erie canal tours pittsford ny

Tickets on sale NOW for Mothers Day Weekend! A beverage for Mom included with ticket purchase

Sam Patch – Erie Canal Lock 32 Cruise

Quick Details

• User Ages: All Ages
• Hour Glass Duration: 1.25-2 hours

Travel the routes of America’s early settlers and enjoy an authentic canal cruising experience!

While aboard you will learn about the historical significance of the Erie Canal and how Lock 32 works with a live narrative. Relax and experience the natural beauty.

Board at our dock location at 12 Schoen Place in the historic village of Pittsford, NY. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks are available onboard for purchase.

Per current U.S. Coast Guard regulations, infants ages three and under are free, but must be ticketed.

Please see our special programming on these cruises:

Related Activities

• Users Up to 30 People
• Hour Glass 2 Hours
• User All Ages

Sam Patch - Live Music Sunset Cruise

Join us aboard the Sam Patch as we cruise along the canal taking in the sunset while listening to some live music, enjoying a refreshing drink. Come get your feet tapping with us.

• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

Sam Patch Arts & Culture Series

Join us for our new Arts & Culture Series! Throughout the operating season, we will have special guests come on board to give in depth presentations and teach art classes.

Corn Hill Navigation / Sam Patch Tour Boat

Take a trip into history! The Sam Patch, a replica packet boat, sails daily from Pittsford, offering the signature Erie Canal experience of traveling through a century-old lock. Each tour features a live, interactive narrative. Soft drinks and snacks available, fully licensed bar aboard. We also offer wine and spirit tasting cruises as well as private charters.

Call (585) 662-5748 or email [email protected] for information and reservations.

Tickets can be purcahsed online at sampatch.org

Corn Hill Navigation is a nonprofit organization that connects the community and visitors to Rochester's historic waterways  through authentic, guided boat experiences and educational programs.

Sam Patch Erie Canal tour

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

SAM PATCH ERIE CANAL TOUR (Pittsford) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Sam Patch Erie Canal tour

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Sam Patch Erie Canal tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• THE REGIONS
• TOWNS & COUNTIES
• STATE PARKS
• SEAWAY TRAIL
• SPAS & WELLNESS CENTERS
• * FAMILY FUN *
• CULTURAL HERITAGE
• SPORTS & RECREATION
• BIRDING & NATURE
• FISHING CHARTERS
• BOAT RENTALS
• HIKING / BIKING / KAYAKING the ERIE CANAL
• HIKING & BIKING the EMPIRE TRAIL
• SKIING & WINTER SPORTS
• HOTELS & MOTELS
• BED & BREAKFAST
• CAMPING & RV
• VACATION RENTALS
• RESTAURANTS & PUBS
• WINE TRAILS
• CRAFT BEER & BREWERIES
• NEW YORK by RAIL ADVENTURES (AMTRAK)
• FOOD & HISTORY TOURS
• DAILY EVENTS CALENDAR
• FAIRS & FESTIVALS
• EV CHARGING MAP
• ADVERTISING
• Site Search

BROWSE ATTRACTIONS

Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours

Each cruise offers the signature erie canal experience of traveling through a century-old lock and provides a live, interactive narrative.

Pittsford, NY

Current Conditions 48°F Clouds

Dining near Fairport BOOK YOUR STAY Things To Do near Fairport Camping / RV near Fairport

Click here to learn more about The Finger Lakes

Discover Upstate NY

Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours

The Sam Patch is a replica 1800s packet boat that serves as a floating history museum and leisurely 90-minute cruise for visitors and locals alike.

Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours are a great way to immerse yourself in the canal’s commercial history, engineering innovations, and influence on today’s recreational use.

Day Trips Around Rochester, New York

Take a 90-minute cruise

Offered 2-3 times daily May-October

Even if you’ve grown up here with the canal in your backyard, a ride on the Sam Patch is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

Daily cruises depart from Schoen Place in Pittsford.

Locking through Lock E-32

You can visit any of the locks along the canal and watch boats lock through, but there’s nothing like experiencing it in a boat!

Check out Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours’ special events

Past themes have included sunset yoga, live music, wine tastings, and a Fourth of July fireworks cruise.

Most event cruises depart from Pittsford. Some events begin at Brooks Landing near the Staybridge Suites hotel, like cruises during the Corn Hill Festival or ROC the Riverway .

Sam Patch packet boat tours on the Genesee River

If you’re lucky you’ll hop on one of their rare 2-hour excursions from Pittsford to Corn Hill Landing in the City of Rochester.

