Canalside and the waterfront have become summertime hotspots in the city of Buffalo, and while concerts and festivals here are canceled because of the coronavirus, people still have plenty of ways to enjoy the harbor.

For Ryan Hayhurst and his crew aboard the Miss Buffalo II, a fresh coat of paint never looked, or felt so good.

"We got a lot of work done as we waited just keep our minds off of things," said Hayhurst, president of Buffalo Harbor Cruises, a business that's been in his family for 49 years.

They're gearing up for to take people out for the first cruise of the year on Tuesday, about a month later than normal because of the pandemic.

"When the patios opened [in Phase 2] and everybody got out to have their first meal or a glass of wine on a patio they came back so relieved because they missed that," Hayhurst said. "And I'm hoping that's going to be part of this."

To be safe, they've cut down the number of passengers from 185 to a maximum of 80. Staff will wear masks at all times, and passengers will be required to wear masks getting on and off the boat or when they're moving around vessel, but can take them off at their tables.

They'll also have an online ordering system for food and drinks.

"We are trying to keep people safe and easing the minds of people that are still a little bit uneasy about it. We'll be there for you when you're ready," said Lisa Ellen Cooper, general manager.

Many of the things people like to do around Canalside and the harbor are ready to go now. You can rent kayaks and water bikes. You can grab a bite or a beer at Clinton's Dish. 

Even the famed Adirondack chairs are out, although there are fewer than normal. Sanitizing stations are placed throughout the area.

"We want you to wear the mask when you come down and stay six feet apart, and we're still encouraging people to come down in small groups," said Steven Ranalli, president of Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation. 

Despite the limitations, Ranalli says people are still flocking to the waterfront this spring.

Concerts and other large gatherings like festivals won't happen this year. Fitness classes are currently virtual, but could resume in-person later in the summer. The Queen City Bike Ferry will not be permitted to operate this summer. 

Ranalli says they are looking at adding more programs as the state's phases of reopening continue and the activities or businesses are safe.

Drive-in movies at the Outer Harbor start on Saturday and the Farmers Artisan Market at Canalside returns at the end of the month.

"I think it'll be a little quieter out here overall this summer, but there's still a lot to come down and just enjoy a beautiful day, a beautiful sunset," Ranalli said.

Buffalo River History Tours on the Harbor Queen and voyages on the Spirit of Buffalo sail boat from Canalside are now available. Owner Rich Hilliman and his crew have been open for about a week at a reduced capacity and following social distancing and sanitizing guidelines, but on they're back on the water nonetheless. 

“That's what I do is boating. I've been on boats all my life," Hilliman said. "So when the weather starts warming up all I want to do is go out.

"So what I love most is taking people and showing them the waterfront," he said.