We think Buffalo Niagara is beautiful all the time. But as the temperatures and snow begin to drop, this place we call home takes on an extra charm. Oxford Pennant cleverly dubbed Buffalo "America's Warmest Cold City", a nod to the friendliness of the people here in The City of Good Neighbors. Those neighbors certainly know how to embrace winter as well. The region itself has also centered many of its placemaking investments around all-year enjoyment -- just check out Canalside's ice skating and curling rink.
The beauty of Buffalo winters is one best understood by experiencing, but we’ll do our best throughout this blog to paint the picture, too.
The number of unique things that you can do throughout winter is amazing and turns any newcomer’s hesitation of winter into enthusiasm and anticipation. Whether you’re out in the elements getting some fresh air and exercise or huddling up inside, there’s always something to do. There’s no way to capture everything in one article but find below just some of the reasons to Be in Buffalo this winter. Visit Buffalo Niagara also has a fantastic Winter Guide to help navigate you through the winter.
Hit The Hills
- Snowboarding
- Skiing
- Sledding/Tubing
Buffalo Niagara has magnificent, rolling hills perfect for the winter months. Did you know Holiday Valley, one of Western new York’s ski resorts, is dubbed the ‘Aspen of the East’?
On The (Frozen) Water
- Ice skating
- Ice biking (ranked the #18 best experience in the world to get you moving, by National Geographic)
- Curling
- Pond hockey (Go Sabres, by the way)
- Ice bumper cars
- Ice fishing
- Niagara Falls light show
In the summer, you’ll find Western New Yorker’s all across our many beautiful waterfronts and the winter is no different. The frozen lakes and rivers just provide even more flexibility of options! For the more advanced winter sport enthusiasts, there are even more daring options. Christian Edie and Kevin Cullen can be found through the winter ice climbing, blizzard surfing, snowboarding, snow kiting, bouldering, whitewater paddle-boarding, mountain biking, and more. Last winter the couple did all of those activities and more in one day – 12 adventure sports in 24 hours, all within 55 miles and all within Western New York. You can read their story here.
Trail Mix
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
The idea that you’re holed up in doors for the entirety of winter is…well…entirely untrue. Hit the trails for some exercise and beautiful sightseeing.
Eat & Drink
- Igloo dining
- Many restaurants with well-heated patios
- Tom & Jerry specialty winter cocktail
As always, we’re a foodie town and that certainly doesn’t halt in the winter.
Check out our Relocation Guide for even more great information about Buffalo Niagara during winter and beyond.
