Buffalo River History Tours
Buffalo River History Tours
5
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Full view
About
Take a cruise through history and join us for a 90-minute narrated Buffalo River History Tour! Hear the story of the Erie Canal, Buffalo’s history as the largest grain port in the world and experience the nation’s largest collection of standing grain elevators from just a few feet away. Come travel along the waterway that made Buffalo one of the biggest and richest cities in the world.
Buffalo, United States
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
2,246 reviews
Excellent
2,063
Very good
145
Average
21
Poor
9
Terrible
8
Kim W
Buffalo, NY18 contributions
June 2022
I chartered the Harbor Queen for a surprise birthday party and it was MAGNIFICENT. we paid for an open bar of beer, wine, soda and the bartenders on board were incredibly efficient serving almost 100 guests with ease! Captain treated our guests like royalty and the whole crew made us feel special.
I will book the boat again for future parties...best part was after the party got to walk away and leave the clean-up to someone else. Now THAT"S the way to host a party.
I will book the boat again for future parties...best part was after the party got to walk away and leave the clean-up to someone else. Now THAT"S the way to host a party.
Written 16 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily
Buffalo, United States3 contributions
Aug 2022
As a lifelong Buffalonian, I really enjoyed this informative tour and I felt like a tourist in my own city. The price was well worth it - 90 minutes of interesting info (Chris did a great job narrating), a beautiful boat ride, and a well-stocked bar. I look forward to doing it again with out of towners.
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoldenKnight70
Buffalo, NY117 contributions
Aug 2020
I grew up on the Lake and have been in and around the Port of Buffalo for many years. I know a lot about the port and the grain industry in Buffalo, or at least I though I did. I learned a lot of new facts and the presentation of the facts that I knew were all correct. The ride itself was pleasant. The open deck had great views. Even had an adult beverage that was enjoyable and reasonably price. I went with another adult but I believe that my grandchildren would have enjoy the ride.
Written 28 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
timothyw233
Buffalo, NY3 contributions
July 2021
I had 4 friends come to town from NW Ohio, and was looking for activities to do with them. So I took them on the Buffalo River Tour, which I have gone on and enjoyed many times. They all raved about it all day. This made me proud that here in Buffalo;we had such an amazing, inexpensive activity that had so much interesting history, yet was so relaxing and enjoyable while spending time with old friends. Thank you!
Written 10 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathleen L
1 contribution
July 2024 • Family
Without question this was one of the BEST narrated tours I have ever been on. The narrator was exceptional in terms of knowledge and oratory skills. I have told several people "this tour is the best expenditure of $ that I have made in a VERY long time"!!
Written 6 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bettydun
1 contribution
Aug 2022
Our group thoroughly enjoyed our ride. Everyone was friendly and helpful, especially our guide. She was personable and knew so many details and stories that were entertaining as well as interesting. Very pleasant experience - highly recommend!
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike D
Buffalo, NY1 contribution
July 2021
Joe and Mike did a great job. Mike really knows his stuff. I especially liked the beginning of the tour when they reminded people that this is a 90 minute narrated tour, and if people felt the need to have a private conversation, they need to go out to the sun deck. I've been on other narrated tours that have been really just a glorified ferry ride because everyone was talking, and nobody could hear the narrator. I still don't understand why people with little children think this is something the kids would enjoy. I take my kids to playgrounds and amusement parks. So the only really annoying thing is that people with kids are still very loud, and the kids are bored. I wish there was an "adults-only" tour as an option - I bet some people would even pay a premium if it would minimize distractions. But the tour itself was enjoyable, and I've learned some new facts.
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnnArborMHT
Genoa, Italy1,647 contributions
July 2023 • Couples
Highly Recommended!
Easy to buy tickets online, nice staff at the departure location to also help with tickets. Clear instructions where to meet. Really appreciated the Captains talk before departure and the request that everyone listen to the commentary and not chat throughout the guide's talk. Guide was excellent, very informative with great stories. Boat was roomy, clean and beverages available onboard along with clean bathrooms. I was amazed that the commentary was different on the outbound trip and then again on the return we had great information about additional sites and the history of the city. It was well worth the time and cost; loved it! Staff was very friendly and helpful. Remember to carry some cash to tip them and the excellent guide. A perfect day on the water!
Easy to buy tickets online, nice staff at the departure location to also help with tickets. Clear instructions where to meet. Really appreciated the Captains talk before departure and the request that everyone listen to the commentary and not chat throughout the guide's talk. Guide was excellent, very informative with great stories. Boat was roomy, clean and beverages available onboard along with clean bathrooms. I was amazed that the commentary was different on the outbound trip and then again on the return we had great information about additional sites and the history of the city. It was well worth the time and cost; loved it! Staff was very friendly and helpful. Remember to carry some cash to tip them and the excellent guide. A perfect day on the water!
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SiWill716
1 contribution
July 2022
The music on the cruise was horrible! I believe it was what the crew wanted to hear. It was music from the 60’s and 70’s. About 95% of the cruise attendee’s were under 30. One of the guest ask the crew if they can play a different music selection and she was told they can’t play music to cater to her group! She was actually there with her husband and not the group of about 20 college kids as he thought! The drinks were just ok and a bit pricey. The boat route was cool, it took us up Lake Erie to Lackawanna then back the other way to the foot of ferry and back to dock at Canalside. I would rate this cruise a 6/10
Written 19 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kmbjorn44
1 contribution
Sept 2020
My husband and I took my 88-year-old Mom. We all loved this tour! Chris was the best guide with nugget after nugget of info delivered expertly. Yes, I smelled the Cheerios baking! Mom got all excited when she saw the "ghost ship" as it reminded her of the Crystal Beach Boat she rode and danced on in the 1940s. I would recommend this tour to everyone. Only negative was a few other passengers who were talking really loud instead of listening to the tour.
Written 8 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are infants required to wear a life preserver?
Written 19 June 2021
Not sure but they have plenty of them on the boat all sizes the kids would enjoy boat ride but would be bored on tour depending on their age it’s a lot of information
Written 21 June 2021
Paradise67455466301
Wellsville, New York
Is the Buffalo river history boat tour wheel chair accessible for the entire boat ride? Also do you stay on the boat for the entire 1.5 hours?
Written 15 August 2020
To add to the above. There is a ramp from ground level down to the boat. However I don't recall how you actually got on the boat itself from the dock. Depending on the person's ability to be helped a couple steps off the chair I suggest you call the operator to be 100% sure.
Written 15 August 2020
When in spring do the river tours resume? I’m planning on being in Buffalo at the end of April, first day of May.
Written 3 January 2020
Tours usually start the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, this year May 10. This is depending on weather. Docks go in the first week of May
Written 3 January 2020
Is there air conditioning on the boat?
Written 5 July 2018
No, the breeze on the water is cooler then areas more inland. They also offer the tours at multiple times during the day when it could be cooler for your group. Can choose to sit on top where it would be usually more air/wind or on the first level where the bar is with large sliding Windows and less sun.
Written 6 July 2018
My class is having a reunion this summer in July and we are making preparation for the occasion. What is the price of your afternoon historical cruises and how do we book it.
Thanks,
Jeanette.
Written 22 March 2018
It was answered by the person above.
Written 18 May 2018
We plan to visit Buffalo April 1-5, 2018. I just tried to call this tour company and found that nobody answers the phone, and the recording says that the voice mail is full. Could it be that this tour is not available during April?
Written 13 March 2018
Well buffalo can get snow until end of March and into April so I would assume it does not operate until the weather is cooperative and warm. J becker
Written 14 March 2018
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