips and Excursions

(Buffalo, New York - NY, USA)

Close to the New York / Canada border, Buffalo is extremely well situated to enjoy attractions in two different countries. As well as being close to Niagara Falls, Buffalo is just a short drive from the Canadian city known as Niagara on the Lake.

Also in Canada and within the state of Ontario, both the attractions of Hamilton and Toronto make for popular day trips. If you prefer to stay in America, then consider excursions from Buffalo to tourist-friendly destinations such as Ellicottville, the Genesee Country Village, Lake Erie and Rochester.

Cleveland

Address: Ohio (OH)
Located in the neighboring state of Ohio and next to the scenic shoreline of Lake Erie, the city of Cleveland stands approximately 191 miles / 307 km southwest of Buffalo and has become something of a popular weekend getaway destination. Cleveland boasts an impressive selection of museums and attractions, as well as large shopping malls and plenty of gourmet restaurants to go around. Particularly popular is the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the city's acclaimed Museum of Art.

Ellicottville

The small town of Ellicottville is to be found just 60 miles / 97 km to the south of Buffalo and is best known for its seasonal recreational attractions. During the winter months, hordes of skiers head to the Ellicottville area, to take full advantage of the plentiful ski slopes and cheap, well-placed accommodation on offer. In the summer and fall seasons, the Nannen Arboretum is worth looking out for and stands just to the north of the Ellicottville village suburb.

Genesee Country Village

If you fancy stepping back in history and experiencing an authentic recreation of a 19th-century community, then do consider paying a visit to the nearby Genesee Country Village and Museum. The employees here live out much of their life as they would have done more than 100 years ago and are always happy to talk to visitors about bygone days.

Hamilton

Address: Ontario - ON, Canada, CA
A busy Canadian port city in the nearby state of Ontario, Hamilton is only 70 miles / 113 km to the northwest of Buffalo and is on the western side of Lake Ontario. Attractions within Hamilton are in good supply and come in the form of museums, art galleries, parklands, piers, nearby waterfalls and harborfront trails. Particularly noteworthy is the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the Crooks Hollow Historical Trail, Dundurn Castle, the McMaster Museum of Art and the Parks Canada Discovery Center.

Lake Erie Tour Route and Lighthouses

During the summer, the shoreline of Lake Erie transforms into a series of resorts, with the port of Sandusky connecting the Erie Islands. If you have time and like excitement, then check out the Cedar Point Amusement Park and its myriad of roller coasters. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely cruise around Lake Erie, passing city waterfronts such as Cleveland, Detroit, Erie and Toledo. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the views and scenery along the way.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Niagara on the Lake

Address: Ontario - ON, Canada, CA
A short distance from the actual Niagara Falls and only 36 miles / 58 km north of Buffalo, Niagara on the Lake is a very attractive Canadian city and enjoys a stunning setting, alongside Lake Ontario. Tourism has become an integral part of local life in Niagara on the Lake, with jet boat cruises, vineyard tours and even ghost walks being popular attractions. The Fort George National Historic Site, the Fort Mississauga National Historic Site and the Butler's Barracks National Site add a touch of history and culture to the city.

Rochester

The biggest city standing within New York's Finger Lakes area, Rochester lies just a short distance to the south of Lake Ontario and approximately 74 miles / 119 km to the east of Buffalo, off the Interstate I-90. Those taking a day trip to Rochester can expect to find an especially attractive downtown district, complete with its very own waterfall. Other attractions include the Memorial Art Gallery, the Rochester Museum and Science Center, the Seneca Park Zoo, the Susan B. Anthony House, and the plentiful shops along Park Avenue.

Toronto

Address: Ontario - ON, Canada, CA
Canada's most sizable and spreading city, Toronto is sited little more than 100 miles / 160 km away, with a journey time of easily less than two hours. Toronto is divided into a number of noteworthy districts, with Cabbagetown, Chinatown and Greektown being of most interest to tourists, as well as the downtown district of course. The CN Tower is one of Toronto's most eye-catching and well-known attractions, with an observation deck close to the top and reached by taking a ride in a glass elevator. Further attractions in Toronto include the Ontario Place theme park, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Royal Ontario Museum.