Erie Canalway: Add This Legendary Trip to Your Travel Bucket List

Add the Erie Canalway, the 8th wonder of the world in the 19th century and navigable National Historic Landmark, to your travel bucket list.

First opening on October 26, 1825, the Erie Canalway in Upstate New York transformed the state, the nation, and the world.

In 2025, the Erie Canal celebrates its 201st navigation season and also its bicentennial year.

The legendary canalway thoroughly delights outdoor enthusiasts. Get on the water with a boat, kayak, or canoe. Bike, hike, or run along the old towpaths of the Erie Canalway Trail, part of the 750-mile (1,207 km) Empire State Trail.

The world-changing waterway especially enchants and engages those who navigate by car through the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, 524 miles (843.2 km) East to West across New York State.

Yes, you read that correctly: By car. A road trip is, quite simply, a unique and wonderful way to navigate the Erie Canal.

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor makes an uncommon and unforgettable road trip adventure along the legendary Erie Canal, end to end.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Erie Canalway: A Legendary Road Trip

So, you may be wondering, why drive the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor?

After all, you may be thinking, the Erie Canal isn’t like Route 66, the ultimate epic road trip immortalized in pop songs, books, TV shows, and movies.

Well, in truth, that’s an excellent question. And, in truth, here’s the answer from our firsthand experiences:

Because a road trip allows you to explore, experience, and be inspired by the Erie Canal’s story in a thoughtful and purposeful manner. To engage its heart and its meaning in an attentive and immersive way.

Sure, the New York State Thruway certainly can speed you across the state in a straight line.

But this journey isn’t about efficiency.

This journey is about discovery.

Firstly, it’s about seeing:

• A rare and remarkable resource found nowhere else.
• An epic project of vision and passion that put the “empire” in Empire State.
• Arts, culture, community, and hospitality in canal villages, towns, and big cities alike.

Secondly, it’s about understanding:

• Rich history.
• Ongoing resilience through boom, bust, and rebirth.
• Modern-day relevance.

Let the Legendary Erie Canal Adventure Begin

Now, let’s discover together the legendary Erie Canal, end to end, on an unexpectedly legendary bucket-list adventure.

You’ll find a custom interactive map of all Erie Canalway destinations, hotels, and attractions described below. Plus a few “fascinating facts” related to this transformational waterway.

As well as candid observations and recommendations from our many meaningful travels along this legendary waterway.

So, let’s start our proverbial engines for this legendary Erie Canal road trip.

And let the planning begin to put your Erie Canalway bucket-list adventure in motion.

Ready? The motor’s running, so let’s go!

Erie Canalway: Perspective Changes Everything

We believe perspective changes everything. Because perspective is everything. In travel, and in life.

Given that, here’s how a sudden change in perspective inspired our inaugural Erie Canal travel odyssey:

In August, we popped into Lockport, New York. Lockport is a 19th-century community close to world-famous Niagara Falls USA, and the lovely hidden gem of Lewiston, New York.

Lockport is home to Steamworks Coffee Roasters, a hot-spot Third Wave Coffee shop. We’d been there countless times since moving from our hometown San Francisco, California.

Additionally, Lockport is also the canal’s current western terminus and heritage district with the landmark Flight of Five Locks.

Serendipitously, on this visit, we saw a boat locking through Locks 34 and 35.

Suddenly, seeing this centuries-old technology in action captivated us. Surprisingly, our perspective promptly changed from “Oh, okay” to “Oh wow!”

Soon thereafter, we set out on a road trip to explore the legendary Erie Canal, end to end. To see and learn why and how this centuries-old waterway creates modern-day impact.

Erie Canal Fascinating Fact:

A canal lock basically works like a water elevator. The lock gates control the water flowing in to raise boats, or water flowing out to lower boats between different levels.

The great Italian Renaissance artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci designed the technology 500 years ago.

Erie Canalway: An Overview of Flow

The Erie Canal itself flows 363 miles (584.1 km) long and endless smiles wide across Upstate New York.

