erie canal tours

ERIE CANAL SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

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ERIE CANAL SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Our sight seeing cruises depart daily! Enjoy the scenery of the Mohawk Valley as you cruise the calm waters of the Erie Canal, learning about the history of the area and locks.

Award-winning narration along with spectacular scenery and a ride in a Lock, also known as a “liquid elevator” await you on our daily Erie Canal sightseeing cruises. We cruise through Lock 18 on the Erie Canal, lifting and lowering vessels over 20 feet! Browse our cruise schedule and reserve your tickets online.

Erie Canal Adventures

Canal Hireboat/House Boat Rentals

Rent beautifully equipped and fully outfitted self-piloted canal boats.  Our fleet is reminiscent of European canal boats but with additional comforts and design elements that are purpose-built for the Erie Canal.

Marina and Marine Services

Erie Macedon Landing is home to Erie Canal Adventures but is also a full marina for customers.  Featuring seasonal and shorter-term dockage, storage, marine & convenience store, gas/diesel and much more.

Learn about our commitment to cleanliness

Your adventure awaits.

The Erie Canal is one of the most impressive transportation and engineering marvels.  The Erie Canal accelerated commerce and increased travel throughout much of the northeast.

Our mission at Erie Canal Adventures is to allow our customers to experience the beauty, engineering ingenuity, and quaintness that defines the Erie Canal Region.

Whether your adventure is a multi-day charter of a houseboat, daily rental of watercraft, or a seasonal dockage for your own vessel, our entire team is here to ensure you get the most of your time in the Erie Canal Region.

Learn More About Our Excursion Options...

Review our trip options and plan your Erie Canal Adventure today.

Erie Canal Cruises

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Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Erie Canal Cruises - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Meandering 363 miles across New York State and linking Lake Erie to the Hudson River, the Erie Canal is widely considered one of the most significant accomplishments of American engineering. Enjoy the calm blue waters of this modern-day marvel and learn more about its important history aboard your cruise.

Opened in 1825, the canal is credited with making New York the busiest port in the U.S. during its heyday, stimulating business and trade in cities along the canal’s banks. Today, cruises may include onboard musical performances, stops at the official Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse or wine tastings and shopping at waterfront communities. Itineraries might also spend time on the Hudson River.

Sailings with a "between locks" option let you disembark while waiting for some of the canal’s 35 locks to raise or lower your ship. And in your downtime, climb on deck and admire the variety of lush waterscape, passing through lakes or beneath low bridges, watching shores and skies dotted with geese and great blue herons.

These cruises offer exceptional value for your dollar and are easy to budget, as your stateroom and onboard meals are included in the rate that you pay up front.

Boat the Canals

Bike/hike the canals, canal road trips, explore the canals, western erie canal, eastern erie canal, cayuga/seneca canals, oswego canal, champlain canal.

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• Erie Canal Cruises
• Powerboat Training

Cruise the Erie Canal on an Electric Boat

"on the canals" free cruises sponsored by nys canal corporation and ny power authority, info & prices for private charter cruises see below.

15 Smiles on the Erie Canal!

Take a cruise on the quiet, clean, comfortable Duffy ELECTRIC boat.  Hourly rates for local cruises. Enjoy a cocktail cruise on your way to a favorite canalside restaurant. Take a tour. Go through a lock. Enjoy fall foliage. Just sit back with your favorite beverage and relax. Up to 6 Passengers  Operating between Macedon and Pittsford, NY.  Call for rates and reservations.

585-259-9283

PLAN YOUR OWN PRIVATE EVENT ON A WATER LIMO

The experience, your captain.

"Plug In Aweigh" is a Duffy 22 foot, 100% electric powered vessel. No noise. No exhaust. Clean and quiet.

Captain JJ is a 100 Ton USCG licensed captain, with 15 years experience navigating the Erie Canal. 13 years as captain on Sam Patch and Mary Jemison tour boats. Navigated the entire 524 mile NY canal system in his own boat.

Your private charter cruise is like riding in a limo on the water. Up to 6 passengers. You may bring your own food and beverage on board. Narration of history and operation of Erie Canal from the captain.

Itineraries

Standard cruise is 2 hours. Depart from Mid Lakes Marina, Macedon, NY. See historic sites and travel through Lock 30.  

Custom charter itineraries are available. Please contact Captain JJ to plan your cruise.

$25 per passenger, per hour. (Ex: 2 hour - 4 passenger cruise is $200). No smoking. Sorry, no pets. 

