What is considered the western Erie Canal. Basically from the 'Three Rivers' in the east Phoenix, NY. To the Niagara River at the city of Tonawanda NY in the west. 'Three Rivers' is where boaters need to make a decision. If you are over the height of 15.5ft, you will not make it out into the Niagara river. It is the last group of bridges, just at the opening. So anything taller wanting to get to Lake Erie and beyond, has to go north in the Oswego River to Lake Ontario. Then either the Welland Canal or the Trent-Severn Waterway, both are in Canada.
Hey maybe take a moment to friend me on Facebook or just take a look to see what currently is going on in the neighborhood.
https://www.facebook.com/pirates.chest?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Erie Canal 2025 it's 200th season - Opens May 17 - Oct 16 Hours of operation 7am - 5pm. but the lift bridges in Orleans County will operate on demand 7am - 10pm till September. Passage is again free for the entire canal.
Erie Canal 2020 season June 26 -Oct 14. 2018 had 71,000 lift / lock passages.
NYS Erie Canal - |
The beginning / ending of the Erie Canal - by boat - West is where the Niagara River and Ellicott Creek / Tonawanda Creek / Erie Canal meet in N/S Tonawanda NY. East is where the Hudson River and the Mohawk River / Erie Canal meet in Waterford NY. - by bike path - West is undoubtedly at 'Shark Girl' at Canalside or at the sign at GPS 42*52'37''N by 78*52'47''W. Look for a silver Buffalo Nickel on a fence on a walking bridge over a canal ssection. East is at the sign at GPS 49*39'22''N by 73*44'34''W.
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Be in the know. Get Canal notices and alerts. Signup here.
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NYS Erie Canal Bike Trail - Has great canal info for the bike path. It also includes info about camping on the canal. Like that you can pitch a tent at the locks or lift bridges, with permission from the attendant. https://bikeeriecanal.com/planner.aspx
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Another website telling you can camp at the canal Locks. You must ask the lock operator for permission. https://www.canals.ny.gov/trails/camping.html
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Bicycle from Niagara Falls Train Station. Here is a link from Parks & Trails New York of step by step instructions. https://www.ptny.org/newsandmedia/e-news-1/2022/06/trails-blog-shoreline-trail-bikeway-falls
There is a bike path along the Niagara River / Whirlpool St. Past the Falls. Then a bike path along the Niagara Scenic Parkway. This ends at the foot of the Grand Island North Bridge. You then travel on the Buffalo Ave (Rt 384) 4.8 miles to Gratwick Park bike path. That takes you into N. Tonawanda and to the Erie Canal Path. Just about 11.7 miles from Niagara Falls to the Erie Canal Path.
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Transportation along the Canal |
This is for boaters and bicyclers on the Canal May-Oct. The bus has bike racks; has AC; free WiFi; it stops at FREE parking lots like those at the State Parks; it stops at the Amtrak Station in Niagara Falls; even has a live postional map, so you can see where your bus currently is; are driven by knowledgeable drivers; and remember I said it is FREE.
*Lockport Express Buses are only on weekends Fri-Sunday. Leaves Niagara Falls 8:45am / 10:15 / 11:45 / 1:15 / 2:45 / 4:15pm. Leaves Lockport 9:30am / 11 / 12:30 / 2 / 3:30 / 5pm. Once in the Falls, then take the 'Falls to Fort' bus to the Falls or up to the Niagara Falls Train Station.
So boaters can dock in Lockport and take a bus ride to the Falls. Even connect from Lewiston (Niagara River, Lake Ontario) to the Canal. Bicyclers can long term park at the Amtrak Station or other State Parks and ride their bike on the Canal Path to Albany. Then return by train to Niagara Falls Station. |
There is another Niagara County bus service that you can use here. This one has routes that run from Middleport, where lots of boaters overnight. Then this bus twice a day goes to Lockport, where you can access other bus routes. This county bus is $2 a ride. It does go into Niagara Falls but not to the actual Falls. It also goes up to Fort Niagara and Wilson Harbor.
https://www.niagaracounty.com/government/county_information/public_transportation_schedule.php |
If you need a bicycle transported anywhere along the canal, here are two outfits that do that. Looking for a company that will do kayaks too. |
Classic Adventures 1-800-777-8090 |
Erie Canal Bike Transport (585) 732-6273 https://eriecanalbiketransport.com/
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Amtrak and bicycles - Ok need your bicycle hauled between Buffalo and Albany. Here is your ultimate guide from those who know PTNY.
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Paddle the Water Trail - Erie Canalway has a page full of info if you are going to paddle the canal.
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Boat Speed Limits on the Canal - Lock and lift bridge operators know the timing between each stop. They are keeping track of when you should arrive. They call ahead to let other operators know who is coming towards them. If you arrive early, they will hold you at that particular lock or bridge, because you were obviously speeding. You are waking the embankments and weakening them. Continue to do this and the banks will errode and blowout.
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*Other Erie Canal Info Links - |
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor - Canal history and current info. https://www.facebook.com/ErieCanalway
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NYS Canalway Water Trail - Mostly a FB group of kayak / canoe etc for the canal. https://www.facebook.com/groups/NYSCanalwayWaterTrail/about
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Historic Erie Canal - Lots and lots of old photograpghs of the canal. https://www.facebook.com/groups/592524657969509/about
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Erie Canalway Trail - Mostly about biking the canal. https://www.facebook.com/eriecanalwaytrail
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Parks and Trails - Info on the parks and trails of the canal.
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Interactive Maps of the Canal -
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Do you want to know the depth of the canal? This is a great interactive tool for that.
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Erie Canal Host - Ok so the canal gets used by ...walkers & cyclists / cross country skiers & snowmobiliers / kayakers & canoers / sailboats & powerboaters. All these groups are so different, yet share the same space. Local people that live here on the canal, see all these people using it and want to help. I hope to mix in a few of these local folks that want to let you use a private dock; place a tent up or park an RV; parking a car or trailer; a local onsite person that can assistyou with an issue. I hope to list a way to contact them and then you can discuss with them what you need and what they offer. Please remember to be respectful / cleanup better than when you arrived / ask where the bathroom is. *If you wish to host, please contact me. |
Lock #27 95 Leach Rd, Lyons NY 14489 (315) 946-4062 |
Lyons Fire Department - The local welcoming commitee is the fire dept. You dock right at their backdoor. Need a shower? They have been to known to let guests use the dept showers. On a bicycle and need some lawn for an overnight tent site? Wanna just talk to a great group that loves their village? This is your stop. 23 Water St, Lyons NY 14489 (315) 946-4851 |
Peppermint Museum - Yep you read that right. Once the Peppermint Capitol of the World!!! 95 Water St, Lyons NY 14489 (315) 946-4596 |
NYS Troopers - Need help? The State Police are close to the canal. 112 Forgham St, Lyons NY 14489 (315) 946-3039
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Lift Bridge E- |
Newark -
Erie Shore Landing - Please visit these four businesses on the north side of the Canal in downtown Newark. You have Erie Shore Cafe / Erie Shore Ice Cream / Erie Shore Printing / Erie Shore Learning. All staff and supported by ARC.
50 East Ave, Newark, NY 14513 (315) 830-0105 |
Lift Bridge E-128 Main St, at mile 246.67 phone (585) 223-9412 cell # (585) 283-1880 |
Fairport - One of the top, in best looking downtown canal waterfronts on the Erie. Unique lift bridge here that was just rebuilt in 2020. Lots of ice cream places to visit.
at mile 246.67 43*06'05.2''NN 77*26'28.2''W 43.101454,-77.441168
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Fairport Canal Days - Another event held here that is packed with people and things to see. Like 100,000 people in two days kind of event. Held around the first weekend of June.
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Fairport Music and Food Festival - This event usually held the last weekend of August. Has three stages all running at once and steps away from eachother. Difficult to get a wall parking spot. Super crowded event. Lots of food and a great time.
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Tom Wahl's - Need a burger fix with a side of shake? Here is your place but sadly a little bit of a walk...unless you get a little creative. You can park here downtown and take the walking path to the west. Or keep going west of downtown and around the corner. You will see the highway bridge there and might be able to tie up along the embankment here. Or there is a dock for the row club just past the bridge. Tom's is just west of the canal here. *also a Tom's at the next western stop in Bushnell's Basin, that is way easier to get to.
43*06'03.7''N 77*27'39.2''W 43.101037,-77.460881
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Erie Canal Adventures - Want to go back in time and travel the canal in a real replica Erie Canal boat? Fully outfitted like a floating hotelroom, yes a hot shower too. Just bring your personal items and food. These even come with two bicycles and a grill. Pretend to be an old timey looper, without the mule pulling you...and looking at an ass all day. (315) 986-3011
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZxVFT6EZXA
43*04'38.2''N 77*19'25.0''W 43.077273,-77.323619 |
Possible hook spot. 43*05'18.1''N 77*27'18.9''W 43.088353,-77.455244 |
NYS Erie Canal - Free boat launch 43*04'45.9''N 77*27'36.7''W 43.079426,-77.460198 |
Kreag Park - possible boat dock 43*03'52.1''N 77*28'17.1''W 43.064468,-77.471417 |
Bushnell is a nice stop. Has a few small places to eat and shop. Another Tom Wahl's burger place and easier to get to across the street. Also visit Abbott's Ice Cream on the wall walkway.
Showers available for a minimal fee. https://perinton.org/departments/randp/parks-department/parks/bushnells-basin-docks/
at mile 250.66 43*03'44.9''N 77*28'42.7''W 43.062476,-77.478531
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Abbott's Ice Cream -
Awesome ice cream, with wall docking right out front.
624 Pittsford Victor Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
585-385-1366
Seven Story Brewing -
604 Pittsford Victor Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
585-330-5027
Tom Wahl's -
Great 50's dinner burger / ice cream. Is across the street from canal.
643 Pittsford Victor Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
585-586-4920
Bruegger's Bagels -
Up the street from the canal.
707 Pittsford Victor Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
585-264-0060
Tim Hortons -
Huge chain coffee shop up the street.
720 Pittsford Victor Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
585-385-7549
Fruit and Salad Co -
Just up the street.
680 Pittsford Victor Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
585-586-7280
Richardson's Canal House -
Close to the wall docking and across the street.
1474 Marsh Rd, Pittsford, NY 14534
585-248-5000
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Great Embankment Park - Possible dock spot. East of Pittsford is this ballfield park. Has a few places to tie up to. Not much else here. 43*04'26.1''N 77*29'35.4''W 43.073924,-77.493175
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Pittsford - Might be the prettiest downtown wall docking on the canal. Lots of little shops. They definitely know how the canal impacts their village, in a positive way. (585) 586-9320
at mile 253.47 43*05'30.5''N 77*30'49.8''W 43.091805,-77.513833
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Pittsford Lock E32 at mile 255.14 phone (585) 586-1837
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*Speed limit is 5mph from lock E32 to the west to lock E33
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Public dock west of lock, on the north side. 43*05'31.8''N 77*32'51.6''W 43.092172,-77.547679
Whitewater Park - Check this adaptation of the spillway for the lock as it was converted into a whitewater course. Look for it on the south side of the lock. (585) 586-4330
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Rochester Lock E33 at mile 256.40 phone (585) 244-2150
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*Speed limit is 5mph from lock E33 to the east to lock E32.
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Public dock. 43*06'05.4''N 77*35'10.3''W 43.101485,-77.586191
Public dock at mile 257.57 43*06'10.3N 77*35'26.5''W 43.102861,-77.590691
Public dock under 390 Expressway Also is a kayak launch. 43*06'19.9N 77*35'58.0''W 43.105523,-77.599434
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Costco - Not that you can jam a bunch of items in a boat but for those that missing this store, there is one here. Once you leave Pittsford NY to the east of Rochester, as you see the major highway bridges, look for a safe place to sit along the embankment maybe? *From the west it is just past the Genesee River intersection. No docks or walls here. The canal bike path is on this side. Is a short walk to the north to the store. lol, just an option.
store location 43*06'46.4''N 77*36'47.0''W 43.112891,-77.613049
look for possible hook spot 43*06'37.1''N 77*36'56.8''W 43.110294,-77.615779
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Double guard gate that closes off the east side of the canal to the Genesee River for the winter season. |
Here is a major river that cuts thru the canal. One of a few rivers that travels north. It originates in Pennsylvania and runs for 157 miles, then empties into Lake Ontario.
At the openings into the canal, be warned of bottom issues. The current creates havoc and sandbars with debris are common.
