If you love road trips, small-town charm, and a little bit of history, then get ready for an adventure along the Erie Canal.
This 363-mile waterway once turned New York into a powerhouse of trade and travel.
Today, the towns along its route are packed with cool historic sites, amazing food, and plenty of unexpected surprises.
Think towering waterfalls, old-school amusement parks and interesting museums.
There are even spots where the canal crosses over another river making it seem like boats are floating in mid-air.
This road trip really has something for everyone and you might be surprised by what you come across.
1. Albany
Albany, the capital of New York, sits right on the Hudson River and is close to the eastern end of the Erie Canal, making it a perfect starting point for your canal adventure.
It’s packed with history, from the stunning castle-like New York State Capitol building completed in 1899 to intriguing stories from the Prohibition era about secret underground tunnels.
If you’re into museums, the Albany Institute of History & Art has mummies (yes, actual mummies).
For epic views, you can head up to the Corning Tower Observation Deck in downtown Albany to see the whole city from 42 floors up.
2. Cohoes
Just a short drive north of Albany, Cohoes has waterfalls, old mill buildings, and a serious dose of Erie Canal history.
The star of the show is Cohoes Falls, a 90-foot-tall cascade that once powered the city’s booming textile industry and is honestly just awesome to stare at.
For a bit of nature, you can walk along the old canal locks at Peebles Island State Park, or for some entertainment, you can catch a show at the historic Cohoes Music Hall (one of the oldest still-running theaters in the country).
After all that, grab a bite at one of the many awesome local restaurants in town.
3. Schenectady
Keep heading west, and you’ll hit Schenectady, a city that literally helped light up the world, thanks to its deep ties to General Electric and Thomas Edison.
Downtown has the gorgeous Proctors Theatre, a historic venue that has hosted a variety of world-class performances.
For food, make sure to hit up Cornells in Little Italy, where you can enjoy delicious Italian dishes that will have you shouting “Mamma Mia!”.
For a dose of Erie Canal history, head to the Schenectady Stockade District, where centuries-old Dutch homes sit along the Mohawk River.
Once you’re done being jealous of these historic homes, hop on a boat at Mohawk Harbor for a cruise that follows the same route as canal barges back in the day.
4. Amsterdam
Next up is Amsterdam, a riverfront city with deep immigrant roots and a love for the Erie Canal that runs right through town.
The Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook is a spot you can’t miss.
It’s a pedestrian bridge packed with art, history, and amazing views of the Mohawk River, perfect for a sunset stroll.
If you’re into history, check out the old carpet mills that once made Amsterdam famous.
Once you’re done being cultured, swing by a local bakery and stuff your face with some fresh Italian pastries.
5. Utica
Rolling into Utica, you’ll find a city that’s got Erie Canal history, legendary food, and one of the best breweries in the state.
Here you can hop on the Erie Canalway Trail for a bike ride along the same waters that helped build the city.
But then it’s time to hit up some food spots.
The town is the birthplace of Utica Greens (a spicy, garlicky, cheesy masterpiece) and the famous half-moon cookie, so make sure to try both.
After eating your way through town, take a tour of the 1800s-era Saranac Brewery and finish off with some classic Upstate NY beers.
6. Rome
Rome is where the construction of the Erie Canal officially began in 1817, and this city takes its canal history seriously.
You can step back in time at Fort Stanwix, a full-scale reconstruction of the 1700s fort that once protected the region.
For something totally different, check out the public art installations at the International Sculpture Garden in Griffiss Business and Technology Park.
Here you’ll find various sculptures and artworks displayed across the former Air Force base – because why not?
7. Sylvan Beach
From historic Rome, it’s a quick trip to Sylvan Beach, a lakeside town that feels like a summer vacation from another era.
Sitting right on Oneida Lake, it’s got a sandy beach, a retro amusement park with classic rides, and one of the most nostalgic restaurants in Upstate NY.
Seriously, hit up Eddie’s for their Original Hot Ham Sandwich!
Just a quick heads-up—Eddie’s restaurant typically closes for the winter and usually reopens from early March through October.
Spend the day swimming, playing arcade games, or just soaking up the sun before catching a lakeside sunset that’ll make you wish summer lasted all year.
8. Baldwinsville
Cruising west, you’ll hit Baldwinsville, a canal-front village where boats drift through the lock while locals kick back at waterfront restaurants.
The big draw here is Paper Mill Island, a tiny spot in the Seneca River that turns into a lively concert venue in the summer, with music, food trucks, and perfect sunset views.
If you’re into craft beer, grab a pint at WT Brews, then watch the boats pass through Lock 24—because nothing says “Erie Canal road trip” like seeing the locks in action.
9. Lyons
Rolling into Lyons, you’re in the heart of Erie Canal country, where history and a whole lot of peppermint make this town stand out.
Once the peppermint oil capital of the world, Lyons still celebrates its minty past with local products and a museum dedicated to the industry that put it on the map.
Walk along the historic canal sites, tour the Hotchkiss Peppermint Building, or just take in the small-town charm with a stop at a classic diner for a slice of pie (peppermint optional).
Please note that the Hotchkiss Peppermint Building is usually open from May/June through October, and tours are available by appointment. Be sure to check online before you go!
10. Palmyra
Palmyra is where Erie Canal history meets religious history.
This is the birthplace of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and you can visit the Sacred Grove and the Smith Family Farm.
The Palmyra-Macedon Aqueduct is a must-see, and the town’s Historic Palmyra Museums offer everything from a 19th-century print shop to a spooky old jail that might just be haunted.
11. Medina
Medina is one of those Erie Canal towns that surprises you in the best way possible.
It’s home to one of the few spots where the canal crosses over a rushing river.
This is thanks to the massive stone aqueduct that’s been carrying boats over Oak Orchard Creek since the 1800s.
For a bit of history, check out the Medina Railroad Museum for vintage train cars and fire trucks.
See if you can hunt for buildings made from Medina sandstone, the famous red rock used in everything from the Brooklyn Bridge, to the New York State Capitol, and even Buckingham Palace!
12. Buffalo
Buffalo is where the Erie Canal meets Lake Erie, and this city knows how to mix history, waterfront views, and seriously good food.
Canalside is the place to be, with kayak rentals, concerts, and a massive outdoor ice rink in the winter, all set against a scenic waterfront.
Nearby at the Buffalo RiverWorks, you’ll find the restored grain silos transformed into rock-climbing walls and light shows.
And let’s be real—you can’t leave without trying Buffalo wings from the place that started it all, Anchor Bar.
If you’re still hungry, try hitting up one of the city’s many dive bars for a beef on weck sandwich (trust me, it’s life-changing).
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