• BUCKET LISTS
  • TRIP FINDER
  • DESTINATIONS
  • 48HR GUIDES
  • EXPERIENCES

Logo

  • DESTINATIONS South Carolina 3 Ways to Get Wet and Wild in Myrtle Beach BY REGION South America Central America Caribbean Africa Asia Europe South Pacific Middle East North America Antarctica View All POPULAR Paris Buenos Aires Chile Miami Canada Germany United States Thailand Chicago London New York City Australia
  • EXPERIENCES World Wonders 14 Landmarks That Should Be Considered World Wonders BY EXPERIENCE Luxury Travel Couples Retreat Family Vacation Beaches Culinary Travel Cultural Experience Yolo Winter Vacations Mancations Adventures The Great Outdoors Girlfriend Getaways View All POPULAR Cruising Gear / Gadgets Weird & Wacky Scuba Diving Skiing Hiking World Wonders Safari
  • TRIP FINDER Peruvian Amazon Cruise BY REGION South America Central America Caribbean Africa Asia Europe South Pacific Middle East North America Antarctica View All POPULAR Colors of Morocco Pure Kenya Costa Rica Adventure Flavors of Colombia Regal London Vibrant India Secluded Zanzibar Gorillas of Rwanda
  • Explore Bucket Lists
  • View My Bucket Lists
  • View Following Bucket Lists
  • View Contributing to Lists

Top 10 Canal and River Cruising Vacations in North America

"Taku River Glacier Flightseeing" by Lee LeFever via Flickr Creative Commons

Glaciers, canals, canyons, waterfalls and even headless horseman make up a sweeping choice of North American routes. From the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, to the ole’ Mississippi, the Alaskan archipelago and Great Lakes – boat yourself silly.

  • Paddlewheel Steamboats on the Lower Mississippi The deep South and land of Huck Finn is best explored via a steamboat on the Mississippi River. Enjoy the home of jazz and gospel and all the benefits of Cajun hospitality as you meander past the mansions of sugar and cane plantations, Civil War memorials, French-Acadian settlements and the bustling river ports of New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Memphis.
  • Alaskan Inland Passage The Inland Passage in Southeast Alaska is a unique area of fjords, channels and waterways protected by islands and archipelagos. Highlights of the region include Glacier Bay National Park which is noted for its expansive glaciers and interesting wildlife, including whales.
  • Panama Canal The “Crossroads of the World” was once a winding path through jungle rivers and is still an exotic place linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Today’s 50 mile short cut is still an engineering marvel as each vessel is raised 85 feet from Gatun Lake before being flushed into the sea with 52 million gallons of fresh water.
  • Columbia River Gorge This impressive gorge offers spectacular cruising for 81 winding miles through the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest. River depths reach up to 4,000 feet and the river hugs an assortment of steep sided passages, evergreen forests and an incredible array of waterfalls at the western end.
  • Colorado River This river is responsible for one of North America’s most amazing features, the Grand Canyon, which was sculpted by its seeping waters over the years. Few things are grander than this spectacular chasm, particularly when viewed from the river. Millions visit this desolate setting each year for the rugged contours of the gorges and pinnacles.
  • The Great American Cruise Loop To be christened a “looper” you have to cover over 7,450 miles of Eastern North America’s waterways. It’s a boaters dream on a continuous series of waterways including the Atlantic and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, the Canadian Heritage Canals and the inland rivers of America’s heartland. People have attempted this is anything from jet-skis to yachts; in fact the only thing that limits you is time.
  • Rideau Waterway, Canada This historic waterway is the oldest continuously operating canal in North America. It has 45 locks connecting 123 miles of lakes and rivers running from the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario. Every year, 90,000 boats pass through its locks to explore the rivers, lakes and wetlands connected by the locks.
  • Niagara Gorge The falls at Niagara aren’t necessarily high (167 feet) but they do pack a punch with an incredible amount of water gushing over a wide area. Cruise boats operate from boat docks on both sides of the falls but the most famous is the one that takes passengers into the whirlpools themselves.
  • New York canals The 524 mile New York canal systems connect with hundreds of miles of lakes and rivers across the state, linking the Great Lakes with the majestic Hudson River and five waterways in Canada. Since 1825 these canals have operated through 25 counties and close to 200 villages, hamlets and towns.
  • Hudson River The backdrop of Manhattan is unbeatable for a cruise on the Hudson that extends through the state past such legendary villages like Sleepy Hollow. Famed author Washington Irving made this area legend when he wrote about its headless horsemen but really the Hudson holds no other surprises than being a pleasure to punt and a good chance to see historic estates such as Rockefeller.

Click here for the Top 10 River or Canal Cruise Vacations in Latin America

Canal and River Cruising

  • Introduction
  • Things To Consider
  • Choosing The Right Vacation
  • Top 10 Overall
  • Top 10 Europe
  • Top 10 North America
  • Top 10 Latin America
  • Top 10 Africa Middle East
  • Top 10 Asia Far East
  • Top 10 Australia South Pacific

World Wonders

These are the most peaceful countries on the planet, the great outdoors, deserts in bloom: 6 spots for springtime wildflower watching, how to plan a luxury safari to africa, british columbia, yoho national park is the most incredible place you've never heard of.

  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Submissions

The source for adventure tourism and experiential travel guides.

Brand new ship the  American Jazz on Lower Mississippi just in time for the holidays Nov and Dec. Special offer $1500 off a cabin. Offer good until June 30th.

Current sold-out dates are Nov. 17th and 24th on the American Harmony.

Columbia & Snake River Cruise – The American Song : a brand new, modern riverboat that is now cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers between Washington and Oregon offering iconic NW cruises.

Northwest Pioneers: 10-night Columbia River Cruise – American Pride : Our 7-night Columbia River cruises are popular every year, but so often we want just a little more time to explore! The new ‘Northwest Pioneers’ itinerary affords you that time to dig a little deeper.

These are smaller ships and they tend to sell out months ahead of time! These offers must be booked by July 31st.

*restrictions may apply

Book By July 31st – Huge Savings and Limited Availability

Your travel partner and small ship expert.

logo-white

Specials on Small Ship Cruises! Book your 2023 Cruise Now and Save! Space is Limited, and Cruises Will Sell Out!

Browse by...

canal tours usa

Current Popular Destinations

Columbia River Cruises

View all destinations.

canal tours usa

  • Video Gallery

American Cruise Line

Viking Cruises

Oceania Cruise Line

home-testimonial-1

Inclusive experiences means less time planning, and more time relaxing.

Last but certainly not least: USA River Cruises takes the guesswork out of planning a trip in the first place. You’ll no longer have to fret over the cost of every little perk — because the perks are part of the all-inclusive experience aboard a USA River Cruise. No need to tally up the numbers when you order beer, a glass of wine, room service, soda, cappuccinos, or decide to take a shore excursion.

The world is waiting for you. Imagine your most wonderful journey. Then contact USA River Cruises to make it come true.

Ever thought about a VIP-style, front row seat to breathtaking waterfalls, rolling vineyards, and stunning mountain peaks? Try one of our Columbia River Cruises.

Envision paradise, adventure and relaxation with USA River Cruises

Imagine exploring the ins and outs of the largest group of freshwater lakes on earth — and then hop aboard our Great Lakes River Cruises .

Perhaps you’ve always wondered what it would be like to explore the Deep South in comfort and style. Our Mississippi River Cruises are the place to be.

Or maybe you’ve always wanted to experience Europe from a ship’s-eye view. Well USA River Cruises has those, too, with our sweet suite of European Cruises .

There’s so much for you to see and do. From the Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi to the Columbia River and our Alaskan Cruises ports of call — all the way to our cruises throughout Europe and the Caribbean.

USA River Cruises has been making travel dreams come true since 1999. We’re experts at matching people with the experiences they seek. There’s something for everyone. There’s something for you.

Travel client testimonial

“This Columbia River Cruise experience was a total delight, very informative, educational, entertaining, and just a fantastic experience overall. Every port offered opportunities for exploration and learning. The on-board Riverlorian brought history to life, as did the local entertainment brought onboard. The cuisine selections and quality were top-shelf all the way.”

The world is waiting for you. Imagine the Journey.

Get to know us. We want to get to know you.

  • Best of the Northwest
  • Travel Abroad
  • Travel Health
  • Travel Warnings
  • US Travel Security
  • Vessel Sanitation Program
  • Airline On-Time Stats
  • Airline Status
  • Portland City Tours, Oregon Wine Tours, Mt. Hood Tours
  • World Clock
  • Travel Agents
  • Travel Insurance
  • Cruise Recipes

Sign up for our e-Newsletter & receive exclusive offers!

10000 NE 7th Ave Suite 125, Vancouver, WA 98685 Contact

Call us at 800-578-1479

USA River Cruises, Inc. BBB Business Review

RiverCruise.com

Meandering 363 miles across New York State and linking Lake Erie to the Hudson River, the Erie Canal is widely considered one of the most significant accomplishments of American engineering. Enjoy the calm blue waters of this modern-day marvel and learn more about its important history aboard your cruise.

Opened in 1825, the canal is credited with making New York the busiest port in the U.S. during its heyday, stimulating business and trade in cities along the canal’s banks. Today, cruises may include onboard musical performances, stops at the official Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse or wine tastings and shopping at waterfront communities. Itineraries might also spend time on the Hudson River.

Sailings with a "between locks" option let you disembark while waiting for some of the canal’s 35 locks to raise or lower your ship. And in your downtime, climb on deck and admire the variety of lush waterscape, passing through lakes or beneath low bridges, watching shores and skies dotted with geese and great blue herons.

These cruises offer exceptional value for your dollar and are easy to budget, as your stateroom and onboard meals are included in the rate that you pay up front.

canal tours usa

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Manage Your Subscription
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Sweepstakes
  • Destinations

I Explored Upstate New York on a Canal Boat — and It Was the Perfect Way to Slow Down

On a narrow-boat journey down New York’s Erie Canal, one writer finds a waterway steeped in history — one that offers a welcome escape from modern-day worries.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

canal tours usa

"The Erie Canal used to be all about speed, but today it's about slowing down," said Marye Lobb, a singer-songwriter I met one evening in Spencerport, New York. Lobb had been playing in the village's canal-side gazebo while my wife, Jetty-Jane, and I watched from the top deck of our boat, a bottle of Finger Lakes Riesling between us.

"There's just something calming about being by the water," Lobb said. In the 19th century, she explained, this storied waterway was an artery of commerce, but these days it's a place for wildlife spotting and unplugging from whatever worries you left onshore — just what Jetty-Jane and I were looking for in the summer of 2020.

Our vessel was the Seneca, a 42-foot liveaboard that we chartered — with the help of quirky travel website Atlas Obscura — from Erie Canal Adventures , a family-run outfitter with a fleet of canal boats purpose-built for touring the waterways between Syracuse and Buffalo. The plan was to take one of those vessels and spend a few days exploring the canal. Niche? Absolutely. The perfect escape from the strangest year of our lives? Definitely.

Soon enough, we were in a marina-side classroom in Macedon, getting a tutorial on propane heaters, diesel engines, and marine toilets — all the parts that make a liveaboard tick. After a few educational videos, we were aboard the Seneca with Erie Canal Adventures owner Brian Keenan, who had come to give us some hands-on training. He watched as we took our boat — sporting the company's signature red and green color scheme — through the gates of Lock 30, practiced our knots, fiddled with our radio, and spun around with a whoosh of our bow thrusters.

An hour later, Keenan stepped back onto the dock and wished us a good trip. With just my wife and me on board — and the $100,000 insurance policy stashed belowdecks — I had a moment of panic. We'd been socially distancing for months, but suddenly felt very alone.

Before Zoom calls, before jets, even before Model Ts and railroads, travel was all about boats. They were the fastest, easiest, and most comfortable way to get anywhere, which is why the founding fathers spent considerable time — not to mention money — trying to gin up canal systems in America to rival those transforming Europe. As Peter L. Bernstein writes in Wedding of the Waters, a history of the Erie Canal, the waterway would "knit the sinews of the Industrial Revolution, propel globalization…and revolutionize the production and supply of food for the entire world."

Today, the canal is almost exclusively used for recreation, but it's no exaggeration to say that the 363-mile-long link between the Atlantic and the Great Lakes cemented the country's economic primacy and crowned New York City its financial capital. (That many of these gains were extracted, directly or indirectly, from land stolen or swindled from Indigenous peoples, particularly those of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, often goes unmentioned.)

Yet for all its economic benefit, the canal provided something far more valuable: it gave rise to a network for ideas. Among the freethinkers living and working along the canal was Joseph Smith, who published the Book of Mormon in 1830 in Palmyra. In 1848, Frederick Douglass moved to Rochester, where he founded his abolitionist newspaper. That same year, Elizabeth Cady Stanton helped organize the Women's Rights Convention held in Seneca Falls, now home to the Women's Rights National Historical Park.

All of which is to say that a trip on the canal takes you through not only western New York but also hundreds of years of American history. Not that you're thinking about any of that when you're waking up in Pittsford in the middle of a chilly thunderstorm. Canal trivia takes a back seat when everything's wet, a cold wind is blowing, and the only person around to untie the lines is you. Whose idea was this anyway?

We chugged west toward Rochester, where we tied up at Corn Hill Landing, in the heart of the city. Despite the heavy rain, we made the short walk to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which lives up to the hype with pit-smoked wings and decadent mac and cheese. We walked through Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park, painted with messages of protest against police violence in Rochester and across the United States. By late afternoon, the sun had returned, and we celebrated with pilsners and onion rings at Roc Brewing Co. before heading back to the boat and pressing on toward Spencerport to catch Lobb's gazebo concert, one of several such experiences Atlas Obscura had arranged along our route.

After a couple of days aboard, we were getting the hang of the Seneca . The hardest part was passing through the locks, which involved gingerly maneuvering our 30,000-pound boat into a narrow space and grabbing onto fixed cables or ropes covered in gunk. We started to feel a tiny bit like boat people. Could we live on the Seneca ? I wondered aloud one morning. Not likely, my wife deadpanned.

On our third morning, we turned back east to Fairport, a quintessential canal town we'd skipped on our way out. We grabbed a sunny spot on the patio of Lulu Taqueria & Bar for a Pacifico and a margarita as kayakers paddled past. We rummaged through gift shops like Main Street Mercantile and marveled at the imported pastas, olives, meats, and cheeses at Lombardi's Gourmet Imports & Specialties. After months of not doing much at all, we relished the simple pleasure of walking down some new streets and seeing some new things.

That evening, we approached another red-and-green boat docked at a bend in the channel called Bushnell's Basin. We were tying our lines when a stranger bounded over and, through her mask, started telling us about the great hard cider selection in the dockside store.

Diane Baker and her husband, Mark, had, like us, been on the canal for a few days, she said. They, too, figured the trip would be the perfect antidote to months cooped up at home in New York City. For them, it was less about boating than about exploring a stretch of the state they'd never considered vacation-worthy.

A few days later, back on land, we bumped into Diane and Mark at the Cascadilla Gorge trailhead in Ithaca. Though we'd met only briefly, it felt like a reunion with old friends. Amazing what can happen when you take a moment and just slow down.

How to Plan a Canal Trip

Erie Canal Adventures (trips from $1,950) offers three-, four-, and seven-day charters out of Macedon. Boats come fully fueled and equipped with linens, kitchen gear, and water. There's a learning curve for piloting the vessels, but even landlubbers can quickly get the hang of it.

Book through Atlas Obscura for more perks, plus a concierge who can make restaurant reservations and provide hyper-specific sightseeing tips. Charters start around noon and end early on the final day, so it's best to bookend a cruise with hotel stays.

About 30 minutes from Macedon, the new Lake House on Canandaigua (doubles from $265) is a resort-style property with soothing, nautically inspired interiors by Studio Tack. An hour away, the Inns of Aurora (doubles from $440) is a collection of historic buildings, all beautifully restored and filled with quirky yet tasteful décor. A new 15,000-square-foot spa opened in June.

A version of this story first appeared in the June 2021 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline At Your Own Pace . Atlas Obscura and Erie Canal Adventures provided support for the reporting of this story.

  • Illumination & Fireworks Schedule
  • Park Brochure & Map
  • About Niagara Falls
  • Niagara Falls State Park
  • Attractions
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Niagara Wineries
  • Guided Tours
  • Itineraries
  • Old Falls Street
  • Niagara County Communities
  • Buffalo & Beyond
  • Events This Week
  • Annual Events
  • Submit Your Event
  • Bed & Breakfasts
  • Campgrounds & RV Parks
  • Cottages & Vacation Rentals
  • Niagara Breweries & Cideries
  • Farms & Farmers Markets
  • Request A Travel Guide
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Getting Here & Getting Around
  • Weather & Climate
  • Niagara Falls Visitor Centers
  • Weddings & Elopement
  • Border Crossing Information
  • Beyond The Falls
  • Inspiration
  • Seasonal Fun
  • Things To Do
  • Back to Main Site
  • Travel Trade
  • Meetings & Conventions

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises

Experience this AAA GEM attraction featured on the History Channel. Enjoy a unique narrated 2-hour cruise on the Erie Canal, under lift bridges and being raised and lowered 50 feet in Locks 34 & 35. Special pre-arranged group cruise times available. Located 30 minutes from Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY.