On either side of the canal are guard gates. In the winter they are closed to allow the river to flow. The canal is emptied in both directions in order to do maintenance and protect it from harsh freezing.
Click on my Genesee River section for stops on this river.
Double guard gate that closes off the west side of the canal to the Genesee River for the winter season.
Henpeck Park - possible wall docking.
43*11'17.3''N 77*43'52.9''W
43.188148,-77.731351
Rotary Lodge - possible wall docking.
43*11'23.4''N 77*44'16.1''W
43.189837,-77.737792
Possible hook spot.
43*11'13.2''N 77*45'24.5''W
43.187005,-77.756794
Allen's Canalside Marina -
fuel etc
mile 267.45 (585) 426-5400
Heritage Park - Possible wall docking spot.
43*11'24.7''N 77*47'06.6''W
43.190182,-77.785170
Lift Bridge E-174
Union St. at mile 271.28
phone (585) 352-5451
cell # (585) 283-1853
one operator = 2 bridges Adams Basin
Spencerport has a very nice wall to park along, with even a gazebo to use. Parking on both sides of lift bridge. There is a Tops Friendly Market grocery store next to the canal wall docking. Pharmacy; meat counter; ice.
at mile 271.30
43*11'32.9''N 77*47'57.8''W
43.192463,-77.799385
Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum - Very small Railroad and Canal Museum but worth a look. Actually on the canal wall. Please support these guys. (585) 352-0942 https://www.spencerportmuseum.org/
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Spencerport Canal Days - All the fun of the local carnival atmosphere. Usually held the fourth weekend of July. https://spencerportcanaldays.com/
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Two possible hook spots.
43*11'44.1''N 77*49'06.2''W 43.195591,-77.818386
watch depth and sunken obstructions 43*11.43.1''N 77*49'35.4''W 43.195308,-77.826490 |
the Galley Restaurant -
With patio and wall docking at the canal.
94 S Union St, Spencerport, NY 14559
585-352-0200
McColley's -
Irish bar, just up the street.
89 S Union St, Spencerport, NY 14559
585-617-4279
Texas BBQ Joint -
Right behind your wall docking.
122 S Union St, Spencerport, NY 14559
585-352-4227
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Lift Bridge E-178 Adams Basin at mile 274.21 phone (585) 352-3548 cell # (585) 283-1853 one operator = 2 bridges Spencerport |
Arrowhead Marina and Golf - at mile 275.47 has fuel. (585) 352-5500
NYS Canal free boat ramp -
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Lift Bridge E181 Park Ave at mile 278.76 phone (585) 637-0460
Lift Bridge E182 Main St. at mile 278.93 phone (585) 637-4530 cell # (585) 283-1871
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Brockport is a NYS college town. Nice wall parking between the lift bridges, with welcome center here.
Brockport Welcome Center - You can overnight dock here or free tent camp on their lawn. Two handicapped bathrooms with showers. Coin laundry. free WiFi. Eleven pedestals for 21 boats, gives you electric and water. Picnic tables and grills. Fixit Bike Repair station. (585) 637-1000 or 5300
Ask Susan Smith Director at the Welcome Center https://www.facebook.com/BrockportWelcomeCenter
https://freecampsites.net/#!217424&query=sitedetails
at mile 278.85 43*12'57.5''N 77*56'12.7''W 43.215981,-77.936853
Open water anchor area to hook at west of the city. 43*12'50.4''N 77*58'59.7''W
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Stoneyard Brewing Company -
Right on the wall docking.
48 Merchant St, Brockport, NY 14420
585-391-3019
the Red Jug Pub -
Also right on the wall docking.
38 Merchant St, Brockport, NY 14420
585-431-3404
Custom House -
Another right here on the wall docking.
1 Main St, Brockport, NY 14420
585-391-3017
Barber's Grill and Tap Room -
Just up the street.
