Sam Patch Erie Canal tour
Sam Patch Erie Canal tour
4.5
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About
90-minute Public Cruises are provided daily on Sam Patch, a historic packet boat replica, departing from Schoen Place in Pittsford, NY.Traveling the routes of America’s early settlers, We provide uniquely authentic canal cruising experiences for visitors from all over the world. Enjoy the signature Erie Canal Experience of traveling through a century old lock.
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Sam Patch Erie Canal tour
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
163 reviews
Excellent
93
Very good
53
Average
8
Poor
3
Terrible
6
Elaine E
Rochester, NY30 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
I have taken this cruise many times as a teacher & 25 students to keep aboard as part of NYS curriculum. Even being familiar with the content & scenery I wanted my out of state friend to experience the canal up close & personal which the size of the boat permits. A Warm summer day in the 90’s we loved standing near the captain to catch the breeze & take in the sights. We saw a mounted policeman, joggers and other boaters. We had brought Water and a hat & recommend this although you can purchase beverages & light snacks reasonably during the cruise. The story of how the Canal was built without machines continues to amaze me. The woman crew member presented the material in an engaging manner as well as socializing with each table.
As we were vaccinated & outdoors, we were comfortable with the mask free option once
Boat set sail. Of course, if we weren’t, we would have just remained masked. I have never been disappointed with my rides down the Erie Canal !
“Low bridge, everybody down!”
As we were vaccinated & outdoors, we were comfortable with the mask free option once
Boat set sail. Of course, if we weren’t, we would have just remained masked. I have never been disappointed with my rides down the Erie Canal !
“Low bridge, everybody down!”
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharlieMeyer2020
Tulsa, OK81 contributions
Aug 2021
If you’re looking for the perfect experience for a family trip, this is it. 90 minute cruise that I and my 8 and 10 year old grandchildren loved. The crew directed everyone to the front/bow and to the rear/stern at appropriate times so that they did not miss any of the action on the trip-especially in the lock itself which, they said, was the highlight.
Light snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase on the boat including, for the adults, beer and wine at reasonable prices. Plus-hold on to your hat-a very, very clean rest room.
The narration, with banter involving the passengers, was just right.
The really, really, great part is that, if the boat’s not full, the captain will ask the younger members if they wish to steer the boat(under his close super version) AND they are recognized by name at the end for their efforts.
Schoen Place is a great port of embarkation including a very nice gelato shop right at the boat.
Parking is a little tricky. It’s not in the paved parking lot itself, but it’s the ample gravel parking lot accessed back by the dumpsters. (Yes, it’s there, trust me. Go all the way back by the dumpsters and you’ll find it.)
If you want to find something that’s fun for the whole family including mom and dad and learn something, too, along the way, the Sam Patch is for you.
Light snacks and soft drinks are available for purchase on the boat including, for the adults, beer and wine at reasonable prices. Plus-hold on to your hat-a very, very clean rest room.
The narration, with banter involving the passengers, was just right.
The really, really, great part is that, if the boat’s not full, the captain will ask the younger members if they wish to steer the boat(under his close super version) AND they are recognized by name at the end for their efforts.
Schoen Place is a great port of embarkation including a very nice gelato shop right at the boat.
Parking is a little tricky. It’s not in the paved parking lot itself, but it’s the ample gravel parking lot accessed back by the dumpsters. (Yes, it’s there, trust me. Go all the way back by the dumpsters and you’ll find it.)
If you want to find something that’s fun for the whole family including mom and dad and learn something, too, along the way, the Sam Patch is for you.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
moodblu
West Valley City, UT1,021 contributions
Jul 2021
On a recent tour in the Rochester NY area, our group boarded an Erie Canal boat called the Sam Patch, which we rode to lock 32. There we were able to experience the operation of the lock, and hear detailed information about how it works, and see firsthand the rise to the higher level on the other side. We went a bit further, then turned around and went back to the lock, where we saw the reverse operation, back to the lower level. We rode a ways in that direction, with the guide telling us stories, history and lore (some of it possibly tall tales) about the canal and the surroundings we were passing. We saw people rowing and a paddle boarder in the canal, and many bicyclists & pedestrians along the side of the canal. Along the way we had a dinner that had been delivered to the boat. The ride was smooth, and the scenery was interesting and photogenic. We had a great time sight-seeing and learning about the history of the canal.
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marvi62
Horsham, PA610 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
My teenage son and I were looking forward to our tour on the Sam Patch today, but what should have been an interesting, educational boat ride was ruined when the tour guide told the very full boatload of guests that they could take off their masks when seated. He announced this as the boat was preparing to depart for the tour, so we could not exit.
The tour website clearly states that Coast Guard rules require all tour participants and staff to wear masks. The boat was full, and tables and chairs are packed closely together, so there was no way to maintain even 3' of space, never mind the recommended 6' between guests. Every other window opens, but cross ventilation was limited in today’s 90 degree heat.
I believe we were badly misled by the wording on the Sam Patch website.
The tour itself was ok. The first 20 minutes, up to the lock, was quite interesting. Then there was a long (30 min?) lull before the guide spoke more. We would have liked to hear about who used the Erie Canal, what shipments were sent by boat over the years, how the canal impacted towns it meandered through, etc.
I normally choose not to post rather than write a negative review of a business - especially when it's a non-profit- but we were put in a very risky situation today, with no passengers wearing masks, for no good reason. So if you are following CDC guidance and wearing a mask, avoid this boat ride.
The tour website clearly states that Coast Guard rules require all tour participants and staff to wear masks. The boat was full, and tables and chairs are packed closely together, so there was no way to maintain even 3' of space, never mind the recommended 6' between guests. Every other window opens, but cross ventilation was limited in today’s 90 degree heat.
I believe we were badly misled by the wording on the Sam Patch website.
The tour itself was ok. The first 20 minutes, up to the lock, was quite interesting. Then there was a long (30 min?) lull before the guide spoke more. We would have liked to hear about who used the Erie Canal, what shipments were sent by boat over the years, how the canal impacted towns it meandered through, etc.
I normally choose not to post rather than write a negative review of a business - especially when it's a non-profit- but we were put in a very risky situation today, with no passengers wearing masks, for no good reason. So if you are following CDC guidance and wearing a mask, avoid this boat ride.
Written August 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AvidTraveler57
AvidTraveler57131 contributions
Aug 2020
We had a wonderful boat ride and enjoyed going through Lock 32. Our captain was thorough in his history. We didn't realize Sam Patch was the first daredevil of Niagara Falls.
All passengers had their temperatures taken prior to boarding the boat and hand sanitizer used. A limit in seating was also put in place for the passengers.
The weather was perfect. The company did a great job explaining the Erie Canal. This would be a pretty boat ride in the Fall.
All passengers had their temperatures taken prior to boarding the boat and hand sanitizer used. A limit in seating was also put in place for the passengers.
The weather was perfect. The company did a great job explaining the Erie Canal. This would be a pretty boat ride in the Fall.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
runner24
Orlando, FL1,516 contributions
Aug 2022
We were in town visiting family. As the weather was very nice, we decided to visit the Erie Canal on the Sam Patch tour. We effortlessly booked our tickets online with a couple of days' notice. No issue. We did notice the other tours that they provide, namely the wine tasting tour and the sunset tour. Both of those appealed to us but they were booked or only ran on the weekend when we would not be available.
On our standard tour, we were surprised that drinks were available. That would be beer, wine, and vodka. Reasonable price.
The boat took us through the nearby lock. It brought us up, where we continued up the canal where we turned around and went back through the lock which brought us back down where we continued back the way we came.
During much of this time, we had a narration provided by our server. She clearly explained much of the history of the canal. They even played "Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal" tune. Nice touch.
Everyone in our party loved the ride and would love to do one of the other optional tours. Maybe next time we visit.
Enjoy!
On our standard tour, we were surprised that drinks were available. That would be beer, wine, and vodka. Reasonable price.
The boat took us through the nearby lock. It brought us up, where we continued up the canal where we turned around and went back through the lock which brought us back down where we continued back the way we came.
During much of this time, we had a narration provided by our server. She clearly explained much of the history of the canal. They even played "Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal" tune. Nice touch.
Everyone in our party loved the ride and would love to do one of the other optional tours. Maybe next time we visit.
