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Climb Aboard A Boat Tour and Explore the Erie Canal

posted by Teresa Farrell at 2018-03-18 20:20:00

Whether you’re in the mood for a day of sightseeing, a romantic dinner cruise at sunset, or an evening of on-board entertainment, you’ll want to make sure to board a tour boat for a cruise along The Erie Canal  this summer.


A unique way to experience a unique New York State treasure, canal cruises are a popular summer activity for anyone who wants to get out on the water for an afternoon and enjoy some sunshine and scenery while hearing tales of this iconic waterway’s rise to prominence, the impact it had on interstate trade and the development of New York state, and the way it still influences commerce and recreation today.


It doesn’t matter which part of the state you’re in; from central to east to west, cruise companies up and down the canal offer narrated tours of their local section of this iconic waterway, each one a unique experience. The boats are as individual as the tours themselves; in style from classic tour boats Mississippi-style paddlewheel boats to canal packet boat replicas reminiscent of the vessels that traveled this route in its heyday.


Climb aboard for anywhere from a one to three hour tour, where you’ll enjoy the beautiful canal-side scenery while learn about the history and landmarks along the way. Hear tales about the old days, experience of traveling through century-old canal locks and under lift bridges, and travel through a historic canal towns while learning about their impact on this historic waterway.


From short 50-minute cruises to five-hour-long excursions, the sightseeing tours along the canal are a staple. If you want to add in an extra treat, most companies offer lunch and dinner cruises, and many host special events onboard throughout the spring, summer and fall. Choose from mystery dinner cruises, wine and craft beer tastings, live music and comedy tours, Fourth of July fireworks cruises, Friday night party cruises, Sunday morning brunch cruises, and more.


There are many companies along the canal offering cruises, but to get started, check out Colonial Belle and Lockport Locks Canal Cruises  in western New York, Erie Canal Cruises  and  Mid-Lakes Navigation  in central New York, and Blount Cruises, to name a few.

 

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