Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises
Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Just 30 minutes from Niagara Falls USA, Niagara Falls Canada and Buffalo NY "LOW BRIDGE, EVERYBODY DOWN!" Come aboard for a relaxing & informative ride on the 19th-century engineering marvel which opened the American Frontier. Featured on the History Channel's "Modern Marvels," AAA GEM Attraction, CAA Approved. Experience "Locking Through" - being raised and lowered 49 feet in Locks 34 & 35. See the remaining half of the famous "Flight of Five" locks from the 1800's. Be amazed at the 20-foot high stone walls of the 1800's "Rock Cut" and stone towpath blasted out of solid stone with powder left over from the War of 1812. Travel under the widest bridge in the U.S. Pass under 2 lift bridges that raise straight up while everyone sings "Low Bridge, Everybody Down...."
Lockport, New York
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises
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4.5
620 reviews
Excellent
489
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18
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6
Terrible
3
Suru_A
Lockport, NY3 contributions
Aug 2022
Great value, must do when visiting Lcokport, NY or Western NY. Lots of history. Professional captain, professional staff. Passing through the Locks and being able to see the locks operate itself is worth price of admission.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Livefire17
Plattsburgh, NY74 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
I had planned on and looked forward to this trip. It provides an excellent look at a small portion of the huge engineering project (considering that the Erie Canal was conceived shortly after 1800 originally.) The Erie Canal that exists today was mostly all finished by 1917. An amazing project for its time!
The boat tour was quite enjoyable with the high points being “transiting” upstream and back down stream thrum the “Flight of Two” locks. Each lock provides a 25 foot change in elevation, all taking place in Downtown Lockport NY.
The boat was fairly comfortable and was equipped with restrooms and a small snack bar. In addition to operating the boat the captain provided a good humored, informative commentary.
I did have one quite notable objection. Our boat was closely followed by another one operated by the same company which appeared to be carrying a private charter. The group on this boat had a live band, but the music was so very LOUD that it made our captain’s commentary just about impossible to hear, even with a decent PA system.
The trip was about 2 hours long which might prove to be a bit lengthy for folks with smaller children. But, all in all, I’d recommend this to anyone with interest in canals, boats or history.
The boat tour was quite enjoyable with the high points being “transiting” upstream and back down stream thrum the “Flight of Two” locks. Each lock provides a 25 foot change in elevation, all taking place in Downtown Lockport NY.
The boat was fairly comfortable and was equipped with restrooms and a small snack bar. In addition to operating the boat the captain provided a good humored, informative commentary.
I did have one quite notable objection. Our boat was closely followed by another one operated by the same company which appeared to be carrying a private charter. The group on this boat had a live band, but the music was so very LOUD that it made our captain’s commentary just about impossible to hear, even with a decent PA system.
The trip was about 2 hours long which might prove to be a bit lengthy for folks with smaller children. But, all in all, I’d recommend this to anyone with interest in canals, boats or history.
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LFKwilas
Buffalo, NY8 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We arrived 30 minutes ahead as advised.
They did not begin boarding until 10 am. The boarding process was quick and organized. The crew members were friendly and helpful. The boat was prestine and seating was comfortable. People were able to pick their seats either on the main floor where the snack bar was which offered shade or the upper deck which had fun sun. We chose the upper deck. The captain narrated the tour with interesting historical tidbits and made a few jokes that had the patrons smiling and enjoying the ride. The music that was played transported us back in time to when the Canal was at its prime. It was a wonderful ride down the Erie Canal. What a wonderful way to spend a summer day!
They did not begin boarding until 10 am. The boarding process was quick and organized. The crew members were friendly and helpful. The boat was prestine and seating was comfortable. People were able to pick their seats either on the main floor where the snack bar was which offered shade or the upper deck which had fun sun. We chose the upper deck. The captain narrated the tour with interesting historical tidbits and made a few jokes that had the patrons smiling and enjoying the ride. The music that was played transported us back in time to when the Canal was at its prime. It was a wonderful ride down the Erie Canal. What a wonderful way to spend a summer day!
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julie L
Saint Leonard, MD2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
I called a month in advance to make sure my daughter in a wheelchair could ride. We were told what we needed to do upon registration (days in advance) and we did all of that to make sure the handicapped accessible boat would be available.
2 hours before our scheduled cruise time, we got a call saying that there weren’t enough people registered for them to run the handicapped accessible boat. It wasn’t cost-effective for them to run it because they need a bigger crew. The man had the nerve to ask if my daughter could do “just 2 chairs.” No….that is why we need the handicapped accessible boat! I was at no time during my phone call the month before warned that there was a minimum for the handicapped accessible boat. He refused to run it and while he did refund our money, he made my daughter cry in disappointment.
We were all looking forward to this boat ride and we did everything we needed to do ahead of time. The company’s concern was only about money, not about being a wheelchair-friendly company. This is so frustrating and it is obvious that a lot of work still needs to be done in the world of accessibility.
If you have mobility limitations, DO NOT use this company.
2 hours before our scheduled cruise time, we got a call saying that there weren’t enough people registered for them to run the handicapped accessible boat. It wasn’t cost-effective for them to run it because they need a bigger crew. The man had the nerve to ask if my daughter could do “just 2 chairs.” No….that is why we need the handicapped accessible boat! I was at no time during my phone call the month before warned that there was a minimum for the handicapped accessible boat. He refused to run it and while he did refund our money, he made my daughter cry in disappointment.
We were all looking forward to this boat ride and we did everything we needed to do ahead of time. The company’s concern was only about money, not about being a wheelchair-friendly company. This is so frustrating and it is obvious that a lot of work still needs to be done in the world of accessibility.
If you have mobility limitations, DO NOT use this company.
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bob I
2 contributions
Jul 2022
If you have never been through a lock this would be a worthwhile and fun tour. If you have, and you understand the basic history of this canal, then you can skip this tour.
Most of the time was spent inside two locks and very little time cruising on the canal.
It would be a lot better if the tour narrator was not the boat driver. I recommend a separate narrator that engages with the people on the tout, let the driver drive.
The narrator spoke into a fuzzy PA system and was hard to hear. The narrator/driver was average, the story and information passed on was not even close to what it could be. There was no excitement or passion for the history of the canal or the remarkable effort it took to build the locks.
Average at best.
Most of the time was spent inside two locks and very little time cruising on the canal.
It would be a lot better if the tour narrator was not the boat driver. I recommend a separate narrator that engages with the people on the tout, let the driver drive.
The narrator spoke into a fuzzy PA system and was hard to hear. The narrator/driver was average, the story and information passed on was not even close to what it could be. There was no excitement or passion for the history of the canal or the remarkable effort it took to build the locks.
Average at best.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fishjcc
Findlay, OH938 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Nice prospective of how the locks work. They have limited sailing times so see their website. $21 per person for about 90 minutes. We went through 2 locks, drove up the canal and turned around and came back through, down the canal and then back. They didn't let us bring drinks or snacks on the boat but they didn't have snacks and water to purchase. We were on the smaller of the 2 boats. It did have a head on the boat. The Captain was a little grouchy and we couldn't hear him talking very well. The ride was nice and interesting.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alyssa S.
Newburgh, NY3 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We decided on a last minute Anniversary trip up to Niagara Falls but I wanted to adventure out more so me searching the internet I came upon this site and booked it immediately like it’s the Erie Canal you only learn so little in school (I am 22 soon to be 23). So 8/8/2020 came and it said arrive 30mins early, me and my boyfriend arrived an hour early just because we aren’t from the area (Downstate NY, Hudson Valley Region) We walked along the Canal a really nice walking path and we watched the bridge move up and down I was so amazed I never seen that’s before. As we where waiting I noticed the lovely outdoor setting for a wedding and if I didn’t live so far I would honestly be booking there.
If you are worried about the whole 6 feet rule due to the virus don’t there is plenty of room on this boat. Captain Roger really set the whole history theme and jokes very well and his crew mates where very nice and opening. I honestly didn’t even know those where the last two working gates. Overall I truly enjoyed my time it’s is so worth the price and the jokes.
10/10 already recommended to my parents.
If you are worried about the whole 6 feet rule due to the virus don’t there is plenty of room on this boat. Captain Roger really set the whole history theme and jokes very well and his crew mates where very nice and opening. I honestly didn’t even know those where the last two working gates. Overall I truly enjoyed my time it’s is so worth the price and the jokes.
10/10 already recommended to my parents.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KIOhioGuy
Cleveland, OH274 contributions
Aug 2021
First time staying on the American side of the Falls. We researched what to do ahead of time because the American side is quite different than the Canadian side.
This was a GREAT experience. Our teen age child actually said it was very enjoyable. Educational and FUN. Our guide was great. I don't remember his name but if I recall he has been there 10-15 years. I wish we would have planned a longer day in Lockport because it is a nice little area.
They have 2 heads on the boat which we did not know ahead of time along with a little snack bar.
This was a GREAT experience. Our teen age child actually said it was very enjoyable. Educational and FUN. Our guide was great. I don't remember his name but if I recall he has been there 10-15 years. I wish we would have planned a longer day in Lockport because it is a nice little area.
They have 2 heads on the boat which we did not know ahead of time along with a little snack bar.
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff A
Stevenson Ranch, CA15 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
My wife had a great time on the roughly 2 hour tour. We sat in the top deck to increase our view (I’d recommend getting there early for your tour and sit or stand in the front, on top deck).
Our guide was entertaining and provided very interesting information about the Erie Canal, “then and now”. The tour is a great value, especially if you have an interest in American history and how the canal impacted commerce in this region of the country!
The weather was exceptionally good and the scenery was very pretty. Oh, going through the locks themselves was pretty cool, too!
Our guide was entertaining and provided very interesting information about the Erie Canal, “then and now”. The tour is a great value, especially if you have an interest in American history and how the canal impacted commerce in this region of the country!
The weather was exceptionally good and the scenery was very pretty. Oh, going through the locks themselves was pretty cool, too!
Written August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary V
Greensboro, United States9 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
What a wonderful and very interesting experience! This boat ride was leisurely and the guide was perfect… highlighting historical facts of the building and maintenance process. We sat on top in the open air space and could hear well and see everything. The crew were all so friendly and answered any questions. Good parking and easy access. It was worth every penny!
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Is it a round trip boat ride or do you have to take a bus or walk back to your car?
Timoteo99
Geneseo, New York88 contributions
As others have said, it is round trip. The shop and visitor's center used to have a small restaurant where you could get a sandwich, but no more. Just soda and snacks. Not many options for lunch in the immediate vicinity, so plan accordingly.
Y G
2 contributions
Which is better for a family with Elderly and infants 1)Lockport Cruise Ride OR 2) Lockport Underground boat ride
Asorg515
New Haven, IN29 contributions
We did not do the Underground Boat ride mostly because I am not a big cave type person. I believe there was a lot of walking and some rigid terrain on it as well. With little, little ones and elderly, I would stick to the cruise. There is seating up top and down low. You can be in the shade or the sun. Since it is on the canal, it is very smooth.
Which cruise is best for children? I have a 12 year old and a 2 year old. Also is the 2 year old allowed in on a stroller?
MikeM808
Lockport, NY2 contributions
Hello- Yes you can bring a small stroller on board the boat for your 2 year old if the boat is not near capacity.. He/She would cruise for free.
caroljamison
Houston, TX
Coming from Texas, what part of the Erie Canal cruise do we want to see? Definitely the locks, but how far does the trip take you?
Bill S
20 contributions
The trip is only about an hour for the basic tour. You will cycle through 2 locks twice and under a draw bridge. Some of the other tours are longer to other destinations outside of Lockport.
uncleadolf
Torrance, CA
Is it handicapped accesableScooter or walker
buchster2
Upper Sandusky, OH194 contributions
When I was there they left those with canes and walkers go first. I would imagine a small scooter would be allowed.