We have been told the Western Erie Canal more closely resembles the Erie Canal of years gone by. I would have to agree this is a very accurate statement.
When we left Brewerton, it was as if we had stepped back in time. A time of small towns, Mom & Pop businesses and people who were open, friendly and eager to welcome travelers who stop to visit their hometown. It was common to hear “they are closed today, but I will call the owner/manager and they will open for you”. Also, when asking directions, we would hear “Hop in; I can take you there” or “Take my car”.
People were connected through generations of living in small towns that grew around the canal or a particular business or industry and they were proud to share their story. Every town had at least one and as many as five historical museums illustrating their place in the growth of their town and how it played into the growth of our nation. From the immigration of their ancestors to their role in today’s society, these are proud and friendly people.
The Western Erie Canal includes 10 locks and 16 lift bridges. Many bridge tenders are “roaming operators”, responsible for multiple bridges. The lock operators and bridge tenders will ask each morning, “How far are you going today?” When you give them your destination, they will notify the bridge and/or lock operators that you will encounter. Each one will be expecting you and have the locks and bridges prepared to keep you moving. They will also advise you of services available and other canal traffic you will encounter. One bridge operator even drove me to a fuel station to fill our jerry cans with diesel!
Most towns along the Western Erie have fixed or floating docks with power, water, showers and pump out stations at little or no cost to the boater. We spent 17 days on the Western Erie for less than the cost of two nights on the Hudson River. Many towns also have free music concerts and festivals that add to the experience of your visit. Two of particular interest were the Fairport Music Festival and the Corning Glass Barge we encountered in Pittsford.
At the western end of the canal lies Tonawanda. It was from here that we took Uber 10 miles to Niagara Falls State Park. What an incredible experience! We rode the Maid of the Mist out to Horseshoe Falls and hiked the Cave of the Winds to get up close and personal with the Bridal Veil Falls. Both excursions provide ponchos and Cave of the Winds even provides sandals because “you will get wet.” What an understatement! The Cave of the Winds is likened to standing out in a hurricane; even your underwear gets wet!
From Brewerton to Tonawanda is about 187 miles and we traveled about 25 miles each day. With most towns being 10-15 miles apart, we visited some going west and others on our way back east. We visited nearly every town along the canal. From glass-making to peppermint oil distilling to the home of Beech Nut Brands to the early railroad to the building of the canal itself, they all have a story to tell and are eager to tell it. We are glad we took the time to listen.