22 Main St, Brockport, NY 14420
585-637-2989
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Lift Bridge E-187 East Ave at mile 283.48 phone (585) 638-6456 cell # (585) 283-1858 one operator = 2 bridges Hulberton
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Great quiet wall docking to park at. Very small village here. (585) 638-6456
at mile 283.43 43*13'40.7''N 78*01'16.9''W 43.227980,-78.021371
Free boat launch with dock ,east of Holley on north side. 43*13'18.3''N 77*59'48.6''W 43.221760,-77.996822
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Lift Bridge E-191 Hulberton Rd at mile 286.58 phone (585) 638-6456 or 8183 cell # (585) 283-1858 one operator = 2 bridges Holley
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Red Rocks RV Park - No docks but on the canal. (585) 638-2445 at mile 286.62
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Lift Bridge E-199 Ingersoll St. at mile 292.98 phone (585) 589-4107
Lift Bridge E-200 North Main St. at mile 293.15 phone (585) 589-6255 cell # (585) 283-1885 one operator = 2 bridges Eagle Harbor
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City of Albion NY, is known for it's sandstone architecture. Nice city walk from the canal, although not a lot here. Great farmers markets in the area. Crosby's gas station within walking distance to the north.
at mile 293.06 43*14'55.8''N 78*11'33.8''W 43.248820,-78.192726
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Charles Howard Santa Claus School - 1937 he statred a school here to teach people to be Santa. It then turned into a Christmas Park having over 80,000 guests.Sadly it closed and moved to Michigan upon his death in 1966. In 1948 to 1965 he was the featured Santa for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC. He is buried here in Albion. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_W._Howard
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Santa lived here |
Tillman's Village Inn - Is one of my life long favorite restaurants. Prime rib is their thing. They are 2.6 miles north of the canal but wanted to list it here, if you have a way to get there. (585) 589-9151 https://www.tillmansvillageinn.com/
43*17'13.9''N 78*11'32.0''W 43.287188,-78.192219
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COVA Ambulance - (585) 589-4163
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Don't pick up any hitchhikers here in the area, especially those wearing prison garb.
at mile 294.29 43*14'55.3''N 78*12'48.3''W 43.248700,-78.213427 |
Lift Bridge E-203 Eagle Harbor Rd at mile 296.41 phone (585) 589-0628 cell # (585) 283-1885 one operator = 2 bridges Albion
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Possible anchor area, careful on the depth. 43*14'49.3''N 78*17'03.0''W 43.247017,-78.284156
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Lift Bridge E-206 Knowlesville Rd at mile 299.47 phone (585) 798-2050 cell # (585) 283-1902 one operator = 2 bridges Medina
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photo by John Kucko - Check his video too https://www.facebook.com/JohnKuckoDigital/videos/2011281672309360
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Out of all the fixed bridges; lift bridges; RR bridges; walkways, there is one more way to get to the otherside of the canal. The only car tunnel on the whole 363 miles of the Erie Canal, is right here just east of Medina, NY.
By boat you will hardly notice it. Although you might hear a few car horns, as the locals tradition is to honk their way thru. There are smooth concrete walls that look just like the regular rocky canal embankment. There are no cleats or railings. Very difficult to stop and enjoy it. Yet another cool spot for a drone pic if possible.
Also in winter time the tunnel is filled with icicles from the leaky ceiling.
43*14'08.0''N 78*20'25.6''W 43.235554,-78.340454 |
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at mile 302.65 43*13'49.2''N 78*22'16.7''W 43.230341,-78.371298 |
Lift Bridge E-211 Prospect Ave at mile 304.14 phone (585) 735-7250 cell # (585) 283-1902 one operator = Knowlesville
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City of Medina NY Canal basin - Small free floating docks here. Also basin services like a pump-out station and electric available. Wall parking for transient boats. Free showers at the Boater Services Building along the wall docking. Call or visit the Medina Lift Bridge for the door code.
