DAY 1. NEWARK TO FAIRPORT (21 MI.)
This morning meet your shuttle in Buffalo and drive a few hours to the trailhead in Newark, NY., where you will begin Day 1 of biking!
As you start your bike tour, you’ll pass through wooded areas between Newark and Palmyra. The canalway gradually becomes more open as you near the canal town of Fairport where you will spend the night. Enjoy dinner in town before retiring to your B&B for the night.
Meals: On own
Overnight: Fairport
DAY 2. FAIRPORT TO BROCKPORT (33 MI.)
After a full breakfast at the B&B, return to the canal and pedal through a mix of small canal towns and larger cities. You’ll see how so many of these canal towns earn the “port” name as you pass by the lift bridges. If the timing is right, you may even see the bridges lift as canal boats make their way along water beside you. Passing through Rochester you’ll navigate through Genesee River Valley Park. Tonight you’ll bike into Brockport to enjoy dinner and relax for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Brockport
DAY 3. BROCKPORT TO MEDINA (25.5 MI.)
Today is a leisurely ride to the historic town of Medina, NY. Take the time to enjoy this somewhat more secluded portion of trail with many stops for photos and benches to rest the legs (or backside). As with so many of the towns on this route, Medina developed as the Erie Canal was constructed, then prospered as the canal and later railroads passed through this area.
The Main Street retains its historic character and preservation efforts can be seen throughout city. Your hotel tonight is part of that historic restoration and shares space with a cafe and meadery.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Medina
DAY 4. MEDINA TO TONAWANDA (35.5 MI) or BUFFALO (50 MI)
Have breakfast at the cafe attached to your hotel or explore dining options in town, then begin your last ride day on the canal. You’ll pass through the town of Lockport where you’ll want to take some time to check out the impressive set of historic locks and nearby Erie Canal Discovery Center.
Ride out of Lockport (a few blocks on road) and quickly join up with the newest sections of the Erie Canal route leading to the city of Tonawanda. For a shorter day you can end your ride in Tonawanda and add a shuttle to your itinerary which will return you to Buffalo. For a longer day, continue biking on the river trail all the way into the city of Buffalo and Canalside.
If you’d like to extend your trip toward Niagara Falls, please ask about alternative itineraries.
Meals: on own