Since 1825, this liquid path of blue forms a “Main Street” that connects:

• Cities, towns, and villages from Albany to Buffalo.
• Hudson River and Lake Erie.
• Atlantic Ocean and Great Lakes.
• Past, present, and future.
• Hues of blues and shades of seasons.

To quote the late Thomas Grasso – President Emeritus of the Canal Society of New York, globally acclaimed canal expert, internationally awarded preservation champion, and much-missed friend to everyone – whose personal insight helped shape our inaugural journey:

“The Erie Canal was transformative in the real, true sense of the word. There was land here, then there was water. That’s transformation, and it was powerful.”

Today, all along the Erie Canal, end to end, the “Main Street” revitalization is presently on the rise long after its transformative 19th-century heyday.

When you embark on your legendary Erie Canal road trip, then you essentially become part of the “Main Street” renaissance now underway.

That’s meaningful travel, and it’s powerful.

Erie Canal End to End Inaugural Itineraries, Then and Now

Our inaugural road trip itinerary took us from Buffalo to Albany, west to east across Upstate New York, along the Erie Canal, end to end.

This west-to-east road trip route follows the inaugural navigational route of Governor DeWitt Clinton on the historic Erie Canal Opening Day, October 26, 1825.

On this milestone occasion, Governor Clinton sailed aboard the Seneca Chief from Buffalo to Albany. The Seneca Chief then “turned right” into the Hudson River and subsequently continued downriver to New York City.

Arriving with cannon fanfare and universal acclaim, Governor Clinton poured an urn of Lake Erie water into New York Harbor – a headline-making event celebrated as “The Wedding of the Waters.”

In short, our first west-to-east journey along the Erie Canal, end to end, took 2 weeks overall.

Our pace was deliberately slow and purposeful. Not only to see historic landmarks and visit top attractions. But also to experience authentic canal life, talk to contemporary canallers, and connect with community locals. Oh yes, and seek out the best specialty coffee!

On your bucket-list adventure, of course, you’ll choose to start anywhere along the Erie Canalway National Corridor. At the pace that suits you best indeed. For as long or as short of a journey as you wish.

Because there’s something special – and someone special – to discover everywhere along the legendary Erie Canalway.

And this, after all, is your legendary Erie Canal trip.

Ready? The motor’s running, so let’s go!

Erie Canalway Travel Bucket List Itinerary

Western New York, Buffalo to Rochester

Early morning, with your coffee travel mug brimming with piping-hot elixir, head out along the back roads of Upstate New York.

Buffalo, Erie County

Buffalo’s lively Canalside waterfront area was once the canal’s original western terminus. Today, the federal government manages the modern lock. However, Buffalo and Canalside still play an important role in the legendary Erie Canal.

Here in the Longshed, the Buffalo Maritime Center built the Seneca Chief replica canal boat for the Erie Canal Bicentennial and World Canal Conference in 2025.

It was exciting to see two professional boatwrights and over 200 volunteers build this beautiful canal boat by hand. And later to watch the finished boat, gleaming in yellow, white, and green, launch on her Erie Canal Maiden Voyage on May 7th, 2024.

Read on for the thrilling plans in store for her Erie Canal Bicentennial Voyage!

Address: Buffalo Maritime Center | 90 Arthur Street | Buffalo, NY 14207

Lockport, Niagara County

In Lockport, the “Lock City,” visit the Locks Heritage District, Heritage Award winner on the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

You’ll explore the Locks District Museum, the Erie Canal Discovery Center, and the fabled Flight of Five Locks.

The broad stairs dividing the “modern” double locks and the impeccably restored and fully functional historic lock hosts one of the most instagrammable places on the Erie Canal.

So, make sure to snap a keepsake photo with the Lock Tenders Tribute Monument, completed in 2023.

Sculpted by local artist Susan Geissler, the Lock Tenders Tribute recreates an 1897 photo of 14 figures: 12 stern lock workers, one sweet little girl, and the photographer.

