Yes, I’ve waxed poetic about this international border before.
But were you actually listening?
Once more, I’ll remind you of a few facts.
Western New York is separated from Canada—Ontario to be exact—by a measly river.
Sure, the Niagara River does have some impressive waterfalls, but at some points along its 36-mile course, it looks like a mere stream.
And when it comes to stanching the flow of people, ideas, and…love, that little stream doesn’t stand a chance.
Again, you’ve heard this in the past, but I do enjoy repeating myself.
Buffalo and Toronto share a public media network—Buffalo Toronto Public Media—that serves both Southern Ontario and Western New York.
Western New Yorkers are far more likely to get their morning cup of joe from Tim Hortons than from Dunkin’.
Labatt Blue, the most Canadian of beers, is brewed in part at the Genesee Brewery—in Rochester, New York.
Similarly, The Tragically Hip, the most Canadian of bands, has a popular tribute band—in Buffalo.
The Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays plays in Buffalo. During COVID, the actual Toronto Blue Jays played in Buffalo.
Approximately 21 percent of Canada’s population lies within the 75-mile radius considered by the NFL to be the Buffalo Bills’ home market, explaining this map.
But as this article so eloquently points out, all of the above is thin culture.
How about thick culture?
What is life truly like on the international border?
I asked if you were listening for a reason—because that’s where the answer lies.
The Buffalo Sabres of the NHL play both the Canadian and American national anthems before every game, even if that game is between two American teams.
On April 28, 2026, before a playoff matchup with the Boston Bruins, the microphone malfunctioned during the Canadian national anthem.
And here’s what 19,070 (mostly) Americans had to say about the situation.
Because that’s how we roll on an international border.
