After being kept close to home by travel restrictions for the last 18 months, plenty of Canadians are eager to hit the road. And with Canada-U.S. land borders now open, now's the time to add Buffalo, New York to your road-trip bucket list.
For those who want a change of scenery, this is the perfect destination. There's plenty to do in this city for foodies (especially Buffalo chicken wing lovers), history buffs, art fanatics and more (like ice-biking!).
These eight things to do and see in Buffalo, New York, are just the beginning of your U.S.A.-getaway itinerary.
Have A Night Out At Shea's Performing Arts Centre
Address: 646 Main St., Buffalo, NY
Price: Varies depending on the show
Why You Need To Go: For those looking to enjoy live broadway theatre during their trip to Buffalo, Shea's Performing Arts Centre is a must-visit.
This centre houses three theatres right in the downtown core — including the stunning and historic Shea's Buffalo Theatre, which has hosted performances by Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, the Marx Brothers and more in its almost 100-year history.
Want to see your name in lights? There's an option to add your name to Shea's Main Street Marquee.
Tour The Darwin Martin House
Address: 125 Jewett Pkwy., Buffalo, NY
Price: $22-$75
Why You Need To Go: If you love architecture (or just drooling over beautiful homes), the Darwin Martin House belongs on your Buffalo to-do list.
This home was designed for Buffalo executive Darwin D. Martin by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright (who also designed New York's Guggenheim Museum). Tours take guests through the 114-year old estate and share the story of the massive effort made to preserve this National Historic Landmark.
It's also a great spot to take a selfie for the 'gram.
Get Saucy On The Buffalo Wing Trail
Address: Various around Buffalo
Price: Varies depending on the restaurant
Why You Need To Go: How can you visit Buffalo and not try their delicious and famous wings? Also known as "America's Tastiest Drive," the Buffalo Wing Trail will take you on a culinary adventure across 14 different neighbourhood pubs and taverns.
This is your chance to try everything from double-dipped wings to smoky, grilled wings and, if your mouth can handle it, very (like, very) hot wings.
You can even sign up for a mobile passport to the Buffalo Wing Trail that rewards you with prizes as you eat your way around the city.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping At RiverWorks
Address: 359 Ganson St., Buffalo, NY
Price: Varies on event
Why You Need To Go: Craving a little excitement? Check out RiverWorks in Buffalo.
This waterfront complex features all sorts of sports and entertainment along the banks of the Buffalo River. There's space for concerts, skating, hockey, curling, rock climbing and zip-lining as well as a roller derby track and martial arts dojo.
When you feel like you need a refresh, you can stop in at the Ward for some Beef on the Weck Sliders and a pint of their flagship beer, Trainwreck Amber Ale.
Go Ice-Biking At Canalside
Address: 44 Prime St., Buffalo, NY
Price: $12 for 30 minutes
Why You Need To Go: Canalside is the place to be in winter to give one of these eye-catching bikes a try. Ice Bikes of Buffalo is brought to you by the same crew behind those Water Bikes of Buffalo that you might have seen paddling around.
The bikes are also easy to use and very stable, making them perfect for folks who find ice-skating a bit too intense. That said, the ice is also open for skaters. Admission is $7, and skates can be hired for an additional $5.
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Order A 'Beermosa' At Resurgence Brewery
Address: 55 Chicago St., Buffalo, NY
Price: Varies
Why You Need To Go: If tasting great craft beer is your idea of a good time, a trip to Resurgence Brewery deserves a spot on your Buffalo bucket list.
Beyond local beer, burgers and sandwiches, Resurgence also offers brunch — or "kegs and eggs" — where you can pair a flight of experimental craft beers with breakfast food.
Top tip: Order a Beermosa (your choice of craft beer topped with OJ) alongside your Brewer's Breakfast.
Marvel At The Albright-Knox Public Art Initiative
Address: Various around Buffalo
Price: Free
Why You Need To Go: Thanks to the Albright-Knox Public Art Initiative, art lovers visiting Buffalo will have plenty to enjoy.
The project began in 2013 and has helped transform Buffalo into a city filled with artwork from murals, sculptures and installations.
The team behind the initiative has even created a map to help you find each piece, which is a great way to explore the city.
Get Lost In Nature At The Buffalo & Erie County Botanical Gardens
Address: 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, NY
Price: $12.50
Why You Need To Go: After several packed days of exploring the city, step into a plant paradise at the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens.
Reconnect with nature on your self-guided tour through the Gardens' connected greenhouses and explore the amazing greenery that lives there.
It's not all pretty flowers either. There are all kinds of fascinating plants on display, including the cactus collection, carnivorous plants and a magical bonsai garden.
With so many things to do and see, from tasty eats and stunning art to adrenaline-pumping fun, Buffalo is the ultimate destination for Canadians looking to get back into travelling.
Visit Buffalo Niagara's official tourism website to learn more or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.