Erie Canal Road Trips

The New York State Canal System is within a day’s drive (400) miles of 14 states, two Canadian providences as well as Toronto, Canada’s biggest city, New York City, the nation’s largest city and Washington D.C.  The nation’s capital.  Most visitors arrive by car, others come by Amtrak, whose routes north and west follows the Erie and the Champlain Canals.  Airports in Buffalo, Rochester, Ithaca, Syracuse and Albany link the region to the rest of the world.  The Greyhound / Trailways system offers bus service through all the major cities.  Car rentals are available throughout the region, making it easy to drive to smaller destinations after arriving by air, train, boat or bus.

“Erie Canal” by Deborah Williams

At over 500 miles long, the best way to visit the Canal might be by vehicle.  Whether it’s the scenery of the Champlain Canal, the history of the Erie or the ability to visit the more than 40 wineries that line the shores of Cayuga and Seneca Lakes.

You can stay at any of the many hotels, or bed & breakfasts within the Canal Corridor, or if you’re a camper stay at one of the more than 75 campgrounds within the corridor. If roughing it is a bit more your style stay on the shores of the Erie at any of the 55 locks along the system for free.

Check out some of the sample road trips within the site, or connect with one of the tour operators listed on the site.  These tour operators can plan, day, multi-day or week long trips that can provide you with a variety of experiences, such as biking, kayaking, renting a boat or taking a cruise on the Canal.

Geo-Tourism is defined as “tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place, it’s environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage, and the well-being of its residents. There may be no better place to experience this type of tourism than by planning a visit to the Erie Canal.

Road Trip News & Articles

  • Locktoberfest Seneca Falls 2018

    Locktoberfest Seneca Falls 2018

    Join in on the fun as Seneca Falls celebrates their second annual Locktoberfest. It’s an awesome autumn celebration of our local heritage, farms, craft-beverages, food and cuisine, Artisans, crafters, boaters, families and community all along the Seneca Falls Canal Harbor along the “wall” The party kicks off first thing Sat. morning Oct. 6th. as the […]
  • 1.5 Billion Dollars Generated Annually Through Events Along The Erie Canal

    1.5 Billion Dollars Generated Annually Through Events Along The Erie Canal

    Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor just released a study which shows that an estimated 1.5 billion dollars is generated annually by events such as boat tours, bicycle and paddle-sport rentals and historic site and museum tours along the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Events and tours drew more than 3.3 million visitors in 2017 […]
  • Art & History Along The Erie Canal

    Art & History Along The Erie Canal

    Explore the juxtaposition of art and history along the Oswego and Erie canals in Oswego and Onondaga counties. Experience vibrant arts centers and interesting tours of modern and historical facilities. Take a walk down a quaint historic street, through fascinating museums, shops and a thought-provoking gallery.   Begin your tour along the historic Oswego Canal […]
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