at mile 303.65 43*13'19.2''N 78*23'10.8''W 43.221986,-78.386324 |
Medina Railroad Museum - Visit the largest HO Toy Train Museum in NY State here. Has a 200ft train layout; Fire Dept collection of over 484 fire helmets; Erie canal history and lots more. My personal guarantee - if you are not amazed by this place, I will refund your money myself. It is a couple easy blocks to walk but call them for assistance if you need it. They love to help. Open Tues - Sunday 11am - 5pm (585) 798-6106 https://www.medinarailroadmuseum.org/
43*13'06.1''N 78*23'22.9''W 43.218347,-78.389680
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Admission $9 Adults $8 Seniors $7 Kids |
North Star Cruises - How about a personal pontoon ride on the Erie Canal. Meet the boat right down at the Medina basin. (716) 514-9378
https://www.facebook.com/northstarcruises?mibextid=D4KYlr
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Case Nic Cookies - Cookies; cakes and sweets shop, all made here in house. The cutouts are the best, well except for mine. Is steps away from the canal basin. (585) 798-1676
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Captain Kidz Family Restaurant - Great family eatery on the canal basin. Can see your boat from their deck. I recommend the fish fry. (585) 798-9303 https://www.facebook.com/Captain-Kidz-Family-Restaurant-744002852284652/
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Rudy's Soda Bar and Cafe - Has that 50's diner feel with plenty of ice cream choices after your meal. Get the ''MoJo burger'' for all to see. Walking a few blocks from the canal. Closed Sunday's (585) 798-5166 https://www.facebook.com/RudysMedina2020/
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Medina Memorial Hospital - (585) 798-2000
Orleans County Sheriff - (585) 589-5528
Medina Public Works - (585) 798-1790 for pump-out issues at basin
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Helpers |
at mile 307.34 43*12'58.4''N 78*26'40.0''W 43.216227,-78444439 |
Lift Bridge E-216 Main St. at mile 308.87 phone (716) 735-7250 cell # (585) 283-1904 one operator = 2 bridges Gasport
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Free Bathroom and Showers available. Behind 24 Main Street or 87 S Hartland St gets you to the municipal parking lot. Showers are located in sight of wall dockage, just outside of rear entrance of police station. Look for the grey doors on either side of the steps leading to the back entrance to the police station. Also free WiFi available at library nextdoor. (716) 735-7250
at mile 308.99 43*12'44.9''N 78*28'38.6''W 43.212465,-78.477397
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FREE showers |
B&B BBQ - Excellent smoked bbq made here. Get the Brunswick stew for sure ...and I hate peas. Couple blocks to walk. (585) 590-0173
43*12'17.9''N 78*28'41.7''W 43.204969,-78.478239 |
Pony's Irish Pub - Everyone raves about their chicken fingers. On Main St and easy steps away.
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Sunset Drive In - Hmmm....If we could only drag the boats over to here. Would be funny if we could leave a drydocked ski boat here for Loopers to use.
43*12'17.2''N 78*28'13.4''W 43.204776,-78.470380
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Middleport Police - (716) 735-3373
Middleport Fire - (716) 735-7872
Tri-Town Ambulance - (716) 735-7701
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Helpers |
Lift Bridge E-222 Hartland Rd at mile 314.15 phone (716) 772-7700 cell # (585) 283-1904 one operator = 2 bridges Middleport
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Erie Canal Host - I own waterfront property here. Just east of the canal guard gate #17 or mile 313.60'ish. I have a two acre lot for tent camping or an RV spot. Mostly open but some woods for shade. It has 30amp & 50amp electric and WiFi and security cameras. No bathroom but there is at two parks, one mile down the street. Campfires are allowed, firewood available for a fee. Boat wall docking available to the west at the Gasport village park at 3,225ft away. Also a free NYS Canal boat launch to the east at 1,700ft away. My 100ft dock is being drawn up at this time and will be available in the future. I allow car and boat trailer parking for long stays. Onsite help if needed. Stop over for a campfire. Email me for reservation info.
Or book it through hipcamp... https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/new-york/tomtuga-on-the-erie-canal/on-the-erie-canal-gvt-railroad
Thank you for using the Erie Canal and our local services.
