We are planning a trip from Kingston, Ontario to the Finger Lakes next summer and need some information. First, I understand there are only 3 lakes accessible via the Erie Canal. Of the 3, which one is the least desirable to see....i.e. scenic and boat friendly. To have an enjoyable and easy going holiday, how much time should I plan for. We will be sleeping on the boat every night and eating on the boat most nights. Is there any place that is a "must see"? Thanks in advance
My back yard isn't that big (I'm on Long Island), but I'll give you what info I can. I've only done the eastern Erie Canal twice and the western part once. The lakes accessable from the Erie Canal are Lake Seneca, Cayuga Lake, Oneida Lake and Onondaga Lake. However, if your air draft is more than 15' the only one accessable is Oneida Lake (one day's cruise from Oswego). Most of the marinas in the area cater to small boats, and not all have electric available. So the big question is how big is your boat. If you're running that 42 Post, enjoy Oneida Lake and the eastern Erie Canal. Unfortunately I have no experience in the lakes other than crossing Oneida and passing by the others. I'd recommend doing a Google search of Finger Lakes Marinas, and contact them for local knowledge.
I am in a Carver 3607, so my air draft is about 12 feet. I have contacted the Finger Lakes Tourist Association and they sent me a very nice looking brochure. It's not too big on much more than restaurants, accommodation and very little information about things to see & do. I'd much prefer information about marinas, sights, history, villages etc. But thanks for any info.
The proper cruising guide should have everything you need in regards to marina's and many of them also talk about all of the sights and tourist attractions.
If you want to no anything about the Erie Canal system here it is http://www.tug44.org/erie.canal/ Read on lots of information . For Marina information http://www.ess-kayyards.com/ the owner is Kim contact her she will help you out. I have been there several times.
I kept my boat on Cayuga Lake for many years, and did the canal many times. Ithaca is nice, and the Boatyard Grill is a great restaurant accessible by boat. Transient docking is available at Allen Tremain park. Hibiscus Harbor at the north end of the lake is a nice marina, and has a passable restaurant. Seneca Falls, on the Cayuga-Seneca canal is a great place to spend a few days. Good docking along the sea wall, but busy/crowded on the weekends. Restaurants and shopping within walking distance. Baldwinsville, on the Erie Canal, is not a bad stopover. On Seneca, there are places at both ends of the lake. There is a Radisson Hotel on the north end, walking distance to Geneva--nice restaurants and bars, but a bit of a hike. Last I knew, no power on the dock. Tends to be a lot of seaweed late in the summer. Watkins Glen is at he south end. Transient docking can be tough to find. There is a nice municipal marina, but mostly for sailboats. Try Glen Harbor Marina just down the canal. Hope this helps--have a great trip!
Ess-Kay is where my boat was moored when I bought it. I agree, Kim is a wonderful person, she gave me lots of advice.