Wondering if this is the perfect trip for you...

Listen to those that voyaged before you and see what the hype is all about!  From our 2022 customer feedback survey to our google, yelp and facebook comments ... you will see our trips are a once in a lifetime experience.  We love when our customers return and tell us it was the best trip of their life!

Reviews Matter

We are so proud to be rated 5 Stars in Google Reviews, Facebook Reviews and Yelp.

Call our booking team today to learn more about Erie Canal Adventures and our unique canal boat experiences we offer.  315-986-3011.

Carolyn Janette
Carolyn Janette
10:23 12 Oct 22
In the first week of October, four of us (adults) took the 42 foot Lockmaster out for 7 days and headed west. It was a... really fun experience. The weather was typical fall stuff - sunny days in the mid 60s and a few cooler, cloudy days in the low to mid 50s.The barge experience is great for people that like an easy going vibe, want to explore small towns, have fun going through locks, watch the lift bridges go up for your barge, check out all the herons along the canal, and wave to folks along the canal tow path. It is very relaxing and like stepping back in time to a slower way of living.With the barge, there were two double beds (yes, double - on the small side) and two bathrooms (heads). This was really good for four people. All of us are on the short / small side so sleeping in the beds was fine. Having a furnace on the barge for those autumn overnights was very welcome as it did get cold outside.We overnighted in the towns of Pittsford, Brockport, Medina, Albion, Holley, Spencerport, and Fairport. Albion had the fewest restaurant choices but it closest to Lake Ontario so we docked there so we could ride the beach cruiser bikes the 10 miles to the lake. About 3 miles out of town was a Cobblestone Museum which provided cool insight into the local architecture. In Holley, hiking to the waterfalls is definitely worth doing.In our group of four, one person had extensive boating experience so she had that innate feel for how a boat moves and how to steer using the rudder, bow thruster, and throttle. We were glad she was along as the other three of us could have figured it out but we were happy to have our pro for guiding us through locks and into the dock.Overall, a great time on the Erie Canal! 🙂read more
David Redfield
David Redfield
20:28 04 Oct 22
I can't say enough good things about this company in Macedon. We rented one of the 40 foot Lockmasters for four nights... and had four adults on board. What a perfect organization. They were thorough ahead of time with multiple itineraries and information about the many towns and possible stops. The cruising guide was great. The linens were perfect. The galley was well-supplied and we cooked all our meals aboard the Otisco. The training provided ahead of time was spot on with several videos and pre-trip refresher. The trainer walked us through a very thorough checklist beforehand and sailed with us to help with handling and locking through a couple times.What we noticed was the end-to-end attention to detail and the friendly and competent staff. I wish there were more stars!read more
Eric B
Eric B
15:27 29 Sep 22
They provide everything you need for the trip except your food and dock fees. While it is comfortable and relaxing,... you will be challenged from time to time by locks, weather, and missing lift bridge operators. A unique experience with a quality company.read more
Pete Small
Pete Small
23:11 13 Sep 22
These folks were amazing. We booked the trip nearly a year ago and had to check in with them a few times prior to our... arrival. They were always helpful.When we showed up for our three day outing, the orientation, explanation, and walk through were perfect. We were on the canal with four other boats from Erie Canal Adventures, so we had the opportunity to see them respond to concerns - which they did very well. We also spoke with other customers and virtually everyone was happy with the experience.We cannot rate these folks high enough. We would visit them again and we would recommend them to others without hesitation.read more
Robert Braverman
Robert Braverman
00:22 31 Aug 22
From start to finish our experience with Erie Canal Adventures was awesome. Before taking the boat out they do an... excellent job in educating and training you regarding the canal and the boat. The information they provide is all useful even if that doesn’t seem to be the case before the trip begins. The entire operation was very professional.read more
Dave St.Germain
Dave St.Germain
11:27 24 Aug 22
Not much I can add that is different from the other 5 star reviews. It was an excellent trip that I would highly... recommend. Spotless, well-supplied boats, thorough training, unmatched customer service and enough adventure to make it fun. I would recommend to anyone.read more
Julie Damerell
Julie Damerell
14:23 09 Aug 22
I went kayaking with Capt. LJ and a small group through Lock 30 and back, and it was wonderful. Her good will, humor,... and knowledge about the Erie Canal was as abundant as the sunshine on the water and the trees and wildlife alongside it. We had help getting in and out of the kayaks, and a little basic instruction before we headed out. Terrific morning on the canal!read more
BSchuman0212
BSchuman0212
21:07 02 Aug 22
We had the most relaxing trip aboard the Onondaga headed west. Once we got through the training, it was smooth boating... onto our first night in Pittsford. The boat was spotless, well equipped and was easy to maneuver. We had a 3 night/4 day trip and wanted to spend more time on the water. Going through the locks was such fun thanks to the great training we had before we hit the water. We had a small issue with a strange noise at 3am and called the owner, Mr. Keenan, who answered the phone and told us how to correct the problem within a minute or so. That's commitment to customer satisfaction to answer his phone at that early hour in the morning! Very impressive operation and we are recommending it to everyone who asks. Thanks for an unforgettable adventure!read more
Nancy Reyes
Nancy Reyes
00:10 22 Jul 22
Our trip on the Erie Canal was one of the best vacations I have had. Everyone was helpful and made us feel confident to... captain the boat. It was fun and relaxing. The boat was outfitted as expected, very clean and comfortable. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone seeking a relaxing vacation.read more
Thomas Hodgins
Thomas Hodgins
18:52 20 Jul 22
This trip was a first of a kind for us and we ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! 6 of us (three couples) took the 3 night adventure... and headed west. I can't think of how the owners, Allie & Brian Keenan, could have made it any better. From the booking process to returning our boat, we received first class service. The boat itself was newly renovated, super clean, had all needed amenities and was easy to operate. We've already shared our experience with others and plan on returning next season (if they're not already sold out!). Thank you, Erie Canal Adventures, for such a positive, fun experience!read more
Barbara Gall
Barbara Gall
20:52 19 Jul 22
The staff was extremely helpful. The boats easily accommodated all the clothes and food we brought on board. This was... a first for our family and what a wonderful experience!read more
Jessica Huwa
Jessica Huwa
09:37 14 Jul 22
What an adventure! We took one of the 42ft canal boats on a four day, three night excursion West-bound with two small... children under the age of 3yo. The boat was extremely comfortable (a/c is avail when you hook up at night!), can be completely enclosed to contain the kiddos (leaving the driver to the peace and quiet of the canal), and had everything we needed once we brought a few groceries and toys aboard. Very easy to operate (driving and going thru locks) and most of the slips you tied in to for the night were free. Any others were less than $20 a night. The Erie Canal Adventures staff were very helpful and kind from the moment we booked our boat a year in advance thru the orientation sessions the day of rental. Thank you for such an amazing experience!!!! We will absolutely be back again and highly recommend these boats, even for families with small kids. 🙂read more
Gary Atkinson
Gary Atkinson
19:06 11 Jul 22
Thank you Erie Canal Adventures for the best vacation my wife and I have ever had. We look forward to being back again... next year. Your boats are the best on the canal and your service is second to none. A very special thank you to Gill for his instruction about operating the boat, and for helping us on our return. He is awesome!We can't wait to return next year!read more
Paul Jacobs
Paul Jacobs
17:43 10 Jul 22
We recently rented a Lockmaster 41, the one with a double bed in one cabin and bunks in the other. We were four... adults on the boat for ten days. Everything was even better than we expected. The bunkbeds are small but adequate, however, the upper calls for some agility. The boat was well equipped, clean, and in excellent repair. The people were great to deal with, very professional and friendly. The villages, both Newark to the east and then west to Brockport, were beautiful and hospitable. Most had restaurants in easy walking distance, free restrooms and showers, power and water at the city docks. The lockmasters were helpful and accommodating. We all had experience locking through on various waterways, so had no difficulties. For inexperienced boaters, pay attention at your preboarding instructions, ask questions and take the time necessary to understand what you're told and thank God for bowthrusters.read more
Terry Creighton
Terry Creighton
23:46 09 Jul 22
My husband and I rented the 34 ft. Canadice for 7 nights over the week of Independence Day and had a wonderful time.... The entire operation and their staff is fantastic. We took advantage of the onboard bikes in Medina and Palmyra and had two cookouts with the included propane grill. We mainly followed the westbound itinerary through locks 34/35 in Lockport and then got a day ahead of schedule and decided to spend our last night eastbound in Palmyra. Highlights: life in the slow lane on the Erie Canal, Pittsford Dairy, live music in Pittsford, Taco Tuesday canalside at Clutch in Spencerport, the aqueduct outside of Medina, Happy Garden Chinese in Palmyra, and meeting super people in every port. Highly recommend! We left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.read more
Paul Schlecht
Paul Schlecht
01:18 03 Jul 22
If you are thinking of doing this, stop thinking and do it. My wife and I with another couple, our friends, did this... several years ago and we all agree, we’ve done ocean cruises, caribbean trips, Europe and this was by far the best vacation we ever had. DO ITread more
Captain Mike
Captain Mike
13:44 01 Jul 22
Amazing trip, boats, and service.I have chartered a bunch of bareboat boats over the last 20 years and this was... definitely the best run operation and had the nicest boats.We had the 42' Cayuga and it was SPOTLESS everywhere and appeared to have been freshly painted and every surface (even the ones you don't usually see) was clean.The orientation was great.I am a part-time charter boat captain (100 ton) who has driven a lot of boats and I can say that our boat was hands down the easiest big boat that I have ever driven, it turns on a dime and you can go sideways with the rudder and the bow thruster. There is no need for any prior boating experience to drive these boats.The interior was very, very well laid out and everything appeared to be new or close to it and in tip top shape.5 of us had plenty of room to sleep and even though it was 92 degrees outside the boat never got too hot.The trip itself was amazing, everyone is very, very friendly, from the bridge keepers, to the lockmasters, to the other boaters.If you want a fun time on the water with lots of family time, you will have a hard time beating Erie Canal Adventures.Captain Mikeread more
Dean Alfano
Dean Alfano
11:32 01 Jun 22
Had a great trip, the boat was very clean. No issues at all.
Nancy Hesting
Nancy Hesting
17:46 12 Dec 21
My husband and I cruised on the Harriet Wiles last year for our honeymoon and it was the most amazing trip either of us... had ever had. Staff was very helpful and informative. The Harriet was super clean and just the right size for the two of us. Had everything we needed for the week. We have already booked a two week trip next fall 2022. Cannot wait.read more
Jennifer Burt
Jennifer Burt
14:29 28 Sep 21
Such an epic vacation! A terrific experience that is wonderful for families. There is enough support and information... that you certainly don't feel unprepared or alone as a customer, but there is also plenty of space for you to select your own ports and activities and create a personally customized experience. Outstanding in every way .read more
Cathy Sauer
Cathy Sauer
18:16 25 Aug 21
Great time! Very nice people! Will do it again!
Stacy Stebler
Stacy Stebler
22:40 30 Jun 21
Wish we had booked it for the week instead of just the weekend. We enjoyed every minute.
john ditullio
john ditullio
15:29 12 Sep 20
We took a 4-day trip from Macedon down to Seneca Falls and back it was absolutely amazing! The boats are Immaculate and... surprisingly easy to operate. The staff is amazing, super friendly and knowledgeable. It is an absolute must have bucket list item to knock off! You will not be disappointed!read more
wgibson86
wgibson86
12:57 21 Jul 20
Had an outstanding experience with my family exploring the Erie Canal. Erie Canal Adventures and their staff do a great... job in preparing everything needed for a fun trip.The boats are clean, well maintained and loaded with everything needed for a fun an safe trip.They do a thorough job teaching how to maneuver the the boat through the canal safely and are just a phone call away for any assistance needed while on your trip.It was amazing to see all the cool towns and people along the waterway and overall was a relaxing and enjoyable trip.Thanks Erie Canal Adventures!😀read more
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Erie Canal Adventures
5.0
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Dave Redfield
Dave Redfield
2022-10-04T20:31:37+0000
I can't say enough good things about this company in Macedon. We rented one of the 40 foot Lockmasters for four nights... and had four adults on board. What a perfect organization. They were thorough ahead of time with multiple itineraries and information about the many towns and possible stops. The cruising guide was great. The linens were perfect. The galley was well-supplied and we cooked all our meals aboard the Otisco. The training provided ahead of time was spot on with several videos and pre-trip refresher. The trainer walked us through a very thorough checklist beforehand and sailed with us to help with handling and locking through a couple times. What we noticed was the end-to-end attention to detail and the friendly and competent staff. I wish there were more stars!read more
Liz Novak Henderson
Liz Novak Henderson
2022-08-21T11:22:24+0000
Our group had a wonderful time. It was a mix of newbies and those who have kayaked before. Capt LJ created a safe and... fun atmosphere for us. Highly recommend.read more
Osumah Peter
Osumah Peter
2022-05-17T02:03:48+0000
in FOREX INVESTMENT I never believed my life will change in such a manner, i saw a review on a page about Ma'am... Charlotte and before then i have never risk money doing anything online with anybody because i think i was so wise and never want to be cheated, but when i contacted her and she explained everything to me concerning trading and the profit i can make within a short period, i was convinced to give a trial and i took the risk to make my first investment, since then the rest is history. I never sent her money, but only created and fund my trading account all by myself and give her the access to manage my trads. her trading skills are unique and one of a kind. different from others please i am very happy to introduce all friends and family to invest in themselves and there family. Instead of looking for other evil ways to make money or to increase there worth in life thanks Her contact for those intersted: Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +1 (985) 235-6955read more
Margaret Coxe
Margaret Coxe
2021-08-21T05:00:11+0000
I would absolutely recommend Erie Canal Adventures to everyone! The entire staff is amazing; they all are extremely... knowledgeable, very friendly, and willing - even eager - to help prospective boaters with anything and everything involved with Erie Canal boat trips! I have to give special thanks to Gil, a staff member who had a great, enthusiastic attitude and gave us detailed instruction - particularly on docking the houseboat! He was incredibly helpful, and his coaching ensured that our trip was not only fun, but that we had no problems along the way! And in case we did have a problem, or if we had any questions, or needed help with anything at all, someone from Erie Canal Adventures was available by phone, 24 hours a day. It doesn't get much better than that!!read more
Marjorie Bokern
Marjorie Bokern
2021-07-30T02:51:02+0000
What a unique experience! We were looking for an alternative for a traditional cruise and came across Erie Canal... Adventures and so pleased with the experience. The Onondaga was our home for our 4 night journey exploring the villages between Macedon and Medina, each very different from each other. The trip on the canal was full of different sights and wildlife. The locks and lift bridges added even more to the trip! The staff was helpful and the boat was well equipped. Would highly recommend Erie Canal Adventures!read more
Bill Gunnell
Bill Gunnell
2021-07-13T16:36:47+0000
Great staff, boat was clean and ready to go when we got there. Obviously a very well run owner/operator business. Had a... great time and will return as well as recommend to all.read more
Anina Visa
Anina Visa
2021-07-11T16:02:02+0000
We had a Wonderful time on our boat, and the instructions were very clear. Loved the trip and will definitely recommend... it!!read more
Amanda Lauer
Amanda Lauer
2021-06-29T23:07:22+0000
Houseboat was awesome! We had the Hemlock and easily slept 4 women friends with all of our stuff! Also after training I... found it easy to navigate the locks and canalsread more
Kenneth Campbell
Kenneth Campbell
2021-06-28T20:14:25+0000
Awsome experience on Erie canal in a Erie Canal Adventures canal boat. Excellent customer service. One of my best... vacations. Definitely recommendread more
JM Kuhn
JM Kuhn
2021-06-13T01:40:59+0000
best vacation we've ever had. great customer service; such a calming and scenic trip; wonderful boats. can't recommend... highly enoughread more
Angela Tucker
Angela Tucker
2021-05-08T23:01:58+0000
Had a wonderful experience today taking the NYS Safe Boating Certification Course. The instructors LJ and John really... made the 8 hr course fun.read more
Rachel Cohen Lmsw
Rachel Cohen Lmsw
2020-11-18T03:49:19+0000
The best time ever! We did it twice! The company was spectacular as was the boat. Worth it!