43*12'03.6''N 78*33'52.4''W |
There is a very nice modern Airbnb nextdoor called 'Elegant Country Retreat'. Has four bedrooms; seven beds; two bathrooms. On quiet country road along the canal. Great if you want to stretch your legs and sit in a non-moving home for awhile. Boat wall docking down the street for now. |
Gasport village wall parking - at mile 314.19 43*11'57.7''N 78*34'35.5W 43.199352,-78.576540 |
Sunrise Cafe - Breakfast and lunch spot. Walking distance from NYS Canal park. (716) 772-7299 https://www.facebook.com/Sunrise-Cafe-528988193786804/
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Chop's Shop Pizza Bar & Grill - Modern pizza place that feels more like a city upscale bar. Has live bands at times. Couple blocks to walk. (716) 772-7710 https://www.chopsshoppizzaandbar.com/
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Ports Pizza and Subs - Steps away from the village wall docking. Try the pizza of the month. (716) 772-2210 https://www.facebook.com/Ports-Pizza-Subs-352888198803486/
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Gasport Welding and Manufacturing - Across the street from the canal. They also weld Aluminum and submerged ARC Weld. (716) 772-7205 https://www.gasportwelding.com/
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Gasport Laundry - Coin laundry service that is on the canal. Steps from your wall docking by the lift bridge. Open daily 24hrs (716) 628-3185 8401 State St, Gasport
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Stockham Lumber Hardware store - Hardware; plumbing; lumber needs. Walking distance from canal. (716) 772-2611 https://www.stockhamlumber.com/
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Gasport Marina - NOT a true marina. It is more of a private dock for a few boats. No fuel service. at mile 313.22
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NYS Canal Park - Nextdoor (west) of the Gasport marina. Properties connect. Has free public boat launch but no dock or real wall space to stay. Big parking lot with free rundown bbq grill to use. No bathrooms.
at mile 313.22 43*12'05.3''N 78*33'30.7W 43.201477,-78.558524
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FREE |
Flint Veterinary Care - (716) 772-6149 https://flintveterinarycarecenter.com/
Gasport Fire Rescue - (716) 772-7751
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Helpers |
photo by Alex Ranaldi
The Upside Down Bridge is a steel railroad bridge built in 1901, with it's supports that run underneath the bridge instead of on top. It was built by the Railroad back in the day to limit the cargo that the Canal could ship. Boats now had a limited overhead clearance and the railroad thought it could gain (steal) that extra shipments from the canal service. Pretty cutthroat back then.
at mile 320.67 43*10'24.6''N 78*41'24.3''W 43.173501,-78.690070 |
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Lift Bridge E-229 Adam St. at mile 319.92 is always open
Lift Bridge E-230 Exchange St. at mile 320.12 phone (716) 434-7368 cell # (585) 283-191
Lockport Lock E34-E35 at mile 320.68 phone (716) 434-3140
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Lockport is a large city that has all the major stores you shop at. Every fastfood place and Walmart / Home Depot / etc. But I will list a few that are worth a trip to go to if you can get there. Most stores are too far to walk to. All are south of the city.
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Has all major stores, but far from canal |
Widewaters Marina - Lockport Rivi-Erie Beach - Daily transient docking on wall $0.25 per ft. Has small and up to 40ft boat docks for seasonal rent. Pump-out service and free shower. Kayak rental nearby. Nice food / ice cream stop across the street. (716) 433-1267
at mile 319.05 43*11'05.8''N 78*40'08.2''W 43.184953,-78.668955 |
$0.25 per ft transient dock
FREE Shower |
*Widewaters Marina Fuel - Available Wednesday - Sunday 10am-6pm Call Ryan at (716) 628-2134
You can probably ask him about seasonal docks here too. . |
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Lockport Locks and Cruises - Tour the locks and canal here in Lockport NY. (716) 433-6155
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Lockport Caves - Underground boat ride....yes boats in a cave. (716) 438-0174
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Erie Canal Boat Company - Lockport kayak rentals at Widewaters. (585) 748-2628 https://eriecanalboatcompany.com/
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Lockport Upper Terminal Launch - NYS Canal kayak launch *just a concrete ramp. (716) 434-3140 at mile 221.22 Prospect St and Stevens St
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Ransom Creek kayak launch - at mile 328.88 Tonawanda Creek Rd
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Ship Shape Marina - (716) 691-6707 at mile 330.06 43*04'06.2''N 78*46'19.6''W |
Amherst Veterns Canal Park - Free boat ramp and NYS Canal launch. 1040 Tonawanda Creek Rd at mile 331.74 43*03'54.2''N 78*48'10.5''W 43.065058,-78.802927 |
West Canal Marina Niagara County boat ramp - Free boat ramp and NYS Canal kayak launch (716) 739-7950 https://www.niagaracounty.com/parks/West-Canal-Marina at mile 333.36
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North Tonawanda Botanical Gardens - Ok on the west side of the canal sits this free boat ramp access. With probably short time wall parking. The great thing about this spot is all the shopping choices on the east side of the canal. Unfortunately you need to walk south on Sweeney Street to cross the E Robinson Street bridge and then north on Niagara Falls Blvd to the stores. Sadly no sidewalk on E Robinson but the rest is. Also the farthest store (Wegmans) is just under a mile away. Might be worth the time here to do restocking with all these options.
