Genesee RiverWatch and Erie Canal Boat Company are partnering to offer guided river paddles over two weekends in late May.  Erie Canal Boat Company will provide rental kayaks as described below.  Genesee RiverWatch will accompany paddlers to describe the river’s history, point out interesting sites and discuss current work to improve water quality, encourage recreation and promote K-12 aquatic education.

May 21-23 Black Creek

Join us to paddle the Genesee River starting at the DEC dock on Black Creek.  Choose a day and time when making your reservation. We will leave at 9:00 and 1:00 each day and explore up the river past RIT or downstream to the junction with the Erie Canal.  Learn about the Genesee Valley Canal and the railroad that ran on its towpath.  Directions: Turn west off Scottsville Road onto Ballantyne Road.  Turn right and right again on Black Creek Road to the boat launch parking area.

May 28-30 Lower River

The new City of Rochester launch site at Petten Street will be our gateway to explore the “wilderness in a city” between Rochester’s harbor and Lower Falls.  Choose a day and time when making your reservation. As before, we will leave at 9:00 and 1:00 each day.  Interesting historical sites will include the Underground Railroad and the cross-lake ferry and coal shipping docks.  Directions: Turn off Lake Avenue onto Petten Street and follow the street downhill to the parking area adjacent to the river.

Reservations: 

All participants must make advance reservations on the Erie Canal Boat Company website at WNY&Finger Lakes POP-UPs | Erie Canal Boat Company.  Choose your location, date and type of kayak. There will be 12 single-seat kayaks available for each trip.  Boat types will be a mix of 9′, 10′ and 11′ lengths with sit in and sit-on models.  Life vests and paddles are included.  The price will be $25.00 + tax for each boat/session.

What you need to bring:  A mask for use in case you are in close proximity to others at times such as launching and returning.  Clothing suitable for the day’s weather and the possibility of getting wet.  A hat and sunscreen (even if the day is cloudy).  Waterproof bags for items such as cameras, phones, car keys, drinks and snacks.