Get Directions

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises 210 Market Street Lockport, New York 14094

  • ADA Compliant
  • Group Friendly
  • Group Rates Available
  • Group Tour Available
  • Meeting & Special Event Space
  • Motorcoach Parking Available
  • Parking Available
  • Performance Opportunity
  • Seasonal Attraction

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn More

Top Searches

Plan your visit to Niagara Falls and witness the total solar eclipse.

With St. Patrick's Day and spring on the horizon, there's always excitement in the air…

Think you can’t have fun in Niagara Falls USA when the weather’s not cooperating? Think…

After a long, cold winter, we’re excited for the spring activities Niagara Falls USA has…

Sign up for our newsletter & receive insider tips, area events, news & special promotions. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Canal Boat Layout Tours

We have a perfect boat for you....

Whether you are a first-time "canal-er", a family of four, or planning a getaway for a group of couples, our team is here to help you find the perfect vessel/s to meet your needs.  Below you will find layout drawings and immersive photos to learn more about our fleet.

The Harriet

Our luxury model boat, perfect for 1 couple.  Enjoy the spacious private cabin with a queen bed, private bathroom with large shower (hot running water), full kitchen, enclosed helm area, Air Conditioning and many comforts.

Call our booking team to learn about pricing, availability and what boat/s is the perfect size for your party.  315-986-3011 .

34 Foot Boat

The 34 Foot Boats are perfect for 1 couple or a family of four.  The 34 Foot Boats include a private cabin with double bed, full kitchen (with bench area converting to twin beds), bathrooms with showers (hot running water), Air Conditioning and many comforts.

42 Foot Boat

Our most popular boat style, the 42 Foot Boats are perfect for 2 couples or even 1 couple that wants a little more room.  The 42 Foot Boats have 2 private cabins, both with a double bed.  All of our boats feature private cabins, full kitchens, bathrooms with showers (hot running water), Air Conditioning and many comforts.

If you have questions about how they are equipped or sleeping capacity please call our team.  Our team is very knowledgeable about the canal, the towns, and our boats.  We are looking forward to your call: 315-986-3011.

41 Foot Boat

Our 41 Foot Boat is the perfect get-away for a family of 4 or 2 couples to enjoy.  The 41 Foot Boats boast 2 private cabins - one with a double bed and one with 2 twin bunk beds.  All of our boats feature private cabins, full kitchens, bathrooms with showers (hot running water), Air Conditioning and many comforts.

If you have questions about how they are equipped or sleeping capacity please call our team.  We are looking forward to your call: 315-986-3011.

canal tours usa

Ride the Canal Boat

National Canal Museum - Ride the Canal Boat

Travel Back In Time

The 48-ton Josiah White II canal boat plies the waters of old Section 8 of the Lehigh Canal in Hugh Moore Park. Our trained and authentically-dressed crew interprets  the story of the anthracite canals  and the people who worked and lived on them. Our two mules –  Hank and George  – tow the boat on a leisurely trip from the National Canal Museum to the Locktender’s House and back.

Canal boat tours are 45 minutes long and leave the dock at 12, 1:30, and 3PM.  Tours run rain or shine, except during thunderstorms, high winds, hazardous air quality conditions or extreme heat.  The canal boat is wheelchair accessible.  RESERVATIONS ARE NOT  REQUIRED.

Canal Boat Rides will be offered in 2023 from June 7 through October 29.

canal tours usa

Museum + Boat Admission

  • Adults: $15.00
  • Seniors: $14.00
  • Children (3-15): $11.00
  • Children under 3: Free
  • Family Pack (2 Adults & up to 3 Children): $49.00
  • Members: Free

Special Discounts

Group Rate (15 people or more) :  $2 off per person

Blue Star Museums : Free admission for active military families (with ID)

Museums for All : Free admission for SNAP benefit recipients (with EBT card)

Canal Boat Charter (Rental) Rates

The Josiah White II is a great venue for weddings, family parties, and celebrations of all kinds!  Details here .

Dinner Cruises

Take a one of a kind dinner cruise aboard the Josiah White II.  2023 dinner cruise schedule here.

Did you know that D&L Members can ride the boat and visit the  National Canal Museum for free?

Click here to become a d&l member today, hours & prices.

2024 Hours & Rates

Museum Hours 11:30am – 4:30pm April 6 to May 26 Saturdays & Sundays

Museum Admission Adult: $8 Senior (65+): $7 Child (3-15): $6 Under 3: Free Members: Free

Museum & Canal Boat Rides   Canal Boat Rides: 12, 1, 2 & 3 PM Saturday & Sunday:  June 1 & 2 Wednesdays thru Sundays:  June 8 to October 6

Museum & Canal Boat Admission   Adult: $15 Senior (65+): $14 Child (3-15): $11 Under 3: Free Family Pack (2 Adults & up to 3 Children):  $49 Members: Free (up to 2 guests are 50% off)

Groups of 15+:  $2 off per person Blue Star Museums (active military families): Free with military ID Museums for All (low-income families): Free with EBT card

canal tours usa

D&L and National Canal Museum Info and Events Sign Up

Stay up to date on what's going on along the Corridor and at the museum.

  • First Name *
  • Last Name *
  • Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign Up for D&L and National Canal Museum Info & Events!

  • Share with Friends
  • Follow Us On Twitter
  • Like Us On Facebook
  • Watch Our Videos

National Canal Museum 2750 Hugh Moore Park Road, Easton, PA 18042, 610-923-3548 · Contact us

Copyright © 2009-2024. All rights reserved. The National Canal Museum is an affiliate of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor .

Share the Canal with Friends

canal tours usa

  • Sports Events
  • Meetings & Groups
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame
  • Health, Wellness, & Beauty
  • Museums & History
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Neighborhoods
  • Tours & Activities
  • Concerts & Live Music
  • Submit Your Event
  • Bar & Grill
  • Sweets & Treats
  • Wine, Brew, & Spirits
  • Bed & Breakfasts
  • Campgrounds
  • Unique Accommodations & Resorts
  • VIP Visitor Savings Pass
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Request a Travel Guide
  • Ticket Packages
  • Privacy Policy
  • Live in Canton

Canal Fulton Canalway Center & St. Helena III Canal Boat

The Canal Fulton Canalway Center is a visitor and information center, located in northwestern Stark County along the Ohio and Erie Canal's Towpath Trail . Visitors can take a ride on the St. Helena III replica canal boat, learn about local history, and request information on things to do in the area. The Towpath Trail, the Heritage House and Olde Canal Days Museum, a picnic pavilion and playground are located close by in the park.

The St. Helena III canal boat is historically pulled by two Percheron horses and departs from the Port of Canal Fulton in St. Helena Heritage Park for a one hour ride down the Ohio & Erie Canal. A historian on board provides information on the history of the canal, the boat and the area. Click Here to view and purchase tickets to our upcoming tours.

Know Before You Go: We recommend arriving 30 minutes prior to your ride time to view the DVD presentation entitled "Our Canal Heritage" before you board the canal boat. In addition to public boat rides, the St. Helena III offers a variety of special themed cruises throughout the summer months.

Group Tours: Private group charters are available for 12-40 people by booking two or more weeks in advance. Please contact City of Canal Fulton Parks & Recreation Manager, Chris Bundy, [email protected] to book your group tour.

2023 Note: Some 2023 boat rides will be tractor pulled, while others that have enough advance notice and staffing will be horse drawn.

  • Group Rates Available

Related Blogs

Apr 01, 2022

Stark11: 11 Must Do Experiences in Canal Fulton: Come spend the day with us!

This little city situated along the Ohio Erie Canal boasts a rich history

Mapped location of Canal Fulton Canalway Center & St. Helena III Canal Boat

Cookies Policy

This website uses cookies to enhance your user experience on the website. Learn More

Quick Search

Location map.

C&O Canal Trust

Experience the Authentic C&O Canal

Charles F. Mercer Canal Boat

Lockhouse 6

by Kenneth Lyons

Charles F. Mercer Canal Boat

Charles F. Mercer Canal Boat

by Roy Sewall

Lockhouse 10

Porch of Lockhouse 10

by C&O Canal Trust

Great Falls Tavern

Great Falls Tavern

by Michael C. Mitchell

Mile Marker 16.7                    Lockhouse 21 “Swains Lockhouse”

Also a part of the Canal Quarters program, Lockhouse 21 is also known as “Swains Lockhouse” after the family who lived there for over a century. This lockhouse interprets 1916, the year the National Park Service was formed and the date when the C&O Canal was beginning to transition from a working canal to a recreational space. The lockhouse has been completely modernized with full amenities, including an ADA-accessible bathroom and a Murphy bed on the first floor, ramps into the house, and hallways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Learn how you can spend the night in this lockhouse here .

Mile Marker 19.6                    Lockhouse 22 Experience life on the canal with an overnight stay at Lockhouse 22, part of the Canal Quarters program. Lockhouse 22 is furnished in the 1830s time period, reflecting on the early phase of canal construction and the architectural marvels that were necessary to make it functional. Step back in time and experience life as the lock keepers truly lived. Learn how you can spend the night in this lockhouse here .

Mile Marker 22.7                    Seneca Aqueduct Seneca Aqueduct and Lock 24 are combined into a single structure here, the only place along the canal that this was necessary. This is one of 11 aqueducts that carried the canal over major tributaries of the Potomac.

Mile Marker 22.7                    Lockhouse 24 “Riley’s Lockhouse” Riley’s Lockhouse is very well restored, with one-and-a-half stories over a full basement. Local Girl Scouts dressed in period clothing periodically provide interpretation and guide visitors through the historic home.

Swains Lockhouse 21

Swains Lockhouse 21

by Goodluckstef Productions

Lockhouse 22

Lockhouse 22

Seneca Aqueduct

Seneca Aqueduct

by John Gensor

Rileys Lockhouse 24

Rileys Lockhouse 24

by Judy Ireland

Mile Marker 30.9                    Lockhouse 25 Experience life on the Canal with an overnight stay at Lockhouse 25, part of the Canal Quarters program. Lockhouse 25 is nestled in the sleepy town of Edwards Ferry and is furnished in the 1860s time period, telling the story of the Civil War’s impact on the Canal. Learn how you can spend the night in this lockhouse here .

Mile Marker 35.5                    White’s Ferry White’s Ferry is a one-of-a-kind on the Potomac River. Until it closed in 2020, it was the last operating ferry on the river, transporting vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians from Maryland across to the Leesburg area of Virginia.

Mile Marker 42.2                    Monocacy Aqueduct The Monocacy Aqueduct is the largest of the canal’s 11 stone aqueducts . It is often considered one of the two finest features of the C&O Canal. It was built from 1829-1833.

Mile Marker 49.0                    Lockhouse 28  Lockhouse 28 is the most remote of all the Canal Quarters lockhouses, located nearly a half mile from the nearest parking. This rustic retreat was completed in 1837 and is a reminder of the fierce competitive race between the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal and the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in the race to reach the Ohio River Valley. Learn how you can spend the night in this lockhouse here .

Mile Marker 51.5                    Catoctin Aqueduct The Catoctin Aqueduct is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built with two semi-circle arches on either side of an elliptical arch. The elliptical arch was not structurally strong and began to sag, leading to structural failure. In 1973 two arches collapsed leaving only a remnant of the eastern arch standing. The Park Service buried the original stones to help preserve them in case the aqueduct was ever restored, which began in 2007. The restored aqueduct was dedicated and re-opened in 2011.

Lockhouse 28

Lockhouse 28

by Frederick Magazine/Turner Photography

Monocacy Aqueduct

Monocacy Aqueduct

by Steve Dean

Central: Brunswick to Hancock

Mile Marker 69.4                    Antietam Aqueduct The Antietam Aqueduct is the fourth of 11 stone aqueducts in the Park. The 140-foot structure is built of limestone from a nearby quarry and has three elliptical arches. It’s located near Antietam Battlefield but actually sustained extensive damage by the Confederates during General Jubal Early’s invasion of Maryland in 1864. Learn more about the C&O Canal’s aqueducts here .

Mile Marker 99.2-99.8                        Williamsport Visitor Center / Cushwa Basin The historic Cushwa Basin warehouse is open seasonally as the C&O Canal Visitor Center in Williamsport, interpreting the 1920s time period on the canal. The Park staff offer boat tours at Williamsport/Cushwa Basin on a replica launch boat that passes over the refurbished Conococheague Aqueduct . It’s the only place in North America where visitors can see a lift lock and refurbished lockhouse, a railroad lift bridge, a canal turning basin, and a re-watered aqueduct. Lockhouse 44 is fully furnished on the lower level and is open to visitors periodically throughout the spring and summer. Visitors can step back in time to learn about what lock keepers did and how they lived. Inside the Cushwa Basin warehouse visitors will find interpretive exhibits and visitor information. The Trolley Barn at Cushwa Basin features hands-on activities for children and replica historic toys. Days and times may vary for boat tours and visitation to Lockhouse 44 and the Trolley Barn. Visit the Park’s website for more information .

Mile Marker 99.6                    Conococheague Aqueduct

Completed in 1834, the Conococheague Aqueduct was built of limestone from nearby quarries. The aqueduct has three equal arch spans. Both armies launched raids against the aqueduct during the Civil War. Years later, the berm wall collapsed early on the morning of April 20, 1920. The boat traveling across the aqueduct fell into the Conococheague Creek and remained there until the 1936 flood carried it down the Potomac. A full restoration of the aqueduct was completed in 2019. Canal launch boat rides across the re-watered aqueduct are offered seasonally. Learn more about the C&O Canal’s aqueducts here .

Mile Marker 108.9                  Lockhouse 49 Experience life on the Canal with an overnight stay at Lockhouse 49, part of the Canal Quarters program. Lockhouse 49 is a two-story lockhouse furnished in the 1920s time period that tells the story of the canal community at Four Locks. With four canal locks located so closely together, the community was truly a canal community with stores, warehouses, a dry dock for boat repair, a school, a post office and a dozen houses. Learn how you can spend the night in this lockhouse here .

Cushwa Basin

Cushwa Basin

by Mark Crilley

Conococheague Aqueduct

Conococheague Aqueduct

by MJ Clingan

Lockhouse 49

Lockhouse 49

Licking Creek Aqueduct

Licking Creek Aqueduct

by Paul Graunke

Mile Marker 116.1                  Licking Creek Aqueduct The 90-foot, single-span aqueduct was described by the C&O Canal Company in 1839 as “one of the longest, if not the longest, aqueduct arch which has been constructed in the United States.” Constructed between 1836 and 1838, the structure is largely built of limestone and cement transported from nearby Hook’s mill, just across the river from Hancock. The aqueduct was first used in 1839 when the canal was watered from Dam no. 6 down to Dam no. 5. This was the same year canal operations began in the town of Hancock. Learn more about the C&O Canal’s aqueducts here .

Mile Marker 122.8                  Bowles House/Hancock Visitor Center

The historic Bowles House is open seasonally as the C&O Canal Visitor Center in Hancock. The house was built in the 1780s as a one-story structure overlooking the Potomac. The parcel of land, known as “Sarah’s Fancy,” was transferred from Lord Baltimore to William Yates around 1775. The Yates family occupied the house during canal construction until 1875, when it was acquired by the Bowles family. They remained in the house until 1905. Visitors can enjoy sitting on the front porch and, on occasion, may have the treat of hearing a ranger or local resident play banjo or acoustic guitar. Visit the Park’s website for more information and hours .

Mile Marker 123.0                  Tonoloway Aqueduct Constructed between 1835 and 1839 of limestone extracted upstream on Tonoloway Creek, Tonoloway Aqueduct carried canal boats across Tonoloway Creek, a 31-mile tributary of the Potomac River. Cement for the aqueduct came from Captain Hook’s mill but during a water shortage in the summer of 1837, cement was imported from Boteler’s Mill and Baltimore. Learn more about the C&O Canal’s aqueducts here .

West: Hancock to Cumberland

Mile Marker 136.6                  Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct The Sideling Hill Creek Aqueduct was built between 1837 and 1840, primarily using Tonoloway Limestone from the quarry at the mouth of the Cacapon River, as well as Pocono sandstone rubble from Sideling Hill. The aqueduct has a single arch with a 70-foot span. The creek marks the boundary between Washington and Allegany Counties. Learn more about the C&O Canal’s aqueducts here .

Mile Marker 140.9                  Fifteenmile Creek Aqueduct The Fifteen Mile Creek Aqueduct is a small, single-arch aqueduct. Built between 1838 and 1850, it is in excellent condition for a century and a half old structure. It was constructed with hard flint stone quarried at Sideling Hill on the West Virginia side of the river. In 1842, during construction, the canal company ran out of funds and work was suspended for a time, but finally, work was completed and the aqueduct began service in 1850. Learn more about the C&O Canal’s aqueducts here.

