The Beat

All Canal Locks and Lift Bridges Operating Today through October 11th

Free On the Canals Excursions Return with Expanded Offerings

Champlain Canal Celebrates Bicentennial

Photos & Video: First Vessels Entering Erie Canal At Waterford 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the 2023 Navigation Season for the 524-mile New York State Canal system, kicking off the 199th consecutive opening of the historic waterways. Locks and lift bridges on the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals will operate daily today through October 11th, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and sightseeing to tourists, canal enthusiasts and all New Yorkers.

Waterford, N.Y. – Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor invites New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge in 2023. The free program welcomes people of all ages and abilities to set a personal mileage goal and then walk, run, cycle, or paddle along the NYS Canal System to achieve it and receive recognition and rewards.

Participants can choose from a range of mileage options, including 15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, and 360 miles. A 1^st Mile Challenge is open to people with mobility challenges.

Upcoming recreational events offer opportunities to explore the NYS Canal System and Empire State Trail

Waterford, NY – The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is inviting New Yorkers to get outside this summer to trace history and track miles for the Canalway Challenge. The Challenge is free and welcomes people of all ages and abilities to set a personal mileage goal and walk, run, cycle, or paddle on the New York State Canal System and Empire State Trail to achieve it. A full lineup of recreational events offers numerous opportunities for people to get involved. 

Waterford, NY – In celebration of Great Outdoors Month, The New York State Canal System, including the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca canals, is getting special recognition from the U.S. Department of the Interior as one of the nation's newly designated National Water Trails. 

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland recently announced nine new trails in seven states, adding nearly 600 miles to the National Trails System, with the New York State Canalway Water Trail the latest and largest addition.

Year-Round Program Returns for the Summer with Expanded Offerings

Newest Excursions Include Painting, Cruising, and Accessible Adaptive Adventures

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new season of free "On the Canals" excursions along the New York State Canal system. Now in its third year, this free recreational program, sponsored by the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation, offers unique opportunities to experience the waterways of the Canal system and the adjoining Empire State Trail. This summer's "On the Canals" excursions include kayaking, cycling, cruising, painting, birding, and accessible activities such as adaptive paddling and biking.

Celebration in Village of Fairport Unveils Newly Completed Infrastructure Improvements

 Amenities Along the Erie Canal Include Liftbridge Lane West and Pedestrian Promenade

 200th Anniversary of Canal Opening in Fairport also Commemorated

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the 2022 navigation season along the 524-mile New York State Canal system, kicking off the 198th consecutive opening of the waterway and celebrating the ongoing bicentennial of the Erie Canal's construction and completion, which spanned from 1817 to 1825. As part of the kickoff of the new boating season, the New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, joined officials in the Village of Fairport, Monroe County to unveil the completion of recent infrastructure improvement projects along the Erie Canal.

Waterford, N.Y. -- The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation, through the Reimagine the Canals initiative, are pleased to announce that 38 non-profit organizations and municipalities will receive grants in 2022 totaling $259,300. The grants will support 11 tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 27 events along the NYS Canal System. The grants range from $500 to $24,000 and will leverage an estimated $1.2 million in additional support.

Waterford, N.Y. – Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor invites New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge in 2022 to trace history and track miles on the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail. The free program invites participants to choose a personal mileage goal and then walk, run, cycle, or paddle to achieve it and receive recognition.  

The Canalway Challenge is open to people of all fitness levels and offers a range of mileage options, including 1 mile for people with mobility challenges, 15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, and 360 miles. People can complete the Challenge in one big trip or many small ones.

Waterford, N.Y. – The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is inviting New Yorkers to take part in a special winter fitness challenge, the FEBRUARY 15 Canalway Challenge. Participants pledge to complete 15 miles by walking, running, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing during the month of February to earn a 15-Miler badge. Participants can choose to log miles at national, state and local parks, on the Canalway Trail, or even in their own neighborhoods. Any location within the boundaries of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor counts. 

Waterford, NY- The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is celebrating National Plan For Vacation Day on January 25 with the release of seven new multiday itineraries that make it easy to plan a trip along the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail. The itineraries feature cycling, paddling, and sightseeing options with plenty of opportunities for visitors to enjoy regional foods and beverages. Information about accessibility is included to make it easier for people of all abilities to experience the canals.