Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises

Our Mother’s Day gift for my mama and my gramma was to take them on the Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruise, which departs from Market Street in historic Lockport, NY. I want sure what to expect, but went online and made a reservation for our family. It took a few days to confirm the reservation (the website does state it’s not automated) so it may be worth a phone call (do people still make calls these days?) to make a reservation.
Either way, we showed up about 15 minutes before the boat left and bought our tickets for the cruise in their small but cute gift shop. Tickets were reasonable with my AAA card — $ 16/​adult. The cruise left promptly on time and then the fun began!
The boat has a top level which is uncovered and a bottom level that is covered, with a small snack bar to buy coffee, soda, snacks and ponchos. It was just starting to rain when we embarked so we started out on the top level, which I highly recommend once you get into the actual locks. It was so cool to be on the boat as the water raised 25 feet underneath us — which actually happens twice so that the boat is raised up 50 feet in the last locks on the Erie Canal.
All along the way, the captain provided historical info and facts about the Erie Canal and Lockport, NY. After a cruise down the canal, they turn the boat around and… You guessed it… You go back into the 2 locks where they lower you 25 feet each time. It’s crazy to look out the boat window as you descend 25 feet. And as the Captain said, the only force at work is gravity!
This is a great educational and historical activity to do in Western New York. My family thoroughly enjoyed themselves and my Mama couldn’t keep the smile off her face. If you are interested in the history of the area, it’s a must do activity. Have fun!

We ran across the brochure in our hotel at Niagara Falls. Since I love locks, we thought we’d drive over and take the tour.
We ended up on the last cruise of the day, 5:30 p.m. on a weekday. The scenery was beautiful, the ride relaxing and it was really a kick to experience the locks — even for my husband who has been through the Panama Canal!
The price was reasonable, the staff was FANTASTIC, the boat was comfortable, and the narrative was fascinating. This was a wonderful experience. We would do it again in a heartbeat.

Did the dinner/​cruise for our bowling banquet… Great food and very nice cruise… Owners were very welcoming and employees were very friendly… Would recommend this to everyone for a nice dinner and relaxing cruise down the Erie Canal! Thank you Mike and Sharon from Lane League 1 bowling team!

This is the MOST boring tour I have ever taken. It’s not worth it at all.
You might like it if you’re 65 or older. The brochures at the hotel where I was staying looked very nice, you will not be missing anything if you skip this tour. Don’t waste your money on this tour.