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Canals/Boating

Boating Hours

Check the boating hours for NYS Canals and plan your journey accordingly. Stay informed about seasonal operating times to ensure smooth navigation.

2025 Navigation Season

Conditions permitting, all portions of the New York State Canal system are scheduled to open Friday, May 16, 2025, for the annual navigation season—marking the 201st consecutive year of travel along New York’s Canals and the 200th anniversary of the original Erie Canal’s completion on October 26, 1825.

There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system this year.

Operating Hours

As part of the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial commemoration, the Canal Corporation is extending this year’s navigation season. The system will remain open for both recreational and commercial vessels through Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Standard hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with extended hours at select locations through the peak navigation season, May 16 through Sept.10.

Extended 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. hours will be in effect at the following locks and lift bridges:

  • Lock E-8 (Rotterdam)
  • Lock E-23 (Brewerton)
  • Lock O-1, O-2, O-3, O-8 (Phoenix to Oswego)
  • Lock E-24 (Baldwinsville)
  • Main Street Lift Bridge (Fairport)
  • Lock E-32, E-33 (Pittsford and Henrietta)
  • Lift bridges in Spencerport, Adams Basin, Brockport, Holley, Hulberton, Albion, Eagle Harbor, Knowlesville, Medina, Middleport, Gasport, and Lockport
  • Lock E-34/35 (Lockport)
  • Exchange Street Lift Bridge (Lockport)
  • Lock CS-1, CS-2/3, CS-4 (Cayuga to Waterloo)

Special Information at Specific Locks

Vessels will be admitted through structures if arriving prior to scheduled closing times. Mariners are advised to plan accordingly, especially when traveling through paired lock structures or the Waterford Flight, where arrival by 5 p.m. is recommended for full transit.

Operating hours may vary at some locations as the Canal Corporation continues seasonal staffing efforts. Mariners are encouraged to consult the latest Notices to Mariners for updates throughout the season.

This year’s extended season will also support vessels traveling to and from New York City in late October, including the Buffalo Maritime Center’s replica Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief.