May 16 marked the official opening day of navigation on the Erie Canal for the 2025 season. Boats are once again traversing this historic waterway, bringing with them a sense of renewal, adventure and connection to the past. For communities along the canal, including Medina, Albion and Holley, the start of the season is a time to welcome visitors, celebrate local heritage and highlight the charm and activity of their canal towns.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy a scenic walk along the towpath, dine at locally owned restaurants, shop at independent boutiques, or attend one of the many seasonal festivals and events held along the canal corridor. The start of navigation season also marks the beginning of the region’s vibrant tourism season — a great opportunity to support local businesses while experiencing everything our towns have to offer.

This year’s canal opening is even more special, as it coincides with a major milestone: the bicentennial of the Erie Canal. The canal officially opened on Oct. 26, 1825, and was then the longest human-made waterway in North America. It was widely regarded as the greatest public works project of its time — a marvel of engineering and a symbol of progress that helped transform New York into a commercial powerhouse.

The New York State Canal System includes four canals: the Erie, Oswego, Champlain and Cayuga-Seneca. Here in Orleans County, we are fortunate to have direct access to the Erie Canal. Completed in 1825, the canal played a crucial role in shaping the region’s economy, culture and communities.

The canal winds its way through picturesque countryside and charming canal towns in Orleans County. Whether you're a history enthusiast exploring locks and aqueducts or a cyclist passing through, there’s something for everyone in our communities of Medina, Albion and Holley.

Medina,NY

Fine sandstone deposits brought this canal village prosperity, as the durable, richly colored stone was exported around the world for use in buildings and monuments. Today, the restored 19th-century downtown reflects that legacy, offering a charming mix of specialty shops, locally owned restaurants and beautifully preserved architecture that invites visitors to step back in time.

The Medina Canal Basin Park includes pump out station, water, electric service, bathrooms and comfort station with showers. Lift Bridge operators monitor VHF channel 13.

One of the most unique features of the canal can be found right here in Medina: a road that runs under the canal — the only place where this occurs along the Erie Canal. Located on aptly named Culvert Road, the culvert was featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Take a leisurely hike along the towpath east the the Medina Falls and aqueduct where the Oak Orchard River passes below the canal.

Schedule a trip by waterway or roadway to coincide with one of the many events including Blue Thursday summer concert series or PTNY's Cycle the Canal event in July. The premier festival is the Saturday after Thanksgiving - Olde Tyme Christmas Festival & Parade of Lights with an entire day of family fun activities. The Medina Railroad Museum features train excursions including Thomas the Train, Fall Foliage tours, July Spring Lake Winery trips and Polar Express in December.

Learn more about the Village of Medina and their upcoming events here. 

Albion,NY

The Village of Albion is the county seat and is known for it's 34 architecturally significant structures surrounding Courthouse Square. In the center of the Square is the 1858 Greek Revival style domed county courthouse. Albion boasts an impressive 65 structures listed in the New York State & National Registers of Historic Places.

Albion's Erie Canal Park offers boat docking facilities and a landscaped park for watching the boats go by. Amenities include water, restrooms, electric service and comfort station with showers.

The Strawberry Festival in June is one of the highlights of the community as well as the Wednesday night summer concert series at Bullard Park starting in June. 

Learn more about the Village of Albion and their upcoming events here. 

Holley,NY

Established in 1850, the Village of Holley is a friendly and picturesque village on the Erie Canal with a rich history.

This canal port village was settled in 1812 and named in honor of Major Myron Holley, canal commissioner from 1816-1824. It became a local trading center on the canal and railroad, servicing the surrounding agricultural communities. 

A main attraction is Holley Falls, a 35' classic cascade of red Medina Sandstone surrounded on each side by lush wooded landscape. Overflow water from the Erie Canal empties into the East Branch of Sandy Creek, which eventually makes its way to Lake Ontario. The park has a picnic pavilion, picturesque bridge and hiking trail to Holley Canal Park.

At the Holley Canal Park, boaters are greeted by a boardwalk, playground, gazebo and nature trails to the waterfall and village square. Docking facilities include water, electric service and comfort stations with showers and a public restroom.

Learn more about the Village of Holley and their upcoming events here.

Join the Celebration!

Throughout 2025, bicentennial events will highlight the rich history of Orleans County and the Erie Canal. See below for currently scheduled bicentennial events.