Captain Poinan has been navigating the canal for over 20 years
Each year for our Family Day – the anniversary of when we adopted our daughters from China – we plan something special. This year, we decided to take a cruise down the Erie Canal on the Colonial Belle that docks at 400 Packet’s Landing in Fairport, NY (although some cruises depart from Schoen Place in Pittsford, NY so be sure to check their schedule). By chance, it was not only the perfect day, but the family sitting behind us was from China! Join us for an 8 minute snapshot of our hour-and-a-half Erie Canal cruise from Fairport out to Bushnell’s Basin and back.
In this video, you’ll be fascinated to view some of the canal’s lush scenery, to hear Captain Poinan share the early history of the Erie Canal, to talk about the adventures of the Colonial Belle before it ever made Fairport home port, and to discover the surprising early history of Richardson’s Canal House in Pittsford. Our friends from China point outt the novelty of the Erie Canal and how the lifestyle here differs from that in China.
An Erie Canal ride offers a scenic view
The Colonial Belle cruises the Erie Canal between May and October 23, 2011 from Tuesday through Saturday at 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m. for $16 (with Lunch $27), from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. for $19, or 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. for $19 (dinner available), and Sunday 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. for $9 (Snacks available) or 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. for $19 (with Chicken or Pulled Pork Dinner $34).
Be sure to call ahead to (585) 223-9470 to make your advance reservation and confirm that the weather will allow a departure. If you’re interested in a Fall Foliage Tour, Colonial Belle offers one on October 9. See “Six Spectacular Ways to Enjoy Finger Lakes Fall Foliage” for information on the Colonial Belle’s cruise and to get other ideas.
P.S. It was a Family Day we’ll all remember for a long time!
Photos courtesy of Nicole Llewellyn. Copyright 2011 © Nicole Llewellyn,