Bike/Hike the Canals

The Erie Canal

2 October 2017
Categories: Bike/Hike the Canals, Boat the Erie Canal, Canal Road Trips, Cayuga/Seneca Canals, Champlain Canal, Eastern Erie Canal, Oswego Canal, Western Erie Canal

The Erie Canal

About:

The Erie Canal, often referred to the NYS Barge Canal includes 524 miles of navigable waterways throughout NYS. The Canals that make up the Erie Canal System include the Cayuga / Seneca, The Champlain, The Oswego and the Erie itself. These 4 Canals allow for travel from inland NY to anywhere in the world.

 

Facts:

The 4 individual canals today total 524 miles of navigable waterways. There are currently 55 locks and 18 lift bridges amongst the Canals. Total lift is 568’ and the largest lift is lock   at Little Falls with 49’of lift. It is also the only lock on the system that uses a drop door instead of the standard swing doors used elsewhere. The flight of 5 which consists of locks 2-7 just west of Waterford is the greatest elevation change on any navigable waterway in the Western Hemisphere. The Erie Canal is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also a National Park Historical Site.

 

 

History:

The Erie first envisioned in the early 1800’s by NY’s then governor Dewitt Clinton was first dismissed as crazy and was referred to early on as Clinton’s Follies. Hope was that the Federal Government would help fund the project, but that never happened and New York State went it alone. Construction began in 1817 and was completed in 1825 at a cost of $8 million dollars, the Canal ended up paying for itself in less than 8 years. New York City soon became the largest port in the United States as a direct result of the construction of the Erie Canal. The opening of the canal in 1825 allowed for goods and people to be shipped in half the time and at one tenth the cost of the conventional methods of the time.

The Canal has evolved throughout the years from what was originally referred to as Clinton’s Ditch where mules walked the tow path towing barges and boats up and down the canal. The advent of mechanically powered vessels allowed for the use of the lakes and river sections which continued to speed travel along the Canal. The final version of the Canal was opened in 1915 and is what we travel on today. The infrastructure visible along the Canal today is the same technology that was designed and built back in 1915 and still amazes visitors to the Canal each day.

New York State understood the value of the Canal when it guaranteed its continued existence by amending its constitution in 1938 during a constitutional convention.

The Canal Today:

Continues to be used for commercial shipping albeit in a limited fashion. It is used as a source of water for agricultural purposes, it is used to generate electric through it’s more than 2 dozen hydro-electric power plants scattered throughout the Canal System. The Canal is also used as a very important means of flood control. Today the greatest use of the Canal System relates to tourism. The Erie Canal passes through 5 of NYS’s travel regions. Whether Boating, Bicycling, Hiking or Road Tripping through the Erie Canal System, the opportunities are virtually limitless. The Canalway trail is now more than 75% complete, NY has committed to completing 100% of the trail by 2020. Boaters have access to the 524 miles of waterways, with marinas throughout the system available for transient and seasonal docking or the many communities that open their doors to boaters many with free docking, free electrical, wi-fi, bathrooms and shower facilities. The Cayuga/Seneca connects the Erie Canal to the two largest Finger lakes. From Fishing to Wine tasting those lakes offer boaters and visitors alike world class opportunities for enjoyment.

The Oswego Canal connects the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario and beyond. The Lake Ontario region offers visitors World Class Fishing, and the ability to travel by water to Canada and beyond.

The Champlain Canal region is steeped in history dating back to the formation of the United States. Allowing travelers to transit from the Hudson River to Lake Champlain and onto the Chambly Canal.

The Discover the Erie Canal site has been designed to be the most comprehensive online resource on the Erie Canal. It not only provides travelers who wish to experience the Erie Canal with all the information they need to maximize their trip, but also provides visitors with information on the history, news and events and information on the more than 200 communities that surround the Erie Canal  

World Canal Conference Public Event Days

19 September 2017
Categories: Canal Road Trips, Uncategorized

Join Canal NY during the Public Event Days at the World Canals Conference at the Inner Harbor of Syracuse on Sunday Sept. 24th from 1pm. – 6pm. Through the generosity of Erie Canalway Canal NY will be attending the event with our Discover the Erie Canal display. As always we will be promoting the Erie Canal and the membership of Canal NY throughout the conference.

For more information on World Canals Conference visit their web site at http://wcc2017syracuse.com/publicevents/

 

All events at the Syracuse Inner Harbor except where noted.

  • Tour replica 1862 canal schooner Lois McClure.
  • Row a traditional six-oar long boat built at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum.
  • Watch live hot glass shows presented by the Corning Museum of Glass GlassBarge.
  • Try paddling! Free kayak lessons & demonstrations.
  • Tour Onondaga Lake by boat from the Honeywell Visitor Center.
  • Cycle to the Inner Harbor with Tour the Towpath as it completes its two-day tour from Rome to Syracuse. Meet at the Old Erie Canal State Park trailhead in DeWitt (5100 Butternut Drive) at 1pm for a guided ride through Syracuse. Visit the Erie Canal Museum along the way.
  • Sample Taste NY specialty foods and food trucks, including The Chicken Bandit, Toss ‘n’ Fire Wood-Fired Pizza, PB&J Lunchbox, and Frost Bite Show Cream Shavery.
  • Visit the Freight House for exhibits and displays.
  • Reel in a carp with the Wild Carp Club and observe live fish from Onondaga Lake displayed by students from the State University of New York School of Environmental Science and Forestry.
  • Sample local brews- Delegate Craft Brew Tasting, Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbor, 3-6pm (conference registrants only)
  • “Doors Open” at Museums & Galleries, Downtown Syracuse, 1-5 pm, Experience dynamic cultural institutions, including the Erie Canal Museum, Everson Museum of Art, and Onondaga Historical Association.
  • Water Way Youth Video Exhibition, Everson Museum of Art, Outdoor Exhibition Venue, 7:20 pm- Enjoy the premier screening of 1-3 minute short films focusing on canal life and culture through the eyes, experience and imagination of young people from Scotland, Belgium, Italy and New York State.  Projections will be shown each night from September 24-28.
  • Canal Crossings Street Murals- Head to E. Water Street by the Erie Canal Museum for the opening Block Party of a contemporary public art project that celebrates the historic Erie Canal and brings tribute to the lasting effect the canal has had in Central New York.

A Great Lineup of Music at the Inner Harbor:

  • 1:00-2:45pm The Sim Redmond Band
  • 3:15-4:15pm The Measure
  • 4:45-5:45pm Damn Dog

Free shuttles will be available to conference attendees, with stops at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown, along the Creek Walk, the Honeywell Visitor’s Center on the lake, and Syracuse Inner Harbor.

 

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises

13 September 2017
Categories: Canal Road Trips, Western Erie Canal

While the Erie Canal is busy celebrating its 200th birthday, Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises is celebrating its 30th year of providing visitors to the Erie Canal a great opportunity to get out on the water on one of their cruise boats. In addition, if you’re looking for a venue for a company event or a wedding you won’t need to look any further.

Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises was started by Mike and Sharon Murphy back in 1987. They started with two pontoon boats and a dream. The business has been built to be one of Niagara County’s most popular tourist attractions, and with the acquisition of their property located at 210 Market Street in Lockport, the company can boast having one of Western New York’s most unique banquet and meeting facility.

The main building, originally built in the 1840’s was renovated to resemble an 1800’s Canal Town and with over 100 windows overlooking the historic Erie Canal, the Canalside which is open year-round and houses banquet and meeting space for over 200, a café, gift shop and outdoor landscaped picnic area with 100’foot shelter that can accommodate another 300 people.

The original stone walls are the remains of what was once Niagara Preserving Company one of the first companies to effectively preserve food in metal containers. The property at one time was also home to the Western Block Company, a business that manufactured block and tackle for pulleys used on canal boats. Many of the original artifacts can still be found throughout the spacious building.

Across the parking lot from the main building stands a 4-story stone building also built in the 1840’s. The building was a flour mill that used water from the Erie Canal as its main power source. The water was brought down an open aqueduct, known as a raceway which was used to power the waterwheel. The remains of the raceway can be seen in the sheltered picnic are. The excess water was then discharged into a spillway which was adjacent to the building.

Today the spillway still caries water under the Canal into an 18-mile creek and on to Lake Ontario. The building still in it’s original condition serves as the Lockport & Erie Canal Heritage Museum with hands-on canal related exhibits, a working model of a lock and many interesting and educational displays and artifacts.

