Boating the Erie Canal

 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 - 

http://www.canals.ny.gov/

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.

 Be in the know. Get Canal notices and alerts. Signup here.

https://www.canals.ny.gov/wwwapps/tas/tascanals/index.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3xZs41_Jw54hCeJn23IGBarRnAsGE8PGH-EiMxq5o9EqdMcl47l2ForVM

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

 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

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.

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. 

https://www.discoverniagarashuttle.com/?fbclid=IwAR3RaLKggT63IvChB9kaek7cP85FfLZmRtnbP8qB8wwDTMrPjqWiXiMQ3AQ

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

https://classicadventures.com/

Erie Canal Bike Transport

(585) 732-6273

https://eriecanalbiketransport.com/

Amtrak and bicycles -

 Ok need your bicycle hauled between Buffalo and Albany. Here is your ultimate guide from those who know PTNY.

https://canalwaytrailtimes.org/2024/05/29/bikes-on-board-a-guide-to-using-amtrak-to-ride-the-erie-canalway-trail/

Paddle the Water Trail - 

 Erie Canalway has a page full of info if you are going to paddle the canal.

https://eriecanalway.org/explore/watertrail?fbclid=IwAR3H6pQ1R7mkvVB1FlhPbusEvNwEVBZhUN1y4h39lIgbqjaVGzWBX33cveQ

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. 

https://www.canals.ny.gov/boating/speedlimits.html

*Other Erie Canal Info Links -

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor -

 Canal history and current info.

https://www.facebook.com/ErieCanalway

NYS Canalway Water Trail - 

 Mostly a FB group of kayak / canoe etc for the canal. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/NYSCanalwayWaterTrail/about

Historic Erie Canal -

 Lots and lots of old photograpghs of the canal.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/592524657969509/about

Erie Canalway Trail -

 Mostly about biking the canal.

https://www.facebook.com/eriecanalwaytrail

Parks and Trails - 

 Info on the parks and trails of the canal.

https://www.ptny.org/

Interactive Maps of the Canal - 

https://nycanalmap.com/ 

https://www.canals.ny.gov/maps/index.html 

Do you want to know the depth of the canal?

 This is a great interactive tool for that.

https://fishing-app.gpsnauticalcharts.com/i-boating-fishing-web-app/fishing-marine-charts-navigation.html?title=erie%20canal%20nautical%20chart&fbclid=IwAR1EcsjLGN03DOHJ5tBscKxb_jcyLB0rZ8z6XRj1gg4BsgZ9Wgc32uV4TZE#10.79/43.2043/-78.5509

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

http://www.lyonsfire.com/

Peppermint Museum - 

 Yep you read that right. Once the Peppermint Capitol of the World!!!

95 Water St, Lyons NY 14489

(315) 946-4596

http://lyonsheritagesociety.org/

NYS Troopers -

 Need help? The State Police are close to the canal.

112 Forgham St, Lyons NY 14489

(315) 946-3039

https://troopers.ny.gov/

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

https://www.erieshorelanding.org/#/

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

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.

www.fairportcanaldays.com

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.

www.fairportmusicfestival.com

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. 

www.tomwahls.com

*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

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

www.eriecanaladventures.com

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

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

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

Pittsford Lock E32

at mile 255.14

phone (585) 586-1837

*Speed limit is 5mph from lock E32 to the west to lock E33

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.

www.lock32.com

(585) 586-4330

Rochester Lock E33 

at mile 256.40

phone (585) 244-2150

*Speed limit is 5mph from lock E33 to the east to lock E32.

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

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

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/

Spencerport Canal Days -

  All the fun of the local carnival atmosphere. Usually held the fourth weekend of July. 

https://spencerportcanaldays.com/

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

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 -

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

 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

http://www.brockportny.org/

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

Lift Bridge E-187

East Ave at mile 283.48

phone (585) 638-6456

cell # (585) 283-1858

one operator = 2 bridges Hulberton 

 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

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

Red Rocks RV Park -

 No docks but on the canal.

(585) 638-2445

https://redrockponds.com/

at mile 286.62

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

 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

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

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

COVA Ambulance - (585) 589-4163

 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

Possible anchor area, careful on the depth.

43*14'49.3''N 78*17'03.0''W

43.247017,-78.284156

Lift Bridge E-206

Knowlesville Rd at mile 299.47

phone (585) 798-2050

cell # (585) 283-1902

one operator = 2 bridges Medina

photo by John Kucko - Check his video too

https://www.facebook.com/JohnKuckoDigital/videos/2011281672309360

 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

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

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

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

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

https://caseniccookies.com/

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/

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/

Medina Memorial Hospital - (585) 798-2000

Orleans County Sheriff - (585) 589-5528

Medina Public Works - (585) 798-1790 for pump-out issues at basin

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

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

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

https://bandb-bbq.com/

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.

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. 

http://sunsetdrive-in.com/

43*12'17.2''N 78*28'13.4''W

43.204776,-78.470380

Middleport Police - (716) 735-3373

Middleport Fire - (716) 735-7872

Tri-Town Ambulance - (716) 735-7701

Lift Bridge E-222

Hartland Rd at mile 314.15

phone (716) 772-7700

cell # (585) 283-1904

one operator = 2 bridges Middleport 

 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.

 https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34679306 

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/

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/

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/ 

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/

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

Stockham Lumber Hardware store  -

 Hardware; plumbing; lumber needs. Walking distance from canal.

(716) 772-2611

https://www.stockhamlumber.com/

Gasport Marina - NOT a true marina. It is more of a private dock for a few boats. No fuel service.

at mile 313.22

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

Flint Veterinary Care - (716) 772-6149

https://flintveterinarycarecenter.com/

Gasport Fire Rescue - (716) 772-7751

http://gasportfirerescue.com/

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

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

 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.

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. 

.

Lockport Locks and Cruises -

 Tour the locks and canal here in Lockport NY. 

(716) 433-6155

http://lockportlocks.com/

Lockport Caves -

 Underground boat ride....yes boats in a cave.

(716) 438-0174

https://lockportcave.com/

Erie Canal Boat Company -

 Lockport kayak rentals at Widewaters.

(585) 748-2628

https://eriecanalboatcompany.com/

Lockport Upper Terminal Launch - NYS Canal kayak launch *just a concrete ramp.

(716) 434-3140

 at mile 221.22

Prospect St and Stevens St

Ransom Creek kayak launch -

 at mile 328.88

Tonawanda Creek Rd

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

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

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

www.mytomatopie.com

Mighty Taco - 

 Local mexican franchise, similar to the bell.

www.mightytaco.com

Jim's Steakout - 

 Great sub place.

(716) 695-2000

www.jimssteakout.com

UPS Store -

(716) 691-7264

www.theupsstore.com

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 

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 

www.wegmans.com

Tops - 1.2 miles round trip walking

(716) 515-0025 

www.topsmarket.com

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

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 

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

www.dwyerspub.com

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

https://rivieratheatre.org/

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

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. 

https://www.canalfest.org/

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

*Demasting Services -

Wardell Boat Yard

716-692-9428

http://www.wardellboatyard.com/

at mile 338.58

Smith Boys

716-695-3472

https://www.smithboys.com/

at mile 338.78