Experience Canal Heritage

World class museums, four national parks, 34 national historic landmarks, historic canal sites and vessels, grand movie palaces and theaters, 100-mile mural trail, local crafts, and more than 200 canal communities are here to explore.

Canal Communities

Lockport, Brockport, Spencerport, Port Byron...those communities weren't named "port" for nothing! Indeed, communities from Albany to Buffalo sprung up and grew after the canal opened in 1825. Today, you can stroll through villages, towns, and cities whose canal waterfronts still open onto historic Main Streets with one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Each community has its own distinct flavor, which adds a sense of discovery and fun to exploring along the canal. Check local media listings for canal heritage days, festivals, farmer's markets, art shows, plays, and concerts.

Museums and Heritage Sites - Passport to Your National Parks

The Corridor's museums share rich stories, traditions, and artifacts of the Empire State. You'll also find canal heritage sites and museums throughout the Corridor that tell the story of the Erie Canal and its influence locally and nationally.

Record your visit with special passport cancellation stamps at select canal sites. The free stamps are part of the PASSPORT TO YOUR NATIONAL PARKS© PROGRAM. Stamp your journal or purchase a National Park Passport book (or Kid's Passport) and start collecting stamps at national parks and NPS-affiliated areas nationwide.