These are usually one way, meaning they depart from Pittsford and end in Corn Hill, or visa versa. You’ll need to think about return transportation.

They do this because they need to move the boat to a new location, maybe for a wedding, and why not offer people an opportunity to ride along!

We’ve parked cars at both ends in the past.

More information about Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours

Cost : Varies by excursion

Located at Schoen Place in Pittsford, 21 minutes / 13 miles from Rochester ( get directions )

More Information: sampatch.org

Walking around The Village of Pittsford

Pioneer settlers were farming the land here prior to the development of the Erie Canal. Look to Pittsford Farms Dairy as an example, established in 1814 as a farm, livery and stagecoach operation.

Many of the villages along the canal, especially those that include the word “port”–Fairport, Spencerport, Brockport–developed to fill the needs of the new canal and the settlers who traded there.

Pittsford thrived once the canal, as well as the railroad, routed through the area, establishing Monroe County’s oldest village in 1827.

As you’re exploring the village, waiting on your Sam Patch excursion to begin or walking to a restaurant afterward, take a look at the buildings and historic markers. They tell the story of this extraordinary place.

Rochester-Area Boat Tours

Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Great Lakes, Genesee River, Erie Canal, and Finger Lakes on one of these Rochester-area boat tours.

Explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

Nearly 80% of the upstate population lives within 25 miles of the Erie Canal. Explore the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and Niagara River.

Rochester Railfans

Rochester’s railfans can appreciate the remarkable structures preserved by dedicated preservationists who recognize their value.

20 Paved, Gravel, and Boardwalk Pathways for Easy Strolls

These paved pathways and boardwalks are ideal for folks using strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, or managing other mobility challenges.

Rochester’s Fun Facts: Oldest, Original, Only, & More!

Rochester’s fun facts will inspire you to explore more. And these are just some of the historical tidbits that make Rochester special.

19 Monroe County Towns and Villages

Each Monroe County town & village has something unique to offer. Here is just a taste of what makes each one special.

What do you love most about a ride on the Sam Patch?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York .

People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have . I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.

2 thoughts on “Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours”

I’m still trying to figure out what the excursion cost, I’ll never understand this kind of advertisement. Put the damn price and schedules up front and all the amenities you offer rather than having to dance around on a website looking and looking and I still haven’t found it it’s such a turn off

Hello Frank! Are you looking on Sam Patch’s website to buy tickets? https://www.sampatch.org/

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sam Patch Erie Canal tour

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Sam Patch Erie Canal tour - All You MUST Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours

• Outdoor Attractions

Experience the beauty of this nearly two hundred year old waterway on a guided boat tour while learning about the development of the Erie canal and the surrounding environment.

Run by Corn Hill Navigation for 30 years, The Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours works to connect the community and visitors from Rochester to these historic waterways. Climb aboard the Sam Patch , a replica canal packet boat from the 1800s, and enjoy everything the cruise has to offer. Offered both during the day and the evening, the cruises provide an opportunity for everyone to enjoy themselves. Whether you are looking for a romantic night out, an educational experience, or some relaxing summer fun out on the water, each cruise has experienced and accommodating staff on-board to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Climb Aboard!

Cruises are daily and depart from Schoen Place in the historic Village of Pittsford, NY at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Each cruise is 90 minutes long with food and beverages available onboard. Special themed cruises are also offered throughout the season, so be sure to keep an eye out!

Replica Vessel Makes for Unique Venue for Events Including:

• Board Meetings
• Client Meetings or Dinners
• Team Building
• Rehearsal Dinners
• Bridal Showers & Bachelor Parties
• Birthday & Anniversaries

“Our cruise on the Sam Patch was great! The captain Tom and crew Lindsay were so professional and knowledgeable! I highly recommend this tour!” —Barb C, TripAdvisor

Take Amtrak to Erie Canal Cruises

Experience Sam Patch Erie Canal Tours via Amtrak to Rochester Station in Rochester. The station is only 9.5 mi from the Canal Tours, making it an easy and convenient drive to get to the tour. Don’t forget to use Amtrak’s See New York and Save  15% discount !

Get picked up from Rochester Station and taken to your reserved NYTRAIN  Enterprise Rent-a-Car!  Click here to reserve your car or call the Rochester office today at: (585) 423-2220

Search New York by Rail

Experience the beauty of this nearly two hundred year old waterway on a guided boat tour…

About The Colonial Belle

Established in 1989, the Colonial Belle is a family owned and operated business. Her crew is experienced and friendly.

Cruises Depart Daily!

Take a trip through Lock 18 on the Erie Canal

RESERVE YOUR CRUISE TICKETS TODAY!