Mile Marker 155.0                  Paw Paw Tunnel It took 12 years and nearly all of the Canal Company’s funds to complete the Paw Paw Tunnel, but it opened to traffic on October 10, 1850. The tunnel was built to save five miles of construction by cutting across a neck of land formed by the Paw Paw bends. What resulted was the most notable landmark on the Canal—at three-fifths of a mile and 5,800,000 bricks in all.

Mile Marker 162.4                  Town Creek Aqueduct Town Creek Aqueduct is a single-span aqueduct. Construction began in 1837 and was abandoned in 1838 when the contractor quit during the Canal company’s financial crisis. It was completed during the final phase of C&O Canal construction (1848-1850) by Michael Byrne. It is the tenth of eleven aqueducts on the Canal and, like many of the other eleven, is missing its upstream wall. Learn more about the C&O Canal’s aqueducts here .

Mile Marker 180.7                  Evitts Creek Aqueduct The Evitts Creek Aqueduct is the last of the 11 aqueducts on the Canal, and is made of “Fossilferous Tonoloway Limestone” quarried upstream and shipped to the aqueduct via a 1.5 mile railroad. Work began in 1839 and was completed in 1841 when the Canal Company ran out of funds, with final touches and service beginning in 1850. Learn more about the C&O Canal’s aqueducts here .

13 Canal St., Cumberland       “The Cumberland” Canal Boat Replica Visitors can tour “The Cumberland,” a full-sized replica canal boat constructed in 1976. Guides in period clothing interpret the history of the canal and daily life aboard a canal boat. Visitors can also tour the mule shed, hay house and furnished Captain’s cabin. Visit the Park’s website for more information and hours .

Paw Paw Tunnel

Paw Paw Tunnel

by Garner Woodall

Cumberland Visitor Center

Cumberland Visitor Center

by Jan Branscome

Share This Page

Stay in touch, make a gift, explore your park.

  • Plan Your Visit
  • C&O Canal Explorer Mobile App
  • Things to Do Along the C&O Canal

Comments are closed.

142 W. Potomac St. Williamsport, MD 21795 Tel: 240-20-CANAL (22625)

Email Us Privacy Policy Account Removal

501(c)3 nonprofit EIN #30-0401642

Connect With Us

Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn

Proud Partner of the C&O Canal NHP

Catalogue from Philanthropy: Greater Washington

Login or Register

© 2024 C&O Canal Trust. Web site development by CermakTech .

  • About the C&O Canal Trust
  • About the C&O Canal
  • Canal Quarters
  • Volunteer Programs
  • Canal Towns
  • Canal For All
  • Quarterly Newsletters
  • Ways to Give
  • Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plants
  • Towpath Resurfacing
  • Canal Classrooms

Erie Canal Cruises

ABOUT ERIE CANAL CRUISES

canal tours usa

In the Summer of 2002 while pleasure cruising New York State, Kim and Jerry Gertz witnessed the stunning beauty and learned more of the historical significance in the Mohawk Valley. With a wealth of experience running a large tour boat operation in south Florida, they decided to come out of retirement and launch Erie Canal Cruises in Herkimer, New York. Their hope was to share with others the opportunity to appreciate the marvelous Mohawk Valley and the Historic Erie Canal, so rich in culture, history and natural beauty.

Since then, Erie Canal Cruises has welcomed folks from near and far on board their vessels. Some have only heard of the Erie Canal and some know it well. After a cruise, most everyone leaves with a new found appreciation for the profound impact this “ditch” had on the United States of America we now know.

Spanning New York State from Albany to Buffalo, the Erie Canal is a big part of the state’s history and future. There are a number of organizations that are dedicated to educating and preserving the history of the Erie Canal, including the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Canal Society of New York and Canal NY.

We work very hard to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone cruising with us, and we invite you to join us and share in the wonder of this magical and most storied canal in the world.

Canal Boat Rides - Take A Journey Back To The 1800s

Your journey includes: a “Mule Tending 101” class in which you’ll meet Moe the Mule, interact with crew of period dressed guides, hear tales of the canal’s heyday and enjoy a 60-90 minute boat ride. 

Catch the boat at I&M Canal State Trail – Lock 14 Access, LaSalle IL. It’s near our I&M Canal Visitor Center and Lock 16 Gift Shop and Café ,  which is located at 754 First Street, so pop in if you have questions, want to buy tickets in person, need to use the restrooms before you embark or are looking for a tasty bite or beverage.

The boat runs from late May through October and is accessible to those who use manually-powered mobility aids, such as walkers, crutches, canes and non-motorized wheelchairs. Ticket purchases are available all year long–making this a lovely gift you can purchase or get-together you can plan any time of year.

Admission Prices

Picture it: 1848 Illinois. Prairie covers the state. Overland transportation is slow and treacherous. And only a few small communities exist, including a small port town on Lake Michigan called Chicago. Then the I&M Canal opens, and everything changes…

Relive the fateful turning point in our history that led to a new era of transportation and the growth of our region by taking a trip on The Volunteer, our Canal Boat. This vessel is not only a replica of those from the 1840s. It also runs on the same energy source: mule power!

canal tours usa

All Aboard - Book Your Group Trip

Host your event on our canal boat, support our efforts.

canal tours usa

Holland America Line Opens Bookings for 2025-2026 Hawaii and Panama Canal Voyages

Holland America Line is setting sail for adventure with the opening of bookings for its 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises. With a focus on longer voyages and destination immersion, the premium cruise line is set to offer sailings out of five North American homeports on five separate ships for the 2025-2026 season.

For the specified season, Holland America Line is offering six different Panama Canal cruises. The upcoming season’s offering will feature several firsts, including the addition of the port of Acajutla, El Salvador on most Panama Canal itineraries and the inaugural transit of the canal by the Pinnacle-Class ship Koningsdam. For those looking to cross the canal aboard Zuiderdam, the 2025-2026 season will bring new departures from Miami .

These cruises, ranging from 15 to 22 days, provide guests with the opportunity to embark on shorter or more extended journeys, all while experiencing the wonders of the iconic Central America waterway.

"We know a Panama Canal transit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience many of our guests are seeking, and by adding Acajutla to select voyages, we're making it even more memorable. Guests can discover the 'Pompeii of the Americas' with a shore excursion to Joya de Cerén archaeological site, where they'll explore a Mayan farming village remarkably preserved under volcanic ash," said Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line's chief commercial officer. "With four different departure cities, there are so many different ways to experience the Panama Canal aboard one of our ships.

In addition to Panama Canal adventures, the 2025-2026 season marks the debut of Holland America Line's ship Nieuw Amsterdam in Hawaii. Sailing roundtrip itineraries from San Diego, California, Nieuw Amsterdam will be joined by Koningsdam and Zaandam in sailing island-hopping itineraries, almost all of which include an overnight in the Aloha State’s iconic capital city of Honolulu. 

Holland America’s selection of Hawaii and Panama Canal cruises both range in duration from 15 to 22 days and are available from October 2025 through April 2026. Cruises to both of these colorful equatorial destinations showcase a blend of natural wonders and manmade marvels, from breathtaking cascading waterfalls and verdant tropical landscapes to ancient Mayan ruins and the world-famous locks of the Panama Canal. 

Immersive shore excursions offer cultural insights into the destinations' rich heritage and natural beauty. Meanwhile, the diverse cuisine offered on board incorporates unique local flavors, including succulent Pacific mahi-mahi, sweet golden pineapple, fresh homemade salsa, and other regional specialties sourced directly from port to plate.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Panama Canal Cruise Season:

  • Panama Canal cruises are aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam and Zuiderdam.
  • Cruises start or end in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; or Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  • Guests enjoy a daylight transit of the Panama Canal, with commentary on the open decks detailing the amazing feat of the man-made marvel.
  • Itineraries range from 15 to 22 days and include a combination of calls in Aruba, California, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and Turks and Caicos.
  • Several cruises offer multiple embarkation or disembarkation options. For example, Fort Lauderdale to San Diego, Seattle or Vancouver.
  • Select Panama Canal sailings include a call at Acajutla, a new port for Holland America Line, offering excursions to remarkably preserved Mayan ruins, volcanoes, and cacao plantations, while also providing a gateway to see more of El Salvador, including San Salvador and Nahuizalco.
  • Many Panama Canal cruises include a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line's award-winning private island in the Bahamas.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Hawaii Cruise Season:

  • Cruises to Hawaii are aboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam. This will be Nieuw Amsterdam's first season in Hawaii.
  • Itineraries are roundtrip from San Diego, roundtrip from Vancouver, or from Vancouver to San Diego.
  • 17-day "Circle Hawaii" from Vancouver to San Diego visits Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight) and Kona. The 17-day roundtrip from San Diego features either an overnight or late departure from Honolulu, a call to Ensenada, Mexico, and more Hawaiian ports like Kona and Kahului.
  • 18-day "Circle Hawaii" is roundtrip from San Diego or Vancouver and calls at Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), Nawiliwili and Kona. Roundtrip San Diego adds a call at Ensenada and roundtrip Vancouver includes Victoria, Canada.

