Erie Canal Adventures Reviews

Gigi Spell 2026.06.12

     

This trip was so much fun. To begin with, the company is amazing. They have prepared itineraries for you, according to how many days you want to cruise. They tell you where you can dock, what amenities there are, as well as things to do and where to eat. All of this is included in their app, which is very easy to use. Communication with the company was easy prior to the trip. They explained everything and answered all the questions we had very quickly. During the trip they had a number you can call to talk to customer service with any mechanical issues, or questions you have during your trip. We used this a few times, and they were quick to answer or respond. The boat itself was immaculate. It was very clean and everything worked. We have been on boats with other companies that always had some problems, but this boat was great. Windows opened, appliances worked, all utensils and cookware were provided. Bed linens and towels were provided. All you need to bring is some clothes and any food or beverages you like. They even made this easy. We were able to do an online order to Walmart, and they delivered it right to the dock. They provide orientation and take you out on the boat to teach you how to operate it. They were very patient and we felt very comfortable once we were on our own. A side note: we inadvertently showed up on the wrong day. It was due to our mistake, not the company’s. The day we arrived, the staff were off, as they do not normally send boats out that day, there was only one employee and the owner on site. They did not have a boat ready for us because it was a day early. The Owner, Brian, found an available vessel, brought it around, cleaned it and prepared it to be taken out. This was usually done by his employees who were off that day. (Big Thank You to Brian)! He personally trained us and made sure we were able to leave on time to get to our first overnight stop. This was way over and above, for a company to help us out. He could have told us to come back tomorrow. I can’t say enough good things about this company from beginning to end. The trip was so much fun, cruising and stopping and checking out how upstate NY small town America lives. My husband and I highly recommend Erie Canal Adventures and their cruises.

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2026.06.15

Thank you Gigi for your wonderful review!!! We appreciate it and all your thoughtful comments and highlights of your trip, our boat & your positive experiences with all aspects of our company! We hope to see you again soon on the water!

Paul Holt 2026.06.12

     

Thoroughly enjoyed our seven night cruise with Erie Canal Adventures. Friendly, competent staff made the trip especially pleasant. Our instructor, Fran was super helpful. Four adults with minimal boating experience had no problems. He patiently explained how to operate the boat and gave us lots of recommendations for places to eat, visit, and shop. Loved visiting all the small towns and seeing so many American flags and banners honoring veterans! A wonderful vacation. Highest recommendation for Erie Canal Adventures!

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2026.06.12

Thank you for the great review, Paul! We will be sure to highlight your comments to our team. We appreciate you taking the time to give us a 5 star review and we love our small town banners honoring the local veterans too! We hope to see you on the water again soon -

TXGCH 2026.06.12

     

Verified

Relax and Cruise This trip was so much fun. To begin with, the company is amazing. They have prepared itineraries for you, according to how many days you want to cruise. They tell you where you can dock, what amenities there are, as well as things to do and where to eat. All of this is included in their app, which is very easy to use. Communication with the company was easy prior to the trip. They explained everything and answered all the questions we had very quickly. During the trip they had a number you can call to talk to customer service with any mechanical issues, or questions you have during your trip. We used this a few times, and they were quick to answer or respond. The boat itself was immaculate. It was very clean and everything worked. We have been on boats with other companies that always had some problems, but this boat was great. Windows opened, appliances worked, all utensils and cookware were provided. Bed linens and towels were provided. All you need to bring is some clothes and any food or beverages you like. They even made this easy. We were able to do an online order to Walmart, and they delivered it right to the dock. They provide orientation and take you out on the boat to teach you how to operate it. They were very patient and we felt very comfortable once we were on our own. A side note: we inadvertently showed up on the wrong day. It was due to our mistake, not the company’s. The day we arrived, the staff were off, as they do not normally send boats out that day, there was only one employee and the owner on site. They did not have a boat ready for us because it was a day early. The Owner, Brian, found an available vessel, brought it around, cleaned it and prepared it to be taken out. This was usually done by his employees who were off that day. (Big Thank You to Brian)! He personally trained us and made sure we were able to leave on time to get to our first overnight stop. This was way over and above, for a company to help us out. He could have told us to come back tomorrow. I can’t say enough good things about this company from beginning to end. The trip was so much fun, cruising and stopping and checking out how upstate NY small town America lives. My husband and I highly recommend Erie Canal Adventures and their cruises.