Sightseeing cruises.

Cruise through a Lock!

GROUP SIGHTSEEING CRUISES

Groups of 25 or more

THE ERIE CANAL EXPERIENCE

Cruise The Historic Erie Canal!

• Departs Daily!

ERIE CANAL SIGHTSEEING CRUISE

Our sight seeing cruises depart daily! Enjoy the scenery of the Mohawk Valley as you cruise the calm waters of the Erie Canal, learning about the history of the area and locks.

• Tags Daily Cruise

CONNECT WITH US

Erie Canal Cruises, Inc

We welcome you to beautiful Mohawk Valley and Erie Canal Cruises. Erie Canal Cruises tour boat Lil’ Diamond II is docked at Gems Along the Mohawk, the Official Mohawk Valley Visitor Center. Located at 800 Mohawk Street in Herkimer, NY, we are directly across from the New York State Thruway Exit 30.

We invite you to join us on our USGC Certified vessel for a fun and historically fascinating cruise, back to a time when the canal was just a vision and the barges were pulled by mules and horses. Travel thru a hundred-year-old lock, relax and enjoy – you’ll be glad you did.

NEWS & EVENTS

Special Events

Make your plans now to get on board the most popular cruise on the Erie Canal.

Give the gift of cruising!

Our cruise gift cards are a perfect gift for everyone on the list.

OVER 1,000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS ON TRIPADVISOR!

A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR ALL AGES

This cruise was very informative and narrated well by the captain as well as a recording. The price was very reasonable and my husband and I really enjoyed how the lifts worked. A very enjoyable day!

WHAT A GEM!

We thoroughly enjoyed this hidden gem of a cruise! Everyone was friendly and the captain was incredibly knowledgeable. Kids should take this cruise to learn about the rich history of our canal system.

INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL

Cruising the Erie Canal was a beautiful adventure. It was exciting to actually enter the lock and see how the water is controlled for boats along the Mohawk River. The historical and geographical information was very interesting, as well. A very worthwhile experience.

FUN AND EDUCATIONAL

The captain had a wonderful personality, and great knowledge. The mate was very helpful as well. Great cruise, lots of history and wonderful views.

ERIE CANAL CRUISE

Great cruise. Very informational. Had a great time. Very comfortable ride. The Locks were exciting. Captain was very entertaining. Had dinner after the cruise in the Waterfront Grille and it was excellent. Great service and great food.

CANAL CRUISE

Very nice cruise. The captain was very informative narrating the cruise. The scenery was very peaceful and we even saw a bald eagle! The locks were interesting and fun to be in while we went to different levels of the river. Great trip. Really enjoyed it.

Receive emails and newsletters to keep in touch with I LOVE NY.

• Accessibility
• Adirondack Attractions
• Spotlight: Adirondacks
• Spotlight: Lake George
• Family Guide
• Lake Placid City Guide
• Central NY Attractions
• Spotlight: Cooperstown
• Binghamton City Guide
• Greater Niagara Attractions
• Spotlight: Buffalo & Niagara Falls
• Buffalo City Guide
• New York City Attractions
• Capital Saratoga Attractions
• Spotlight: Albany
• Albany City Guide
• Chautauqua-Allegheny Attractions
• Spotlight: Jamestown and Chautauqua-Allegheny
• Hudson Valley Attractions
• Spotlight: New Paltz
• Spotlight: Hudson Valley
• Thousand Islands Attractions
• Catskills Attractions
• Spotlight: The Catskills
• Finger Lakes Attractions
• Spotlight: Rochester
• Spotlight: Syracuse
• Spotlight: Finger Lakes
• Syracuse City Guide
• Rochester City Guide
• Long Island Attractions
• Spotlight: Long Island
• New York Blooms Report
• Spring Flower Shows & Festivals
• Maple Sugaring
• Land Adventures
• Whitewater Rafting & Tubing
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Excursions by Boat
• Motorcoach Tours
• Motorcycling in New York
• Scenic Byways
• Scenic Train Rides
• Weekend Getaways
• Black History & Culture
• History Museums
• Underground Railroad
• Path Through History Weekend
• Architecture and Design
• Art Museums
• Covered Bridges
• Drive-In Movies
• People and Cultures
• Performing Arts
• Buffalo Wings
• Cideries and Distilleries
• New York Pizza
• Restaurants
• Amusement Parks
• Animals & Zoos
• Indoor Water Parks
• Outdoor Water Parks
• Kids' Museums
• Special Events
• Wedding Guide
• LGBTQ Resources
• Shop LGBTQ New York
• New York State Recipes
• Affordable Getaways
• Watchable Wildlife
• Natural Wonders
• Nature Centers
• State and National Parks
• Caverns and Mines
• Arenas & Stadiums
• Auto Racetracks
• Horse Racetracks
• Arts and Crafts
• Farmers Markets
• Flea Markets
• Malls and Outlets
• Senior Travel
• Romantic Getaways
• B&B / Inns / Farm Stays
• Dude Ranches
• Cabins / Cottages
• Hotels / Motels / Resorts
• Festivals & Annual Events
• Food & Drink
• Film Festivals
• Arts & Culture
• Expos / Shows & Sales
• Sports & Gaming
• Coronavirus Resources for Travelers
• Amtrak Discount
• Travel around New York State from NYC
• Trip Planner
• New York State Welcome Centers
• Travel Guides
• Offers & Deals
• I LOVE NY Mobile App

