90-Minute Rochester Genesee River And Canal Cruise

Scenic River and Canal Cruise runs through Rochester By Water. Runs 90 minutes. From $30.

Overview

The Riverie leaves Corn Hill Landing and runs south along the Genesee River, passing the University of Rochester before continuing through Genesee Valley Park. From there the route joins the Erie Canal, sliding beneath an arch bridge designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Live narration runs the whole way, telling how the river and canal shaped Rochester, and the journey closes with a view of the city skyline from the water.

The cruise lasts 90 minutes, with time to watch for great blue herons and other birds along the banks. Narration is in English. Rochester By Water, the nonprofit that operates the boat, was formerly Corn Hill Navigation, which ran trips on these same waterways for more than 30 years.

It suits a wide range of guests. Boarding uses a ramp with no steps, so wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers all work, and every age is welcome. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks are sold onboard, and Monroe County health regulations do not allow outside food or beverages. The operator suggests arriving 15 to 30 minutes early, with time for the riverfront patio before departure.

What's Included

Not Included

Hotel pickup

Itinerary

Check in at Corn Hill LandingReport to the Rochester By Water front desk at 280 Exchange Blvd before departure. Printed tickets are not necessary, and the office has restrooms plus a riverfront patio.
Board Riverie by rampThe vessel has no-step entry, with a ramp that accommodates wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. Cruises depart promptly as scheduled.
Cruise south past University of RochesterThe boat heads south on the Genesee River, with the university campus along the route.
Pass through Genesee Valley ParkThe river carries the cruise through the park. Keep an eye out for great blue herons and other birdlife along the banks.
Join the Erie CanalThe route turns onto the historic canal while live narration covers how these waterways shaped the community.
Glide under the Olmsted bridgeA Frederick Law Olmsted-designed arch bridge spans the water here.
Return to the Rochester skylineThe journey ends with a view of the city skyline from the water before docking back at Corn Hill Landing.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few specifics from the operator shape the day, from parking at Corn Hill Landing to the drink rules onboard.

Parking and arrival. Plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, since boats leave on time. Parking is available in the Corn Hill Landing lot in spots marked for Restaurants, Retail, and Rochester By Water, plus across the street and on Exchange Blvd. On-street parking is free on weekends, and the correct GPS address is 280 Exchange Blvd.
Step-free boarding. Riverie is a no-step vessel boarded by ramp, accommodating wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. The office at the dock also has two accessible restrooms.
Food and drink. Beer, wine, canned cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks are available for purchase onboard. Monroe County health regulations prohibit bringing outside food or beverages, so leave them in the car.
With kids. All ages are welcome. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and children ages 3 and under must hold a ticket to satisfy Coast Guard headcount rules.
Before departure. Printed tickets are not needed for check-in. Arriving early leaves time for the riverfront patio next to the office.
Cameras and binoculars. Great blue herons and other birds show up along the riverbanks, so binoculars earn their space in the bag. The skyline shot comes at the end, when the boat turns back toward downtown.

Common issues. Boats depart promptly as scheduled, and guests are asked to arrive 15 to 30 minutes early, so a tight connection earlier in the day can mean a missed cruise. Outside food and drinks are barred by Monroe County health regulations. Children ages 3 and under must be ticketed for Coast Guard headcount purposes. One more snag: the directions link in confirmation emails can send GPS apps to the wrong spot, and the correct address is 280 Exchange Blvd.

Choosing Your Erie Canal Cruise

Where do I check in for the cruise?

Check in at the Rochester By Water front desk at 280 Exchange Blvd in Rochester, at Corn Hill Landing. Printed tickets are not necessary. Arrive 15 to 30 minutes before departure, since cruises leave promptly as scheduled.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included, so travellers make their own way to the dock. Parking is available in the Corn Hill Landing lot in spots labeled for Restaurants, Retail, and Rochester By Water, across the street at the Corn Hill Center Office, or on Exchange Blvd, with free on-street parking on weekends.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Riverie has no-step entry and is boarded with a ramp that accommodates wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers. The dockside office also has two accessible restrooms.

Can I bring children on the cruise?

Yes, the cruise is open to all ages. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages 3 and under must have a ticket in line with Coast Guard regulations.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

No. Monroe County health regulations prohibit outside food or beverages onboard. Beer, wine, canned cocktails, soft drinks, and snacks are available for purchase during the cruise.

What will I see on the cruise?

The boat runs south on the Genesee River past the University of Rochester, through Genesee Valley Park, and onto the Erie Canal, passing under an arch bridge designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Live narration in English covers how the waterways shaped Rochester, and there are chances to spot great blue herons along the banks. The cruise ends with a view of the city skyline.