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises is located Canalside at 210 Market St. Lockport NY (716) 433-6155

 

Tour Cayuga County

3 September 2017
Categories: Canal Road Trips, Cayuga/Seneca Canals, Eastern Erie Canal

Tour Cayuga County

The Ultimate Finger Lakes Wine and Dine Tour Road Trip

Day 1

Set in the heart of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga County is no exception to the presence of wine and great culinary bounty. Enjoy a day of experience quality wines made by quality people who you’re sure to meet along the way!

Start the day on a quest for the perfect wine glasses at Mackenzie-Childs. Tour the restored Victorian Farmhouse overlooking Cayuga Lake, and see the beautiful hand-decorated ceramic tableware and home furnishings. Watch a video of the production process at the Visitor Center, browse through the retail shop and enjoy the country gardens.

Next visit the quaint Village of Aurora for shopping in it’s unique stores. Be sure to stop into Bet the Farm Winery & Gourmet Market, a charming, specialty shop featuring their own wines, plus a quality selection of other Finger Lakes wines and gourmet foods from the region.

For lunch, enjoy the refined American cuisine inspired and influenced by fresh regional products and produce at the Aurora Inn Dining Room. Dine lakeside – inside their lively dining room, or outside on their beautiful veranda.

Or opt for Pumpkin Hill Bistro’s peaceful storied setting for a meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. For a memorable experience try a fine selection of wonderful Cayuga Lake wines and delicious farm fare while enjoying a beautiful setting.

After lunch, head just up the hill to Long Point Winery. Overlooking the lake, the awe-inspiring views take a back stage only to the medium to full-bodied award-winning wines you’ll experience in the expansive tasting room.

Finish touring for the day at King Ferry Winery, a small farm winery known for award-winning Treleaven wines, including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, and Meritage aged in French and Bavarian oak barrels.

Before dinner enjoy some drinks and good times while taking in historic downtown Auburn, at Prison City Pub & Brewery.   Then head off to Oak & Vine at Springside, a modern gastro-pub for dinner with a view. Enjoy a drink on the terrace and try an array of American cuisine featuring locally-sourced products.

After dinner, enjoy Broadway musical theatre at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse located in Emerson Park on the shores of Owasco Lake. Finish your evening at Green Shutters Restaurant for a delicious ice-cream cone and walk on the Owasco Lake Pier.

Day 2

Start the day at Izzo’s White Barn Winery: set on 14 acres of old farm land blessed with its own pond fondly named Lake Lorraine after the co-owner Lorraine Izzo. Enjoy their signature “White Barn” wines as well as traditional Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.

Next stop at CJS Vineyards & Aurelius Winery. Established in 1995, this small vineyard and winery is the pride and joy of the Scholomiti Family, producing fine Finger Lakes table wines, specializing in Riesling and Chambourcin. Visitors to their relaxed tasting room enjoy the personal touch of their friendly, helpful hosts. Their winemaker loves to share wine stories and helps many homemaking wine visitors with their craft.

Break for lunch at the Refinery in Auburn. This recently renovated restaurant conveniently located adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn, serves a mix of traditional pub fare with a new school twist, and takes inspiration from the gastropub concepts.

For a unique spin on wine, finish Day Two of your tour with a stop at The Apple Station. Known for many years as a great place to pick and buy apples, the Apple Station now produces and features apple, grape and blended fruit wines.

 

History in your Backyard Series: A behind the scenes look at the Revolutionary War

16 August 2017
Categories: Canal Road Trips, Champlain Canal, History

History in Your Backyard Series: A behind the scenes look at the Revolutionary War

 

We make history fun and exciting!

Have you ever wanted to get an insider’s look into history?  Would you like to see recently uncovered artifacts that provide insight into the region’s long history, explore a historic home that served as a Revolutionary War field hospital, or interact with a “real” soldiers at a military encampment?  You can do all of this plus enjoy wine tasting, take a boat ride, and enjoy an incredible local farm to table lunch just by signing up at www.akibatravel.com. This inaugural guided tour will take you to of some of the region’s hidden gems for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Mohawk Maiden Cruises

Learn archaeologist’s techniques and view recently discovered artifacts from the Revolutionary War era; experience harsh camp life of Revolutionary War soldiers at Saratoga Battlefield’s Annual Encampment; take a boat cruise on the historic Champlain Canal; and, discover the unmarked destinations and under-told stories that provide a new look into our region’s past. We will even visit a historic home that was once a Revolutionary War field hospital and view remnants of blood stained floors, a 1777 cannon ball lodged in a beam, and the basement where the Baroness Riedesel, wife of the General Riedesel hid with her three children during the siege.

