Find your way to great experiences with seven new multiday itineraries packed with recreation opportunities for people of all abilities, plus the best sights, sounds, and flavors of the NYS Canal System. Plan your trip by region or activity.

Get On the Canals this summer with free, curated excursions from the NYS Canal Corporation. Boating, cycling, birding, paddling and more await, each in a different region, so you can experience the NYS Canal System like you never have before. Registration required.

Dust off your bike, get out your paddle, or lace up your sneakers, the 2022 Canalway Challenge is here. Set a mileage goal, then walk, run, cycle, paddle, or roll to achieve it. Once you finish, you'll get a packet of swag to show off your status.

Photograph your favorite places, views, and people enjoying the canals all year long. Our photo contest is now open for entries and submissions are accepted through August 26th. Judges select first, second, and third place winning images in each contest category, as well as 12 honorable mentions. You may submit up to three images. Winning images are featured in the annual Erie Canalway calendar. Submissions are digital and must be horizontal format.

To read the full press release and see a full list of projects, visit Congressman Tonko's website here.

The historic Matton Shipyard is a rare surviving example of an early 20^th century ship building and repair facility where more than 340 tug boats, police boats, WWII submarine chasers, and other vessels were built. The project seeks to transform the shipyard into a vibrant intersection of historical, cultural, educational, recreational and commercial activities. It will anchor the eastern gateway to the Erie Canal and the southern gateway to the Champlain Canal. Learn more >

Support the Water Trail when you enter to win a Camano or Shuna paddle, generously donated by Werner Paddles. The raffle will raise funds to support publication of the 2nd edition of the NYS Canalway Water Trail Guidebook & Map Set. $10 per ticket. Open through May 31, 2022. One lucky winner will be announced by June 3, 2022.

Take a 3-hour guided bike tour to explore the murals of Downtown Albany and the Empire State Trail. Tours include program stickers, a mural map, local food to go and more. Choose from four tour dates offered through the summer and fall. $5 deposit required.

Kick off the start of the canal season with vendors, music, dancing and more, as the eastern gateway to the Erie Canal springs to life once again.

Explore nearly 300 bird species and their habitats with leisurely guided hiking, canoeing, and kayaking excursions around the 50,000-acre Montezuma Wetlands Complex. $5/child, $10/adult, $30/family. Suitable for participants five years of age and up.

Celebrate the role of the Erie Canal in local, state, and American history during free tours held at Canalside, Buffalo and Downtown Lockport. Visit Explore Buffalo's website for specific dates, locations and fees.

Journey back to the American Revolution with reenactors who will take you from Van Schaick Mansion to the Breastworks of Peebles Island and learn about the role that they played in the planning of the Battle of Saratoga. Hear from Native American storytellers about the earliest inhabitants of the area, visit Matton Shipyard and learn about history of Delaware Avenue.

Celebrate the new Empire State Trail with free waterfront concerts and festive arts and recreational events in seven locations. Visit their website for dates, locations and times.

Explore Schenectady and learn about its history from the unique vantage point of the waters of the Mohawk River/Erie Canal. Paddle alongside a Schenectady County Historical Society Guide who will take you back in time to discuss the river and its surroundings. Count your paddling miles toward the Canalway Challenge. $35 per person. Registration required.

This summer concert series kicks off with an evening of artisan crafts, foods and more (free admission) as well as tastings from local wine, spirits, beer and hard cider makers (paid admission). Pull up your boat, bicycle, car, or walk to the canalfront park on Friday nights for free concerts.

Try out adaptive and standard cycling and paddling equipment and use the brand-new adaptive kayak launch for an inclusive recreation experience. Continue weekly with a Thursday group paddle/ride (6/30, 7/21, 8/11 & 8/25). Discount equipment rentals; Rochester Accessible Adventure's CanalPal volunteers will be there to kayak and cycle along as you log your FIRST MILE and NEXT MILE on the Erie Canal!

Don't miss our weekly historical posts or our updates with the latest news. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in-the-know.

Find shirts, hats, hoodies and more to sport your love of the canals. Net proceeds support Erie Canalway Programs.

If you are an Amazon shopper, you can support the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund when you shop through Amazon Smile. Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible smile.amazon.com purchases to charities selected by customers.