9 Days | Hudson River • Erie Canal • Oswego Canal • Lake Ontario
From the artsy charm of Hudson to the shining skyline of Toronto, this return voyage is a masterclass in inland navigation, locks, and night sailing—ending with the reward of Lake Ontario under your keel.
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What the Crew Will Experience
Days 1–3: Hudson River to Mohawk Valley
We cast off from Hudson, NY, heading north on tidal waters. The wide bends of the river reveal Catskill Mountains, historic lighthouses, and old port towns. Passing Albany, the river narrows and currents ease as we approach Waterford—the gateway to the Erie Canal. From here, the crew will begin ascending through the Flight of Five locks into the Mohawk Valley.
Transition from tidal waters to locks
Riverfront mansions and Catskill views
Historic canal towns and first lock operations
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Days 4–5: Erie Canal & Oneida Lake
The canal meanders west through sleepy towns and under famously low bridges. Crew refine docking and lock-line handling before emerging onto Oneida Lake. This broad stretch offers open-water practice, weather awareness, and plenty of scenery. Overnights in places like Rome or Sylvan Beach give a taste of canal-town hospitality.
Bridge watching and close-quarters handling
Wildlife and small-town Americana Evenings at dockside marinas
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Days 6–7: Oswego Canal to Lake Ontario
Turning north at the Oswego Canal, we descend through 7 locks toward the shores of Lake Ontario. Here the mast is stepped again, and preparations made for the offshore leg. The crew gains confidence coordinating radio calls, line handling, and slow-speed maneuvers before the lake’s expanse opens before them.
Practical seamanship with locks & rigging
Forested waterways and quiet channels
Stops in Phoenix or Oswego Harbor
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Days 8–9: Lake Ontario Crossing
With sails hoisted and watches set, we leave Oswego behind and point west for Canada. This overnight passage hones navigation by lights, helm rotation, and offshore watchkeeping. The Toronto skyline emerges at dawn or dusk—a fitting finale to the journey.
Night sailing and vessel systems underway
Shooting stars, birdlife, and sunrise horizons
Customs clearance back into Canada
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Crew Skills Gained
Tidal river navigation and current handling
Lock and canal seamanship
Docking, line handling, and radio protocols
Offshore night sailing and watch systems
Chart plotting and inland route planning
When considering chartering a yacht in Canada, we know you have many options. Some of these options look super exciting and at ridiculously great prices. Recent trends in the industry have opened the door for many unqualified individuals to purchase boats and offer charter services to the unsuspecting public. It’s easy to create a website and even easier to just list a boat on sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Getmyboat, Boat Setter and many others.
Unfortunately, many of these operators are NOT licensed, insured or qualified to accept your trust on the water.
In order to be licensed and insured a number of items MUST be in place. Listed are just a few.
Over the last few years there have been a number of deaths and even more accidents resulting from these types of operators. Be safe and know who you are getting on a boat with. All licensed operators should willingly display their credentials, and most are members of the Passenger & Commercial Vessel Association (PCVA).