Also a NYS Canal free kayak launch. 1825 Sweeney St, North Tonawanda
at mile 334.80 43*02'18.0''N 78*49'37.8''W 43.038325,-78.827152
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FREE boat ramp and wall dock to resupply |
My Tomato Pie - Yes it is a pizza place but also a great restaurant and bar. One of the best fish frys I've had in my life, well for WNY and I'm not like you folks that get fresh out of the ocean dinners. Tell Tony you are docked in the canal as they are huge boat owners too. (716) 260-1043
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Mighty Taco - Local mexican franchise, similar to the bell.
Jim's Steakout - Great sub place. (716) 695-2000
UPS Store - (716) 691-7264
Killewald Small Animal Hospital - (716) 694-9191 www.killewaldsmallanimalhospital.com
Suburban discount wines & Consumer Beverages & Wine world ?
the usuals - Mc Donalds / Wendy's / Arby's / Golden Wok / Walgreens
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Wegmans grocery & Tops Friendly Market - Two grocery stores here. Wegmans based out of Rochester is actually voted in the top five 'Best Places to Work' in the USA on a constant basis. Their Fairport NY store is their showcase. If you can't find it here, it might not exsist. Awesome chinese take out / fresh breads / etc. They carry lots and lots of vegan and food allergy options. Tops is less expensive I'd say and a good competitor. Both these stores almost share the same parking lot.
Wegmans - 1.8 mile round trip walking (716) 691-0800
Tops - 1.2 miles round trip walking (716) 515-0025
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NYS boat launch - Free boat launch at mile 337.23 43*01'18.1''N 78*51'17.3''W 43.021701,-78854799 |
Gateway Harbor - Downtown Tonawanda NY. Has bathroom facilities with showers and laundry. Walk to everything. Also kayak rentals here. You are at the end of the Erie Canal and into the Niagara River. Watch out for them Falls. (716) 695-8520 or (716) 692-5120 http://the-tonawandas.com/home.aspx Check the live camera feed to see your boat. http://www.northtonawanda.org/gateway-harbor-webcam
Also look for free concerts here and food truck nights during the summer.
at mile 338.20 43*01'18.6''N 78*52'37.4''W 43.021836,-78.877045
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Showers and laundry |
Niagara St, Kayak Launch - One of the free NYS Canal kayak launches. Sweeney St and Niagara St North Tonawanda at mile 337.67
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Dwyer's Irish Pub - You want real buffalo wing experience, this is the place. Outdoor patio and live bands. On Main St, easy walking distance. (716) 692-4837
Riviera Theatre - Also checkout the old original movie theatre nextdoor to Dwyer's. The Riviera built in 1926 and listed as a National Historical place. (716) 692-2413
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Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum - Factory started in 1910 and here they built the carrousels and over 3,000 hand carved wooden animals. Place is a must see. Has working antique rides for kids and adults. A little off the canal path but get to this place. (716) 693-1885 https://www.carrouselmuseum.org/#/
43*01'46.8''N 78*52'22.4''W 43.029668,-78.872888
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Canalfest - Huge week long event here. 140,000 people attend over that week. Live bands at the waters edge, plus food. Usually takes place mid July.
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Remingtons Tavern and Seafood Exchange -
Is across the street from the canal.
184 Sweeney St, North Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-362-2802
Dockside Bar and Grill -
Park here as plenty of wall docking.
153 Sweeney St, N Tonawanda, NY 14120
716-693-3600
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LOW Bridge!!! The fourth bridge in from the west, is a fixed railroad bridge that is the lowest height restriction on the Erie Canal at 15.5ft
43*01'20.8''N 78*52'19.9''W 43.022456,-78.872187
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LOW Bridge 15.5ft |
*Demasting Services -
Wardell Boat Yard 716-692-9428 http://www.wardellboatyard.com/ at mile 338.58
Smith Boys 716-695-3472 at mile 338.78
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