Joe Schuerch
Joe Schuerch
2020-09-18T18:52:15+0000
We had an amazing week on board the Otisco. The boat was fantastic and we really got the hang of things pretty quickly.... This will be definitely be a new annual vacation for me. Thank you to our guide who taught us everything we needed to know and thank you to Erie Canal Adventures for giving us an opportunity to explore the amazing and historic Erie Canal!read more
John DiTullio
John DiTullio
2020-09-12T16:34:59+0000
Amazing way to see new places in complete comfort. The boats are immaculate and surprisingly easy to operate! strongly... recommend trying it out for a super cool vacation!read more
Debbie Martinez
Debbie Martinez
2020-09-11T14:07:19+0000
We had the perfect vacation for these crazy COVID times aboard a boat we rented from Erie Canal Adventures. They made... sure that everything was clean and safe to use. Any time we had a question or problem they were easy to reach and very responsive. We will miss our home away from home! We loved our experience of the beauty, history and hospitality of the Erie Canal region.read more
Bruce Larsen
Bruce Larsen
2020-09-10T00:15:53+0000
We were looking for a socially distanced vacation and found the perfect one. We loved cruising the canal and found the... boat more comfortable than we expected it to be. Training was thorough, the boat was in excellent working condition and we just loved the relaxing cruise and stopping in different towns. I highly recommend for a different kind of vacation. My kids are already begging us to do it again next yearread more
Yasmyne Christine Laverty
Yasmyne Christine Laverty
2020-08-03T17:57:30+0000
What a great and unique experience! The 42 foot longboat we rented was wonderful! All of the comforts of home,... including 3 to 4 separate sleeping areas, full kitchen, 2 toilets, hot shower, air conditioning (when plugged into shore power), bicycles, etc. Boat was easy to maneuver with basic orientation and a little bit of practice. No boating license required. One of my top 4 vacations ever!read more
Nick John
Nick John
2020-07-28T02:31:20+0000
Wonderful three night trip. Wished it could have lasted longer. The staff at ECA are super helpful, kind, and... patient, (one of them even jumped in at the dock to rescue a poor girl's phone...). The boats are in great shape, and the towns and scenery along the canal can't be beat.read more
Mary Song
Mary Song
2020-07-26T22:06:00+0000
Great fun! Highly recommend this trip. You captain your own canal boat, travel through locks and enjoy the scenery.... Nice towns and good restaurants. Small kitchen with refrigerator. Bikes are included, there are bike trails along the canal. Staff always available to assist.read more
Steve Miller
Steve Miller
2020-07-22T15:16:37+0000
Excellent trip on the Erie Canal on the vessel Otisco. Highly recommended.
Karl Granroth
Karl Granroth
2020-07-11T02:02:44+0000
From the minute we arrived at the Marina in Macedon, the staff was super helpful. The boat instruction was quite good,... teaching us how to lock through two different locks before they got off and let us go on our way. The boat itself was a joy to drive and it was awesome to unpack once and move our "hotel" from town to town with ease. Our girls loved swimming in the canal, and the boat was a great platform for it. I called once for help with the AC on the boat, and the mechanic arrived in a little over 20 minutes, and another time I couldn't figure out how to start the boat, and a quick call back from the owner straightened it out. Amazing adventure and a great company to do it with!read more
Mary Ellen Ditrinco
Mary Ellen Ditrinco
2020-07-09T18:39:40+0000
We are full time RV's staying next door at Red's Twilight on the Erie. We have friends that wanted to pick us up at... this marina on a pontoon boat. We were not sure if they would allow us to park there or not; but, we were welcomed with open arms, overall a fantastic day. A few days after that, we were once again out on the canal and stopped into the Marina for gas and a bathroom break. The staff is incredible, the Marina is SPOTLESS....with all the comforts boaters would need including showers, laundry, library and extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. For all of these reasons, we HIGHLY recommend the Erie Canal Adventures!read more
Theresa Valentine
Theresa Valentine
2019-10-09T21:27:53+0000
September was a great time to be on the Erie Canal. Thank you Erie Canal Adventures; your boats were spotless and in... excellent condition. The checkout was a breeze, the towns were delightful, the restaurants and ice cream shops were the best. Thanks for a terrific vacation, and all the best to you next season!read more
Molly Haney-Burleigh
Molly Haney-Burleigh
2019-10-04T16:02:29+0000
Great equipment, employees not only knowledgeable, but cordial and helpful. First class operation in all regards. A... week on the Erie Canal with friends from Montana and we from Arizona, could ask for anything better!read more
Next Reviews
Erie Canal Adventures
5.0
Based on 15 Reviews
David T.