For a limited time, guests who choose to add the ‘Have It All’ premium package—the line’s standard package of amenities, such as shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, Surf Wi-Fi and free prepaid Crew Appreciation—when booking select Panama Canal and Hawaii voyages will receive free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.

Holland America Line's Pinnacle-Class ship, the MS Koningsdam.

  • 1-855-932-1711
  • My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Holland America Line Opens Bookings for 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii Cruises

Cruises include new ports, myriad ways to transit the Panama Canal, plus Nieuw Amsterdam’s Hawaii debut 

Seattle, Wash., March 4, 2024 — Holland America Line has opened bookings for 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises. The premium cruise line, known for longer and destination-focused voyages, will offer departures from five North American homeports , sailing on five ships.

This season of six different Panama Canal cruises includes several firsts: Holland America Line has added the port of Acajutla, El Salvador, on most Panama Canal sailings. Additionally, guests can sail aboard Pinnacle-Class ship Koningsdam as she makes the transit through the canal for the first time. And for those hoping to transit the canal aboard Zuiderdam, new this season are departures from Miami . Voyages span from 15 to 22 days , providing options for those seeking shorter or longer vacations.

“We know a Panama Canal transit is a once-in-a-lifetime experience many of our guests are seeking, and by adding Acajutla to select voyages, we’re making it even more memorable. Guests can discover the ‘Pompeii of the Americas’ with a shore excursion to Joya de Cerén archaeological site, where they’ll explore a Mayan farming village remarkably preserved under volcanic ash,” said  Beth Bodensteiner, Holland America Line’s chief commercial officer. “With four different departure cities, there are so many different ways to experience the Panama Canal aboard one of our ships.

In Hawaii, Nieuw Amsterdam makes its debut, cruising roundtrip itineraries from San Diego, California. The ship will be joined by Koningsdam and Zaandam on island-hopping adventures that nearly all include an overnight at Honolulu, Hawaii’s iconic capital. Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises are offered from October 2025 through April 2026 and range from 15 to 22 days.

Natural and man-made marvels feature prominently on cruises to Hawaii and the Panama Canal, with cascading waterfalls, ancient Mayan ruins and, of course, the Panama Canal’s famous locks. Shore excursions are culturally immersive to show off the natural beauty and rich history of the destinations. Cuisine on board highlights local flavors with golden pineapple, locally sourced fresh fish like Pacific mahi-mahi, fresh homemade salsa and other regional  specialties sourced directly from port to plate.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Panama Canal Cruise Season:

· Panama Canal cruises are aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam and Zuiderdam.

·Cruises start or end in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Seattle, Washington; San Diego, California; or Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

·Guests enjoy a daylight transit of the Panama Canal, with commentary on the open decks detailing the amazing feat of the man-made marvel.

·Itineraries range from 15 to 22 days and include a combination of calls in Aruba, California, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and Turks and Caicos.

·Several cruises offer multiple embarkation or disembarkation options. For example, Fort Lauderdale to San Diego, Seattle or Vancouver.

·Select Panama Canal sailings include a call at Acajutla, a new port for Holland America Line, offering excursions to remarkably preserved Mayan ruins, volcanoes, and cacao plantations, while also providing a gateway to see more of El Salvador, including San Salvador and Nahuizalco.

·Many Panama Canal cruises include a call at Half Moon Cay, Holland America Line’s award-winning private island in the Bahamas.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Hawaii Cruise Season:

· Cruises to Hawaii are aboard Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam. This will be Nieuw Amsterdam’s first season in Hawaii.

·Guests sailing aboard Nieuw Amsterdam will be able to experience the culinary delights of the ship’s newest restaurant, Morimoto by Sea. Guests sailing on Koningsdam or Zaandam will also be able to experience the restaurant menu during special pop-up dinners.

· Itineraries are roundtrip from San Diego, roundtrip from Vancouver, or from Vancouver to San Diego.

·  17-day “Circle Hawaii” from Vancouver to San Diego visits Nawiliwili, Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight) and Kona. The 17-day roundtrip from San Diego features either an overnight or late departure from Honolulu, a call to Ensenada, Mexico, and more Hawaiian ports like Kona and Kahului.

·  18-day “Circle Hawaii” is roundtrip from San Diego or Vancouver and calls at Kahului, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight), Nawiliwili and Kona. Roundtrip San Diego adds a call at Ensenada and roundtrip Vancouver includes Victoria, Canada.

Have It All Booking Bonus

For a limited time, when guests book select 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Terms and conditions apply.

Beginning cruise-only fares for 2025-2026 Hawaii cruises start from $1,579 and Panama Canal fares begin at $1,779, per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional. Visit hollandamerica.com for full details.

Alexander Roberts

800-221-2216

The complete panama canal (jan-april 2024).

Overall Rating based on 200 Reviews

Our Distinctive A+R Style

  • So many great experiences await... Transiting the Canal, meeting indigenous villagers in the rainforest, and touring the historic capital are just three.
  • Marvel at the huge ships and freighters as you cruise the Canal all the way from sea to sea.
  • Immerse in history and culture with our expert guide – from Casco Antiguo’s World Heritage architecture to the Colonial forts of Portobelo.
  • Learn about America’s involvement with the Canal, from its construction to the vital role our military played in its protection.
  • Venture by dugout canoe to vist an Emberá village – and learn the ways of one of Panama’s most unique indigenous groups.
  • Dine at a traditional countryside restaurant popular with families for its farm-to-table fare.
  • With 8 nights lodging; 17 meals with wine at dinner; comprehensive sightseeing; full Canal transit; rainforest excursions; all transfers; and all gratuities except for your trip leader.

Show all itinerary details

Welcome to Panama City

The Bristol - Panama City, Panama

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the 5-star Bristol Hotel . After checking in, the balance of this day is at leisure to relax, enjoy and explore as you wish.

History of the Panama Canal

After breakfast, a full day of guided exploration begins at the Miraflores Locks where you can marvel at the site of ships and freighters entering the Panama Canal. A talk at the Panama Canal Authority delves into the dramatic history of the Canal. Afterwards, you can take some time to peruse exhibits that further explore the past, present and future of this engineering marvel. Then visit Memorial Hill, the only American cemetery in Latin America, and tour the historic Canal Administration Building; opened in 1914, its grand lobby is embellished with impressive murals that vividly tell the story of the Canal’s construction. Your sightseeing ends with a guided stroll along the charming cobblestone streets of Casco Antiguo c . Tracing its history to 1673 and filled with splendid Colonial architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is today one of Panama City’s liveliest districts, home to cafes, bars, restaurants and boutiques. This evening, raise a glass of wine with your fellow travelers and enjoy a congenial welcome dinner.  Meals B+L+D

Through the Canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic

Gamboa Rainforest Resort - Canal Zone, Panama

Today’s complete transit of the Panama Canal begins from the Flamenco Marina. Enjoy the skyline view of the capital from the Bay of Panama before passing under the Bridge of the Americas to enter the Canal. Transiting through the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel Locks here on the Pacific side of the Canal will raise our sightseeing vessel nearly 90 feet in three distinct steps. From here, we’ll cruise through the Culebra Cut that was excavated to create this passage through the Continental Divide. Reaching the Atlantic side of the Canal, you’ll descend 85 feet through the Gatun Locks and continue to port where you’ll disembark. Then we’ll take you to the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve where riverview balcony rooms have been reserved for our guests.  Meals B+L

Gatun Lake Nature Expedition

After breakfast, you’ll join our expert naturalist for a guided boat excursion on to the calm waters of Gatun Lake. Venturing close to some of Gatun’s many lush and uninhabited islands, you’ll have a chance to learn about this unique eco-system; created during the construction of the Canal, it’s the second largest artificial lake on the planet. With sharp-eyes, this enriching excursion offers a chance to observe some of the region’s indigenous species including exotic tropical birds, crocodiles, caimans, sloths, and families of capuchin, howler and white-face monkeys.   Back at Gamboa, you’ll visit the resort’s ecological exhibits. Native orchids, colorful butterflies and rare frogs are among the flora and fauna that you will see and learn about. At the Sloth Sanctuary, you’ll gain insight into the work being done by the Pan American Conservation Association to protect this amazing creature. After your guided touring, the balance of this day is at leisure for you to enjoy the pristine rainforest setting and amenities of our resort.  Meals B

