Fantastic trip along the Erie Canal
This was our third adventure with Wilderness Voyagers and, as expected, it turned out to be a totally wonderful experience. Our guides, Bill and Brian, were friendly, well organized, and efficient – they did a great job! Since Brian is a native of the Rochester, NY area he was able to provide personal insight into the history of the region. The accommodations were excellent and widely varied in character – from an 1833 country inn to an ultra- modern hotel. To top it all off, the meals were outstanding as well.
Although inexperienced riders may consider the total distance (138 miles) somewhat challenging, the terrain is nearly flat, particularly along the canal towpath. The first day’s route follows paved roads bordering the shore of Lake Ontario. The canal towpath route begins on the second day. The path is fine, hard-packed gravel which makes for a 
smooth, solid riding surface, although it gets a little sticky after rain. Just pedal harder and enjoy the ride. Skinny (road bike) tires are probably not the best choice for the towpath, but one rider in our group had a road bike and did very well with it. Some short sections of the towpath that pass through towns are paved.
For anyone even remotely interested in early American history, the Erie Canal bike tour provides an excellent opportunity to get “up close” to some of the places and events that influenced the development of our country. Old Fort Niagara, which we visited on the first day of the tour, played a significant role during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812. The building of the Erie Canal – all by hand – was the largest civil engineering project of the day and its completion made westward expansion into the Great Lakes region possible. It was a real treat to see the original locks and other structures that still exist along the canal and to ride the path that was once used by mules to pull barges along the waterway.
As with past WV tours, our riding group consisted of interesting, amiable people with widely differing backgrounds from many parts of the country. We met as strangers but parted as friends, solely on the basis of a common interest in cycling. For me, this is one of the true joys of activities like the Erie Canal tour.
The itinerary, the guides, the food, the accommodations, the wonderful riding companions – all made for a truly enjoyable 4-day tour. Another winner for Wilderness Voyagers!
Rating: Excellent *****
Bruce Campbell
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Bruce traveled with us on our Erie Canal Bike Tour.