Buffalo may not be the first city that springs to mind when thinking about biking adventures, but this city has a lot to offer on two wheels. Its industrial waterfront, historic neighborhoods, and renovated parks provide a rich backdrop for cycling. Buffalo’s flat terrain and dedicated bike paths make it an accessible destination for riders of all levels. Plus, the city’s unique mix of history, industry, and food culture makes exploring by bike both practical and fun—especially when guided by local experts who know where to go and what to see.
Whether you’re interested in learning about Buffalo’s grain silos and deindustrialization, tasting famous Buffalo chicken wings, or cruising past scenic parks and lakes, there’s a tour designed for you. These bike experiences help you see the city from a different perspective—closer to the ground, more personal, and often more fun than just riding alone. Planning ahead is smart, as each offers different durations, focuses, and price points, so choosing the right one depends on your interests and fitness level.
1. Waterfront Ride: Outer Harbor History Bike Tour
At number 1 we have the Waterfront Ride: Outer Harbor History Bike Tour, which offers a three-hour cycling journey along Buffalo’s scenic outer harbor. This tour includes the use of bicycles, making it perfect for active travelers wanting to combine exercise with sightseeing. You’ll follow dedicated cycle paths beside the Buffalo River, which flows into Lake Erie, passing notable sights like grain silos that symbolize Buffalo’s once-thriving shipping industry.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Buffalo’s industrial heritage and ongoing regeneration. Stops include impressive grain silos and areas dedicated to recent redevelopment efforts, providing a glimpse into the city’s past and future. The guide ensures you won’t get lost and will point out sights you might otherwise overlook. The price, at $66.22 per person, includes bicycle use, a significant value considering the length and local insights.
This tour is ideal if you enjoy active sightseeing with a local guide who can share stories about Buffalo’s prosperous shipping days and its modern efforts to reinvent itself. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy cycling and want a relaxed pace to soak in waterfront views. The only potential downside is the 3-hour commitment, which might be long if you’re pressed for time.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, scenic ride that combines history and modern Buffalo, perfect for active travelers seeking a guided experience along the water.
2. Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Bike Tour
For those craving a culinary twist, the Wing Ride: The Hidden History of Chicken Wings Bike Tour takes you on a 3-hour journey through Buffalo’s beloved wing scene. Starting at $90 per person, this tour combines biking along the Buffalo and Niagara Rivers with tastings from several local restaurants, making it a delicious way to explore.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on Buffalo’s most iconic dish, chicken wings, which originated here. Along the way, you’ll visit Silo City, an artist-inspired bar amid grain elevators, and hear stories about how Buffalo’s wing obsession took hold. The guide shares the true story behind Buffalo’s famous hot wings, adding depth to the flavors you sample. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guide, the lively atmosphere, and the delicious samples, with one calling it “an unforgettable tour.” The electric bikes add a fun, effortless touch, though safety is emphasized.
This tour is perfect if you want a combination of history, local cuisine, and active exploration. It works well for travelers eager to indulge in Buffalo’s food scene while learning about its cultural roots. The mix of tastings and cycling makes it a memorable, flavorful experience.
Bottom Line: A tasty and engaging way to discover Buffalo’s culinary heritage, especially suited for food lovers and those who enjoy a relaxed pace with some exercise.
3. E-Bikes Riding in Buffalo New York
If you prefer effortless exploration, the E-Bikes Riding in Buffalo New York offers a full-day adventure using electric bikes. For around $89, you’ll get a Rad Runner 2 to ride at your own pace, whether that’s cruising to Delaware Park, visiting the East Side Train Terminal, or making a more ambitious trip to Niagara Falls.
The pedal assist feature makes this ideal for a variety of fitness levels, allowing you to cover more ground without getting worn out. Reviews note the versatility of e-bikes, making it easy for families or those with limited cycling experience to enjoy Buffalo’s sights. The flexibility of a full-day rental means you can tailor your trip to your interests, stopping where you like and exploring at your own speed.
This tour is best suited for independent travelers who want to see a lot in one day without worrying about fatigue. It’s also a good choice if you’re considering a longer trip to Niagara Falls but want to start with a local introduction to Buffalo.
Bottom Line: Perfect for multi-stop sightseeing on a relaxed schedule, especially if you want the convenience of electric power and flexibility.
4. The History Ride: The Best of Buffalo by Bike
At number 4, the History Ride: The Best of Buffalo by Bike offers a 2.5-hour tour that dives into the city’s lesser-known stories. For $49 per person, this ride explores Buffalo’s historical and cultural landmarks, including Canalside, the red-light district, and the underground railroad routes.
What makes this tour special is its focus on Buffalo’s social history—from strikes, anti-Communist raids, to community resilience. The guide provides a compelling narrative about Buffalo’s transformation and how its past influences the city today. The short duration makes it an excellent choice for travelers with limited time. It’s suitable for those interested in urban history, social movements, and local stories.
A review mentions that the tour provides “an introduction to how Buffalo’s history shaped its present,” making it ideal for first-timers or history enthusiasts. The tour begins and ends at Buffalo Bike Tours & Bike Rentals, which simplifies logistics.
Bottom Line: A compact, insightful bike tour that offers a deep dive into Buffalo’s social and cultural past, perfect for history buffs or those with limited time.
5. The Waterfront Ride: Buffalo’s Outer Harbor By Bike
Rounding out the list is the Waterfront Ride: Buffalo’s Outer Harbor By Bike, which provides a 2.5-hour exploration of Buffalo’s industrial waterfront. At $49 per person, this tour rides through the ruins of grain silos and former industry, giving insight into Buffalo’s industrial heritage.
The highlight is riding on a bike ferry to access the Outer Harbor, where you can see tall grain silos and elevators that speak to the city’s shipping past. The tour also covers nature trails that run alongside the old industrial sites, blending history with the natural environment. It’s an engaging way to experience Buffalo’s transformation from industrial powerhouse to a city embracing its waterfront.
This tour is best suited for travelers interested in industrial history and waterfront scenery. The mix of ferry ride and bike riding offers a unique experience not found on standard city tours. It’s a great choice for those wanting a shorter, focused ride that emphasizes Buffalo’s maritime past.
Bottom Line: An immersive, history-rich ride that highlights Buffalo’s waterfront and industrial legacy, ideal for history lovers and waterfront explorers.
How to Choose Your Buffalo Bike Tour
When selecting from these options, consider your interests, fitness level, and available time. If you’re passionate about history and waterfront scenery, the Waterfront Ride: Outer Harbor History Bike Tour is a solid pick. For food lovers eager to discover Buffalo’s famous chicken wings, the Wing Ride offers a flavorful experience with tastings and storytelling.
If you want maximum flexibility and less exertion, the E-Bikes Riding in Buffalo lets you explore at your own pace, ideal for families or those with limited time. The History Ride provides a quick, in-depth look at Buffalo’s social past, suited for history buffs, while the Waterfront Ride combines industry, nature, and a ferry ride for a unique waterfront experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months, as popular tours fill quickly. Think about your fitness level, whether you prefer guided or independent exploration, and whether you want to focus on food, history, or scenery. Most tours include bike rental, and some offer electric bikes for added comfort.
Buffalo’s bike tours reveal a city of contrasts—where industrial ruins meet vibrant revitalization, and historic neighborhoods mingle with waterfront views. Whether you choose a guided history ride, a flavorful wing adventure, or a flexible e-bike day, you’ll find a way to see Buffalo that fits your style. Booking your preferred tour ahead of time guarantees you won’t miss out on these engaging, enriching rides in this often-overlooked American city.