The Erie and her sister canals, the Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca, nestled within a scenic natural setting, boast a variety of outdoor, entertainment, educational, serene and family experiences rolled into a spectacular day trip, weekend getaway or even vacation.

Adventure
Adjacent to the 524 miles of canals lies over 220 miles of Canalway trails perfectly suited for bikers and hikers, rollerbladers and walkers. Each trail reveals beautiful waterfront banks, historical landmarks, and natural wildlife. It’s a true experience for tourists, from the average vacationer to the more avid adventurer. For adventure enthusiasts, white water kayaking at Lock 32 in Pittsford is one way to experience the majestic force of a champion-class man-made kayak course adjacent to the Erie Canal. For those less experienced water enthusiasts, canoeing miles of tranquil waters may be just enough excitement to get the heart racing. With numerous species of wildlife to admire along the banks, the New York State Canal System is a nature lover’s paradise.

For those in search of winter adventure, Canalway trails make for picture perfect paths for avid cross-country skiers and the frozen canals are a speed skater’s dream.
Canalway trail maps...

In addition, to year-round adventure, the Canal Cruise and Trail Trek, a 17-day extravaganza for boaters and bikers, is slated for July. Travelling over 400 miles, participants on boats and bikes will tour the Canal System, stopping at historical sites, interesting villages and canal-side events. As a unique feature, a local historian will narrate part of the journey and fill the trip with canal facts and folklore.

Canal Cruising
Canal cruising, a European-style holiday, is truly a vacation filled with sophistication and relaxation. Whether you rent an old-fashioned canal packet boat, a luxurious houseboat or venture aboard a modern cruise ship for a one- or two-week trip, it’s sure to be enjoyable. More than 25 tour boat companies offer daily excursions by boat and even mule-drawn packet boats, complete with captain and crew. From new canal harbors and waterfronts to newly laid trails along its waterline, no matter how you float it, boaters enjoy 524 miles of surprise after surprise.
Cruise, rental and tour boat operators...

Family Fun
The Canal System also offers plenty for families both on and off the water. Rediscover the time-honored classic, “The Wizard of Oz” by visiting author L. Frank Baum’s home in Chittenango. Plan your trip accordingly so you won’t miss the annual Ozfest that takes place in the summer. There’s even a yellow brick road in the center of town. Historic museums across the state feature cultural artifacts, live demonstrations, talented actors, interactive displays and other interesting information about life on the canal. Trips on tour boats and children’s museums, swimming and biking round out the family experience. More than 50 festivals along the waters’ edge spark waves of hearty music, top-of-the-line entertainment and local food that’s sure to whet the appetite.
Canal events calendar...

History
American history comes to life along the canal. Yankee soldiers once treaded upon northern battlefields with loaded muskets. Tours of those battlefields and forts such as Fort Ticonderoga, Oriskany and Fort Ontario are conducted daily. For a closer look at women’s history, visit Seneca Falls where the first Women’s Rights Convention was held in 1848. It also is home to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

More than 20 museums line the Canal System, each another page in New York’s vibrant history. Explore vestiges of old abandoned canal sections, preserved stone locks and grassy towpaths once trodden by mule teams.
Canal musuems...

Relaxation
Breathtaking sunsets, long cruises and the serenity of the natural surroundings create a relaxing atmosphere for those looking for a soothing vacation. Tour more than 57 wineries in the Cayuga-Seneca region, or spend a romantic weekend at a canal-side inn or bed and breakfast. Capture the true spirit of canal history as you stay in an original canal inn at Richardson’s Canal House in Pittsford. Boutiques, shops, spas and restaurants offer travelers a placid alternative to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Entertainment
More than 50 festivals spawning eclectic music, featured performers and delectable dishes, will take place during the 175^th Anniversary year. Open-air concerts at the Finger Lakes Performing Arts center in Canadaigua, bi-weekly concerts at a canalside park in Pittsford, and ballet and orchestra performances at the Saratoga Peforming Arts Center, as well as numerous other live entertainment opportunities are just a few of the attractions that make the canals an ideal getaway.
Canal events calendar...

The 524-mile New York State Canal System is a network of navigable, inland waterways that take travelers to nearly every major city in New York State -- a necklace of more than 40 communities. Whether boaters have a weekend or several weeks, segments of the canal can be experienced whether you own a boat or not.

The Canal System, which is open from early May until mid-November, has public and private boat launch sites and marinas that are highly accessible. More than 70 marinas offer services and amenities such as transient and overnight dockage, utilities, fuel and pumpouts. Additional tie-ups are available in canalside communities for boaters to dock and set out on landside adventures, and improved waterfront dockage, restrooms and picnic facilities can be found at many of the Canal System locks.

For More Information:
New York State Canal Corporation
P.O. Box 189
Albany, NY 12201-0189
800/4CANAL4

Vacationing in New York State:
New York State Division of Tourism
One Commerce Plaza
Albany, NY 12245
800/CALLNYS

Regional Tourism:
Call a regional tourism professional for help with making your travel plans.