David T.
2022-10-12 11:52:49
EXCELLENT adventure on the canal. Allie and Brian were gracious hosts and set us up for a... memorable canal sail through fall leaves. The boats are... read moreread more
David Grebe G.
David Grebe G.
2022-09-27 09:27:11
The Harriet IS the perfect boat for a couple. Easy to handle, spacious, well fitted out overall... and a great galley. What a relaxing week of visiting 7... read moreread more
Melissa C.
Melissa C.
2022-08-28 09:55:18
What a delightful vacation! We enjoyed the towns, the views along the canal and just hanging out... on the boat. The staff is friendly amd knowledgeable.... read moreread more
Nancy C.
Nancy C.
2022-08-03 12:49:02
We had a wonderful adventure! Our boat was immaculate and had everything we needed. We headed west... and kept a leisurely pace seeing a variety of birds,... read moreread more
BSchuman0212 S.
BSchuman0212 S.
2022-08-02 14:01:46
We had the most relaxing trip aboard the Onondaga headed west. Once we got through the training,... it was smooth boating onto our first night in Pittsford.... read moreread more
Gary A.
Gary A.
2022-07-11 12:02:11
My wife and I had the best vacation in our lives on the Erie Canal. Thank You Erie Canal... Adventures!!! Your boats are the best available on the canal, and... read moreread more
Rich M.
Rich M.
2021-09-21 11:30:31
A unique and fun experience. This was our second trip with these boats (wife & I) and it did not... disappoint. We booked a 4-night trip and headed east. The... read moreread more
Prabjit S.
Prabjit S.
2021-08-24 12:55:33
The 4-day trip was out of this world, best fun vacation I ever had. We were three couples on the... Okeechobee boat. It had two double bed, so the third couple... read moreread more
Bill C.
Bill C.
2021-06-05 18:14:37
Being on the Erie Canal was on my bucket list. Operating a boat on the canal was an extra bonus.... The boat was spotless. The accommodations better than... read moreread more
Brad H.
Brad H.
2021-05-19 08:07:35
We had a fantastic time during our three days on the canal. The boat was easy to handle, well... equipped, and the staff made sure we knew how to do all of the... read moreread more
Bobmc42 ..
Bobmc42 ..
2020-09-09 08:14:35
Great trip, great company and a wonderful experience all around. My wife and two adult children had... such an enjoyable experience that we are planning to do... read moreread more
Michele G.
Michele G.
2020-08-01 13:01:50
What an experience. On Monday we competed a 4 day cruise with our family (and another family). We... had the largest boats that accommodate up to 6 passengers.... read moreread more
Mitch K.
Mitch K.
2019-10-02 11:51:47
My wife and I really enjoyed our boat rental. The area is full of history and nature. The company... is top notch, providing excellent, well equipped boats... read moreread more
Next Reviews

See our 2022 season results...

We listen to our customer feedback, it is important to continuously focus on where we can do better.  Below you'll see the results of our 2022 season customer feedback.  We are pretty proud of our results!

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See our 2021 season results...

We listen to our customer feedback, it is important to continuously focus on where we can do better.  Below you'll see the results of our 2021 season customer feedback.  We are pretty proud of our results!

<