What is It – In the aftermath of the American Revolution, the United States sought to expand trade routes and settle the interior of the continent. One proposed idea was to connect the Hudson River and New York City with the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain by building canals and improving waterways. For decades nothing happened but in 1817 ground was broken by New York Governor DeWitt Clinton for the construction of a 365-mile-long canal between Albany and Buffalo. By 1825, the monumental infrastructure project was completed, and the new canal allowed the shipment of grain, lumber, and people to the Great Lakes and beyond. The Erie Canal supported the growth and economic development of the United States for generations thereafter until railroads, highways, airports, and the St. Lawrence Seaway provided more efficient methods of transportation.

Since the 1970s, however, the Erie Canal and the communities along its banks have been reborn as a place for recreation and outdoor activities. Designated as a Heritage Corridor by Congress in 2000, the canalway includes 34 national historic landmarks and 24 state parks. One of the best places to enjoy the canal and experience its many amenities is Fairport, New York, a village located ten miles to the east of Rochester. Whether you like walking, boating, biking, eating, sightseeing or entertainment, a day trip to Fairport is an excellent destination for people of all ages. 

Some special features of the Erie Canal Heritage Trail include the following:

Walks around Fairport Harbor – The Erie Canalway Trail extends for 360 miles and follows the banks of the canal. Ninety percent of the trail is off road, and the rest is along the side of public streets. It consists of asphalt walkways and stone dust paths eight to fifteen feet wide and is suitable for walking, jogging, and biking. The logical starting place for a hike at Fairport is on the north bank of the canal just east of the North Main Street lift bridge where there is a parking lot adjacent to the Canal Harbor and a retail building called The Box Factory. At this location, you will find benches, a map of the area, and information about the trail. The town is also building a public bathroom nearby. Walkers heading in either direction from the harbor can enjoy several miles of the scenic waterway. If you walk to west under the lift bridge, you will pass two residential developments, a town park and a rowing club, and several commercial buildings. In contrast, if you walk to the east, you will pass by woodlands, a baseball complex, and follow the railroad line. Only a small portion of these routes is shaded and there are no refreshment stops after you leave the harbor so prepare accordingly.

Sightseeing - Another favorite outdoor activity on the Erie Canal is sightseeing. There are boat companies that provide tours of the canal towns and pass through one or more of the locks that raise and lower boats transiting the canal. Cruises usually range from one hour to four hours in duration and specialty cruises feature dinner cruises, wine tours and other themed events. Fairport is the home port of the popular Colonial Belle ferry, a two-story Coast Guard certified vessel that carries 149 passengers and has operated from its berth at Packett’s Landing for 33 years. It offers narrated cruises from mid-May to October with comfortable seating, restrooms, and refreshments.

Boating – Visitors to the Erie Canal take to the water on their own in a variety of vessels. Boat rentals available at Fairport include sleek craft equipped with sleeping quarters, a galley, and deck space which are suitable for small groups seeking to experience the canal. In addition, people can launch their own boats at one of the more eighty public boat ramps along the canal and stay overnight or stop at one of the many marinas and public docks along the way. Some canal communities provide visitor centers, showers, and other services for boaters. Finally, the smooth water of the canal makes it a popular destination for launching kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats from one of 140 public access points on the waterway. The Erie Canal Boat Company located just west of the Fairport lift bridge rents kayaks and bicycles. Life preservers and safe boating practices are highly recommended given the narrow width of the canal and heavy vessel traffic.

Other Fairport Attractions- The canal harbor section of Fairport is full of restaurants including craft breweries, bistros, coffee shops, ice cream, and international cuisine. So, whether you are looking for fine dining, pizza or family fare, there are diverse dining options available. The area also has interesting shops offering eclectic goods, gifts, and traditional wares along with the equipment and supplies needed for cruising the river. Another interesting feature of the quaint village are the festivals held there throughout the year. These include a Canal Days art festival in June, a music festival with six stages of concerts in August, and an Oktoberfest in October. 

Difficulty - Walking the Erie Canal Heritage Trail around Fairport can be rated as a leisurely walk and guide services are not required. However, adults should accompany young children.

When to Go - The scenery of the canal and the village of Fairport are best enjoyed from mid-May to mid-October which matches the boating season. Temperatures rarely exceed 65 degrees in May and October but can reach the 80s during the summer. 

How to Get Here - The Erie Canal Heritage Trail is conveniently located only about 15 minutes north of Interstate 90 which runs from Albany to Buffalo. After getting off Interstate 90, follow Interstate 490 and Route NY-250 until you cross the lift bridge over the canal. Then turn right onto Lift Bridge Lane East until you see the canal harbor parking lot on the right.