Address: Locks Heritage District and Lock Tenders Tribute Monument | 80 Canal Street | Lockport, NY 14094

To enjoy to the fullest this scenic section along the Niagara Escarpment, add extra time for the Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises.

This approximately two-hour cruise launches from a restored 1840 warehouse and dock. The motorboat twice locks through Lock 34 and Lock 35, passes under bridges, and sails along the canalway. The US Coast Guard-certified captain provides folksy narration – and often a few jokes.

Address: Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises | 210 Market Street | Lockport, NY 14094

Medina, Orleans County

With its picturesque 19th-century Main Street, the canalside village of Medina seems straight from a postcard.

Charming shops, upscale boutiques and bookstores, fine dining, casual cafes, and coffee shops bridge the past and present.

Just off Medina Main Street, the Medina Railroad Museum captivates the young and the young at heart. It’s the largest railroad and model train museum in the entire state, and it’s awesome!

Address: Medina Railroad Museum | 530 West Avenue | Medina, NY 14103

Additionally, the self-guided Medina Sandstone walking tour highlights the famous tinted stone quarried here.

Medina Sandstone chiefly was the preferred construction material in many important buildings in New York and other states. Especially the spectacular “million-dollar staircase” at the New York State Capitol which you’ll visit in Albany.

Besides these charms, there’s the beautiful Erie Canal basin with scenic views, public art, and marine services.

Erie Canal Fascinating Fact:

Medina boasts the one-and-only tunnel under the Erie Canal. A short drive east of downtown, Culvert Road dips down to the one-lane stone tunnel built in 1823. A plaque on either side commemorates the tunnel’s construction and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! citation.

By the way, it’s a time-honored tradition to honk in the tunnel. Beep, beep!

Address: Erie Canal Culvert Road Tunnel | 3699 Culvert Road | Medina, NY 14103

Brockport, Monroe County

Thriving canalside and trailside, Brockport won both the Heritage Award from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the first Empire State Trail Town from Parks and Trails New York.

Brockport, the “Victorian Village on the Erie Canal,” balances living history and lively modernity. It’s home to living history as well as the State University of New York SUNY Brockport.

Take a short walk from the Canalfront Welcome Center, open all year, to the Main Street Historic District.

The self-guided Museum Without Walls walking tour features public art installations and notable buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Brockport’s Main Street Historic District draws locals, university students, and tourists to its classic mix of shops, services, and restaurants.

Address: Brockport Welcome Center | 11 Water Street | Brockport, NY 14420

Rochester, Monroe County

Next, continue cruising east enroute to the urban environs of Rochester, the “Flower City. “

Visit the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC), where the hands-on canal exhibit playfully shows how canal locks work.

Don’t let the formal name fool you: RMSC makes science super fun in the high-touch Adventure Zone.

Address: Rochester Museum and Science Center | 657 East Avenue | Rochester, NY 14607

Pittsford, Monroe County

In pretty 19th-century Pittsford, book your passage aboard the Sam Patch replica packet boat for a lovely 90-minute cruise through Lock 32.

Corn Hill Navigation, a non-profit organization, operates its Erie Canal boat tours and Genesee River with a gentle focus on history, environment, and culture. During the Erie Canal boat tour, the US Coast Guard-certified captain may point out blue herons and other wildlife.

The Sam Patch was our first Erie Canal cruise, and we thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. Fellow passengers of all ages did, too.

When “The Erie Canal Song” came on, everyone sang the chorus – heartily and happily, loudly and proudly. Everyone, that is, but us; alas, we didn’t know the lyrics. Keep reading, because we’ve got you covered for your Erie Canal cruise.

Erie Canal Fascinating Fact:

The Sam Patch name honors the first American daredevil, the “Daring Yankee” and “Yankee Leaper” who earned fame and fortune by leaping into waterfalls.

In 1829, Sam’s leap into the Niagara Falls Gorge in Western New York ensured his celebrity status.

Later that year, he jumped twice into the Genesee River Falls in Rochester. Sadly, Sam didn’t survive his second leap on Friday the 13th of November, 1829.

