With summer fast approaching, it is time to start planning weekend trips and family activities. The New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation are once again making it easy for New Yorkers to experience summer fun right in the heart of Upstate New York.
Now back for its third season, “On the Canals” excursions, an extension of the state’s Reimagine the Canals initiative, has expanded to even more locations across the Canal corridor, providing a perfectly curated itinerary of free, fun, and educational activities for the whole family.
Whether you are taking your first steps toward fitness or are an experienced athlete, set your sights on adventure and fun along the state’s Canal system – a hub of water and trail-side recreation, iconic landmarks of New York’s history and charming canalside communities.
This year’s excursions include biking and hiking, paddling and painting, and boating and birding along the canals from the Capital Region all the way to Buffalo, with accessible options for excursions including adaptive paddling and biking.
New excursions this year include boat cruises in Tonawanda, Pittsford, and Herkimer along the Niagara, Genesee, and Mohawk Rivers designed to showcase the rich history along the waterways; plein air painting sessions and STEAM craft workshops at multiple locations across the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region; and bike activities ranging from on-the-go bike repair lessons, to bicycling safety skill-building, and bike tours of historic landmarks.
In addition, old favorites will be returning this year including bird and wildlife watching in the Montezuma Wetlands, hydrobike and kayak tours in Medina, and paddle-pedal tours along the Erie Canal and Empire State Trails.
“On the Canals” excursions have also been made more accessible, expanding opportunities for people of all abilities to join in on the fun. The New York State Canal Corp. has partnered with Rochester Accessible Adventures and the Erie Canal Boat Company in Brockport and Rochester to provide adaptive paddling and cycling on the road to festivals, events, and communities along the Canal Corridor.
There are so many ways to experience New York’s treasured canals and trailways, and we invite everyone to see for themselves what boundless adventure awaits.
Spots will fill quickly, so don’t wait to plan your summer escape. Sign-up here to receive updates on the free excursion offerings or visit the “On the Canals” website to reserve your spot today!
Canalway Trail Times 