New and expanded offerings and lots of dry hot weather led to a very busy summer on Buffalo's waterfront. Canalside saw a 50% increase in visitors.
Figures released by the state show an estimated 1.5 million people visited Canalside during the 2016 summer season.
"I think I'd have to say, we exceeded our expectations," said Tom Dee, President of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.
Not only was Canalside popular, the Outer Harbor attracted nearly 250,000 visitors.
"Whether you take the Bike Ferry or you don't you now have the Ohio Street corridor to bike over to the Outer Harbor...and take a ride back on the Water Ferry," Dee said.
On average there was 29 events scheduled everyday.
"Our vision was to do more things, have more people, have it more exciting, have a higher quality of venue...and it was a constant parade of people all through the summer," Dee said.
Even though the season's are changing, there will still be plenty to do in the coming months.
"We have a Fall Fest coming...skating opens at the end of November. And then a big holiday celebration. So things do not stop. The water's always there. The sunsets are always there...just come down and have fun," Dee said.
A list of events can be found on the Canalside website.