Enjoy!
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OuterBoroMom
Staten Island, NY3 contributions
Aug 2022
The Erie Canal is a true engineering marvel, and a trip on this little replica packet boat is a great way to see it in action. But Evan, our guide, made this a top-notch experience. He cheerfully helped everyone settle in, setting us up with drinks and snacks, as we cruised quietly toward Lock 32 -- then took the mic for a fascinating and funny narration of the canal's mechanisms, history, construction, and impact. We even had time to double back and check out the famous Great Embankment, where Evan busted out a ukulele and led us in singing the Erie Canal Song. Low bridge, everybody down!
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeanne T
Brookline, MA6 contributions
Jul 2023
What an unusual piece of American ingenuity and history- the Erie Canal. The boat was delightful. The locks were interesting. The guide was knowledgeable and sang the song with beautiful voice at the end of the tour! Very cool.
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy B
1 contribution
Jul 2023
We attended the live music cruise on THE RIVERIE (not the Sam Patch) on a beautiful summer night . We cruised from Cornhill Landing to the canal turning around to return at Kendrick Road.
It was a wonderful change of perspective to glide next to and under roads that we normally buzz around every day.
Music from the Archive Ravens was a beautiful accent to the fantastic scenery and natural beauty. We saw a fantastic display of herons, egrets and kingfishers at that time of the evening (6-7:30 PM).
We hope to come again in the autumn when fall colors will make for an even more spectacular ride.
It was a wonderful change of perspective to glide next to and under roads that we normally buzz around every day.
Music from the Archive Ravens was a beautiful accent to the fantastic scenery and natural beauty. We saw a fantastic display of herons, egrets and kingfishers at that time of the evening (6-7:30 PM).
We hope to come again in the autumn when fall colors will make for an even more spectacular ride.
Written July 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda M
Somers, CT46 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We had a really lovely time on the Sam Patch Tour Boat! The crew was really nice, accommodating and knowledgeable. The boat was small but spacious (I’d recommend sitting up near the bow so you can easily see some of the fun) and the snacks and drink options were good (loved the local beer selections). By far, the best part was going through the Lock! This is something that I never though I’d do, or want to do, but so awesome to be a part of! For the money this tour is totally worth it!
I also recommend saving room for gelato after the tour at the spot right where you dock 😎
I also recommend saving room for gelato after the tour at the spot right where you dock 😎
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bj0174
Minneapolis, MN4 contributions
Are there restrooms on your boats?
Jacobsmom3
Littlestown11 contributions
Public restrooms were located close to boat launch area.
katiescarlett71
Easton, PA65 contributions
Is there a parking lot?
Jhathcoat
Fresno, CA9 contributions
Yes there is plenty of parking nearby. Lots of shops & restaurants along the canal.
Are you open for business in March?
SamPatchBoat
Rochester, NY1 contribution
Hi Sheri. We don't open until the first week of May when the canal is refilled for navigation. Hope to see you then.
LoveLabsCt
Eastford, CT55 contributions
Are the tours held rain or shine?
Paoball
Augusta, GA222 contributions
I would assume so, actually very little space is outside of cover, all the seats are under cover.
Why don't you install a ramp over the interior steps so that the Sam Patch is accessible to those who depend on a wheelchair to enter the vessel? Being lifted into the boat by your staff seems rather unsafe for the passenger and employees.
SamPatchBoat
Rochester, NY1 contribution
Thanks for your comment - We would certainly like to make the Sam Patch accessible - and we have investigated the possibility. Unfortunately, the narrowness of the replica vessel makes a ramp too steep to be safe. We are working on adding a second vessel to our fleet, which will be accessible.
Yankee Ralph
East Amherst, NY437 contributions
Does the tour go through any locks?
LMaria65
Pittsford, NY44 contributions
Yes, the tour does go through Lock 32, and it's fascinating to see how the lock works. There are nice restaurants at Schoen place and great ice cream around the corner at Pittsford Dairy too!
Sam Patch Erie Canal tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Sam Patch Erie Canal tour Information
Excellent Reviews | 93 |
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Very Good Reviews | 53 |
Sam Patch Erie Canal tour Photos | 70 |