Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper has a number of interpretive tours remaining this summer. But hurry, they fill up fast. Registration is required for all programs, and can be completed on Riverkeeper’s website: bnriverkeeper.org/calendar.
Each tour has its own unique story that showcases the importance of how our water shapes our past, present, and future. All tours are guided by naturalists. For the water tours, kayaks can be rented from Riverkeeper or you may bring your own.
Paddling Programs
Wednesday, July 29, 5:45 PM – 8 PM @ Mutual Riverfront Park: “Natural History of the Buffalo River” Kayaking Tour. Explore and learn about the natural and human history of this important water body and how Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper and its partners are making progress to restore the water quality and the natural environment along the river’s shoreline.
Saturday, August 8, 9:15 AM – 11:30 AM, Kayak Tour of the Lower Niagara River at Youngstown Docks. See the beauties of the Lower Niagara River in the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. This tour takes your from Youngstown to Lewiston and back stopping along the way to discuss historic moments, current uses, and seeing the new Stella Niagara Preserve.
Tuesday, August 25, 5:45 PM – 8 PM “Strawberry Island” Niagara River Kayak Tour. This paddle will launch from the restored East River Marsh on Grand Island and explore Motor and Strawberry Islands of the Upper Niagara River. The numerous restoration projects as well as the history and ecology of the Niagara River Islands will be discussed.
Wednesday, August 26, 5:45 PM-8 PM: “Built by Immigrants” Buffalo River Kayak Tour. Much of Buffalo’s explosive growth in the 19th and 20th centuries was thanks to numerous immigrants that lived and worked in our city during that time. Paddle through Buffalo’s Historic Old First Ward and enjoy a unique perspective on the grain elevators and the city’s industrial heritage. The tour launches from the Mutual Riverfront Park.
Biking Program
Wednesday, August 5, 5:45 PM – 8 PM: Biking tour of Canalside in Downtown Buffalo. Participants will learn about Canalside’s industrial history and the impact local industry had on the health of the Buffalo River. Participants will also discuss how Riverkeeper is working with its partners to clean up and restore the Buffalo River.
Hiking Programs
Wednesday, August 12, 5:45 PM – 8 PM, Hunters Creek County Park, Lower (East Aurora)
Saturday, September 26, 9:15 AM – 11:30 AM, Artpark Upper Rim Trail (Lewiston)
Saturday, October 10, 9:15 AM – 11:30 AM, Niagara Gorge: Devaux Woods to the Whirlpool (Niagara Falls)
Photos Courtesy of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeeper