Celebrate the Erie Canal's 200th Year in Rochester

Fun fact: the Village of Fairport was once known as Perrinsville but was renamed after the construction of the canal because it was considered a very “fair port” for an overnight stay for passing travelers. If you visit the village today, you’ll likely find it just as inviting!

Fairport is also where you can experience the Erie Canal from aboard the Colonial Belle, or while rowing a fully accessible kayak from Erie Canal Boat Company.

Fairport also has a ton of local shopping and dining to explore. Stop by The Cannery district and visit Iron Smoke Distillery or Tin Cup Social for a great cocktail, Casa Larga Vineyards if wine is more your speed, or Mescolata Boutique if you’re looking for a new outfit to wear while exploring the canal. Find even more spots to explore in Fairport with the Fairport Perinton Merchants Association. 

Trying to nail down the perfect time for your visit to Fairport? The 2025 Canal Days festival is taking place June 6-8, and it is the perfect way to explore all the Erie Canal Side Village of Fairport. While you're there, check out the Erie Canal Bicentennial Art Exhibit at Stony Point Art Studio on June 6 through June 8!

When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, Pittsford became a busy shipping port with produce being sent to the eastern markets. Today, Pittsford is a lively neighborhood that offers you multiple ways to enjoy the canal.

The Erie Canal in Pittsford is where you can cruise the Sam Patch. Hop on board for one of the daily trips departing from Schoen Place and see why more than 11,000 people choose to experience the Erie Canal on the Sam Patch every year. Be sure to check out the Unlocking the Past Speaker Series on Sam Patch, with showings on various dates from June 18 through September 17!

The Village of Pittsford will also be hosting a Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebration and Performance at Schoen Place on September 27. Come join the festivities and celebrate canal side! 

Don’t forget to check out some of the great shopping in Schoen Place as well. Explore spots like Cleo + Kin Boutique, NOTION, and The Boutique Curated by UB before taking off on your cruise!

Looking to grab a bite while you’re in the area? You can’t go wrong with Simply Crepes for a delicious meal, Neutral Ground Coffee or Village Bakery for a caffeine fix, or Pittsford Dairy for a sweet treat to end your night. Spend an overnight in Pittsford in luxury at the Del Monte Lodge & Spa. 

Known as the “Victorian Village on the Erie Canal”, Brockport is a great place to celebrate the canal’s 200^th year! This small town is home to a SUNY Campus, rich in history and offers visitors a new pedestrian bridge and walking path alongside the canal. 

If you’re looking to go for a stroll along the beautiful Erie Canal, Brockport has what you need. Whether you want a longer continuous walk, or a shorter trek through one of the “segments”, you’ll love Brockport’s Erie Canal walking tours! Brockport also offers a safe and accessible dock/kayak launch, so you can safely and easily explore the canal right from the water. Stop into the Brockport Welcome Center to meet with local community volunteers, sign up for bike rentals, free tent camping for bikers and more. 

Stroll Brockport's Main Street and discover a number of locally owned small businesses, including Lift Bridge Books, which has been serving the Rochester area since 1972. 

Mark your calendars for the Brockport Arts Festival, held in August annually. 

Feeling like you need a rest after getting your walk or kayak ride in? Book a room at the Hampton Inn in Brockport and enjoy comfy accommodations close to the canal.

Originally a farm known as “Spencer’s Basin”, the Erie Canal helped turn Spencerport into the quaint and charming town it is today.

Don’t forget to stop by Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum and learn about some interesting history about the Erie Canal. Beyond canal history, the museum features historical items from the Ogden Telephone Company, Village of Spencerport, and Town of Ogden. The museum opens for the season on June 2, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly!

Check out the annual Spencerport Canal Days in July each year (held for more than 40 years!) and the Spencerport Fireman's Parade and Carnival held each June. 

Feeling hungry? End your day with a stop at the Texas BBQ Joint for some delicious barbeque to satisfy any craving.

Bushnell’s Basin offers a public docking area so you can easily park your boat when you’re done on the water and go for a stroll to experience the canal from land.

While you’re on land, be sure to stop by the beautiful Powder Mills Park. The park features hiking trails, trout fishing, and downhill skiing in the chillier months. There are also six lodges and four shelters available to rent on the park grounds!

Since a sweet treat is always the best way to end the night, head over to Abbotts Frozen Custard and indulge in some delicious frozen custard or ice cream.

Be sure to share all your Erie Canal Bicentennial celebrations with us using #VisitROC and #ErieCanal200!

The Rochester section of the Erie Canal is unique in that the canal connects directly to downtown Rochester via the Genesee River. The premiere location for exploring the Genesee River in the City of Rochester is Corn Hill Landing. 

Corn Hill Navigation, a non-profit organization, operates a waterfront welcome center in Corn Hill Landing and Genesee River cruises on the Riverie Tour Boat. The boat itself gets its name from the meeting of the Genesee River and the Erie Canal. 

Within Corn Hill you will find  many dining and entertainment options, including Flight Wine Bar, Rabbit Hole Tavern and Neutral Ground Coffee House. 

Similar to the canal, the Genesee River offers a riverside walking and biking path, the Genesee Riverway Trail. The canal and the river connect in Genesee Valley Park, located in the City of Rochester. 

For the Bicentennial, Corn Hill Landing and the Riverie will host the Seneca Chief on September 27. The Flotsam Floating Circus will perform in Genesee Gateway Park (accessible via Mount Hope Avenue) on August 8, 2025.