Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is thrilled to be among seven finalists of the Reimagine the Canals competition. Our Go the Distance proposal seeks to launch the Canalway Corridor as a destination trail system that taps the full potential of the 524-mile NYS Canal System, the 365-mile Erie Canalway Trail, and the 62-mile Champlain Canalway Trail. We aim to enhance the user experience and meet the varied needs of cyclists, paddlers, and long-distance walkers/hikers by developing a network of needed overnight and day-use  amenities . 

Over the next two months, we'll be designing a distinctive, environmentally-sustainable model overnight facility and amenities station to be placed at multiple locations along the canal/trail to facilitate trail to town excursions and multi-day journeys. Our plan will then go before the jury, who will select one or more projects to fund and implement.

Tell us what you think! If you are a waterway or trail user, please take our short survey to let us know about the accommodations and amenities that are important to you. 

If you'd like to know more about our proposal, please contact Jean Mackay at (518) 237-7000 ext. 222 or [email protected]

Starting in May and going right through the fall, there's a great lineup of events being offered this year to invite you to the Canalway Corridor again and again.

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation have teamed up to sponsor 36 festivals and events in 2018.  Events include cycling and paddling tours, canal festivals, 

and  concerts on the waterfront.  

This year's highlights include the 20th Anniversary of Cycle the Erie Canal bike tour, organized by Parks & Trails New York, and the cross canal journey of the Corning Museum of Glass GlassBarge traveling with Lake Champlain Maritime Museum's canal schooner Lois McClure.

Opening Festivities

• Since its grand opening in 1825, New York's canals have been enlarged three times to accommodate larger boats and more traffic. The most recent enlargement was completed 100 years ago in 1918. A ceremony and canal tour to commemorate the 100th anniversary takes place on May 10 in Rochester. 

• The eastern Erie Canal from Waterford to Brewerton is scheduled to open May 15, weather permitting, with an opening ceremony to take place at Lock 2 in Waterford at 10am. The full canal system is set to open on May 18. 2018 Hours of Operation >

Featured May Events

Arts, Culture and Communities on the Canal

May 9  >>  SCHENECTADY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SCHENECTADY

Join this timely discussion about how connecting arts and culture along the Erie Canal can become an essential driver of sustainable communities. A SUNY/Erie Canal Bicentennial Forum, 1-3:30PM with reception to follow at Mohawk Harbor from 4-5:30pm. 

Low Bridge, High Water
MAY 10-12   >>   VILLAGE OF BROCKPORT

Celebrate the annual opening of the canal, the Erie Canal bicentennial, and the centennial of the Barge Canal through heritage, educational, and recreational events in and on the canal.

 

Pedal-Paddle-Run

MAY 12   >>   AQUEDUCT ROAD BOATHOUSE & PARK, NISKAYUNA

Experience a "Not Your Typical" triathlon: 7-mile bike, 2-mile kayak or canoe, and a 5K run along the Mohawk River.

Celebrate - Commemorate Memorial Day

MAY 25-30   >>   LOCK 4, VILLAGE OF WATERLOO

Visit historic Waterloo, the official birthplace of Memorial Day, and experience Civil War living history along the banks of the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. Partake in family friendly activities, including concerts, arts & crafts, and plein air art demonstrations.

Erie Canal Family Fun Day at Lock 30

MAY 26   >>   MACEDON CANAL PARK AT LOCK 30

Celebrate and tour the history and heritage of Lock 30 on the Erie Canal with hands-on activities, family games, historic displays, simulations, canal trail tours, canal boat tours, face painting, live music, food and refreshments, a bounce house, and displays.

A recent meeting of  officials from  Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and New York State agencies brought focus to economic revitalization, recreation, and heritage development initiatives along the 524-mile canal corridor. Staff from the Department of State, Canal Corporation, DEC, DOT, Agriculture and Markets, OPRHP/SHPO, and the Empire State Trail reviewed current initiatives with an eye to strengthening opportunities for collaboration. Moving forward, the Erie Canalway and state agencies will continue to build upon existing partnerships and identify ways to integrate our collective work to serve canal communities and visitors to the Corridor.

Wednesday, April 25, 10am-1pm

Peebles Island State Park Visitor Center, Waterford

Quarterly meeting to plan and direct activities of the National Heritage Corridor. The public is welcome to attend. RSVP to [email protected]