Erie Canal
549.74 km | 341.59 mi
Length can differ from official measure!
Kanal
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The Erie Canal is a historic and impressive waterway system in New York State that played a pivotal role in the development of the United States. Constructed between 1817 and 1825, it stretches approximately 584 kilometers (363 miles) from the Hudson River in Albany to Lake Erie in Buffalo. Originally dubbed "Clinton’s Ditch" after visionary Governor DeWitt Clinton, the canal revolutionized trade and mobility by creating a direct water route between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. Initially 12 meters wide and 1.2 meters deep, it was expanded multiple times, notably between 1905 and 1918, when the modern "Barge Canal" was developed, now measuring 37 meters wide and 3.7 meters deep. The canal features 34 locks, including the steep Waterford Flight locks, and overcomes an elevation difference of about 172 meters. Today, the Erie Canal is primarily used by recreational boaters and forms part of the New York State Canal System, which also includes the Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Along its route, it offers picturesque views, historic sites, and charming communities that welcome visitors with amenities such as docks, showers, and electrical hookups. The canal is not only an engineering marvel but also a popular destination for boaters seeking the tranquility and beauty of this unique waterway.
List of Marinas and Boating Facilities Along the Erie Canal
Here is a selection of notable marinas and boating facilities along the Erie Canal, based on available information:
Riverview Marine Services, Inc. – Catskill, NY (Hudson River, eastern access to the Erie Canal), offers mast storage.
Hop-O-Nose Marina – Catskill, NY, also provides mast storage.
Castleton Boat Club – Castleton-on-Hudson, NY, features a self-service mast crane.
Erie Macedon Landing – Macedon, NY, a full-service marina with seasonal and transient docking, storage, fuel (gasoline/diesel), and a store.
Gateway Harbor Park – North Tonawanda, NY, a popular docking spot with access to summer concerts and events like Canalfest.
Wardell Boat Yard – North Tonawanda, NY, provides mast storage.
Rich Marine Sales – Buffalo, NY, offers mast storage and additional services.
RCR Yachts, Inc. – Buffalo, NY, another marina with mast storage at the canal’s western end.
These marinas and facilities offer a range of services for recreational boats, from free docking areas to fully equipped marinas with power, water, and pump-out stations. Many of the over 60 communities along the canal also provide public docks, often with complimentary amenities for travelers. For a comprehensive and up-to-date list, it’s recommended to consult official resources from the New York State Canal System or the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
List of Marinas and Boating Facilities Along the Erie Canal
Here is a selection of notable marinas and boating facilities along the Erie Canal, based on available information:
Riverview Marine Services, Inc. – Catskill, NY (Hudson River, eastern access to the Erie Canal), offers mast storage.
Hop-O-Nose Marina – Catskill, NY, also provides mast storage.
Castleton Boat Club – Castleton-on-Hudson, NY, features a self-service mast crane.
Erie Macedon Landing – Macedon, NY, a full-service marina with seasonal and transient docking, storage, fuel (gasoline/diesel), and a store.
Gateway Harbor Park – North Tonawanda, NY, a popular docking spot with access to summer concerts and events like Canalfest.
Wardell Boat Yard – North Tonawanda, NY, provides mast storage.
Rich Marine Sales – Buffalo, NY, offers mast storage and additional services.
RCR Yachts, Inc. – Buffalo, NY, another marina with mast storage at the canal’s western end.
These marinas and facilities offer a range of services for recreational boats, from free docking areas to fully equipped marinas with power, water, and pump-out stations. Many of the over 60 communities along the canal also provide public docks, often with complimentary amenities for travelers. For a comprehensive and up-to-date list, it’s recommended to consult official resources from the New York State Canal System or the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