Through the Forest to an Emberá Village

Today’s adventure begins with a scenic one hour drive to the edge of Gatun River where Emberá villagers will meet you with their dugout canoes. Traveling silently up the Gamboa River and deeper into the forest offers a chance to spot herons, egrets and ospreys. With a bit of luck and sharp eyes, you might also see toucans, otters and sloths. Stepping ashore in their village, you’ll have time to explore the community, with your guide on-hand to offer information and insight.   As you engage with the villagers, you’ll learn first-hand about their cultural traditions, cuisine and language – much of which can be traced to ancestors who migrated from Colombia’s Chocó region in the late 1700’s. Informal presentations will deepen your insight into their daily life, tribal history and enduring ways – from their shamanic rites to dance and music. After lunch with the villagers, you might join a tribal elder for a nature walk to learn about their medicinal use of indigenous rainforest plants. This evening, sit down to an à la carte dinner with wine at the Chagres River View Restaurant .  Meals B+L+D

Historic Portobelo + Our Pacific Resort

Westin Hotel - Playa Bonita, Panama

Bid goodbye to the rainforest and wind your way through the tropical forest alongside the Canal, where you’ll catch superb views of the Canal and its ship traffic.  Visit the Panama Canal Expansion Center where, from the Observation Deck 164 feet above ground, you’ll have an enthralling view of the recently-expanded Canal. Opened to traffic in 2016, this new waterway and third set of locks literally doubled the capacity of the Panama Canal, which can now accommodate massive ships up to 1,400 feet long and 180 feet wide. After a Caribbean lunch, you’ll explore Portobelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its wealth of history and the ruins of Colonial-era fortifications, many with their ancient cannons still in battle-ready position. You’ll also visit the 17th-century Customs House and see the revered Cristo Negro statue which appeared mysteriously in Portobelo in the mid 1600’s. After sightseeing, we’ll take you to our deluxe Pacific beach resort where oceanview rooms have been reserved for A+R guests.  Meals B+L

The Many Facets of Panama City

A full day of guided exploration begins on the city’s efficient and modern Metro, a great way to experience daily life. Touring the Afro-Antillean Museum, you’ll find well-curated exhibits that tell the story of the nation’s West Indian community, including their historic role in building the Panama Railroad and Canal. Not far away, you’ll also visit El Carmen Church, built in Neo-Gothic style and revered as one of the city’s most beautiful churches. At the BioDiversity Museum, designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, you’ll learn how Panama’s vital role as a land bridge between North and South America has impacted biodiversity and human life on both Continents.   Then join city residents shopping at the lively fish market and visit with one of the vendors, pausing to sample some ceviche and local beer. For lunch, we’ll take you to a local restaurant where traditional Panamanian dishes are prepared and served with gastronomic flair. The day’s sightseeing ends with a tour through the archaeological ruins at Panama Viejo c . Founded in 1519, this was the earliest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Return to our deluxe Pacific resort in the late afternoon where the evening is free to enjoy and dine as you wish.  Meals B+L

A Day in the Countryside

Another genuine experience of daily Panamanian life is yours this morning as you step aboard one of the region’s Diablos Rojos – buses that have been custom painted with colorful, often narrative murals. It’s a popular and fun way to get around! Then we’ll take you into the lofty hills of Altos de Campana National Park. Founded in 1966 as Panama’s first national park, it’s only an hour’s drive from the capital; but for all of its natural beauty and appeal, it remains relatively unknown by most travelers and even among some Panamanians. Surrounded by cool rolling mountains that descend to the Pacific Ocean, you’ll travel all the way to one of the Park’s highest points for sweeping views of the Canal Basin and Chame Point with its groves of mangrove forest. Altos de Campana is home to a variety of exotic birds like the orange-bellied trogon and white-tailed hawk, making this Park a great destination for bird watchers.   At a nearby orchid farm, you’ll learn about their cultivation of these delicate plants and sample some of the tropical fruits that are also grown here. For lunch we’ll take you to a popular local fonda ; these typical countryside restaurants are known for their fine farm-to-table Panamanian food – and chilled local beer! Back at the Westin resort, you’ll have time to relax or even go for a swim before freshening up for this evening’s Farewell Dinner. Enjoy the fine cuisine of our 5-star resort and toast your fellow travelers with a glass of wine.  Meals B+L+D

Adios, Playa Bonita

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward flight.  Meals B

Extend Your Trip

Travel on to costa rica.

5 Day Extension from $2,199

Discover Costa Rica’s natural wonders on our unique post-Panama adventure. We include terrific hotels, all on-tour transportation, and guided expeditions in small congenial groups.

We include your flight to San Jose, Costa Rica

After breakfast, at the Westin Playa Bonita Resort , you’ll be escorted to the airport in Panama City for your included flight to Costa Rica. On arrival in San Jose, a scenic transfer takes you into the heart of the picturesque Central Highlands where you’ll check in to the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel . A+R guests enjoy Deluxe Casita accommodations with a fireplace, garden porch or terrace, and free high-speed Internet. With our expert naturalist, this evening’s Cloud Forest Night Tour offers a unique opportunity to observe, hear, and learn about the nocturnal side of this mountain eco-system.  Meals B

The Cloud Forest by Day + Arenal

The unique and precious biosphere of the mountain cloud forest comprises less than 5% of the world’s remaining forests and woodlands, but its diversity of flora and fauna is remarkable. Setting out after breakfast, this morning’s Cloud Forest Tour will take you into the 2,000-acre Los Angeles Cloud Forest Private Biological Reserve. Designed to complement last night’s expedition, this morning’s expertly guided tour reveals other facets of this amazing eco-system. After the tour, you’ll check out from the hotel for the scenic drive to Arenal. With Costa Rica’s largest network of naturally-flowing hot springs, the 900 lush acres of Tabacon are the backdrop for your 3-night stay at the outstanding Tabacon Grand Thermal Resort & Spa .  Meals B

Sights + Flavors of the Countryside

After breakfast, our unique Farm-to-Table Tour offers a rare opportunity to spend time on an organic farm. The experience begins with a sampling of the farm’s fresh tropical fruits and a cup of Costa Rican coffee. After an introduction to the history and operation of the farm, you’ll set out into the fields with our engaging guide to see the large variety of fruits, vegetables and spices that are cultivated here. Depending upon the season, you might be invited to join in the planting or harvesting of the many crops which include peanuts, cacao, turmeric and cinnamon. A tour of the greenhouse and a walk to see the farm’s resident sloth family is followed by a delicious farm-to-table luncheon prepared by the team of local chefs. Back at the Tabacon Resort , your afternoon and evening are free to enjoy the lush landscaped grounds and private geo-thermal springs of our 5-star resort.  Meals B+L

Pena Blancas River Float

With our experienced river guide to paddle and guide your raft down a gently flowing stretch of the Peñas Blancas, this 4-hour adventure is perfect for travelers who want to relax and enjoy the experience. The scenery is breathtaking and riverbanks are home to diverse wildlife like Howler monkeys, river otters, crocodiles and a variety of tropical birds including osprey, heron and kingfisher. After lunch, we’ll drive you back to the  Tabacon Resort  where the rest of your late afternoon and evening are at leisure to enjoy the resort’s amenities and geo-thermal hot springs.  Meals B+L

Depart Costa Rica

After breakfast, we’ll take you back to the airport in San Jose.  Meals B

Panama Canal tour map

Pay-In-Full

Family + friends.

Every A+R Journey is carefully crafted with more than 7 decades of expertise helping our guests to experience the world in a more authentic and caring way. Choose from more than 105 Original Journeys With Never More than 16 Guests or book your tour as a Completely Private Experience – whether it’s just the two of you, a small group of friends, or your entire family.

About Your Journey… Panama

Similar trips.

canal tours usa

Our Private Week in Costa Rica

Our original itinerary takes you across Costa Rica from the Caribbean to the Pacific! And with a choice of excursions - and your own private guides and vehicles - you can tailor this vacation to your interests, style and comfort… It’s perfect for couples, families and friends!

canal tours usa

Costa Rica Mountains to Sea

With never more than 16 guests, our activity-filled itinerary takes you from the forested mountains of Arenal and Monteverde to the pristine shores of the Pacific. And every step of the way, our expert Trip Leader, Jorge Leiton, will immerse you more deeply in the flora, fauna and unique eco-systems of his native land.

