Half of State Canal System Opens on Friday

The New York State canal system has set 7 am on Friday for its official opening of the boating season.  But because of heavy rain and excess water runoff from snow melt only about half of the canal system will be able to open on Friday. 

The New York State Canal Corporation says the western end of the Erie Canal will be open between the Niagara River thru the Lockport locks east as far as Lock 27 in Lyons, NY east of Rochester.  From there the canal will remain closed between Lyons and Lock 24 in Baldwinsville, NY near Syracuse.

Another section of the Erie Canal from Lock 22 in Rome to Lock 8 in Scotia will also remain closed as well as the Oswego and Champlain canals until water levels subside.

Tolls and fee for pleasure boats on the New York State Canal System have been waived thru the 2021 boating season.