Sam Patch Tour Boat

• 12 Schoen Place
• Pittsford, NY 14534
• (585) 662-5748
• Visit Site | E-Mail

Corn Hill Navigation is the 501(c)3 nonprofit operator of the Sam Patch Tour Boat. Public cruises and chartered events help to underwrite our efforts to provide field studies on the Erie Canal to thousands of students annually. Our vision is to improve and sustain the Erie Canal and adjoining Genesee River for current and future generations through awareness, education, conservation, and enjoyment. The Sam Patch, a replica packet boat on the Erie Canal, embarks from Schoen Place in historic Pittsford, New York. Our cruises provide unparalleled opportunities to experience history and enjoy a relaxing getaway that showcases the beauty and ingenuity of America's celebrated Erie Canal. One of our most popular voyages is a leisurely 90- minute cruise on the Erie Canal.  Sam Patch provides an authentic Erie Canal experience while navigating through Lock 32, a working lock that has guided vessels along the canal for over a century. The Sam Patch offers public and student cruises, and private charters tailored to family, friends, and co-workers daily throughout the season. Consider chartering the Sam Patch for your conference, private corporate meeting, employee incentive, retreat, or celebration. Other popular events on the Sam Patch include themed cruises and special events including live music, local history, guest speakers, bicycle ride and glides, sunset cruises, ice cream cruises, trivia, and wine tastings.

Things To Do

Tours & excursions, see what's nearby.

• all Show All
• stay Places to Stay
• eat Restaurants
• do Things to Do
• popular Most Popular

Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. By continuing to use our site you agree to our  privacy policy .

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

• Erie Canal Cruises
• Powerboat Training

Cruise the Erie Canal on an Electric Boat

"on the canals" free cruises sponsored by nys canal corporation and ny power authority, info & prices for private charter cruises see below.

15 Smiles on the Erie Canal!

Take a cruise on the quiet, clean, comfortable Duffy ELECTRIC boat.  Hourly rates for local cruises. Enjoy a cocktail cruise on your way to a favorite canalside restaurant. Take a tour. Go through a lock. Enjoy fall foliage. Just sit back with your favorite beverage and relax. Up to 6 Passengers  Operating between Macedon and Pittsford, NY.  Call for rates and reservations.

585-259-9283

PLAN YOUR OWN PRIVATE EVENT ON A WATER LIMO

The experience, your captain.

"Plug In Aweigh" is a Duffy 22 foot, 100% electric powered vessel. No noise. No exhaust. Clean and quiet.

Captain JJ is a 100 Ton USCG licensed captain, with 15 years experience navigating the Erie Canal. 13 years as captain on Sam Patch and Mary Jemison tour boats. Navigated the entire 524 mile NY canal system in his own boat.

Your private charter cruise is like riding in a limo on the water. Up to 6 passengers. You may bring your own food and beverage on board. Narration of history and operation of Erie Canal from the captain.

Itineraries

Standard cruise is 2 hours. Depart from Mid Lakes Marina, Macedon, NY. See historic sites and travel through Lock 30.  

Custom charter itineraries are available. Please contact Captain JJ to plan your cruise.

$25 per passenger, per hour. (Ex: 2 hour - 4 passenger cruise is $200). No smoking. Sorry, no pets. 

Training Tailored to Your Needs

On the water boat handling instruction.

Learning how to operate your boat effectively makes for a better time on the water. Captain JJ  is a certified National Safe Boating Council  on the water powerboat instructor. Take a complete certification course or just brush up on docking skills. All courses are approved USCG and NASBLA content in accordance with the National On The Water Standards.  

NY State Boater Safety Certificate Courses

Contact the captain, toss us a line.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Captain JJ LLC

(585) 259-9283

Copyright © 2023 Captain JJ LLC - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy