Buffalo NY - need advice

Old Mar 3rd, 2004, 10:29 AM
  #1  
SLHogan
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Buffalo NY - need advice

I will be in Buffalo in a couple of weeks (NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament). I have a couple of questions re: logistics. We're staying in Amherst, NY (cheaper than downtown).

1) From Amherst, how long will it take for me to get to the HSBC arena? I've heard there is ample parking around the arena. Is this the case?
2) From Amherst, how long will it take us to get to the Falls (Canadian side)?
3) And while on the Canadian side of the Falls, how long from there to Toronto? We will only have 1 day to visit the Falls and/or Toronto. Would you recommend us even going to Toronto or should we stay around the Falls area?

I know I could look on mapquest or other websites to get this information,but I'm hoping that someone is a Buffalo native who could give some valuable advice.

Thanks in advance!
 
Old Mar 3rd, 2004, 11:09 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Rule of thumb in buffalo-everything is about 20 minutes away. HSBC from Amherst-20-25 minutes depending on traffic and where you're staying; NF from Amherst or from HSBC, about 20-25 minutes, plus bridge time if the US/CA bridge is busy. Parking is not a problem at HSBC; however, if you're game is during the day, you will be competing with downtown office workers for parking.
There is mass transit available but it's probably easier to drive. You would have to drive to the train station to begin with. IF you want more info on rapid transit, just ask.
Once you're across the border, Toronto is about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 hours away; however, you can run into nasty traffic in Toronto to extend your time. You can do the Falls and Toronto in 1 day, but it will be a long day. If you're going to try to go to both, I would probably just stop and look at the Falls and move on. There's enuf to do in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. You might save another trip for Toronto.
Rachel is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2004, 04:28 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hello SLHogan!

1. It will only take you about 15 minutes from Amherst to downtown. Normally, you should have no problem parking downtown; however, I have no idea what the affect of something like the NCAA will have. I would suggest getting there early to insure a parking spot. Another option is to park at the University of Buffalo (Main St. campus) and taking the subway down to HSBC.

2. Amherst to Niagara Falls - also about 15 minutes. Don't limit yourself to the Canadian side (just my opinion). If you've never been, the Falls should be enjoyed on both sides. I actually prefer the American side (where you can actually stand at the railing where the water drops over). However, on the Canadian side you can view the American and Canadian Falls in a panoramic state from a distance.

3. Toronto is very close....no more than an hour or so from the Falls. However, you CANNOT do the Falls and Toronto justice in one day. Therefore, pick one destination and stick to it for one day (one day isn't really enough for either...but hey, you have to work with what you have)!

I hope this helps. If you would like more specific information, you just have to ask! Have a great time....and despite what you may have heard about Buffalo, I guarantee they will roll out the red carpet for the NCAA!!!
BuffaloGirl is offline  
Old Mar 9th, 2004, 06:55 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I agree with the advice of the above posters, except the travel distance from downtown or from Amherst to Niagara Falls Canada is probably closer to 30 minutes. If you decide to skip Toronto and stay around the Falls, go to Niagara on the Lake, a quaint town of nice shops and restaurants a short distance from Niagara Falls, Ontario. If you need any restaurant suggestions or things to do in Buffalo, post again.
KathyK is online now  
Old Mar 10th, 2004, 03:41 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The previous posts are correct about it taking 20 minutes to get anywhere in the Buffalo area. I grew up in Amherst, and would say that you really do not need to worry about driving time or rush hour traffic. I would be mindful when going to Canada of the time it may take to get through customs. my recommendation would be to go over in Lewiston rather than Niagara Falls - it seems to be much quicker - from that point the Falls is five minutes West. I think Toronto is going to take longer than 1 1/2 hrs - I'd bank on 2, the QEW is awful especially if there's construction - and there usually are some barrels out. I'd recommend skipping Toronto - it's too much to do in a day trip. I'd say after the Falls go over to Niagara-on-the-Lake. NOTL is about 10 minutes from the Falls directly East, and is beautiful. If you enjoy wine at all, I'd tour some of the vineyards inNiagara - great Rieslings, as well as really good reds, but they are really known for the Ice Wines of the region- Inniskillin has received a ton of good press in recent years due to their icewines. The main NOTL area is a street lined with shops, restaurants, and boutiques - the main attraction at NOTL is the Shaw Festival.

As For your stay in Buffalo, if you'll be in Amherst and like wings you have to go to Duffs - the BEST wings by far. They're on the corner of Sheridan Dr. and Millersport Hwy. I think Buffalo has great restaurants considering it's a relatively smaller city - you can get great food at very reasonable prices. On the casual side try Ted's for a great hotdog and onion rings - they're a local chain, all over the city. Charlie the Butcher for a great roast beef on weck sandwich, they're on Wehrle and Cuyuga. Have fun!
JillD is offline  
Old Mar 10th, 2004, 03:59 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I grew up in Amherst too and you're bringing back a lot of memories mentioning Duff's and Ted's! My favorite for Pizza was always Bocce's! They had a couple locations years ago for takeout. If you go to the falls on the Canadian side , the Maid of the Mist boat ride is always memorable, but I don't know if it runs this time of year. Have a great time! Buffalo is a great city!
nytraveler10 is offline  
Old Mar 24th, 2004, 07:25 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,270
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
SL Hogan, Just wondering, how was your stay in Buffalo? Would love to hear of your experiences and what you thought of our City.
KathyK is online now  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mlewis
Canada
17
May 20th, 2013 08:10 PM
hlphillips2
Canada
7
Jul 8th, 2012 03:00 PM
Jomart
Canada
9
Jan 23rd, 2006 04:41 PM
Chris_C
Canada
4
Jul 10th, 2005 02:25 PM
wishuwerhere
Canada
9
Sep 2nd, 2003 11:32 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -