Sail across calm waters, travel new landscapes and uncover the hidden stories of New York’s Erie Canal
By Justine Leavitt
Turn the clock back two centuries, and you’d see crews carving a 363-mile waterway across upstate New York—changing the course of American history in the process. When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, it linked the Hudson River to the Great Lakes, helping quiet farm towns grow into lively centers of business and trade.
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Today, travelers can walk, cycle, or paddle along the canal, exploring routes, crossing locks, and gliding past historic bridges. Soon you’ll see every stop has a story and every mile is packed with character—and with so many inviting towns along the way, it’s simply a matter of choosing the best combination to build your ideal group itinerary.
Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany
Interested in a multi-day journey along historic and modern stretches of the Erie Canal? Then the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor offers your ideal itinerary with flexible options for cycling, walking, and paddling in Rochester, Syracuse and Albany. And with many trails designed to be accessible for travelers of all abilities, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the beauty and serenity of the canal.
So, the time has arrived to explore each city’s past and present. Pedal along scenic paths, pause at artisan cafés, and snap photos at restored bridges. Groups can enjoy short history talks at local museums or watch boats navigating the locks, providing tangible connections to the commerce and innovation that flourished along the canal. For those who enjoy a slower pace, walking tours offer glimpses of canal-era architecture, murals, and other historic landmarks that tell stories of trade and life in the 19th century.
Port Byron: The Heritage Park
A short drive east brings visitors to Port Byron, home to the Erie Canal Heritage Park. Take in the stories of the people who built the canal, including those whose contributions are overlooked. From immigrant laborers to artisans like Brigham Young, many played a part in its construction.
Groups can enjoy interpretive programs that highlight the challenges of building the canal—steep hills, manual labor, and innovative engineering. Every corner of the park invites visitors to take part in 19th-century life along the canal and connect with the history behind the waterway.
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Cayuga-Seneca Canal and Seneca Lake
For a waterborne adventure, voyage across the Cayuga-Seneca Canal or Seneca Lake, where calm waters meet centuries of history. See some of the most scenic views along the canal and immerse yourself in the landscape.
Step aboard the Seneca Chief, a replica canal boat managed by the Buffalo Maritime Center, and cruise past locks while learning about centuries-old commerce and canal life. You can also paddle canoes or kayaks, savoring the gentle breeze, spotting local wildlife, and soaking in the
setting that inspired the travelers and traders of the past. For the more adventurous, guided paddle tours combine history with physical activity, allowing groups to experience the canal much as early boatmen did.
Little Falls: Canal Culture and Community
Keep heading east and you’ll roll into Little Falls. As an Empire State Trail community, it’s one of the gateway towns located directly along New York’s 750-mile recreational trail system.
Here you can stroll along canal-side paths, visit local markets, or picnic by the water. Group can explore local museums, climb observation points overlooking the canal, or enjoy a canal-side yoga. Visiting in the fall? You won’t want to miss Little Falls’s annual Canal Celebration—welcoming the Seneca Chief each October.
Western and Eastern New York: Multiday Cycling Trips
Cycling enthusiasts will find plenty to love along the Erie Canal, with routes stretching across western and eastern New York. Groups can pedal through breathtaking landscapes while following the canal’s two-century-old path.
Every lock, bridge, and restored building tells a story. Riders can pause for photographs, enjoy lunch amid rolling farmland, and reflect on the ingenuity that built this extraordinary waterway. Guided cycling tours often include stops at heritage parks, scenic overlooks, and artisan workshops, providing a range of experiences. Some itineraries even include evening paddling excursions or overnight stays in canal-side inns. These experiences allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in the canal’s rich past.
Know Before You Go
- Build in snack time: Canal-side cafés, markets, breweries, and farm stands are part of the experience—plan stops to try regional specialties like cider, cheese, or farm-to-table dishes.
- Pack for photo ops: With such scenic landscapes around you, you’ll want to capture it for years to come. So keep a camera or phone handy for unexpected snapshots.
- Use local tools: Resources from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, MyLittle Falls, and the Canal Society of New York State include downloadable maps, trail conditions, itineraries, and accessibility notes to help tailor your trip.
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