Training Tailored to Your Needs

On the water boat handling instruction.

Learning how to operate your boat effectively makes for a better time on the water. Captain JJ  is a certified National Safe Boating Council  on the water powerboat instructor. Take a complete certification course or just brush up on docking skills. All courses are approved USCG and NASBLA content in accordance with the National On The Water Standards.  

NY State Boater Safety Certificate Courses

Contact the captain, toss us a line.

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Captain JJ LLC

(585) 259-9283

Copyright © 2023 Captain JJ LLC - All Rights Reserved.

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Tickets on sale NOW for Mothers Day Weekend! A beverage for Mom included with ticket purchase

Corn Hill Waterfront and Navigation Foundation

Erie canal boat tours in pittsford, ny and genesee river boat tours in rochester, ny, come and hop on board, sam patch cruises in pittsford, ny, give the gift of an experience.

• Special Mothers Day Weekend Cruises

Mother's Day Weekend Cruises!

Join Us Mothers Day weekend for complimentary Mimosas for Moms on our 10am morning cruise.

• Hour Glass 1.25-2 hours
• User All Ages

Sam Patch – Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise

Join us on Sam Patch to experience the historic Eric Canal & lock system

• Users Up to 36 People
• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

Riverie – River and Canal Cruise

Explore the Genesee River as it winds its way from High Falls to Genesee Valley Park, and experience the region’s rich history and stunning scenery along the way.

• Hour Glass 2.5 Hours

Riverie – Lunch & Lock 33 Cruise

Travel from the picturesque Genesee River to Lock 33 on the Erie Canal while enjoying breathtaking views and learning about the history of the area. Book now!

• Users Up to 30 People
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

Sam Patch - Live Music Sunset Cruise

Join us aboard the Sam Patch as we cruise along the canal taking in the sunset while listening to some live music, enjoying a refreshing drink. Come get your feet tapping with us.

Riverie – Live Music Sunset Cruise

Enjoy live music from local artists while you cruise around Genesee River, and take in stunning views of Rochester’s skyline as the sun sets.

Riverie Arts & Culture Series

Join us for our new Arts & Culture Series! Throughout the operating season, we will have special guests come on board to give in depth presentations and teach art classes.

Sam Patch Arts & Culture Series

• Users Up to 35 People

July 4th Downtown Fireworks Cruise

Celebrate the 4th of July by watching the fireworks from the best seats in the house!

• Hour Glass 75 min to 2hrs

Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise on Riverie

Travel the routes of America’s early settlers and enjoy an authentic canal cruising experience!

Riverie Cruises in Rochester, NY

Corn hill navigation's boat tours.

Corn Hill Navigation is the 501(c)3 nonprofit operator of the Sam Patch and Riverie Tour Boats. Public cruises and chartered events help to underwrite our efforts to provide field studies on the Erie Canal to thousands of students annually. Our vision is to improve and sustain the Erie Canal and adjoining Genesee River for current and future generations through awareness, education, conservation, and enjoyment.

Our cruises provide unparalleled opportunities to experience history and enjoy a relaxing getaway that showcases the beauty and ingenuity of America’s celebrated Erie Canal.

The Sam Patch & Riverie offer public and student cruises, and private charters tailored to family, friends, and co-workers daily throughout the season. Consider chartering a boat for your private corporate meeting, employee incentive, retreat, or celebration.

In continuous operation for more than 30 years, hundreds of thousands of people of all ages, from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, have experienced the Canal from our decks. Join us for an authentic Canal experience shared by people from all over the world.

A boatful of excitement awaits!

The Erie Canal is a true engineering marvel, and a trip on this little replica packet boat is a great way to see it in action. But Evan, our guide, made this a top-notch experience. He cheerfully helped everyone settle in, setting us up with drinks and snacks, as we cruised quietly toward Lock 32 -- then took the mic for a fascinating and funny narration of the canal's mechanisms, history, construction, and impact. We even had time to double back and check out the famous Great Embankment, where Evan busted out a ukulele and led us in singing the Erie Canal Song. Low bridge, everybody down!

We were in town visiting family. As the weather was very nice, we decided to visit the Erie Canal on the Sam Patch tour. We effortlessly booked our tickets online with a couple of days' notice. No issue. We did notice the other tours that they provide, namely the wine tasting tour and the sunset tour. Both of those appealed to us but they were booked or only ran on the weekend when we would not be available.

