New York State Canal System to Open May 16 for 2025 Navigation Season with Updated Schedule and Extended Hours at Select Locations

The New York State Canal Corporation has announced the scheduled opening of the entire New York State Canal System on Friday, May 16, 2025, marking the beginning of the 2025 navigation season. This historic network of waterways will remain open until November 3, 2025, offering recreational boaters toll-free access for the duration of the season.

Standard Operating Hours

Most locks and lift bridges along the Canal system will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. These hours are in effect for the entire navigation season, from opening day through the scheduled close on November 3.

Extended Hours at Select Structures

To support peak seasonal traffic, the following locks and lift bridges will operate with extended hours—8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.—from May 16 through September 10, 2025:

• Erie Canal:

• • Lock E-8 (Rotterdam)

  • Lock E-23 (Brewerton)

  • Lock E-24 (Baldwinsville)

  • Lock E-32 (Pittsford)

  • Lock E-33 (Henrietta)

  • Lock E-34/35 (Lockport)

  • Main Street Lift Bridge (Fairport)

  • Spencerport Lift Bridge

  • Adams Basin Lift Bridge

  • Park Avenue Lift Bridge (Brockport)

  • Main Street Lift Bridge (Brockport)

  • Holley Lift Bridge

  • Hulberton Lift Bridge

  • Ingersoll Street Lift Bridge (Albion)

  • Main Street Lift Bridge (Albion)

  • Eagle Harbor Lift Bridge

  • Knowlesville Lift Bridge

  • Medina Lift Bridge

  • Middleport Lift Bridge

  • Gasport Lift Bridge

  • Exchange Street Lift Bridge (Lockport)

• Oswego Canal:

• • Lock O-1 (Phoenix)

  • Lock O-2 (Fulton)

  • Lock O-3 (Fulton)

  • Lock O-8 (Oswego)

• Cayuga-Seneca Canal:

  • Lock CS-1 (Cayuga)

  • Lock CS-2/3 (Seneca Falls)

  • Lock CS-4 (Waterloo)

Lockage Policies Near Closing Times

To ensure smooth passage, the Canal Corporation has established the following guidance for mariners approaching lock structures near closing time:

• Seneca Falls (CS-2/3) and Lockport (E-34/35): Vessels arriving prior to the scheduled 9:00 p.m. closing time will be passed through both chambers if needed.

• Lock E-21 (New London) and Lock E-22 (Verona): Vessels arriving westbound at E-21 or eastbound at E-22 before closing will be locked through both.

• Locks C-3 and C-4 on the Champlain Canal (Mechanicville and Stillwater): Vessels arriving northbound or southbound before closing will be allowed full passage.

• Waterford Flight: All vessels must arrive by 5:00 p.m. daily to be admitted through the full sequence of locks.

Additional Notes and Staffing Updates

Due to ongoing recruitment for seasonal lock and bridge operators, hours of operation may differ from previous years at some locations. The Canal Corporation continues to seek qualified staff and will adjust hours as needed. Mariners are strongly encouraged to consult the Notice to Mariners notification program for real-time updates.

As an example, extended hours at Waterford Flight and Lock E-7 (Niskayuna) are contingent upon sufficient staffing and may be announced later in the season.

Stay Informed

Boaters should monitor updates and plan accordingly. For real-time alerts and additional information, visit the official New York State Canal Corporation website: www.canals.ny.gov.

This season promises another exciting opportunity to experience one of New York's most scenic and historic waterways—make sure you’re ready to navigate!