Construction of the Erie Canal began in 1817 and was completed just eight years later in 1825 (a remarkable engineering achievement for the time). Stretching 363 miles from Albany to Buffalo, the canal included 83 locks and 18 aqueducts and dramatically reduced transportation costs across the state.

Before the canal, shipping goods across New York could take weeks and cost nearly $100 per ton. The canal reduced that cost to around $10 per ton, helping New York become a major commercial hub!

The canal also shaped the identity of Orleans County itself. In fact, Orleans County was established in 1825; the same year the canal opened, and its canal towns quickly grew as centers of agriculture, trade, and stone masonry. Today, visitors can still see the engineering ingenuity that defined the canal era, from lift bridges and aqueducts to historic canal ports and preserved downtowns.

Medina: Sandstone Heritage & Canal Charm

The Village of Medina grew prosperous thanks to its rich deposits of Medina Sandstone, a durable stone used in buildings and monuments across North America. Today, that legacy lives on in Medina’s beautifully preserved 19th-century downtown, filled with specialty shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. Along the canal, Medina Canal Basin Park offers docking facilities, picnic areas, and scenic views of boats navigating the waterway.

Just east of the village, visitors can walk the canal towpath to see the Medina Falls and Aqueduct, where the canal crosses Oak Orchard Creek, a striking example of canal engineering.

The Erie Canal Culvert in Medina is one of the most unusual features of the canal. On Culvert Road in Medina, a roadway passes under the Erie Canal, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to travel beneath the waterway itself. Recognized by Ripley’s Believe It or Not, it remains the only place along the entire Erie Canal system where a road runs beneath the canal. Originally built in 1823 and reinforced during later canal expansions, the culvert is a fascinating reminder of the ingenuity behind early canal engineering.

Albion: Canal Views and Waterfront Exploration

Located along the banks of the Erie Canal, the Village of Albion offers visitors a relaxing place to experience canal life up close. Boats pass steadily through town during the navigation season, pausing for the lift bridge as travelers along the towpath stop to watch the activity along the water. Erie Canal Park sits directly along the canal and serves as the village’s waterfront gathering place. Landscaped green space, boat docking facilities, and canal-side seating make it a perfect spot to relax and watch vessels navigate the waterway. Boaters traveling the canal can dock here and enjoy amenities including water, electric service, and comfort facilities.

Albion is also a convenient stop for those exploring the Erie Canalway Trail, which follows the historic towpath through Orleans County. Cyclists and walkers can easily access the village from the trail and take a break along the canal before continuing their journey.

Whether arriving by boat, bike, or car, Albion offers a peaceful canal-side setting where visitors can experience the rhythm of the Erie Canal and enjoy a scenic stop along the route between Buffalo and Rochester.

Holley: Waterfalls, Parks, and Canal Beauty

Founded in 1812 and named for canal commissioner Major Myron Holley, the Village of Holley offers one of the most scenic canal experiences in Orleans County. Holley Canal Park features docks, a boardwalk, playground, and nature trails leading to one of the region’s most beautiful natural attractions: Holley Falls, a 35-foot waterfall carved through red Medina sandstone. The falls are easily accessible by trail from the canal park and provide a peaceful backdrop for picnicking or photography. Home to the community's annual Junefest, this park is a must-visit!

The Erie Canal isn’t just a historic landmark; it’s a year-round outdoor destination.

Erie Canalway Trail
Running alongside the canal is the Erie Canalway Trail, part of a statewide trail network connecting Albany to Buffalo. In Orleans County, roughly 25 miles of trail follow the canal’s historic towpath, providing a scenic route for:

• Cycling
• Walking
• Running
• Birdwatching
• Nature photography

Paddling and Boating
The calm waters of the canal make it perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and recreational boating. Public boat launches and docking facilities can be found throughout the county, including near Medina and Albion, while smaller car-top launches and canal parks make it easy for paddlers to get on the water.

Fishing and Nature
The canal corridor also supports abundant wildlife and fishing opportunities. Along the towpath and connecting waterways, visitors may spot herons, waterfowl, and other native species while enjoying the peaceful landscape.

Canal exploration isn’t just about scenic trails and historic villages - it’s also a chance to enjoy great food just steps from the water. Several locally owned restaurants offer memorable dining experiences near the canal, whether you're looking for elevated cuisine, casual comfort food, or a relaxed waterfront meal.

Zambistro Restaurant – Medina
Located in downtown Medina, Zambistro Restaurant is considered one of Orleans County’s premier dining destinations. The restaurant specializes in elevated American cuisine made with high-quality ingredients. During warmer months, guests can dine on the second-story deck overlooking the Erie Canal, making it a perfect spot to relax after a day exploring the canal towns.

Mile 303 – Medina
Named for Medina’s mile marker along the canal, Mile 303 embraces the Erie Canal theme throughout its space. Located near the lift bridge on Main Street, the restaurant features locally sourced food and a unique canal-inspired interior design. The centerpiece of the space is a parametrically designed sculpture inspired by the Erie Canal, creating a playful seating and bar structure where guests can gather, socialize and enjoy the atmosphere.

Harvest Restaurant at Bent’s Opera House – Medina
Located inside the historic Bent’s Opera House, Harvest offers an exceptional dining experience just a short walk from the canal. Bent’s Opera House is one of Medina’s most iconic landmarks. Today, the building houses Harvest restaurant on the first floor, a 10-room boutique hotel on the second floor, and a beautifully restored opera hall event space on the third floor. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Bent’s Opera House has received numerous preservation awards and was inducted into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame. Dining at Harvest allows visitors to experience both exceptional cuisine and one of Orleans County’s most significant historic buildings.

Romyn’s Restaurant – Albion
Just steps from the Erie Canal in Albion, Romyn’s Restaurant serves up hearty comfort food in a casual setting. Known for its BBQ dinner specials, grilled favorites, and generous portions, it’s a popular stop for visitors exploring the canal corridor. Romyn’s also offers breakfast and ice cream, making it a convenient stop for cyclists, boaters, and families spending the day along the canal.

More than two centuries after its completion, the Erie Canal remains the heart of Orleans County, bringing life to the communities along its banks. Boaters navigating the waterway, cyclists and walkers along the towpath, and visitors exploring the historic canal towns all contribute to the vibrant energy of the canal corridor. From scenic trails and peaceful waterways to the welcoming villages of Medina, Albion, and Holley, the Erie Canal invites travelers to slow down. Whether paddling quiet stretches of water, cycling the historic towpath, or simply relaxing along the canal as boats pass beneath the lift bridges.

Plan your next adventure along the Erie Canal in Orleans County!