Erie Canal Season Kicks Off Friday, May 19!

Buoys are in, water levels are up, and canalside communities are ready for opening day of the 2023 canal season.

The NYS Canal Corporation will open locks and welcome boaters at 7am on Friday, May 19. Celebrate the season by heading to the canal for activities, events, and tours or make the canal your vacation getaway in 2023.

Mariners are advised that, conditions permitting, all portions of the New York State Canal system are scheduled to open Friday, May 19, 2023, for the annual Navigation Season. As the Canal Corporation continues to recruit seasonal staff, lock operating hours may differ from previous seasons at various locations. All mariners are encouraged to read the schedule below carefully. As staff positions are filled, hours will be adjusted and communicated through the Notice to Mariners notification program. There are no tolls or fees for recreational use of the Canal system this year.

The hours of operation for the 2023 season are as follows:

Standard hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily until October 11, 2023.
The following locks and lift bridges will operate with extended hours, through peak navigation season May 19 through September 13, as follows: