CONFERENCE LOCATION

World Canals Conference 2025 is being hosted in Buffalo, New York, USA, the historic western terminus of the 338 mile Erie Canal. The conference itself will take place at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo, along with outdoor events at Buffalo’s Canalside, a crowning achievement in canal revitalization.

If you have specific travel questions, our hosts will be happy to help. Reach out to us via our Contact Us page.

Buffalo is the second largest city in New York State, located in the western part of the state on the shores of Lake Erie and bordering Ontario, Canada.
Known as the Niagara Frontier, the region features rich history, icons of architecture, a diverse culinary scene, natural wonders including Niagara Falls, and an 80 mile drive to Toronto.
Buffalo is easily accessible to New York City via numerous transportation routes.
Buffalo is a true four season city with beautiful, mild summers kept comfortable by its location between two Great Lakes. Recent September highs top out in the low 70s (~22° C).
The Erie Canal, which today is 338 miles long with 35 locks to account for 571 feet of elevation change, is the longest artificial waterway in North America
The Erie Canal brought vast immigrant populations to Buffalo, and that legacy lives on today in our robust Polish, Irish, Italian, and German traditions

GETTING HERE:

By Plane

  • Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), a 18-minute drive to the WCC2025 and offering numerous international flights and 25 direct flights around the US, including New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles
  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), 1hr 40min drive (includes US-Canada border crossing)
  • New York City’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), ~7hr drive or a 90min flight

By Train

  • Amtrak’s Empire Service runs daily between NYC and Buffalo, with stops along the way including Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Niagara Falls. ~8hr

Learn More

By Car

Buffalo is conveniently located along numerous interstate highways.

  • From the East: New York State Thruway I-90 West
  • From the West: New York State Thruway I-90 East
  • From the North (Canada): Queen Elizabeth Way QEW
  • From the South: Numerous routes, including the 219N

Where to Stay:

The Hyatt Regency Buffalo Hotel and Conference Center is the official hospitality partner of WCC 2025, and where many of the events will take place. Featuring special rates and a prime location in downtown Buffalo a short walk from Canalside, the Hyatt Regency Buffalo is the ideal location to call home during your visit.

Additional lodging options, including hotels, bed & breakfasts, and the city’s best Airbnbs, can be found here.

Learn More

Getting Around:

Rent a Car

  • Buffalo has numerous car rental options available on the site of one of our hosts, Visit Buffalo Niagara.

Explore Car Rental Options

Ride Sharing

  • Buffalo has a large fleet of Uber and Lyft drivers available any time of day.

Public Transportation

  • Buffalo’s Metro Bus and Rail System, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), can carry you to every area of Buffalo and surrounding areas.

Plan a Ride with NFTA

Extend Your Stay

We invite you to arrive early, stay late, and have fun as you explore all the region has to offer.

Pre- and Post-Conference Tours

Our pre- and post-conference tour offers attendees exclusive excursions into the best of the Erie Canal, Niagara Falls, and the Western New York region.

Plan Your Visit to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

The New York State Canal System offers more than 500 miles of recreation and discovery.

Visit Buffalo Niagara has compiled best-of attractions, adventures, restaurants and more for guests of the Queen City. Plan your to-do list by following their guides tailored to the arts, architecture, outdoor recreation, entertainment, history lovers, culinary adventures and more.

Discover the best of Buffalo

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