The Beat

Utica, N.Y. - Experience history on two wheels by biking along the Empire State Trail. The Erie Canal played a crucial role in moving people, raw materials, finished goods, and ideas, transforming our economy and earning New York the title of the Empire State. Take a leisurely ride with the Oneida County History Center to enjoy the relaxing Empire State Trail on Wednesday, August 12, at 6:00 p.m.

Waterford, N.Y. --- Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the NYS Canal Corporation invite youth and families from across New York State to participate in Erie Canalway Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 10am to 4pm. Free events and activities are being hosted at 15 canal sites and museums throughout the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

Waterford, NY — As America marks its 250th anniversary, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is launching Revolutionary Experiences road trips along New York’s historic waterways. These self-guided itineraries invite residents and visitors alike to explore the people, places, and ideas that helped shape the nation and expand the promise of liberty for all.

Historic Gathering in New York City Commemorates Governor DeWitt Clinton's Original Voyage By Welcoming the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief at its Last Stop Since Leaving Buffalo on September 24

As the Erie Canal Begins its Third Century of Operation, Focus is on Maintaining a Safe, Resilient, Navigable Waterway that Supports Economic Development, Accessible Recreation, Arts and Culture, and Sustainability

Governor Kathy Hochul today marked the 200th anniversary of the opening of the original Erie Canal in New York City with the arrival of the Buffalo Maritime Center's Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief. The boat is a replica of the original vessel Governor DeWitt Clinton traveled on from Buffalo to New York City in 1825. The current voyage began September 24 in Buffalo. The Seneca Chief made 28 stops along the Erie Canal and Hudson River before ending its journey at Pier 26 at Hudson River Park in New York City on October 26.

Waterford, N.Y. - The New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are offering competitive grant funding to support tourism, recreation, and events along the New York State Canal System including canal waterways and Canalway Trail. Applications are open now through November 21, 2025.

The daylong sendoff to summer at Canalside packs in more than 15 activities for all ages

View the full schedule of events at ErieCanalTurns200.com

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) encourages all to join in one last huzzah for summer during a day filled with Erie Canal-themed programming on Sunday, September 21, at Canalside in Buffalo. During this send-off to the season and commemoration of the Erie Canal bicentennial, activities will run from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Most events are free. The full schedule is available at ErieCanalTurns200.com.  The all-day community event also kicks off the World Canals Conference, hosted this year in Buffalo, and tees up the departure of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief.

NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grant Applicants Encouraged to Attend

Waterford, NY - The New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor are offering two virtual workshops in advance of opening the 2026 funding round of NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants on October 14. The workshops are focused on helping grant applicants improve accessibility for their projects and events so that they serve people with and without disabilities.

Registration for the world-class waterways conference closes Sept. 12, 2025

Buffalo, N.Y. (Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025)-  A world-class program that highlights some of the most exciting and innovative activities on the world’s waterways is set to take place Sept. 21-25 at the 2025 World Canals Conference (WCC 2025) in Buffalo. Registration is open for one-day or full conference attendance through Sept. 12.

The Official Beer of the Erie Canal Bicentennial Voyage

Public Invited to August 21 Tasting & Release Event at Big Ditch Brewing Lockport Tap Room

Buffalo, N.Y. (August 14, 2025) – Buffalo Maritime Center and Big Ditch Brewing Company are proud to introduce Long Haul, the official beer of the 2025 Bicentennial Voyage of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief. To celebrate, the public is invited to the Long Haul Bicentennial Voyage Brew Release Event on Thursday, August 21, 2025, featuring a press conference, tours of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, and a special tasting reception in Lockport, NY, where the commemorative lager will be available for purchase.

From Buffalo to New York City, the ‘Seneca Chief’ will travel 500 miles over 33 days, stopping at 28 ports to commemorate the Erie Canal and connect communities.

With generous support from M&T Bank, the Bicentennial Voyage provides a unique opportunity for New Yorkers to experience the canal’s rich history.

Buffalo, N.Y. (August 7, 2025) – To mark the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal’s opening, the Buffalo Maritime Center (BMC) has built a full-scale replica of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief – the vessel that first journeyed from Buffalo to New York City to mark the canal’s completion. Constructed by nearly 200 volunteers and students between October 2020 and its launch in June 2024, the wooden boat was handcrafted in full public view inside the Longshed at Canalside on Buffalo’s waterfront.