This day-long trip will begin at 8:30AM at 12 Spring St. Schuylerville, NY, and return by 5:00PM.  Farm-to-table lunch is included in the price with an add-on option for a dinner reception after the tour. Cost is $75 per person. Price includes: transportation, boat ride, guides, lunch, access to all attractions and more.

Call: 518-322-2067 or visit www.akibatravel.com for more information.

This program is presented by Akiba Travel LLC.

New Shuttle Service For Cyclists On The Erie Canal

27 June 2017
Categories: Bike/Hike the Canals

A new shuttle is available for cycle tourists visiting the Erie Canal Corridor. Erie Canal Bike Shuttle is poised to bring more visitors than ever to the wonderful 360 mile Canalway trail and all that it has to offer. With promotions like Bike and Stay packages in addition to daily cyclist shuttle transport, this much-needed service brings cyclists of all abilities to the fun and adventure of the Canal.

“There is something for everyone here, great local flavor, rich history, beautiful scenery and tons of attractions for both kids and adults. I fell in love with the area and quickly realized that cycle touring was one of the best ways to take it all in, however not necessarily the easiest” said Diane Kolifrath, owner of Erie Canal Bike Shuttle. “Our goal is to make it fun and easy for people to plan an exciting multi-day vacation on the Canalway trail. We’ve been designing trips for cyclists of all abilities as well as putting together an incredible pocket guide with detailed maps and merchant listings that connect visitors with accommodations, restaurants, attractions and events.”

With a variety of shuttle options and prices, and tour packages starting at $125, Erie Canal Bike Shuttle is dedicated to making the Erie Canal a vacation destination that everyone can afford. For Shuttle reservations, tour package or other cycling information, visit www.gobikeerie.com.

Historic Palmyra Announces Events Throughout June

1 June 2017
Categories: Canal Road Trips, Western Erie Canal

As you make your way across the Erie Canal Corridor this June don’t miss a stop at Historic Palmyra.  Through the month of June the museum has a series of events

 

Historic Palmyra

16 April 2017
Categories: Bicentennial, Canal Road Trips, History, Western Erie Canal

Located in the village of Palmyra located at mile marker 253 on the Erie Canal, Historic Palmyra is a must see on any trip within the Erie Canal Corridor. With 5 museums within easy walking distance from Palmyra’s Marina, Palmyra has been a vital community throughout the history of the Erie Canal, and is as important today as it was 200 years ago.

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The Erie Canal Museum

21 March 2017
Categories: Bicentennial, Canal Road Trips, Eastern Erie Canal, History

As we begin on our path through the bi-centennial celebration you don’t want to miss out on a visit to the Erie Canal Museum. The museum is located at 318 Erie Blvd. East in Syracuse, collects and preserves Canal material, and provides engaging educational experiences that champion an appreciation and understanding of the Erie Canal’s transforming effects on the past, present and future.

The museum sits within the only remaining weigh lock building in the United States. When the Erie Canal Museum opened its doors on October 25th, 1962 it celebrated and preserved the life of this building

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The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum

5 March 2017
Categories: Canal Road Trips, History

The Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum

Listed on the NYS and National Register of Historic Places, the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum is an important part of the history of the Erie Canal. The site sits at the intersection of the historic enlarged Erie Canal and the remnants of the circa 1822 Chittenango Canal.

Originally constructed in 1855, the interpreted site preserved and rebuilt a 3-bay dry dock. Craftsman used the site’s three large, independently functioning bays to build and repair canal boats, maintaining and expanding this vital economic artery until the opening of the Barge Canal in 1918. The site includes the original drydocks and sluiceway, a canal side store, a sawmill, boat shop, blacksmith shop, mule stable, a walk on canal boat exhibit, sunken canal boat remains, a nature trail to a full width aqueduct, picnic areas, access to the Erie Canalway trail and a modern visitor center.

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