We had a really lovely time on the Sam Patch Tour Boat! The crew was really nice, accommodating and knowledgeable. The boat was small but spacious (I’d recommend sitting up near the bow so you can easily see some of the fun) and the snacks and drink options were good (loved the local beer selections). By far, the best part was going through the Lock! This is something that I never though I’d do, or want to do, but so awesome to be a part of! For the money this tour is totally worth it! I also recommend saving room for gelato after the tour at the spot right where you dock 😎

If you’re looking for the perfect experience for a family trip, this is it. 90 minute cruise that I and my 8 and 10 year old grandchildren loved. The crew directed everyone to the front/bow and to the rear/stern at appropriate times so that they did not miss any of the action on the trip-especially in the lock itself which, they said, was the highlight.

Erie Canal Daily Cruises

The Colonial Belle offers the best day trip value for your New York travel budget. Many of our departing passengers tell us "The Colonial Belle is one of the most enjoyable outings in New York State." We are located on the northern edge of the Finger Lakes region, famous for its wine tours as well as its scenic beauty. The Rochester area is a favorite New York tourism destination and provides many leisure activities and events.

Office Hours

May - October 10:00am–2:00pm daily (excluding holidays) November - April Phone calls are answered as frequently as possible. Please leave us a voicemail message if we cannot answer. We have limited staff during our non-operating season. Our business email is checked multiple times a day year round as well.

Gift Certificates

To purchase a Gift Certificate please call us at (585) 223-9470 or buy online with paypal here.

NOTE: Purchasing a Gift Certificate is NOT a reservation. Your gift certificate will be mailed via US mail. Please have the recipient of the Gift Certificate contact us at  (585) 223-9470  to make a reservation for one of our cruises. We look forward to serving you!

CANCELLATIONS Terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. A cruise may be cancelled due to inclement weather, mechanical problems or insufficient number of passengers. Notification will be made when possible.  See our Policies page »

Boarding is 15 min. before departure

• Schedule Subject to Change (Call for Reservations) • Reservations Suggested • Gift Certificates Available • Handicapped Accessible (1st Deck) • Free Parking • Discounts are available to Seniors ages 60+, children, veterans/active military & groups of 25+ on public tours.

Book A Cruise

• Daily Cruises
• Group Cruises, Banquets, Parties
• Our Facilities
• Our History
• Testimonials
• Area Attractions & Links
• Purchase Tickets

We are observing New York State's Covid-19 requirements. Our rates for the 2021 season will remain the same as last year.

Get on board....

• Experience the Locks Experience the Locks
• Looking into the locks Looking into the locks
• Lockport V Lockport V

Click photo for more info...

Enjoy the Party...

• Outside party facility Outside party facility
• Group Cruise Group Cruise
• Veranda Dinner Veranda Dinner

Plan Your Memorable Wedding...

• Wedding Couple in front of boat Wedding Couple in front of boat
• Lockport Canalside outdoor seating Lockport Canalside outdoor seating
• elegant table elegant table

Daily Narrated Sightseeing Cruises

Local history is still very alive at Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises, and has been experienced by almost million people since its inception. Come aboard for a relaxing & informative ride on the 19th-century engineering marvel which opened up the American Frontier.

View Our Live Web Cam!

Click on the image for a larger view.

For more about our cruises, click on the Daily Cruises links above. Call us at 716-433-6155, or toll-free at 1-800-378-0352.

Group Cruises, Cruise & Food Packages, Canalside Banquets

Our unique and versatile facility is perfect for a variety of activities - Casual Parties, Weddings, Meetings, Reunions, Memorials, Company Picnics, or any time you want a unique memorable event. You can arrange special private charter times for your groups of 25 or more.

Our Party Menu Options

Click image to download our Party Menu.

For more about Lockport Locks Group Cruises, call 716-433-6155, or toll-free at 1-800-378-0352.

Wedding Packages and Reception Cruise

Lockport Canalside offers a one-of-a-kind year round location committed to providing you with a casual yet elegant experience.

We have a highly qualified chef, experienced staff and the flexibility to meet your needs. An experienced wedding advisor will help with planning and organizing your ceremony and reception.

Our Wedding Menu Options

Click image to download our Wedding Menu.

We invite you to plan your special event with us. Call 716-433-6155, or toll-free 1-800-378-0352.

