The Erie Canal is a 200-year-old modern engineering marvel that runs right through Rochester in different canalside villages and hamlets including Fairport, Pittsford, Bushnell’s Basin, Spencerport and Brockport.
Constructed between 1817 and 1825, The Erie Canal has been a defining part of Rochester’s landscape for the last 200 years. The 360 mile long, hand-dug canal runs from Albany to Buffalo, creating the first continuous waterway from the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes when it first opened.
Thanks to the Erie Canal, Rochester experienced massive growth and shortly after its opening became known as “America’s First Boomtown."
Today, the Erie Canal continues to be a beloved Monroe County landmark, and to celebrate its 200th birthday, the canal will be extending its navigation season! This year, the Erie Canal will be open for boating from May 16 through November 3, with special events, themed cruises and many more opportunities to get on the canal in 2025.
Think paddling scenic waterways, cycling breezy canal trails, and waterfront towns full of festivals, food, and music. Even if you don’t know much about the Erie Canal, it’s the perfect time to experience a piece of American history that’s still making waves.