Useful Report

Gigi S. 2026.06.12

     

Verified

This trip was so much fun. To begin with, the company is amazing. They have prepared itineraries for you, according to how many days you want to cruise. They tell you where you can dock, what amenities there are, as well as things to do and where to eat. All of this is included in their app, which is very easy to use. Communication with the company was easy prior to the trip. They explained everything and answered all the questions we had very quickly. During the trip they had a number you can call to talk to customer service with any mechanical issues, or questions you have during your trip. We used this a few times, and they were quick to answer or respond. The boat itself was immaculate. It was very clean and everything worked. We have been on boats with other companies that always had some problems, but this boat was great. Windows opened, appliances worked, all utensils and cookware were provided. Bed linens and towels were provided. All you need to bring is some clothes and any food or beverages you like. They even made this easy. We were able to do an online order to Walmart, and they delivered it right to the dock. They provide orientation and take you out on the boat to teach you how to operate it. They were very patient and we felt very comfortable once we were on our own. A side note: we inadvertently showed up on the wrong day. It was due to our mistake, not the company's. The day we arrived, the staff were off, as they do not normally send boats out that day, there was only one employee and the owner on site. They did not have a boat ready for us because it was a day early. The Owner, Brian, found an available vessel, brought it around, cleaned it and prepared it to be taken out. This was usually done by his employees who were off that day. (Big Thank You to Brian)! He personally trained us and made sure we were able to leave on time to get to our first overnight stop. This was way over and above, for a company to help us out. He could have told us to come back tomorrow. I can't say enough good things about this company from beginning to end. The trip was so much fun, cruising and stopping and checking out how upstate NY small town America lives. My husband and I highly recommend Erie Canal Adventures and their cruises.

Useful Report

Daniel D 2026.06.10

     

Verified

Excellent Boat Trip on the Erie Canal! We didn't really know what to expect because this was the first time we ever took a trip like this. We booked a week on the Seneca, a beautiful canal boat with two berths, each with its own head/shower, a nice galley, lots of windows, bikes, a grill, and everything you need to be comfortable on your trip. Most importantly, before you set out, you receive all the training you'll need to properly and safely pilot the boat along the canal. On that note, our trainer was Fran. Fran is not only the nicest man you'll ever meet, he is an excellent instructor who makes absolutely sure you know the boat and how to operate her! This gentleman is a treasure! He was so patient and kind, had tons of information about the canal and the stops along the way, and he takes time to make you feel special and confident about your adventure. Fran is the best possible ambassador for Erie Canal Adventures and for setting the stage for a great trip along the canal! We enjoyed every minute of our trip, and we highly recommend this company and this experience...wonderful in every way!

Useful Report

Lynn Politi 2026.06.09

     

Erie Canal Adventures definitely gets a 5 star rating! The entire staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. They took the time to answer any questions and were available 24/7 while we were underway. The training session they provided prior to launch was excellent. The boat itself was very clean and well stocked with all the essentials! We really enjoyed our trip and are looking forward to booking a Fall trip! If you want a vacation where you totally unwind and unplug, this is your place!

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2026.06.10

Thank you Lynn for such a fabulous review! We really appreciate you taking the time to highlight Erie Canal Adventures, our team, our boats & overall service! Thank you and we hope to see you on the water again soon!

Lynn P. 2026.06.09

     

Verified

We booked a 3 night trip on a 42' for 6/1. I cannot say enough great things about this company! The entire staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. The training session they provided before launching was perfect. Our boat was ready on time and very clean. It was stocked with all the essentials (except food of course!). We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and are already making plans for a Fall trip!

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2026.06.10

Thank you Lynn! We appreciate all the great comments about Erie Canal Adventures - from our boats, to our team and service! We look forward to seeing you on the water again soon!

Lynn Politi 2026.06.04

recommends

I can't say enough positive things about this Company! We just returned from a 3 day adventure and we're already looking forward to booking a Fall trip! From the customer service and training they provide before you shove off, to the boat itself, everything was done so well! Highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a wonderful adventure! Thanks Brian and staff!

Useful Report

Ethan Miller 2026.06.01

     

This is a unique adventure you won't find anywhere else in the country! Telling our friends about our trip on the Erie Canal, we have been bombarded with questions that only serve to reiterate what a special experience we had on the canal. Our favorite parts were navigating the locks and lift bridges, traveling from town to town and the tight but comfortable quarters on board. If you are adventurous, have an interest in New York history and spending time outdoors and on the water, this experience is for you!

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2026.06.01

Thank you so much, Ethan! We are so thrilled you loved your Erie Canal Adventure with us and that you took the time to post your review -- we appreciate it! We hope to see you on the water again soon!

Aleksandr Samurin 2025.10.27

     

Absolutely great 4 nights vacation! Boat has everything you need and it was all working fine! We were on a Hamlock. The sleeping place is too narrow for 2 people. Also bring your plastic support seat to have a comfort while driving the boat. Alex Florida

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2025.10.28

Thank you Aleksandr for your 5-Star Review!! We appreciate it and so happy to hear you enjoyed your Upstate NY Fall Foliage Vacation!!!

Maddie2 2025.10.18

     

Verified

Seven Great Days On The Erie Canal My wife and I and another couple spent a wonderful week on the Erie Canal recently on a canal boat rented from Erie Canal Adventures (ECA). The boat was easy to operate, and the scenery and towns along the route were beautiful. We started with classroom and hands-on training near the marina, and then went on our way. Yes, it was a little intimidating at first, but we got comfortable with the boat very quickly. ECA has a nice app which provided docking tips and restaurant recommendations at each of the stops along the route. Most of the towns along the west route were very pretty, with power and water hook-ups and showers; only a few were more basic and they are identified as such on the app. The boat was comfortable and very well equipped. We had a minor mechanical problem during our trip which was addressed quickly by ECA. If this trip appeals to you, the ECA videos on YouTube are well worth watching. We highly recommend ECA and the Erie Canal for a relaxing, scenic and fun vacation!!!

