Exclusive Explorations for WCC 2025 Attendees

Recreation, Access, and Accessibility

Discover ways that canal communities are capitalizing on recreational tourism, integrating boating, cycling, and paddling into waterfront and community developments, while also ensuring that recreation is accessible for people of all abilities. This trip includes a boat cruise and a demonstration of an adaptive kayak launch, as well as a visit to a new pedestrian bridge connecting communities to the Erie Canalway Trail.

Downtown Revitalization Through History and Art

See how communities that are rich in canal history, architecture, and engineering are using these assets as the basis for heritage development and revitalization. This trip includes a boat cruise through Erie Canal double locks 34/35, and into the “deep cut,” an impressive canal channel blasted through solid limestone in 1824. You’ll also take a guided tour of the restored historic Flight of Five Locks as the centerpiece of the Lockport Locks Heritage District.

Waterfront Revitalization and Economic Development

Visit North Tonawanda’s canal waterfront at Gateway Harbor, as well as the historic Riviera Theatre, and Remington Lofts to learn about the city’s economic development planning, investment, and community waterfront transformation. This tour also includes a visit to Lockport for a boat cruise and a tour of the Locks Heritage District.

Cross Border Connections: From Past to Present

Visit the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and the St. Catharine’s Museum and Canals Center to hear stories of freedom seekers who used the canal to escape from slavery and crossed the Niagara River to live in Canada. This trip also includes a tour of the Welland Canal and dinner at Niagara Falls.