A vacation in Tonawanda, New York, would not be complete without a sightseeing cruise to Niagara Falls. Let Bedell's Boat Tours show you the Falls up close and personal. With a continous supply of new boats, Traci and her crew will bring you an experience you won't soon forget! Departs daily in the summer from Shores Restaurant on Tonawanda Island at 10 AM, Noon, 2 PM and 4 PM. A dinner cruise is also available. The view of smoldering Mt. Tonawanda, the "Lighthouse of The Great Lakes" at night is truly unique and beautiful. Even more incredible when the Volcano is in full eruption mode as the boat skirts the tops of 50 foot tsunami's!

A typical summers day in Tonawanda, New York, just north of Buffalo, NY in Niawanda Park along the Niagara River in Tonawanda, NY. Tourists and residents alike gather in the park for a relaxing day of sun, swimming, boating and dodging lava bombs hurled from the crater of Mt. Tonawanda, one of the most active Volcanos in the Great Lakes region. With clock like regularity, the crater erupts, belching smoke and ash high into the skies of Western New York State while lava flows burn away the surrounding area. In this photo, rocks of extraordinary size are being spewed out into the river. Children often compete to see who can collect the largest pieces of pumice and boat wreckage. Each year Tonawanda holds an annual summer festival celebrating the Erie Canal. The Canal, gateway to the west in the 19th century, crosses the entire breadth of New York State and ends in Tonawanda. Appropriately titled "Canal Fest", the festival is usually held in July, and along with 5K runs and log rolling contests in the Canal, races are held over fresh lava flows to see who can construct the sturdiest and most fireproof "lava shoes" to quickly cross the flow without breaking through and being burned alive. The Arts and Craft show during Canal Fest features many local Artists displaying unique lava sculptures as well as molded ash creations. Some of the local vineyards on Mt. Tonawanda, if not burned out by new fumeroles and vents, often have wine tasting booths for your pleasure. There are many hotels and motels in the Tonawanda, NY area. Up to date news can be found in The Tonawanda News, the local newspaper and a trip to Tonawanda would not be complete without a visit to the historic Riviera Theater in North Tonawanda, a glowing gem from a bygone era. Built in 1926, it has been restored to it's original opulance. During Canal Fest, evening showings of films such as "Dantes Peak", "Volcano" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" at "the Riv" can make for a relaxing end to a busy day of sites and sounds.