Erie Canal Bike Tour (trip)

Erie Canal Bike Tour

  • Active & Adventure
Northeast, New York, United States

from $1,295* per person4 DaysJune-October
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Wilderness Voyageurs 12 people max

We’ll pedal by early 1800s historic commercial port cities, explore canal locks, and ride 100 miles of the Erie Canalway, a National Heritage Corridor. This rail-trail ride, on mostly limestone tow paths and a day of backcountry roads, will follow the most commercially enduring and historically significant canalway in the U.S.

 

We will meet in Buffalo, and then transport to Old Fort Niagara on the shores of Lake Ontario to begin our exploration of New York’s main street. The bike riding on this tour is a bit of a hybrid; we begin on some friendly backroads with minimal traffic and friendly grades, 500 feet in 37 miles, then 100 miles of the Erie Canal trail.  Your bike tires will cruise the route once plied by mules dragging barges and moving the goods of the Midwest to the rest of the world via the port of New York.

Locations visited/nearby

Northeast, New York, United States

0 testimonials about this trip.

1 testimonial about the provider, Wilderness Voyageurs:

  • Reviewer: Ellen Goldman located in Phoenix , AZ USA
    "Hi Eric. We wanted to let you know about our experiences whilecycling from Pittsburgh to D.C. If someone had told us 6 months ago that we would be doing this, we would not have believed it. Although we both are physically active, neither of us had ridden bikes since we were much younger. But, our more experienced biker friend (Jay Rochlin) convinced us to start riding, and even provided one of us with a bike. So, after 3 months of training, we set off to Pittsburgh. This trip turned out to be the best vacation we have ever had. One of the major reasons that it was so great was Aaron. We couldn't have asked for a better guide, chef, driver, supporter. We all rate him "exceeds expectations" in all categories we could possibly consider! Not only was he extremely kind, knowledgeable about a multitude of things including bicycles, food, sights, interesting facts, etc, he was also always available when we needed him, and extended himself beyond expectations. And he always had some different snack or food for lunch every day to surprise us and keep us well-fed and energized. Our trip was so well organized and planned out, and yet we felt comfortable altering the schedule when we wanted or needed. The accommodations were wonderful- staying at a different B&B or Inn every night just added to the experience and every place was unique. We couldn't imagine doing the trip without the organization and support provided by all of you. In addition, the bikes we rented were not only new, but excellent for the terrain. It would have been much harder riding without the shocks! Of course, the other factor of the trip was the incredible scenery along the way. We don't even know how to describe how incredibly beautiful it all was. We especially loved the Great Allegheny Passage. To be able to ride for 300 miles on paths through amazingly beautiful country without cars was unbelievable and we can't imagine that any other place could be any better! We are all very proud of ourselves for completing the ride. We hope that Aaron enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed him. :)

    Please pass on our comments to Aaron and everyone else who helped make our trip memorable. We will definitely recommend you to all of our friends. And, hopefully return for a rafting trip next time!

    Thanks to all of you.

    Ellen G & Eddie K

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Itinerary

Day 1: Tour historic Fort Niagara before hopping on your bike to follow the shore of Lake Ontario to Vizcarra Vineyards, your quaint (and delicious) first night lodging.

 

Day 2: Take your first spin on the Erie Canalway Trail in Lockport, NY, home to the famous “Flight of Five,” a series of 10 impressive locks that work together to transport boats up and over the escarpment.

 

Day 3: Enjoy breakfast at the Gennesee Country Inn before pedaling another 35 miles on the canalway trail. Head to Pittsford where you’ll have your choice of dining options.

 

Day 4: Roll through the town of Fairport and into your final destination at Newark, NY, completing 100 miles of Erie Canalway Trail!

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