Erie Canal Trail
This tour is pure cycling ecstasy offering over 400 miles of cycling along the Historic Erie Canal with dozens of lovely lift bridges, aqueducts, locks, canal parks and more. Not to mention the beautiful and scenic countryside of Upstate NY, the Revolutionary War history of Central NY, and the amazing beauty of the Mohawk Valley and the Capital Region!
Half Tour Options: Don't have the time to ride the full 10-Day Erie Canal Tour? Our half tour options let you ride either the WEST HALF - Buffalo to Syracuse; or the EAST HALF - Syracuse to Albany.
On Demand: This tour is also available for custom dates for groups of 6 or more. Please call to discuss dates, details and availability.
TOUR PRICING
Full Tour: Double Occ: $2989 Single Occ: $3589
A deposit of $500 per person is required at time of reservation. You will be invoiced for balance, including any discounts or adjustments, in 2 separate installments. Final balance due 90 days prior to tour.
THE ESSENTIALS
Duration: 10 Days / 9Nights
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Total Miles: 400 Avg. Daily Miles: 40 - 50
Meals: 9 Breakfasts; 4 Lunches; 2 DinnersTOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1: Arrive Buffalo
If you arrive Buffalo early, check in then spend some time at Canalside where you can explore this vibrant waterfront complete with a Naval and Military Memorial Park, or sign up for a cool bike tour with our friends at Buffalo Bike Tours - 10% off for our guests (code GABT10): https://www.buffalobiketours.com.
Day 2: Buffalo to Lockport
Cycling 33 miles
Activity Lockport Canal Cruise
Our cycling begins at Canalside in Buffalo at Mile Marker, then we’ll make our way along the beautiful Niagara River and Tonawanda Waterfront where we enter the Gateway to the Erie Canal. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch before continuing on to Lockport where we embark on a narrated Canal Cruise which will take us through the impressive Flight of Five Locks, before ending our day at charming Lockport Inn and Suites.
Day 3: Lockport to Brockport
Cycling 45 miles
Leaving Lockport we enjoy easy, scenic cycling getting our first views of the lovely Lift Bridges that span the Erie Canal. We’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 our stop for the day.
Day 4: Brockport to Macedon
Cycling 40 miles
Dinner Pizza & Movie Night
Today’s ride of 40 miles with a gentle downhill slope makes for an easy, relaxing day and the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch either of the charming waterfront villages of Pittsford and Fairport, both offering plenty of food options. In Fairport you have the opportunity to jump in a kayak to spend some time paddling on the canal. From Fairport we continue making our way to Macedon where a fun night awaits as we host you for pizza and movie night showing “Erie, The Canal That Made America”.
Day 5: Macedon to Seneca Falls
Cycling 45 miles
Today we’ll cycle through the beautiful countryside of upstate NY making our way to Seneca Falls with many points of interest including the Women’s Rights National Park, the Knitting Mill civil war historic site, beautiful Cayuga Lake State Park, and several other museums, shops and great restaurants. In the evening enjoy dinner then stroll the Ludovico Sculpture Trail and lovey waterfront of the Seneca-Cayuga Canal.
Day 6: Seneca Falls to Syracuse
Cycling 48 miles
Leaving Seneca Falls enjoy the beautiful scenery as we cycle through Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge making our way back to the Erie Canalway Trail. Along the trail are several canal parks including Jordan Aqueduct Park and Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct which has been historically reconstructed to its original glory. In Syracuse you’ll visit the remarkable Erie Canal Museum and grab dinner at one of the many great area restaurants.
Day 7: Syracuse to Rome
Cycling 46 miles
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, and definitely worth exploring. From the Landing we continue on cycling past and over many aqueducts and awesome Lock 21, and stopping for a trailside picnic lunch. In Rome we’ll visit remarkable Fort Stanwix before cruising the last few miles to our hotel.
Day 8: Rome to Little Falls
Cycling 40 miles
It’s easy, beautiful cycling as we make our way 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!
Day 9: Little Falls to Schenectady
Cycling 60 miles
Dinner Au Revoir Erie Dinner Social
Don’t be intimidated by today’s 60 miles, the downhill is in your favor! Enjoy the easy glide as we 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.
In the evening we’ll celebrate our last night on the awesome Erie Canal Trail with a group dinner social.
Day 10: Schenectady to Albany
Cycling 31 miles
It’s our last day on the ECT as we 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!