Major Gift from M&T Bank to Accelerate ‘Next Century’ Campaign | | |
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is pleased to announce $100,000 in grant funding from M&T Bank to bolster the Erie Canalway Next Century Campaign. M&T Bank’s gift will support efforts to ensure the canals that transformed America continue to be cared for and serve as an engine of economic and community development now and into the next century.
The Erie Canalway Next Century Campaign is a multi-faceted strategy designed to preserve the canal’s heritage and grow its economic impact across the more than 200 communities within the Canalway Corridor. Attracting more than 3.3 million visitors every year for events and tours, the canals will remain a vital resource for recreation, tourism, and commerce thanks to this ambitious campaign.
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Engaging programs and events are on tap throughout 2025 to commemorate the Erie Canal Bicentennial.
Sign up now to secure your spot for these signature events.
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Paddle the Canals: Erie Canal 200!
Sunday, June 22, 2025, 9am to 1pm >> Waterford
Join us for our annual paddling event and celebrate 200 years of the Erie Canal! Enjoy dramatic scenery, towering locks, and easy paddling on this guided half-day trip through the Waterford Flight. A free shuttle is available to the start and lunch will be served after the paddle at the Peebles Island State Park pavilion. Spaces are limited and going fast!
REGISTER TODAY
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The Erie Canal: America's Gateway Tour
September 16-20, 2025
Explore the profound impacts of the Erie Canal as you journey from New York City to Buffalo on this exciting, guided tour. You’ll visit national and state historic parks, take a canal boat tour, and experience other exciting destinations along New York’s canal system while enjoying fine hotels and curated cuisine at every stop. Offered as a World Canals Conference tour, but open to all.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
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This event is supported by a grant from Empire State Development, and I LOVE NY.
® NYSDED
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Explore WNY During the 2025 World Canals Conference
Registering for the World Canals Conference, September 21-25, guarantees you a spot in one of our four unique Field Sessions. You'll spend a day with dedicated innovators who are rolling up their sleeves to take on the functional, restoration, environmental, accessibility, and sustainability challenges it takes to carry a canal into the future. Each session is booked on a first come, first serve basis - so check out the offerings and register today!
FIELD SESSIONS
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Cycle the Erie Canal
July 13-20, 2025 >> Buffalo to Albany
Make the Erie Canal Bicentennial your year to participate in this extraordinary bike tour. Join our Erie Canalway team and riders from across the U.S. and around the world on an 8-day, 400-mile supported expedition from Buffalo to Albany. Along the way, you’ll experience vibrant communities, scenic views, rich history, and truly unparalleled cycling.
REGISTER
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Canal Clean Sweep
April 18-20, 2025 >> Multiple locations
Help ensure that canal parks and trails are in top shape for the bicentennial season. Host an event or sign up to participate in Canal Clean Sweep, the statewide event that inspires thousands of volunteers to clean up more than a hundred locations along New York State’s canals each year. The event is hosted by Parks & Trails New York and sponsored by the NYS Canal Corporation.
GET INVOLVED
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Canal Opening Day
Friday, May 16, 2025, 8am >> Waterford
The New York State Canal System opens for the 2025 navigation season on Friday, May 16 at 8am. Come to the Waterford Harbor at Lock 2 to watch the first boats enter the canal and join the festivities at this kickoff for the Erie Canal Bicentennial year. Stay for the weekend to enjoy the Waterford Canal Fest, May 16-19.
VISIT CANALS
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Go 200 Miles for 200 Years
Trace history, track miles, and celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial through the Canalway Challenge! Set a personal mileage goal of 15, 90, 180, 360 or, for this year only, 200 miles for 200 years on the Erie Canal! Reach your goal at your own pace while cycling, walking, or paddling along New York's extraordinary canals. All finishers receive a free sticker, magnet, and Erie Canal 200 commemorative patch. Let's go!
SIGN UP
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Lectures, Beer, Bikes, Arts and More
The Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse is geared up for the Erie Canal Bicentennial with a full slate of engaging virtual, in person, and recreational programs to help you explore the history of the Erie Canal.
LEARN MORE
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Support Our Work for the Next Century
In commemoration of the Erie Canal Bicentennial, the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund has launched its Next Century Campaign to help steer a course toward an ever more vibrant, sustainable future along New York's extraordinary canals. Your gift today will ensure that the canals that transformed America continue to be cared for and serve as an engine of economic and community development now and into the next century.
The Erie Canalway Heritage Fund is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor working to elevate projects and programs across 500 miles of connected waterways and trails.
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