Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises

Made a pitstop here on a wine tour, really pretty view! I don’t know if there’s much entertainment to be had other than staring at the Locks, but there’s plenty of food and drink places nearby to go to once you look at the Locks.
X’s and O’s!
J

I had a lot more fun on this boat tour of the Lockport locks and the Erie canal than I thought I would. The boat was nicely kept, and the captain’s commentary was fun and funny and not intrusive. I was impressed with the beautiful banquet facilities and grounds and can easily imagine holding an event there.

We ran across the brochure in our hotel at Niagara Falls. Since I love locks, we thought we’d drive over and take the tour.
We ended up on the last cruise of the day, 5:30 p.m. on a weekday. The scenery was beautiful, the ride relaxing and it was really a kick to experience the locks — even for my husband who has been through the Panama Canal!
The price was reasonable, the staff was FANTASTIC, the boat was comfortable, and the narrative was fascinating. This was a wonderful experience. We would do it again in a heartbeat.

A bar and a bathroom on board! Perfect. A personable tour guide was stationed on the upper deck who was full of good details on a really interesting part of NYS history — how the locks work is a bit like how airplanes fly or boats don’t sink to me — I just enjoy the ride and let the mystery be.

My husband and I were married here on 9÷24÷11. We could not have been happier! The grounds and facilities are pretty and comfortable. The staff and owners were very doting and as the Bride I felt like I didn’t have to worry about a thing. At rehearsal the day before I dropped off all my decorations and showed them what I wanted on one table and when I arrived the day of the wedding everything was done and beautiful! I should also mention they tear everything down and take special care to put things away so all you have to do is have someone grab them on the way out.
We were married outside by the canal underneath a pergola at 5:00 pm and then we treated our quests to an hour cruise on the canal. They served open bar and had veggie, fruit, and cheese trays out for guests to munch on. They were very nicely displayed with homemade spreads and dips. The captain (owner) allowed us to play our own CD of classic Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, etc and even asked if he could have a copy. Another tip is to have 2 photographers: one on the boat and one following the boat alongside the canal. Some of our best shots were from the photographer on bridges and from the side.
Upon returning my husband and I were able to sneak off for a couple more pictures while our guests got settled into their seats. When we came in we were able to get all the «business» out of the way such as cutting the cake, announcements, prayer, etc. We opted for the buffet dinner and with this package we were able to serve 3 carving stations of roast turkey, beef and ham as well as mashed potatoes, risotto, and 2 veggies. Salad was served family style at the table. The food was good and our guests still talk about it. I would go with this option as I have heard not so good things about the sit down meals. Just saying. After dinner and toasts the open bar was available again for 3 more hours and our band got started. We ended at about 11:30 and it was perfect.
We chose not to have children under 13 at our wedding because paying $ 30 for them to eat seemed a bit much. But I think children would enjoy a wedding here with the boat ride and plenty of outdoor space.
Our guests that did have to travel did not have to worry about finding a church, things to do in between and then the reception venue because we did everything in one place. Everyone could stay in Lockport since the place is basically downtown.
All in all our wedding day went perfectly and I loved that the owners took a lot of the details off my shoulders so I just showed up, got married and had a great time. That’s how it should be!

One must consider when reviewing this attraction that it is pretty difficult to make riding up and down a short part of Clinton’s ditch super interesting. Our boat captain was very knowledgeable about the canal, and the locks in Lockport NY. The boat ride served as a nice break to walking up and down the millions of stairs. It was a beautiful day and we took the three o’clock tour. Going through the double locks was very interesting, and historic. The captain answered all our questions. They had refreshments on the boat if you needed them. The price was moderate, I think it could have been cheaper. But fuel cost money. I did not get any lip from the staff as others have said. It was a good day break.

SO… it was a lot of fun. They serve alcohol on board and we went while it was drizzling so there was maybe a dozen people on the entire boat including staff.
DO NOT talk and giggle with your fellow travelers while the captain is talking about the canal and surrounding streets and houses. He will let you know that he has to speak for about two hours and would appreciate that you please listen.
DO sit next to a speaker and not directly behind the captain for optimal listening experience.
DO go out on the deck even if it is raining. The sights are worth the frizzy hair.
DO purchase a mini bottle of wine or beer. It will make a cruise of 3 stars become a 4.
:)