Erie Canalway Trail

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1 Arrive Niagara Falls

   If you arrive in advance of the tour, you’ll find there’s no shortage of things to do in beautiful Niagara Falls, including attractions such as the famous Maid of the Mist, a boat ride taking you right up to the giant ‘wall of water’, or walk behind the falls at the Cave of Winds, and so much more.

   In the evening you’ll meet in the hotel lobby for introductions and tour orientation.

   
   

   • Hotel in Buffalo
2. Day 2Niagara Falls to Lockport

   The cycling begins with a gorgeous ride around the highlights of Niagara Falls, then you’ll follow the beautiful Niagara River to Tonawanda, the Gateway to the Erie Canal. In Tonawanda, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch, and after cycling a few miles to work off lunch, enjoy ice cream at Uncle G’s before reaching Lockport and your stop for the evening.

   • 32.9 miles
   • Accommodation in Lockport
   • Breakfast and Lunch

   • 

     Lockport Inn and Suites exterior

     Spend your nights in comfortable hotels and inns

   • 

     Lockport Inn and Suites

     Spend your nights in comfortable hotels and inns

3. Day 3Lockport to Brockport

   You'll depart from the hotel this morning and in approx. 2 miles reach the famous Flight of Five Locks, the engineering marvel of its day. Take time to explore the Locks and the wonderful statuary that pays tribute to its builders.

   Leaving Lockport behind, you'll enjoy easy, scenic cycling getting your first views of the lovely Lift Bridges that span the west half of the Erie Canal. You’ll then cycle through the charming communities of Medina, Albion and Holley. In Holley, take time to divert to lovely Holley Falls Park, before continuing on to Brockport, the stop for the day.
   

   • 44.7 miles
   • Accommodation in Brockport
   • Breakfast
4. Day 4Brockport to Macedon

   Today's 40-mile (64-km) ride offers a pleasant downhill slope, promising a relaxing and effortless journey. Take advantage of this leisurely day to indulge in a unhurried lunch in the charming waterfront villages of Pittsford or Fairport, both brimming with diverse dining choices.

   In Fairport, you even have the chance to hop on a kayak and enjoy a leisurely paddle along the canal. Afterward, the journey carries on to Macedon, where an enjoyable evening awaits you. Tonight, there will be a delightful pizza and movie night, featuring the film "Erie, The Canal That Made America."

   
   

   • 39.8 miles
   • Accommodation in Macedon
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
5. Day 5Macedon to Seneca Falls

   Today's journey takes you through the scenic upstate New York countryside as you pedal towards Seneca Falls. Along the way, explore numerous points of interest such as the Women’s Rights National Park, the historic Knitting Mill from the Civil War era, and the serene Cayuga Lake State Park. Additionally, there are several museums, shops, and excellent dining spots to discover.

   In the evening, savour a delightful dinner before taking a leisurely stroll along the enchanting Ludovico Sculpture Trail and the lovely waterfront of the Seneca-Cayuga Canal.

   
   

   • 44.7 miles
   • Accommodation in Seneca Falls
   • Breakfast and Dinner
6. Day 6Seneca Falls to Syracuse

   After bidding farewell to Seneca Falls, immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes as you cycle through Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, eventually rejoining the Erie Canalway Trail. En route, discover several canal parks, including the meticulously restored Jordan Aqueduct Park and the historically reconstructed Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct, restored to its original splendour.

   Upon reaching Syracuse, explore the remarkable Erie Canal Museum and photo-worthy Clinton Square.
   

   • 47.8 miles
   • Accomodation in Syracuse
   • Breakfast
7. Day 7Around the Lake Loop & Sightseeing in Syracuse

   Today is a rest day, but does offer an optional bike ride on the “Around the Lake Loop”, a beautiful 24 mile out-and-back ride around Onondaga Lake. You’ll then have the day to spend as you like. Highly recommended is a visit to the Erie Canal Museum, as is a visit to the Skä•noñh (pronounced ska’-now) Peace Center which is a Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Cultural Center focused on telling the story of the native peoples of central New York. Also worthy of a visit is Everson Museum of Art, and the Museum of Science and Technology. But be sure to save time to walk the blocks around lovely Clinton Square taking in the amazing history and architecture of this vibrant city.
   

   • Accommodation in Syracuse
   • Breakfast
8. Day 8Syracuse to Rome

   There’s plenty to see between Syracuse and Rome as you cruise effortlessly along the bike path reaching Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum in 17 miles. From the Landing, you'll continue on cycling past and over many aqueducts and awesome Lock 21, before stopping for a trailside picnic lunch.

   In Rome, you’ll visit the remarkable Fort Stanwix before cruising the last few miles to your hotel.

   • 46 miles
   • Accommodation in Rome
   • Breakfast and Lunch
9. Day 9Rome to Little Falls

   It’s easy, beautiful cycling en route to Utica where you can divert from the bike trail to visit the Munson-Williams-Proctor Art Gallery (free), or stroll the shady paths of the Utica Zoo with their adorable Red Pandas, before continuing on to Little Falls, with its quaint main streets, great pubs and eateries, and many artisan and antique shops!

   • 39.8 miles
   • Accommodation in Little Falls
   • Breakfast
10. Day 10Little Falls to Schenectady

    Don’t be intimidated by today’s 60 miles, the downhill is in your favor! Enjoy the easy glide as you cycle to Schenectady offering beautiful natural scenery as well as Revolutionary War History. Very short distances from the bike trail are Oriskany Battlefield, Herkimer Home, Fort Klock and Schoharie Crossing Historic Site.

    • 59.7 miles
    • Accommodation in Schenectady
    • Breakfast
11. Day 11Schenectady to Albany

    It’s your last day on the ECT as you cycle through the Capital Region stopping for a quick visit to beautiful Cohoes Falls before dropping the kickstand in Albany, the end of this incredible adventure!
    

    • 29.8 miles
    • Breakfast