Events Calendar

Stay in-the-know about all upcoming events and notable dates.
  • Kid-Friendly Lake Erie Niagara River Buffalo Western New York 5/01/2024 - 10/31/2024
    Take a walking tour of Canalside, the Erie Canal's 1825 western terminus. See Buffalo’s new waterfront attractions and learn about the history of the Erie Canal in Buffalo. Choose a 90-minute adult or 60-minute family-friendly tour geared for kids 5-10. Free.
  • Erie Canal Albany Capital Region 10/19/2024
    Celebrate the autumn harvest and the Champlain Canal Bicentennial on the grounds of the Canal Street Marketplace, a renovated nineteenth century canal barn. The festival features regional farm and artisan products, educational booths, fabulous food, free horse and wagon rides, a local beer tasting tent, and live music.

Get to know the Canals & Trails

Locking Through

Watching a lock operate is a fascinating experience. Whether in a boat or kayak on the water or standing at a Canal wall railing, you’ll see an “elevator for watercraft” at work. Lock Operators use electric controls to open and close the lock gates but it is gravity that makes the water flow in or out of the lock chamber using underwater values and tunnels.

Travel the Trails

Walking and cycling for fun with friends or wellness, we’ve got the place for you— the Canalway Trial along the Erie and Champlain canals. Step off the trail to visit local cafes, restaurants and shops in charming canal communities. Glimpses of wildlife, sleek boats and beautiful landscapes along the Canal waterways fill your eyes with wonder. The soft chirping of birds, rippling waters as kayaks glide by and the music of breezes through the lush green landscape are a symphony of sounds for the mind. The trails are for everyone—from those living the high energy lifestyle to those seeking the serenity of New York State’s natural beauty.  

Fall Fishing

Get a glimpse of the environment and wildlife you might encounter while fishing along the New York State Canals

The Canal System

This video provides an overview of the places, events, and activities one may partake of in enjoying a NYS Canal experience. From boating in many forms and formats to fishing, walking or biking, historical perspectives, shopping and dining. The NYS Canal system affords ample opportunities for exploration, excitement, and recreation in a vast and multi-faceted waterside environment.

Real Property & Permits

Resources for individuals looking to buy, rent, sell or lease property, hold events or do construction along the New York State Canals System.

Business & Grants

While more widely used for recreation, commercial traffic of heavy loads can travel economically and sustainably through Canal waterways. If you’re a business owner, find out about bid opportunities. Two types of Canal grants help communities fund projects large and small.

Careers at the Canals

The New York State Canal Corporation relies upon engineers to ensure the safe, reliable operation of the 524 miles of the canal system within New York State. The canal system, with its rich history and vital economic impact on the communities it passes through, provides opportunities and unique professional challenges for engineers looking to advance their skillsets and knowledge base.