Explore WNY’s Most Famous “Big Ditch”

Erie Canal Discovery Center

Buffalo & the Tonawandas

In Tonawanda, visitors can see the canal’s western terminus at the Erie Canal Harbor. This area has been redeveloped as a tourist destination, with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Visitors can take a tour of the harbor on a water taxi or rent a bike to explore the nearby bike trail.

In Buffalo, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation has created Canalside, a waterfront district that offers a range of activities for visitors, including concerts, festivals, and outdoor recreation. Visitors can take a boat tour of the canal or rent a kayak to explore the waterway on their own.

Albion

In Albion, the Erie Canal is a historic waterway that runs through the heart of the village. The canal is a popular attraction for visitors, who can enjoy a variety of activities on or near the water. One of the main attractions in Albion is the Erie Canalway Trail, a multi-use path that runs alongside the canal. This trail offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and walking, as well as access to several parks and picnic areas along the way. Albion is also home to the Cobblestone Museum, a collection of historic buildings that were constructed using a unique building technique that was popular in the region in the 19th century. Visitors can tour the buildings and learn about the history of the area and the people who lived there.

Medina

In Medina, the Erie Canal is a historic waterway that runs through the village, and it offers visitors a unique glimpse into the history of the region. One of the main attractions in Medina is the Medina Railroad Museum, which is located in the former New York Central freight depot along the canal. The museum features exhibits on the history of the railroad industry in Western New York, as well as a collection of vintage locomotives and railcars. Visitors can also take a train ride along the canal, which offers scenic views of the waterway and the surrounding countryside. In addition to the railroad museum, visitors to Medina can take a boat tour of the canal, which offers a unique perspective on the village and the surrounding area. The boat tour passes through several historic locks and offers commentary on the history of the canal and the role it played in the development of Western New York. Medina is also home to several historic buildings and landmarks, including the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame, which honors the local sandstone industry that thrived in the area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can also see the Medina Armory, a historic building that has been converted into a community center and event space. 

More to Explore

the Erie Canal is more than a historic canal in upstate New York that is known for its system of five original locks built in the early 19th century. Today, visitors can take canal tours and see the locks in operation, exploring the area’s history as a vital transportation hub for goods and people between the Great Lakes and the Hudson River. The canal has also been restored and modernized for recreational boating, kayaking, and fishing, with bike paths and hiking trails along the waterway.

Put Niagara County on Your Map

Niagara County offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and hiking. The county is also home to several festivals and events throughout the year that any visitor to the area wouldn’t want to miss. That doesn’t even mention the countless attractions, restaurants and shopping options that abound. Spend a day exploring Niagara County this spring.