Lockport, N.Y.- Outdoor Sports Specialist Bill Hilts locks his way through Niagara USA's historic Erie Canal.

The Erie Canal is filled with a rich history that is important to the heritage of New York and the country. Like with many of the great attractions that we offer here in Western New York, it’s the traveler coming in from outside our area that seem to experience these jewels of Niagara USA more than the locals. My wife and I took time out on a Saturday night to do a little Canal-themed date  after a hard day’s work around the house.

We started with a Canal Cruise out of Lockport with Mike and Sharon Murphy. The dynamic duo were extremely busy with two weddings going on (a great place for a party incidentally). Despite the beehive of activity, we managed to take a cruise on the African Queen replica with our captain, Neil Kapoor. He was both knowledgeable and entertaining.

I’ve taken this cruise a dozen times and each time I do I learn something new. The canal is an engineering marvel, the brainchild of former New York City Mayor Dewitt Clinton – who eventually became governor of New York. It was functional in 1825, stretching out across the state from Buffalo to Albany – a total of 363 miles.

The most extraordinary engineering feat was the Lockport Flight of Five, taking canal boats up 63 feet through a granite cliff. Narration by the captain contains lots of local trivia and it’s a great way to learn about some local history. Check out www.lockportlocks.com to find out more information or to reserve your space on one of their boats. It’s a great time for the whole family.

After our boat cruise we headed west to Pendleton for a meal on the water at the Ship and Shore Restaurant. Located at the joining of the Canal and Tonawanda Creek, this is another one of those out-of-the-way spots we love to frequent. Friday nights are normally crazy for one of Western New York’s specialties – a fish fry – but the rest of the weekend is more laid back. Good food and an atmosphere outside that's both romantic and appealing when the weather is decent.

The Erie Canal stretches across Niagara County from North Tonawanda to Middleport. It’s a recreational byway that offers a mix of boating, biking and hiking – especially along the old towpath. The fall foliage will be changing soon, a perfect time to take in some of the scenery – which can be spectacular. Enjoy!

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