Contributed by the New York State Canal Corporation
As the weather heats up, the New York State Canal Corporation is preparing for a summer of adventure for New Yorkers of all ages across the Empire State. Back by popular demand, another season of “On the Canals” has kickstarted with a perfectly curated itinerary of free, fun, and educational activities for the whole family.
Whether you’re planning to explore New York State for the very first time, looking to reconnect with the local history of your community, or committing to a new season of outdoor fitness and adventure, “On the Canals” has something for you.
Read on for details about some of these fun-packed excursions:
For the history buffs in Buffalo, Slow Roll Buffalo is honoring Juneteenth by tracing the incredible history of the Underground Railroad through a ten-mile bike tour that explores the journey taken by countless freedom seekers escaping slavery, before boarding the Black Rock Ferry to liberty. Looking to combine your passion for cycling and music? Join the Queen City Jazz Fest for another 10-mile ride as they trace the history of live music in Buffalo back to the heyday of jazz on July 24.
Don’t worry if you can’t make those dates but still want to cycle! You can also bike up to Champlain Canal Lock 6 and take the Caldwell Belle back to Schuylerville or do it the other way around with Bike & Boat Fridays, every Friday from June 2 through October 6, with Adirondack Ultra Cycling.
It wouldn’t be summer in the Empire State without spending some time on the water! Launching from North Tonawanda, Niagara River Cruises is offering boat tours on a variety of topics from history and architecture to hosting live music and comedians, in June and August.
You can also cruise down the Erie Canal and learn about its fascinating history and engineering in a quiet, electric-powered boat with Captain JJ, Saturdays from June 24 through September 2 in Macedon.
The Canal Corporation has partnered with Abilities Movement and Homesteads for Hope to develop an adapted kayaking program to support individuals of all abilities. Launching in Rochester on the wide water section of the canal, the 6-week individual and group programs will run through July and August.
Kids and adults can learn kayaking techniques, basic water safety principles, and about the history and wildlife on the Erie Canal with Capt. LJ Tomboy Adventures Wednesdays from July 5 through August 30 in Macedon.
For those who prefer to travel by foot and take an up-close look at the magic of nature, hikers can learn about pollinators like birds, moths, butterflies, and other insects and the critical role they all play in maintaining our ecosystem on one-mile excursions at the Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah, on Fridays and Saturdays from August 4th through September 9th.
Birders can also tag along with Seneca Lake Water Rentals and Tours in Waterloo for special guided birding tours by boat, leaving from Seneca Falls Cowing St dock and traveling to Montezuma wildlife refuge on June 12 and 26, and July 10 and 24.
The Erie Canal Museum is leading infrastructure tours in Syracuse from June 17 through August 26 at Lock E-24 and the Weighlock Building.
Travel by land and sea, starting at Gems Along the Mohawk and heading to Lock 18. Board a bus to explore the Lock, enjoy short trail works, and take a cruise down the Erie Canal. All happening in Herkimer on June 15, 20, 21, 27-29, July 18 and 19, and August 23.
Feeling like it’s time to tap into your creative side? The Erie Canal Museum will also host sketching workshops on July 15 (Camillus), August 19 (Syracuse), and September 9 (Chittenango).
In Fairport on July 15 and August 12, and in Spencerport on June 24, July 22, and September 2, adults (18+) can take part in inspiring and interactive intuitive painting workshops. Drawing and painting workshops are available for kids (ages 10-17) on July 11, July 18, and July 25 in Fairport, and July 12 and 19 in Spencerport. All workshops are offered by Stony Point Art Studio and invite you to channel your inner Van Gogh.
En plain air painting with Midair Studio will be offered in Little Falls on August 16 and September 9, and in Rome on August 19 and September 13. The French term, “plein air” means “out of doors,” and refers to the practice of painting entire finished images outside. In Amsterdam, Gail Talmadge will offer en plein air sunset painting sessions at the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Bridge Thursdays and Fridays in June.
The Village of Brockport is offering all kinds of fun and accessible activities, from kayaking and cycling tours for people of all abilities, boat building workshops, and en plein air painting, on weekends in June and July. Adaptive kayaking and cycling equipment will be provided by Rochester Accessible Adventures and Erie Canal Boat Company.
It’s clear that there is no shortage of fun to be had this summer in the Empire State! For a full list of excursions and to secure your spot before it’s too late, sign-up here.
Canalway Trail Times 