Do you know the history of the Erie Canal? Well, if not, no worries! Here’s a quick recap:

The Erie Canal literally opened up the western United States to expansion in 1825 when the canal was built and Rochester became the country's first "boomtown." The Erie Canal is credited for creating New York City as a major port and thus, one of the world’s foremost cities. Today, the Canal presents a fascinating story of an almost forgotten commercial waterway emerging as a major tourist destination and recreational resource.

 

Here’s how you can have an educational and leisurely experience throughout Rochester’s canalside villages and hamlets, including Pittsford, Fairport, Bushnell’s Basin, Spencerport and Brockport:

 

Pittsford

Colonel Caleb Hopkins, who was a leading citizen who had been supervisor and a hero of the War of 1812, named Pittsford after his hometown of Pittsford, Vermont. When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, the village became a busy shipping port with produce being sent to the eastern markets. The arrival of the Auburn and Rochester railroad in 1842 also contributed to the village’s growth.
 

  • Get on the water: Cruise the Sam Patch, departing Wednesday through Monday from 12 Schoen Place, beginning in May.
  • Fun things to do: Visit Schoen Place for a great selection of shopping and dining. Looking to coast the trails along the canal? Stop into Towpath Bike to shop for or rent a bike.
  • Restaurants: Grab a sweet treat at the Pittsford Dairy, a cup of coffee at Neutral Ground Coffeehouse, enjoy a great meal at Simply Crepes, or savor a craft beverage at Lock 32 Brewing. 
  • Lodging: Treat yourself to a suite at The Del Monte Lodge Renaissance Rochester Hotel & Spa.
  • Shopping: Schoen Place is a shopper's paradise! Stop by Cleo + Kin, the Boutique by UB and Notion are all located within steps of one another in Northfield Common near the State Street entrance to Schoen Place.  

 

Fairport

The Village of Fairport is located within the Town of Perinton. From its earliest days, the presence of the waterway helped transform what had once been known as Perrinsville into a very "fair port” for an overnight stay by passing travelers. Fairport also benefitted from the railroad’s arrival in 1853, making this growing community one of the leading centers of transportation and industry of its time in all of Upstate New York.

 

  • Get on the water: Hop aboard the Colonial Belle for a cruise along the Erie Canal or check out a fully accessible kayak rental from Erie Canal Boat Company. 
  • Fun things to do: Shop and dine at Fairport Village Landing, and mark your calendar for Fairport’s Canal Days in June. Pick up a paddle at Fairport Pickleball Club. Need a way to get around? Stop into RV&E for bikes, gear and more. 
  • Restaurants: There’s something for everybody in Fairport: Lulu when a taqueria’s where you want to go, Tin Cup Social for an upscale sports bar, Iron Smoke Distillery for a bourbon or craft cocktail, and Bonnie + Clyde when you're in the mood for New American cuisine. A little bit outside of the village you will find Casa Larga Vineyards, one of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes region and home to a wide range of varietals, including award-winning Ice Wine. 
  • Lodging: The Woodcliff Hotel & Spa is the perfect place to rest your head after an adventurous day in Fairport.
  • Shopping: Stroll the streets of the Village of Fairport and discover a wide range of retails businesses and boutiques. Check out the Fairport Perinton Merchants Association for a complete list. Some of our favorites include Mescolata Boutique and Red Bird Market. 

 

Bushnell's Basin

Also located in Perinton is Bushnell’s Basin. The surrounding neighborhoods are almost evenly split between Fairport and Pittsford. The Basin is within close proximity to various businesses and eateries, as well as outdoor activities such as Kreag Road Park and a public boat dock area on the Erie Canal.
 

 

Spencerport

Originally called “Spencer’s Basin,” Spencerport started out as a farm that thrived as commerce on the Erie Canal prospered. The town became bustling canal center with warehouses, hotels, various stores and shops that encompassed every trade.
 

 

Brockport

Brockport – “The Victorian Village on the Erie Canal" – was incorporated in 1829, four years after the completion of the Erie Canal. Its name derives from one of its founders, Heil Brockway, who operated a packet line between Rochester and Buffalo and had a boatyard that, at one time, built more canal packet boats than any other in the world. Fun fact: Brockport celebrates its 193rd birthday this year!
 

  • Get on the water: Take a walking tour through Brockport – go for a continuous stroll or walk one of the trail’s “segments.”
  • Fun things to do: Celebrate the dynamic presence of African culture in America through performances by the Sankofa African Dance and Drum Ensemble. Performances run throughout April at SUNY Brockport. Check out the Brockport Welcome Center on the Erie Canal, which featured a fully accessible kayak launch, as well as a new pedestrian bridge (opening spring 2025). 
  • Restaurants: Enjoy some casual dining and great conversation at the Brockport Diner, Custom House, or 58 Main BBQ + Brew.
  • Lodging: Recharge with a good night’s rest at the Hampton Inn Brockport.
  • Shopping: Browse the shelves at Liftbridge Books, featuring two floors of books (new & used), toys and games.