Day One

Our trip along the Canal was a real family affair. The kids helped research the legendary NYS Canal System and put together our itinerary. So little time, so many miles—524 to be exact.

Our first trip covered a good portion of the Erie Canal as well as the Cayuga-Seneca Canal. In the future, we’ll take in the Oswego Canal, which is the portal to the Great Lakes, and to Lake Champlain, via the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Driving north, we made great time to Waterford, the beginning of the Erie Canal, where the Hudson River meets the Mohawk. We saw the Waterford Flight, a series of five locks where boats are lifted and lowered the greatest height in the shortest distance of any Canal in the world.  At Waterford we walked along the promenade, stopping at the new visitor's center to gather brochures for our journey.

Heading west, the sun was high when we arrived in Canajoharie and we stopped at the Library and Art Gallery where we were mesmerized by the collection of American masterpieces— particularly a Winslow Homer.

As our stomachs beckoned,  we picked up simple picnic fare and headed to Wintergreen Park, where we were rewarded with a spectacular view of Canajoharie Creek Gorge’s 45´ waterfall.  Ready to call it a day, we ambled west until we came upon a darling B&B, grabbed dinner at a local pizzeria, and tumbled into bed.

Our first stop of the day brought us to Rome where we visited the Erie Canal Village.  The Village is an incredible restoration of a 19th century community situated near the site where the first shovelful of earth was turned for the original Erie Canal.

The bustling settlement transported us  back in time, and we spent a full two hours taking it all in, complete with a horse-drawn packet boat ride. We visited Fort Stanwix, "Defender of the Mohawk Valley" during the Revolutionary War. Then it was on to Sylvan Beach, on the tip of Oneida Lake, where we scored big points with both kids by enjoying some fun games, and a bite to eat at the amusement park.

In Camillus, we walked in the footsteps of the first Canalers, along the original Erie Canal route in Old Erie Canal State Park. The afternoon was made all the sweeter with cool, refreshing ice cream cones and a trip to historic Sims, a fabulous replica of an 1860’s Canal-side store.

Our great day ended with a leisurely dinner cruise, followed by a scenic jaunt to Waterloo, where we lodged at a charming B&B.

The guys were up and out early, and I sat on the porch enjoying the quiet river.  Watching the early morning mist rise, it’s easy to understand why Native Americans believed the Finger Lakes were formed by God’s hand print when He reached down and touched the earth.

We decided to lease our very own 32´Canal boat for the day’s adventures! "Captain Jack" proudly manned the helm, flanked by our two enthusiastic young skippers, and I was impressed as I strolled through the beautiful vessel, complete with a well-appointed galley and comfortable sleeping quarters.

We cruised along to our first stop, the Seneca Falls Heritage Area, where we docked alongside other boats in the newly refurbished harbor. We explored the quaint shops and boutiques before immersing ourselves in the region’s rich industrial, cultural and social past.

We then toured the National Women’s Hall of Fame and Wesleyan Chapel, site of the first women’s rights convention in 1848.

Back on board, we hadn’t traveled far when we were struck by the beauty of the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge—an amazing natural treasure that covers more than 6,400 acres. Waterfowl abound, the Blue Heron were elegant and I shall never forget the sight of an American Bald Eagle as we cruised along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal.

Traveling down into Cayuga Lake, we entered Cayuga Wine Trail country—boasting more than 50 wineries—and couldn’t resist a tour. The kids loved riding the tram at Goose Watch Winery, with its spectacular lake view and groves of chestnut and evergreens. Jack squeezed my hand when we noticed honeymooners toasting each other at the dock.

As we ventured back up into the Erie Canal and headed west, we tied up at a picturesque marina near Palmyra where we ended another day along the Canal.

We woke up ravenous and devoured a huge pancake breakfast before setting sail for our final destinations—Pittsford and Fairport.

At Lock 32 in Pittsford we met Kevin, a second generation lock tender who’s worked on the Canal for 24 years. He explained that Lock 32 is an original lock that he rebuilds, section by section, during the winter months. We also saw the exciting new kayak course they had built in the lock’s spillway.

Safely harbored, we hopped on our bikes for a long ride on the Canalway Trail, which follows former towpath routes right alongside the Canal. Later on we caught the outdoor concert in the Pittsford Canalside Park, then off to the legendary Richardson’s Canal House at historic Oliver Loud’s Inn for a gourmet feast.

Before we headed home we stayed on the water a little longer enjoying the peace and beauty of this historic waterway.  As we picked up the car in Waterloo, we opted to take the Thruway to get home. 

We’ve already decided that we’ll cruise the Champlain Canal next summer where we’ll visit Fort Ticonderoga, and search for "Champ," Lake Champlain’s infamous cousin to the Loch Ness monster.

We know we’ll return to the New York State Canal System again and again.

The New York State Canal System is definitely an unending dream vacation and the place to create vacation memories that last a lifetime!