Useful Report

Bill King 2025.10.06

     

Can not say enough positives about our experience with this business. So I'll just say this. If you're looking for a laid back vacation experience without worries think about a trip to the historic Erie Canal using the services and equipment of this company. We had a really special 4 day trip.

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2025.10.07

Thank you Bill!!! We're thrilled to hear you had such a special experience cruising the Erie Canal with us. It means a lot that you took the time to share your trip, and we’re so glad we could help make it relaxing and worry-free. We hope to welcome you aboard again soon for another adventure!

Jeff Daggett 2025.10.03

     

We did this trip with our long time friends and had a wonderful time. The weather, food, accommodations and people we met were all great. The company provides excellent training and guidance. We have chartered canal boats in France before and found that experience less accommodating than here. In France we were charged for hourly usage and bikes. Here everything was provided and no hidden fees. We highly recommend this company and the route. Jeff Daggett

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2025.10.06

Jeff - thank you very much for the great review! We are thrilled you enjoyed your trip together & appreciate you recommending us! Great highlights about the ease of renting, inclusive pricing and the experience. We hope to see you on the water again soon!

Greg Forbes 2025.09.29

     

A great experience. Lots of fun. The fact that we want to do the boating again says it all.

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2025.09.30

Thanks Greg!!!! We hope to see you on the water again soon!

Brian Thompson 2025.09.27

recommends

If your considering renting one of their boats. Do it, you will enjoy every minute. From the time you make the reservation to when you return from your trip. Everyone with Erie Canal Adventures to the people you’ll meet during your trip are outstanding.

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2025.10.01

Thank you, Brian! We're thrilled you had such a great experience and enjoyed every moment of your trip. Your kind words mean a lot, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!

Jeffrey Stack 2025.09.24

     

Everything was exactly as advertised. The bikes were a big hit. We plan to do this again. Top notch.

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2025.09.25

Thank you Jeffrey for your review & pictures shared! We appreciate it & we do hope to see you again on the water!!!!

D Ferris 2025.09.16

     

I could write a BOOK about the fine time I had on my seven-day boat trip with Erie Canal Adventures. It would be full of superlatives like Excellent! And Wonderful! And Amazing! But to sum it up succinctly I would say it was above and beyond spectacular! I appreciate the fantastic training that was provided before we set out on our journey. We enjoyed the terrific amenities on the boat, from full linens to cooking and washing accommodations, to assorted helpful travel guides. Everything we needed to have a smooth and enjoyable trip was on the boat, except for the food we brought ourselves. To be so well prepared on such a finely crafted vessel meant that we had time to take in the beauty of the canal and the countryside it passes through. Along the way we met and engaged with friendly lock operators, helpful bridge operators, and of course the general public who wanted to learn more about Erie Canal Adventures. I highly, HIGHLY recommend an Erie Canal trip with this agency! It is money well spent for all that we got out of it. Keep up the great work, ECA! You might just see me again in a few years.

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2025.09.18

Thank you soooo much!!! This review made us smile knowing how much you enjoyed your trip, our boats and most importantly the people that make the magic happen for every customer! We truly appreciate your review, your accolades and we hope to see you on the water again soon!

Ray Henry 2025.09.11

     

What an awesome adventure put together by an awesome team!!! We'll done, and thank you!

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2025.09.12

Thank you so much for your fantastic review!!! We appreciate all the comments about our team & will definitely share with them!!!! We hope to see you on the water again soon!

Michelle 2025.09.08

     

We had a GREAT trip! Best vacation we have had as a family (2 adults and a teenager) Highly recommend!!! Everyone at Erie Canal Adventures was friendly and fantastic. Showed us all we needed to know and gave us lots of great advice! We rented a 41' (The Cayuga) for 7 days; Lockport and back. The boat was perfect...fully stocked with all we needed plus! Very comfortable! Was sooo relaxing...cruising, going thru locks, docking, and exploring all the towns along the way. Favorite spot to dock was the top of lock 35 in Lockport!! Great experience from a totally different perspective. We were close to home but didn't feel that way!

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2025.09.10

Thanks Michelle for the fabulous review! We agree - locals always comment that they feel like world travelers when they vacation on the Erie with us!! A totally different perspective & so relaxing! We appreciate all your kind words about our team, process & experience! We hope to see you on the water again soon!

Thomas F. 2025.09.07

     

Verified

Exceptionally well organized. The vessel was very clean and had everything that we needed. They had provided a recommended itinerary of ports to visit and it really gave our trip a great foundation. The initial class time and hands on training really prepared us for the trip and gave us the needed confidence to handle the trip. Each of the ports (cities) that we visited had their own special features and we couldn't pick one favorite. Wonderful trip

Useful Report

Reply from Erie Canal Adventures 2025.09.08

Thank you Thomas for your review, we appreciate you taking the time to reflect on your vacation with us & your thoughtful comments about our trip planning Itineraries, training and the company!!! Thank you!