The Erie Canal stretches 524 miles along upstate New York and is known as one of the United States' greatest feats in engineering. Stone locks, lift bridges and guard gates used in the 1800's are still used to operate the canal today. The Erie, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals are filled with history, architecture,  hundreds of miles of scenic waterway with charming canal towns and trails for exploring.  There's so much to do (and all too often on vacation, so little time.) One of the many great things about houseboat vacations is that your vacation is tailor made to your preferences: you set the pace, and the route! 

You will begin your Erie Canal adventure at Mid-Lakes Erie Macedon Landing marina in Macedon, New York where you can venture to the East or to the West on Erie Canal, or explore other canals like the Cayuga-Seneca and Oswego Canals. We've included a few points of interest along the way to get you started:

West of Macedon:

• Fairport and Pittsford are great stops for shopping and dining. (about 9 miles from Macedon.)
• Waterfalls along the Canal: Rochester waterfalls (25 miles from Macedon), Holley Canal Falls (40 miles from Macedon), Clarendon Falls (55 miles from Macedon), Medina Falls (65 miles from Macedon.) 
• Medina Railroad Museum and Train excursions through historic Erie Canal Corridor (60 miles from Macedon.)
• Corn Hill Landing in Rochester (25 miles from Macedon) offers free docking space, restaurants overlooking river and downtown, and the Genessee Riverway bike trail.
• Susan B Anthony House is also in Rochester. She is known for her lifelong struggle to gain voting rights for women and equal rites for all.
• North Tonawanda is the far western end of Canal, and about 90 miles from Macedon.

East of Macedon:

• Palmyra: 4 miles from Macedon, formerly known as the "queen of Erie Canal towns," offers great shopping, museums and a rich history.
• Richmond Aqueduct: 40 miles from Macedon, was completed in 1857 at 900 feet long with 31 stone arches. All but 9 were dismantled in 1917
• Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge: 40 miles from Macedon.
• Seneca Falls: 40 miles from Macedon, is known as the "REAL Bedford Falls" as it is thought to be Frank Capra's inspiration for Bedford Falls in the movie "It's a Wonderful Life." Home to the famous Bailey bridge dipicted in the film.
• Trinity Church at Van Cleef Lake: (on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal) is known for its Anglo-Gothic architecture with rising towers and stained glass (built in 1885.) 
• National Women's Hall of Fame is also found on the Cayuga-Seneca Canal.
• Numerous wineries thrive in the Seneca Falls area as well.

There is so much to do and see on an Erie Canal houseboat vacation. Start planning your route before you arrive so as to make the most of your time. It is also a good idea to have an plan of how long you'd like to drive each day and where you'll stop each night. See the Map and Guide for more information and ideas on what else the Erie Canal has to offer.

The Lockmaster Houseboats accommodate small groups of 4-6 people, and possibly the family pet (call for details.) Fuel for your houseboat, all lock fees, bed and bath linens, dishes, kitchenware, and up to four bicycles for your use are included in the houseboat rental rate. Call your friendly houseboating vacation agent at 888-454-8825 or Request Information Online if you have questions or would like to inquire about availability.

Whether you visit the Erie Canal for a full week, or just a 3 day weekend or 4 day midweek, you are sure to have seen and experienced another side of American history and small town culture. What Canal stop would be first on your list to visit?