Exploring Upstate New York by Canal Boat: A Guide to the Erie Canal

Opened in 1825, the Erie Canal once linked the Hudson River with the Great Lakes and turned New York into America's busiest port. Today it's a peaceful waterway through farmland, forests and small towns – and renting a canal boat is one of the best ways to slow down and see upstate New York. Here's how a canal boat holiday works and where to go.

How a canal boat holiday works

1. Renting a boat

Rental companies on the western Erie Canal offer self-drive boats with a kitchen, bathroom, beds and a sundeck. After a training session on steering, mooring and locks, you set off on your own – no boating licence is usually needed. Most rentals are for three nights to a week.

2. Speed and locks

Boats travel at walking pace – the speed limit is around 10 km/h – and locks raise and lower boats between different water levels. Lock operators handle the gates; you hold the lines. It's part of the fun and a good chance to chat with locals.

At walking pace, the boat slides into the lock, the gates close and the water lifts you slowly up – the lock keepers chat and wave you on.

3. Mooring

Towns along the canal have free or low-cost moorings with electricity, water and showers, often right in the centre. You can also tie up for a quiet night in the countryside.

Tie up beside a small village, walk into town for ice cream and fall asleep to the sound of crickets.

The best stretch to cruise

4. Western Erie Canal

The section between Rochester and Lockport is the most popular for rentals. Highlights include:

• Fairport: a lively canal town with restaurants and a famous lift bridge.
• Pittsford: a historic village with waterside cafés.
• Medina: sandstone buildings and a waterfall.
• Lockport: the "Flight of Five" historic locks and the Lockport Cave and underground boat ride.

The canal winds through quiet farmland and historic villages, with herons in the reeds and old stone aqueducts.

5. The Finger Lakes

Connected canals lead south into the Seneca and Cayuga Lakes region – wine country with waterfalls and state parks such as Watkins Glen.

Long, deep lakes, vineyards on the slopes and waterfalls in the gorges.

Off the boat

6. Cycling and walking the towpath

The Empire State Trail follows the old towpath, so you can bring or rent bikes and ride alongside the boat. Stop for farm stands, apple orchards and ice cream.

The flat towpath follows the canal for miles – perfect for an early-morning ride.

7. Nearby attractions

Detour to Niagara Falls, about half an hour from Lockport, or Rochester's museums, including the Strong National Museum of Play.

Tips

• Book early for autumn foliage weekends.
• Plan short days: three to five hours of cruising leaves time to explore.
• Pack layers and rain gear – the weather changes quickly.
• Groceries: stock up before departure; canal towns have shops but not always big supermarkets.
• Like slow travel? Try a European river cruise, or explore more of the state in our New York food guide.