It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season at the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the New York State Canal Corporation, as they prepare to deliver a slew of fun-filled snowy excursions to New Yorkers for yet another winter season.
From January 1 through March 4, the “On the Canals” program will host a wide range of activities throughout New York. Read on for more details about each exciting new excursion:
Festivities will begin in Macedon, with snowshoeing at the Macedon Canal Park. Up to 12 participants per session will snowshoe along a 3-mile guided tour, while learning about the history of the Erie Canal and the local wildlife its waters help to support. Hosted by Tomboy Adventures, the outings will begin January 1, and continue every Saturday through February 26. The same location will also host evening “Moonlight tours” of the same path, on January 6 and February 3.
In Amsterdam, new painting lessons will be hosted at the Julian Banquet Hall every Saturday in January, for up to 25 artists per session. Visitors will learn how to paint Erie Canal scenery in the folk-art style of historic New York artist Rufus Porter.
The Village of Brockport will offer also offer both painting and snowshoeing at Hart Gallery 27. Plein air painting sessions will take be held every Saturday in February for up to 10 people per session. Visitors will also be able to snowshoe on the Empire State Trail, with outings beginning on January 1 (with five additional dates to be announced).
In Medina, the Orleans County YMCA will offer guided ice fishing and snowshoeing for guests of all ages, every Saturday from January 28 through March 4. Ice fishing guides will provide all the needed equipment and offer instruction as visitors drop their lines into Glenwood Lake. Snowshoeing will commence at the Canal Basin every Saturday from January 7 through March 4.
Family-friendly snowshoeing excursions will also be held in Oswego from February 21 to February 24, and hiking trips will be offered in Schuylerville, on January 1 and 22, and February 5 and 19.
For New Yorkers and visitors with an interest in learning about and seeing the diverse wildlife and birds that live along the Erie Canal, a guided, one-mile birding hike will be offered at Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah, NY every Saturday from January 7th through Feb 25th.
Canalside Experiences in Waterloo will also host guided hikes consisting of birding and canal history, on Saturdays and Sundays throughout January and February.
NYPA and the Canal Corporation are thrilled to partner and once again offer a variety of activities that will invite New Yorkers of all ages to enjoy the magnificent beauty and history of the Erie Canal. Visit the “On the Canals” and plan your visit today!
Canalway Trail Times 