Erie Canal opens for summer boating

Here’s another sign that summer is fast approaching. There are now 524 miles of the New York State Canal System now open for boating.

NewsChannel 13 was at Lock 2 in Waterford as the first vessels entered the Erie Canal Friday morning.

This is the 198th consecutive year that the canal system has been available for navigation.

The state canal system is open from May to November.

Boaters heading west can expect minor delays in Little Falls over the next two weeks due to construction.

Take an inside look at opening day by watching photojournalist Chris Bebout’s story.