Accredited Business

IMAGES

  1. Erie Canal Cruises Is The Best Canal Boat Ride In Buffalo

    canal tours usa

  2. Tickets Available for New C&O Canal Boat Tours

    canal tours usa

  3. Erie Canal Tour Boat Cruises

    canal tours usa

  4. 2018 National Park Canal Boat Tours Begin Memorial Day Weekend in

    canal tours usa

  5. C&O Canal Boat Tours

    canal tours usa

  6. Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours, Rochester NY

    canal tours usa

COMMENTS

  1. Top 10 Canal and River Cruising Vacations in North America

    Rideau Waterway, Canada This historic waterway is the oldest continuously operating canal in North America. It has 45 locks connecting 123 miles of lakes and rivers running from the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario. Every year, 90,000 boats pass through its locks to explore the rivers, lakes and wetlands connected by the locks.

  2. Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor :: Boat Rentals and Tours

    Get On Board! Relax and enjoy the NYS Canal System on a canal boat tour, dinner cruise, or multi-day voyage. You'll find tours within an hour's drive of every major city in the Canalway Corridor. You can also rent kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards or rent self-skippered canal boats for multi-day vacations.

  3. THE TOP 10 USA Canal Cruises (UPDATED 2023)

    Empire State Building Tours and Tickets. Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets. Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets. Blue Lagoon Tours and Tickets. Burj Khalifa Tours and Tickets. Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets. USA Canal Cruises: Check out Viator's reviews and photos of USA tours.

  4. Canal Boat Rides

    Canal Boat Rides. This map will help you find the nearest canal boat ride, river or lakes cruise. This map also includes the multi-day cruises offered along some of the canals. To note these, you will find a marker on the canal that is cruised, but this is not the home port of the ship. Also, this map does not list any of the large city harbor ...

  5. USA River Cruises

    From the Great Lakes and the mighty Mississippi to the Columbia River and our Alaskan Cruises ports of call — all the way to our cruises throughout Europe and the Caribbean. USA River Cruises has been making travel dreams come true since 1999. We're experts at matching people with the experiences they seek. There's something for everyone.

  6. Erie Canal Cruises

    Erie Canal. Meandering 363 miles across New York State and linking Lake Erie to the Hudson River, the Erie Canal is widely considered one of the most significant accomplishments of American engineering. Enjoy the calm blue waters of this modern-day marvel and learn more about its important history aboard your cruise. Opened in 1825, the canal ...

  7. How to Plan a Boat Trip on New York's Erie Canal

    Erie Canal Adventures (trips from $1,950) offers three-, four-, and seven-day charters out of Macedon. Boats come fully fueled and equipped with linens, kitchen gear, and water. There's a learning ...

  8. Erie Canal Boat Rides & Tours

    Award-winning narration along with spectacular scenery and a ride in a Lock, also known as a "liquid elevator" await you on our daily Erie Canal sightseeing cruises. We cruise through Lock 18 on the Erie Canal, lifting and lowering vessels over 20 feet! Browse our cruise schedule and reserve your tickets online.

  9. Erie Canal Sightseeing Cruise

    We strongly recommend calling ahead to (315) 941-7585 for specific concerns. Erie Canal Cruises, Inc. reserves the right to cancel any cruise, change schedules or routes and substitute vessels at any time without prior notice. All lock cruises are subject to lock availability. Take a journey through history on the calm waters of the Erie Canal ...

  10. Schedule & Rates

    Departure times: 1 p.m. or/and 3 p.m. daily; (morning cruises on select days - 10:30am departure) Ticket prices: Adults - $25.00, Children (ages 4-10) - $15.00, Infants 3 and under - FREE. *Daily cruise schedules vary by day, check the latest daily cruise schedule by clicking BOOK YOUR CRUISE below. View our schedule and cruise rates ...

  11. Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises

    Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. 210 Market Street Lockport, NY 14094. (716) 433-6155.

  12. East Coast & Intracoastal Waterway River Cruises

    Our southern U.S. river cruises bring guests to unique, historic, and bucket-list destinations such as Tangier Island, Charleston, SC, Cambridge, MD, Washington D.C., Baltimore, and St. Augustine, FL. For a limited time, save up to $1,500 on select American Revolution Cruises and receive Free Airfare.*. View Itinerary Details.

  13. Canal Boat Layout Tours

    Our luxury model boat, perfect for 1 couple. Enjoy the spacious private cabin with a queen bed, private bathroom with large shower (hot running water), full kitchen, enclosed helm area, Air Conditioning and many comforts. Call our booking team to learn about pricing, availability and what boat/s is the perfect size for your party. 315-986-3011.

  14. Ride the Canal Boat

    Canal boat tours are 45 minutes long and leave the dock at 12, 1:30, and 3PM. Tours run rain or shine, except during thunderstorms, high winds, hazardous air quality conditions or extreme heat. The canal boat is wheelchair accessible. RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED. Canal Boat Rides will be offered in 2023 from June 7 through October 29. ...

  15. Tours of the New York Barge Canal

    The Erie stretches 338 miles from the Hudson River to Lake Erie. Erie Canal Cruises runs daily tours from mid-May to mid-October, lasting 90 minutes with a captain licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard ...

  16. PDF CANAL BOAT RIDES IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

    and Lake Superior. Dinner cruises are featured in the evenings, and themed dinner cruises are offered on selected dates. Fireworks Cruises and Fire-works Dinner Cruises fare offered for Canada Day on July 1 and Indepen-dence Day on July 4, plus many other Special Event Cruises. St. Mary's River Lighthouse Tours: Passengers explore a number of ...

  17. Riverboat and Barge Cruises

    From your floating home on a river barge, set out on a bicycle journey through lovely, historic towns to discover the local history, culture and art of Holland and Belgium. Activity Level. Program No. 10530RJ. Length. 16 days. Rating (4.85) Starts at. 6,499.

  18. Canal Fulton Canalway Center & St. Helena III Canal Boat

    Apr 01, 2022. Stark11: 11 Must Do Experiences in Canal Fulton: Come spend the day with us! This little city situated along the Ohio Erie Canal boasts a rich history. Details. Canal Fulton Canalway Center & St. Helena III Canal Boat125 Tuscarawas St. NWCanal Fulton, Ohio 44614. (330) 854-2225. WebsiteEmail.

  19. Experience the Authentic C&O Canal

    Canal launch boat rides across the re-watered aqueduct are offered seasonally. Learn more about the C&O Canal's aqueducts here. Mile Marker 108.9 Lockhouse 49 Experience life on the Canal with an overnight stay at Lockhouse 49, part of the Canal Quarters program. Lockhouse 49 is a two-story lockhouse furnished in the 1920s time period that ...

  20. About

    With a wealth of experience running a large tour boat operation in south Florida, they decided to come out of retirement and launch Erie Canal Cruises in Herkimer, New York. Their hope was to share with others the opportunity to appreciate the marvelous Mohawk Valley and the Historic Erie Canal, so rich in culture, history and natural beauty.

  21. Canal Boat Tour

    Canal Boat Rides - Take A Journey Back To The 1800s. Your journey includes: a "Mule Tending 101" class in which you'll meet Moe the Mule, interact with crew of period dressed guides, hear tales of the canal's heyday and enjoy a 60-90 minute boat ride. Catch the boat at I&M Canal State Trail - Lock 14 Access, LaSalle IL.

  22. Holland America Line Opens Bookings for 2025-2026 Hawaii and ...

    Holland America's selection of Hawaii and Panama Canal cruises both range in duration from 15 to 22 days and are available from October 2025 through April 2026. Cruises to both of these colorful ...

  23. Best Panama Canal Cruises for 2024 and 2025

    Panama Canal Cruises. Experience one of the wonders of the modern world on Holland America Line's Panama Canal cruises. Our Panama cruise itineraries depart from both east and west coasts for loads of convenient options. A cruise to the Panama Canal is an incredible experience, worthy of any bucket list as you travel between oceans.

  24. Holland America Line Opens Bookings for 2025-2026 Panama Canal and

    Cruises include new ports, myriad ways to transit the Panama Canal, plus Nieuw Amsterdam's Hawaii debut . Seattle, Wash., March 4, 2024 — Holland America Line has opened bookings for 2025-2026 Panama Canal and Hawaii cruises. The premium cruise line, known for longer and destination-focused voyages, will offer departures from five North American homeports, sailing on five ships.

  25. Panama Canal Tours

    Visit the Panama Canal Expansion Center where, from the Observation Deck 164 feet above ground, you'll have an enthralling view of the recently-expanded Canal. Opened to traffic in 2016, this new waterway and third set of locks literally doubled the capacity of the Panama Canal, which can now accommodate massive ships up to 1,400 feet long ...