Historic Erie Canal boat Seneca Chief launches statewide 'Back to Buffalo Tour'

Departing Waterford Saturday, June 6

√ Buffalo Maritime Center’s replica Erie Canal boat, with support from M&T Bank, brings free public programming, educational experiences & living history as part of its homecoming voyage from Waterford to Buffalo.

Buffalo Maritime Center press release & graphic

The Buffalo Maritime Center's Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief launches the 2026 “Back to Buffalo Tour,” bringing a unique floating museum and education-focused experiences to Erie Canal communities and Western New York as part of the May-October statewide education and community engagement initiative.

The highlight of the six-month tour is a 22-day voyage from Waterford to Buffalo that follows the Erie Canal westward, connecting students, educators, families and canal communities with New York's living maritime heritage. The tour builds on the momentum of the Seneca Chief's landmark 2025 bicentennial voyage, which commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal's opening.

The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will depart from the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center (1 Tugboat Alley) following an 8:30 a.m. departure ceremony featuring remarks, reflections, and a “Gathering of the Waters” ceremony with Waterford dignitaries, Erie Canal partners, and BMC staff and volunteers.

Operated by Buffalo Maritime Center staff and volunteer crew and powered by the tugboat C.L. Churchill, the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief will dock at 16-ports along the canal. During its stay, visitors and students can step aboard to tour the canal boat, engage with BMC’s educational programming, and explore the boat's history and construction.

The Erie Canal Boat Experience is free and open to all.

√ Departure from Waterford – Saturday, June 6 

√ Schenectady – Saturday, June 6

√ Amsterdam – Sunday and Monday, June 7-8

√ Little Falls – Tuesday and Wednesday, June 9-10

√ Rome – Thursday and Friday, June 11-12

√ Sylvan Beach – Saturday, June 13

√ Brewerton – Sunday, June 14

√ Syracuse – Monday and Tuesday, June 15-16

√ Baldwinsville – Wednesday, June 17

√ Lyons – Thursday and Friday, June 18-19

√ Fairport – Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21

√ Rochester – Monday and Tuesday, June 22-23

√ Holley – Wednesday, June 24

√ Medina – Thursday, June 25

√ Tonawandas – Friday, June 26

√ Homecoming arrival in Buffalo – Saturday, June 27

During the 2025 bicentennial voyage, an Eastern White Pine was planted at each port in recognition of the Haudenosaunee and their enduring connection to the land upon which the Erie Canal was built. Community members contributed water from their local section of the Erie Canal and Hudson River, which was carried aboard the boat and used to nourish the final White Pine planted in New York City.

During the 2026 “Back to Buffalo” voyage, that ceremony continues, but in reverse. Water gathered from communities along the route from Waterford to Buffalo will aboard the Seneca Chief to nourish the very first ceremonial White Pine planted at Buffalo's Seneca Bluffs Park. Together, these acts complete a symbolic circle of connection, remembrance and renewal, honoring the past while strengthening the bonds that have united communities along the canal through this community boatbuilding project.

"The bicentennial voyage gave us the opportunity to share a broader perspective of the Erie Canal’s history as we witnessed the extraordinary power of communities coming together," said Brian Trzeciak, executive director of the Buffalo Maritime Center. "What began as a historic commemoration became something much bigger – a journey defined by hope and the human spirit. The ‘Back to Buffalo’ tour continues that journey, bringing people together to further explore our shared history and the connections that unite us."

He added, "The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief was built by the people of Buffalo, a place proudly known as the 'City of Good Neighbors.' During this experience, we discovered that spirit extends throughout the entire canal corridor. As we make our way home, we do so with immense gratitude for the communities, volunteers, partners and friends who welcomed us and reminded us that history has the power to bring people together. We invite everyone to visit Buffalo and experience the people, places, and maritime heritage that made this remarkable journey possible."

The “Back to Buffalo Tour” is made possible through the generous support of M&T Bank, the title program partner. M&T Bank’s partnership with the Buffalo Maritime Center builds on a longstanding, shared commitment to communities throughout the Erie Canal corridor. Founded in 1856 to support the growing capital needs of businesses following the opening of the Erie Canal, M&T Bank has long played a role in fostering connection and fueling economic growth across the towns and cities along the canal’s path.

For the “Back to Buffalo Tour” itinerary, voyage map, educational resources, and the digital tour guide, visit BuffaloMaritimeCenter.org/BacktoBuffalo.

More about Buffalo Maritime Center: The Buffalo Maritime Center (BMC) is a living workshop where volunteers, students and master craftspeople come together to build, restore and maintain wooden boats. Launched in 2010, the nonprofit organization is the center point for reviving the maritime culture that earned Buffalo its identity as “the Queen City of the Great Lakes.” Visit BuffaloMaritimeCenter.org to learn more about BMC’s educational programs, boatbuilding projects, and the organization's dedication to building community, and follow @BuffaloMaritimeCenter for real-time updates and “Virtual Voyage” episodes!