Black Rock Canal Park – Buffalo, NY

Black Rock Canal Park - Buffalo, NY

Off Leash

Small Dog Area

Large Dog Area

Shade Available

Parking

Fenced Area

Black Rock Canal Park – Dog Park in Buffalo, NY

Black Rock Canal Park is a scenic and pet-friendly escape situated along the Niagara River in Buffalo, New York. Known for its beautiful sunsets and waterfront breezes, this hidden gem provides dog owners with a peaceful spot to enjoy outdoor activities with their four-legged companions. The park features a two-part fenced dog park accessible via a walking bridge, allowing both small and large dogs to enjoy off-leash playtime. With unique views and plenty of space, it’s a favorite local spot for dog walkers and pet lovers alike.

Parking is available near the boat launch on the park’s north end, with the dog park just a short walk south over a bridge. While amenities like grass coverage and water fountains could be improved, the park offers plenty of open areas, and guests will appreciate the natural setting and proximity to the Shoreline Trail, which is perfect for dog-friendly walks and bike rides. Pet owners should be aware that the park’s leash-free areas are divided for smaller and larger breeds, and the breezy riverfront location is especially refreshing during the summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated, fenced dog park areas.
Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the dog park areas are fully fenced for safety.
Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, the dog park is divided to provide separate spaces for small and large dogs.
Where is the best place to park? Most parking is north of the park near the boat launch, with some limited parking available at the entrance, close to the walking bridge.
Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the Shoreline Trail bike and walking path runs through Black Rock Canal Park and connects to other local trails.
Is there a water fountain for dogs? No, currently there is not a dedicated water fountain for dogs, so plan to bring your own water.
Is there shade or shelter available? There is shade from the natural landscape and trees, but no specific covered shelters.
Are restrooms available for owners? A portable restroom is available across the street from the park.

Reviews

Beautiful sunset by the water tonight.

Beware of Karen’s taking small dogs in to large dog areas!!!! Happens often here!
But overall cute little dog park, on the water. Perfect for a nice breeze in the summer.

I’ve been coming here my whole life, beautiful, no place like it in the world.

This is a cool little park, kind of tucked away in-between the 190 and the Niagara River. There’s only one entrance through the underpass under the 190, but the park spreads to either side of the entrance. Most of the parking is to the north, but there is a small amount of parking right at the entrance, near the boat launch. The boat launch is free, and the area of the river means that the current there along the shore is actually flowing upstream, making it a little easier to control a boat at this point.

There is a two part dog park just over the walking bridge to the south (no parking nearby other than the lot by the boat launch), and there’s a displayed piece of the actual rock formation that gave Black Rock its name (although the actual rock was all the way on the other side of the Peace Bridge, and it’s really a dark grey and not black, but go with it).

All the way to the north, where there is a really tight circle for small cars to turn around at the end of the parking area, is the ‘Avian Walk’ with some wireframe sculptures of birds one might see in the area.

One thing to note is that the Shoreline Trail bike path goes right through this and through the parking lot without defined lanes. This means that both drivers and cyclists need to be on the lookout for each other, going in either direction or pulling into or out of parking spaces.