Address: Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours | 12 Schoen Place | Pittsford, NY 14534

Besides Pittsford, both Bushnell’s Basin and delightful Fairport form the Erie Canalway’s “sweet spot.” Quite literally! Abbott’s Frozen Custard has been dishing up sweet treats since 1902.

Address: Abbott’s Frozen Custard | 624 Pittsford Victor Road | Pittsford, NY 14534

Where to Stay in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

Afterward, spend the evening at Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel and Spa.

Del Monte Lodge is the top choice for its canalside location and tranquil luxury. Not to mention, it’s one of the best hotels on the Erie Canal.

Address: Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel and Spa | 41 North Main Street | Pittsford, NY 14534

Central New York: Rochester to Utica

Syracuse, Onondaga County

Stopping in Syracuse, the “Salt City” so-called for the Onondaga Salt Springs, you certainly must visit the Erie Canal Museum.

Housed in the 1850 Weighlock Building, the Erie Canal Museum delivers excellent education with ample colorful exhibits.

You’ll want to tour both floors inside, as well as the Locktender’s Garden outside.

Walk through the full-size Frank Buchanan Thomson replica canal boat – fascinating to imagine yourself as a 19th-century passenger!

Address: Erie Canal Museum | 318 Erie Boulevard East | Syracuse, NY 13202

Utica, Oneida County

Gateway to the Getaway Region, Utica revitalizes its present with public art projects, a dynamic culinary scene, and a diverse community.

Likewise, many landmark buildings in active use continue to restore and renew Utica’s Golden Age innovations. For example, engineers re-routed the Mohawk River in order to expand the Erie Canal and build the bustling Union Station in 1914.

Over 100 years later, Union Station is still bustling. This grand train station is also known as the Boehlert Transportation Station, a public transportation hub for Amtrak trains, the Adirondack Railroad Heritage Railway, and bus companies.

Address: Utica Union Station – Boehlert Transportation Center | 321 Main Street | Utica, NY 13501

If scheduling stars align with your legendary Erie Canal road trip, then catch a show at the equally epic Stanley Theatre.

This 1928 architectural masterpiece remains entirely original and intact from opening day, even to the exact replica of the Titanic staircase.

Home to the Utica Symphony Orchestra, Mohawk Valley Ballet, and big-time Broadway productions, the Stanley is additionally certified as a New York State soundstage.

Address: The Stanley Theatre | 259 Genesee Street | Utica, NY 13051

Where to Stay in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

When it’s time to rest, then the iconic Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Utica is an ideal choice.

Reborn after decades of decay, this delightful gem of a downtown hotel gleams anew following careful and conscientious restoration.

Address: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Utica | 102 Lafayette Street | Utica, NY 13502

Central New York: Utica to Amsterdam

Fort Plain, Montgomery County

Although its focus is earlier than the Erie Canalway, the Fort Plain Museum and Historical Park is well worth a visit.

Its mission is to preserve and protect the Mohawk Valley’s Native American and Revolutionary War legacy.

Its extensive collections highlight the region’s rich history, as well as its strategic importance to General George Washington.

Additionally, the bookstore offers over 600 titles – perhaps the largest literary resource on this topic anywhere.

Address: Fort Plain Museum and Historical Park | 389 Canal Street | Fort Plain, NY 13339

Canajoharie, Montgomery County

A major cultural attraction in a quaint canal town, both the Arkell Museum and Canajoharie Library promote and celebrate American arts and Mohawk Valley history.

The striking streamlined architecture at the original Beech-Nut factory site showcases world-class permanent and rotating works. For instance:

• Founder Bartlett Arkell’s personal collection of leading American artists such as Winslow Homer, Gilbert Stuart, Robert Henri, George Innes, and John Singer Sargent.
• Beech-Nut’s early 20th-century advertising materials – clever, colorful, collectible.
• Extensive regional artifacts, interactive exhibits, and community events.
• Graceful sculptures and fountains in the verdant gardens.

In the newly built Great Hall, look down at Tom Schutz’s massive Montgomery County map on the stained concrete floor. Then look up at William Wall’s Mohawk River Valley painting reproduced on a monumental scale on the wall.

