FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Visit Montgomery County Hosting 'On the Canals' Adventures This Summer

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Visit Montgomery County Hosting 'On the Canals' Adventures This Summer

Visit Montgomery County Hosting 'On the Canals' Adventures This Summer

FONDA, N.Y. - Visit Montgomery County is proud to announce it has been selected to host 'On the Canals' adventures this summer as part of a statewide initiative that brings free outdoor recreation and cultural programming to communities across New York's canal system.

On the Canals offers public activities along the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca canals designed to introduce more residents and visitors to the waterways through engaging, inclusive, and memorable experiences.

The program aims to increase visitation to canal communities, support local economies and provide participating organizations the opportunity to pilot new recreational offerings.

This summer, Visit Montgomery County will offer the following excursions:

• Paddle Adventure: St: Johnsville - Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 1 p.m. Experience the Erie Canal by water on this kayak adventure through Montgomery County. Participants will launch from St. Johnsville Marina and paddle west toward the Enlarged Erie Canal Lock No. 33 and back. This scenic 3.5-mile round-trip route is good for beginners. The ability to kayak is required.
• Paddle, Pedal: Schoharie Crossing to Yankee Hill - Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 1 p.m. Participants will launch from Schoharie Crossing Aqueduct, paddle through Lock 12 and transition onto beach bikes at Yankee Hill and pedal back on the bike path returning to Schoharie Crossing. This is approximately 6.2 miles round-trip. Participants can enjoy an optional early dinner or ice cream at Karen's Produce.
• Pedal Adventure: Fort Plain to St. Johnsville - Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. Explore the Erie Canalway Trail on a guided cycling experience through the heart of Montgomery County on beach bikes. Riders will begin in Fort Plain and travel west toward St. Johnsville before returning along the same scenic trail. This 12-mile round-trip route offers a relaxed, accessible ride highlighting canal towns, landscapes, and historic corridor views.

"The Erie Canal and outdoor recreation are one of this community's greatest assets," Montgomery County Executive Pete Vroman said. "Through this program, we're excited to welcome people to explore the Erie Canalway Trail, experience our rich history, and discover the small businesses, attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities that make Montgomery County a special place to visit."

Visit Montgomery County also extends its appreciation to Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Smith for donating helmets for participants to use during the biking portion of the excursions, helping ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees.

These excursions are part of the On the Canals program, presented free of charge by the New York State Canal Corporation and the New York State Power Authority.

More information on the excursions is available at: onthecanals.com

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