Back to Top Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises 210 Market Street, Lockport, NY 14094 716-433-6155 or 800-378-0352 [email protected]

© Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises. All Rights Reserved

NOTE: The year 2020 marked the 20th anniversary of The Erie Canal web site! Hopefully, this site has been both educational and entertaining. The webmaster wishes to thank all those who have helped in this endeavor to present historical information about and images of the Erie Canal, particularly the Canal Society of New York State. Additional information and images from any and all sources will be welcomed. As we face the new decade and continue to enjoy the Erie Canal in both its present state and its historical remnants, you are encouraged to explore the canal and its environs. Enjoy!

"Clinton's Big Ditch"

On July 4th, 1817, ground was broken for the Erie Canal at Rome, N.Y. Two hundred years later, 2017, is the celebration of the bicentennial of this historic event. Proposed in 1808 and completed in 1825, the canal links the waters of Lake Erie in the west to the Hudson River in the east. An engineering marvel when it was built, some called it the Eighth Wonder of the World.

In order to keep pace with the growing demands of traffic, the Erie Canal was enlarged between 1836 and 1862. The "Enlarged Erie Canal" was 350.5 miles long, 7 feet deep and 70 feet wide, and could handle boats carrying 240 tons. The number of locks was reduced to 72. Most of the remaining traces of the Old Erie Canal are from the Enlarged Erie Canal era.

In 1903, the State again decided to enlarge the canal by the construction of what was termed the "Barge Canal", consisting of the Erie Canal and the three chief branches of the State system -- the Champlain Canal, the Oswego Canal, and the Cayuga and Seneca Canal. The resulting Erie Barge Canal was completed in 1918, and is 12 to 14 feet deep, 120 to 200 feet wide, and 338 miles long, from Waterford to Tonawanda. 36 Locks were built to handle barges carrying up to 3,000 tons of cargo, with lifts of 6 to 40 feet. This is the Erie Canal which today is utilized more often by recreational boats than cargo-carrying barges.

For a more detailed history of the Erie Canal, see Little Short of Madness .

• The locks at Lockport , where the current double 24 1/2 foot high locks are adjacent to one sequence of the original 5 lock pairs. In 2013-2014 and 2019, three of the original locks were restored to operating condition, with plans to restore the other two in the works.
• The Fairport Lift Bridge , which celebrated its 100th anniversary in August 2014 and is an engineering curiosity due to the slope and angle of the bridge.
• The remains of several early canal structures in the Macedon and Palmyra area , including the remains of the Mud Creek Aqueduct and the rebuilt Aldrich Change Bridge, as well as current canal lock E-29.
• The several mile long stretch between Lyons and Lock Berlin , which includes Enlarged Erie Canal Lock No. 56 and its associated locktender's house and mule barn (now a private residence), current canal Lock E-28A and its associated drydock and Canal Corporation maintenance buildings, the end piers of the Lyons Aqueduct, current canal Lock E-27, traces of the original "Clinton's Ditch" Canal and the Enlarged Erie Canal (some sections watered), and Enlarged Erie Canal Lock No. 54.
• Old Erie Canal State Historic Park , a 36 mile linear park that preserves the remains of the historic Enlarged Erie Canal from DeWitt to Rome.
• Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site , including "Clinton's Ditch" Canal Lock No. 20 and a Guard Lock, Enlarged Erie Canal Lock Nos. 28 and 29; several arches of the Schoharie Creek Aqueduct, and current canal Lock E-12.

About this Site

This web site is devoted to the history of the Erie Canal in general, but focuses to some extent on the middle and western portions of the canal.

The main sections of this site provide views of the old Erie Canal in three ways:

• Erie Canal Images -- Old prints, paintings, and postcards
• Traces of the Old Erie Canal -- Recent photographs of the remains of old Erie Canal sites and structures, primarily those from the Enlarged Erie Canal era (post-1862)
• Tour the Old Erie Canal -- A journey from Buffalo in the west to Albany in the east by way of a clickable map of the Erie Canal path, and incorporating material from both the Images and Traces sections with additional material.

A good introduction to the history of the Erie Canal can be found on the 175th Anniversary Exhibit pages, which originally accompanied an exhibit put together by the Mandeville Gallery of Union College in Schenectady to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal. More historical information can be found in the Historical Documents section and in the materials listed on the Books and Videos page, or by following the Erie Canal Related Links . Historical and recent maps can be found on the Erie Canal Maps page.

For information about the Erie Canal of today, visit the The Travels of Tug 44 web site, and the Canal Corporation web site.

http://www.eriecanal.org/index.html