In the grand 1920s-era Gallery, gaze upon Mr. Arkell’s glorious array of artwork in elegant and indeed astonishing display.

In addition to the superb original masterpieces, the patron had commissioned a stellar reproduction of The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn, the transcendent 1642 masterpiece at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

This renowned art museum off the beaten path is a true hidden gem of art, culture, and community in the Canajoharie Historic District.

Address: Arkell Museum and Canajoharie Library | 2 Erie Boulevard | Canajoharie, NY 13317

Fort Hunter, Montgomery County

In Fort Hunter, Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is a verdant treasure trove. Here, thrill your inner archaeologist with all three Erie Canalway eras. And let’s not forget the evocative Schoharie Aqueduct ruins.

The Schoharie Crossing Visitors Center further offers the Pathway to Empire interactive displays and a super-cool scale model of the aqueduct.

Besides these historic landmarks, the park provides year-round amenities for picnicking, paddling, biking, hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing trails.

Address: Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site | 129 Schoharie Street | Fort Hunter, NY 12069

Where to Stay in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

While there’s still much to discover on your legendary road trip, the Amsterdam Castle invites you to a relaxing respite.

This 1895 armory, restored and converted to a family-owned boutique hotel and restaurant, presents a European-inspired ambiance combined with friendly local service.

Amsterdam Castle is, without doubt, a one-of-a-kind place to stay.

Erie Canal Fascinating Fact:

Leading architect Isaac Gale Perry designed the 1895 Armory, now the Amsterdam Castle where you’ll stay.

In 1899, Mr. Perry also completed the landmark New York State Capitol which you’ll soon visit in Capital City.

Address: Amsterdam Castle | 49 Florida Avenue | Amsterdam, NY 12010

Eastern New York: Amsterdam to Albany

Welcome to the vibrant and vital heart of New York State power, politics, civics, and culture!

Albany, Albany County

Albany, the “Capital City,” has wielded importance and influence for over 400 years and counting.

With so much history and so many things to see and do in Albany, let’s start with the must-visit top attractions.

New York State Capitol:

To begin with, tour the magnificent New York State Capitol, completed in 1899 after 32 years of construction. We highly recommend the free guided tours of this National Historic Landmark available on weekdays.

The “million-dollar staircase” of Medina Sandstone is a magnificent and majestic sight. And due to your legendary Erie Canal road trip, you’ll have the quiet satisfaction of visiting its village of origin.

Address: New York State Capitol | State Street and Washington Avenue | Albany, NY 12224

Empire State Plaza:

Wander in wonder through Empire State Plaza, Governor Nelson Rockefeller’s Modernist monument built between 1965 to 1976.

This extraordinary expanse encompasses the Empire State Plaza Art Collection, The Egg Performing Arts Center, and much more.

Address: Empire State Plaza | 100 South Mall Arterial | Albany, NY 12242

New York State Museum:

The New York State Museum presents an impressive and immense array of historic, cultural, and natural collections. Which includes the mighty Ice Age Cohoes Mastodon, unearthed in 1866 in the nearby Erie Canal town.

Address: New York State Museum | 222 Madison Avenue | Albany, NY 12230

Palace Theatre:

Later, see a show at the phenomenal Palace Theatre, Albany’s 1931 Art Deco movie temple. Its original interior includes restored artwork and an adorable candy concession stand.

This premier performance venue hosts major concerts, comedy shows, and film screenings during the year. The Palace also supports arts education for thousands of local families with children.

Furthermore, the renowned Albany Symphony calls the Palace home.

Address: Palace Theatre | 19 Clinton Avenue | Albany, NY 12207

Where to Stay in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

Given that Albany County offers a wealth of wonders, the Renaissance Albany Hotel provides a luxurious and comfortable stay in the Capital Region.

Its central location is prestigious – right at the foot of the New York State Capitol Building.

Its design-forward style blends handsome heritage, fresh elements, and whimsical touches.

Address: Renaissance Albany Hotel | 144 State Street | Albany, NY 12207

Eastern New York: Albany to Waterford

When you roll out from the Capital City of Albany, roll into three special Erie Canalway communities in the Capital Region: Cohoes, Troy, and Waterford.

Cohoes, Albany County

The intimate Cohoes Music Hall in “Spindle City” retains original ornate decor, cozy seating, and excellent acoustics.

Popular programming has kept this historic performance venue operating continuously since 1874.

Address: Cohoes Music Hall | 58 Remsen Street | Cohoes, NY 12047

Once you “shop small, shop local” in downtown Cohoes, a National Register Historic District, then head up through Harmony Mills Historic District to Cohoes Falls.

There’s a small public park and vista point overlooking the wondrous waterfalls which are 90 feet (28 m) high and 1,000 feet (305 m) wide.

Some call these thundering cataracts “the Niagara Falls of Eastern New York.” Nonetheless, Cohoes Falls has their own distinct drama.

Address: Cohoes Falls Vista Point | North Mohawk Street | Cohoes, NY 12047

Troy, Rensselaer County

Across the Hudson River from Cohoes, Troy the “Collar City” boasts its own National Historic Landmark: the exceptional 1875 Troy Savings Bank Music Hall with perfect acoustics.

In performance season, i.e., May to September, Troy Music Hall is a must-see and must-hear concert venue.

Address: Troy Savings Bank Music Hall | 30 Second Street | Troy, NY 12180

Chic boutiques, antiques and music stores, swanky cafes, stylish eateries, salons, and services line the historic avenues of downtown Troy.

So, stroll the tree-lined cobblestone streets at leisure. Appreciate the elegant architecture. Browse and buy in the shops, which include some fine independent bookstores.

Also, meander the length of Franklin Alley. Playful photorealistic murals by artist Joe Iurato, plus new lighting and paving, transformed an ordinary working alley into an outdoor public art gallery.

Address: Franklin Alley | Franklin Street between Broadway and River Street | Troy, NY 12180

Erie Canal Fascinating Fact:

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Troy formerly ranked among the wealthiest cities in the United States. In the 21st century, Troy continues to thrive.

Due to the 19th-century architectural wealth well preserved here, HBO chose Troy as the filming location for its hit series, The Gilded Age. Not surprisingly, The Gilded Age isn’t set in Troy but rather in New York City.

Waterford, Saratoga County

Finally, you reach Waterford with its own Flight of Five Locks, the easternmost end of the Erie Canal.

Waterford marks the Erie Canal’s eastern terminus at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers.

From Waterford Lock 2, boaters can either “turn left” to continue north up the Champlain Canal to Canada. Or “turn right” to cruise south down the Hudson River to New York City.

The Flight of Five Locks at either end – Lockport in the West, Waterford in the East – completes the legendary Erie Canal, end to end.

Similarly, the paired Flight of Five Locks completes your legendary Erie Canal trip, end to end.

Where to Stay in the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

In historic Troy, the modern Courtyard by Marriott Albany Troy Waterfront is considered a business hotel.

This Courtyard, however, features warm local hospitality and river views along with collaborative workspaces, a bistro, and free WiFi.

Its convenient location on the Hudson River waterfront is mere moments from downtown Troy. Alternatively, the setting is quieter than Capital City. Still, it’s less than a 15-minute drive to Albany’s abundant attractions.

Address: Courtyard by Marriott Albany Troy Waterfront | 515 River Street | Troy, NY 12180

Erie Canalway: True Heart, Epic Meaning

The True Heart of the Erie Canal

“And you’ll always know your neighbor
And you’ll always know your pal
If you’ve ever navigated on the Erie Canal”
(“Low Bridge, Everybody Down” by Thomas S. Allen)

When you navigate the legendary Erie Canal by land, you’ll surely meet new “neighbors and pals” such as:

• Locktenders (the traditional 19th-century term) and lockmasters. Responsible for all operations and maintenance of their locks.
• Professors and politicians. Historians and hoteliers. Artists and authors. Cultural caretakers and curators.
• Innovators and coffeemakers – oh yes, the craft of Third Wave Coffee is brewing and booming along the canal!
• Our wonderful partners at New York State Canal Corporation, Visit Rochester, Oneida County Tourism, Montgomery County Tourism, and Discover Albany.

Because the Erie Canalway’s true heart is people. Hospitable, memorable, and proud ambassadors of the canal, canal culture, and canal communities.

The Epic Meaning of the Erie Canal

Every 4th grader learns about the Erie Canalway, the 8th wonder of the world in the 19th century. Epic project of vision and passion that put the “empire” in Empire State.

The Erie Canal transformed how we live, work, meet, and travel. It opened up the state, the continent, and in fact, the world.

But the Erie Canalway today is more than musty, dusty history.

It’s a real-life, life-changing story about a rare and remarkable resource, place, and people.

Because the Erie Canalway’s epic meaning is hope. Buoyant, audacious, enduring hope.

Ever since Opening Day on October 26, 1825, despite wars, floods, fires, and hardships, the Erie Canal has never stopped operating.

In 2025, the Erie Canalway celebrates its 201st navigation season – again, that’s continuous years of operation! – and its 200th anniversary year.

It’s as if endless waves of hope flow across the canal, canal culture, and canal communities. Through boom and bust, revitalization, and renaissance. For two centuries and counting.

So, add the legendary Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to your travel bucket list.

Discover the unparalleled rich history, powerful resilience, and compelling relevance of the Erie Canal today.

Come explore, experience, and be inspired by its heart and hope on your legendary Erie Canal trip.

Erie Canal Navigation Season

In 2025, as mentioned earlier, the Erie Canal celebrates its 200th anniversary and 201st navigation season.

The bicentennial year 2025 is thus the perfect year to shift your legendary Erie Canal road trip from planning status into drive mode.

Well, you may ask, when is the perfect time for my Erie Canalway bucket-list adventure?

Certainly, you can travel by car along the legendary Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor at any time.

The winter months are actually quite magical. When winter activities such as birding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are popular.

However, during the winter season, the canal system is “de-watered.” In other words, it’s drained for maintenance on the canals, locks, gates, bridges, and trails.

As you can easily imagine, maintaining and operating the old Erie Canal and the historic canal system entail a vast amount of work, resources, and people.

After all, even the “modern” New York Barge Canal – the newest, deepest, and widest of the three Erie Canal iterations – opened in 1918.

Every year since 1825, the Erie Canal has opened for Navigation Season, usually from mid-May to mid-October. Occasionally in history, until early November.

So, the best time to travel along the Canalway is during Navigation Season. When the entire New York State Canal System fills with water and boats: Tour boats, commercial barges, fishing boats, motor yachts, sailboats, kayaks, and canoes.

With that in mind, let’s consider the opening and closing dates of the milestone 2025 Navigation Season.

Erie Canal Navigation Season 2025 Dates

The Erie Canal Navigation Season opens on Friday, May 16th, 2025 – all conditions permitting, of course.

The Erie Canal closing date for the 2025 Navigation Season has not been officially announced at this time of publication.

Based on the last few seasons, the Erie Canal could be expected to close to leisure boats on Wednesday, October 15th, 2025.

However, due to the extraordinary Erie Canal Bicentennial plans, such as the once-in-two-centuries Bicentennial Voyage described below, it’s likely the closing date may be extended.

So stay tuned – we’ll keep you updated.

World Canal Conference 2025

The World Canal Conference 2025 comes to Buffalo, New York, from September 21st to September 25th, 2025.

This annual professional conference gathers representatives of canals and inland waterways, canal experts, historians, and canaller aficionados from around the world.

They meet together to discuss challenges, strategize solutions, and innovate initiatives for their communities and their industry. As well as commemorate and celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial.

As the surefire finale of the World Canals Conference 2025, the replica Seneca Chief canal boat will sail on her Erie Canal Bicentennial Voyage to honor the history-making 1825 voyage of Governor DeWitt Clinton aboard the original Seneca Chief.

