Tonawanda is a city in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 15,129 at the 2020 census. It is at the northern edge of Erie County, south across the Erie Canal (Tonawanda Creek) from North Tonawanda, east of Grand Island, and north of Buffalo. It is part of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area.

For more than 30 years, I dedicated my life and career to keeping our families and neighborhoods safe in the City of Tonawanda. As your Mayor, I'll bring that same dedication to restoring common sense and fiscal accountability to city government.

Tonawanda, which means "swift waters," was the name given to the area by Neuter and Erie Indians, the area’s original inhabitants, and it probably refers to the Niagara River current.

Tonawanda occupies the northwest corner of Erie County and is bounded on the north by the Erie Canal, which here follows Tonawanda Creek. The town of Tonawanda was established in 1836, by separation from the town of Buffalo (now part of the city of Buffalo).

A Town of Tonawanda man is facing a murder charge after his wife was found dead inside a home on Cleveland Drive.

Explore Tonawanda, NY, and find nearby attractions, things to do, restaurants, shops, hotels, and Tonawanda-related stories.

From outdoor adventures to interesting landmarks, Tonawanda offers a unique mix of attractions that cater to all ages. Today, we’ll look at some of the best things to do in Tonawanda.