By New York State Canal Corporation
This Summer, the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation partnered again for a third season of “On the Canals” – a full slate of free and family friendly outdoor activities and excursions along the Canal system, from Buffalo to Albany. From kayaking and cycling to plein air painting lessons, STEAM craft workshops and tours of historic landmarks and buildings along the Canal, the program continued to drive staggering turnout from New Yorkers, visitors from across the country and even from around the world.
And while Summer may be drawing to a close, this year’s “On the Canals” program is still in full swing.
The program most recently added a brand new accessible cycling and kayaking excursion in the Village of Brockport (the first Empire State Trail Town!), located at the Brockport Welcome Center, offering free adaptive equipment to ensure every visitor has an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Erie Canal and Canalway Trail.
The Canal Corporation is now preparing to launch its annual Fall Fishing Program, releasing water from the Erie Canal into Lake Ontario tributaries in Western New York to both extend and improve the fishing season for anglers from across the state and region. The addition flow entices more brown trout and steelhead to enter and remain in these waterways – dramatically expanding the fishing and angling opportunities available.
Anglers interested in visiting these tributaries and experiencing the natural beauty of the Canal and its tributaries can view the scheduled water releases on the Canal Corporation’s website.
Along with the Fall Fishing Program, cycling and kayaking opportunities will continue for several weeks, giving visitors the chance to see incredible views of the changing leaves. These excursions, as always, are open to all – whether you’re an avid cyclist and paddler, or just starting out, the program welcomes every visitor and includes lessons and orientation sessions for those who are interested.
For those seeking a slower-paced day beside the Canal, the Corning Museum of Glass will offer a free, live glassmaking demonstration in Medina from September 29 through October 1. Come and view the state-of-the-art Corning Museum of Glass “Mobile Hot Shop,” which utilizes unique equipment to recreate the complexity of a full glassmaking studio at demonstrations around the world.
For Capital Region visitors, plein air painting sessions continue in Amsterdam – make sure to check the On the Canals website for last-minute openings and cancellations!
Additional excursions and activities are coming to canalside communities this Fall, so be sure to sign up for updates so you can join in the fun.
And finally, for Canal enthusiasts, the 2022 New York State Canal Conference is just around the corner. The conference is an opportunity to join historians, experts and officials from both the Canal Corporation and the Canal Society of New York State as they discuss the preservation, promotion and protection of the Canal for future generations. This year’s conference will run from October 2-4 at The Strathallan in Rochester; registration is now open.
There is never a shortage of ways to experience the incredible beauty and history of the Erie Canal. Visit the On the Canals website and plan your visit today!
Canalway Trail Times 