Erie Canal Bicentennial 2025

The Seneca Chief is scheduled to depart from the Buffalo Maritime Center on September 25th, 2025.

She’ll sail the Erie Canal, end to end, from Buffalo to Albany, west to east. Then “turn right” and subsequently continue down the Hudson River to New York City.

The Seneca Chief is expected to arrive in New York City on October 25th or October 26th, 2025.

In a similar fashion to Governor DeWitt, the original Seneca Chief, and the first “Wedding of the Waters,” fabulous fanfare and fulsome acclaim will undoubtedly accompany this second “Wedding of the Waters.”

We must tell you: After touring the Seneca Chief under construction, hand-crafted by two shipwrights and over 200 volunteers at the Buffalo Maritime Center, we can’t wait to see this once-in-a-lifetime event unfold.

Whether or not your legendary Erie Canalway bucket-list trip coincides with the World Canals Conference or the Seneca Chief Bicentennial Voyage, you’ll surely reap the benefits of the year-long Erie Canal Bicentennial 2025.

Happy 200th Birthday to the Erie Canalway!

Erie Canal Song

Hailed as the 8th wonder of the world, the Erie Canal dominated 19th-century newspapers – and also 19th-century music charts.

Besides folk tunes and even Broadway hits sung about the wondrous waterway, one song stands above the rest. One song defines America’s canal song.

It’s an old song still sung in the 21st century by schoolchildren. By folk musicians like Pete Seeger. And by rock stars like Bruce Springsteen.

That song, of course, is “Low Bridge, Everybody Down” – or as it’s fondly known, “The Erie Canal Song.”

Written and copyrighted by Thomas S. Allen in 1905, the actual composer and publication date were matters of debate back in the day. These days, obviously, it’s in the public domain.

Erie Canal Song Lyrics

The iconic Erie Canal Song lyrics – five verses, each with a different chorus – have changed over time.

Versions particularly changed from “15 Years on the Erie Canal” to the later and presently more popular phrase “15 Miles on the Erie Canal.”

So here’s Allen’s original first verse and first chorus for you to sing along – heartily and happily, loudly and proudly – on your Erie Canal tour boat:

Verse:
“I’ve got an old mule, and her name is Sal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
She’s a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen years on the Erie Canal
We’ve hauled some barges in our day
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay
And every inch of the way I know
From Albany to Buffalo“
Chorus:
“Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge, we must be getting near a town
You can always tell your neighbor
You can always tell your pal
If he’s ever navigated on the Erie Canal“
(“Low Bridge, Everybody Down” by Thomas S. Allen, 1905)

Dive deep into the complete Erie Canal song lyrics – and all kinds of Erie Canal folk songs and musical tales – in Dr. William Hullfish’s fun and informative book, The Erie Canal Sings: A Musical History of New York’s Grand Waterway.

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Video: Erie Canal Cruise Through Lock 32

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Erie Canal Map

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Sources and Recommendations

Boating information for the NYS Canal System – the Erie Canal, Champlain Canal, Oswego Canal, and Cayuga-Seneca Canal – at New York State Canal Corporation

Bernstein, Peter L., Wedding of the Waters: The Erie Canal and the Making of a Great Nation. W. W. Norton & Company, 2006.

Cycling the Erie Canal: A Guide to 360 Miles of Adventure and History Along the Erie Canalway Trail. 5th edition, Parks and Trails New York, 2021.

Daino Stack, Debbie and Captain Ronald S. Marquisee, The Erie Canal: Cruising America’s Waterways. Media Artists, Inc., 2001.

Grasso, Thomas X. The Old Erie Canal Heritage Park at Port Byron. 4th edition, Canal Society of New York, 2021.

Hullfish, Bill with Dave Ruch, The Erie Canal Sings: A Musical History of New York’s Grand Waterway. The History Press, 2019.

Takeya Insulated Stainless Steel Coffee Travel Mug (the 17-ounce and 24-ounce versions fit most cupholders).

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