Exploring the Erie Canal on a Sea Doo - Tonawanda NY

[@aleksandraalexander4506]

In the early 1970s, As kids we use to go down to that swing bridge and jump off into the water ride the currents to the next bridge to get out and climb up to the road, thrilling!

[@NigelHay]

I'll head back over there in the fall for another ride

[@aleksandraalexander4506]

That lift bridge is nicknamed the Jackknife bridge, we would jump off it into the water as kids. All of us kids knew how to swim, it was mandatory to have swimming lessons in grade school.

[@phoenixpaquette9627]

Grew up on Lake Erie, in a little town called Colchester Ont, Thank you takes me back

[@donaldwest9103]

Very informative. Thanks for a great history lesson. One of the greatest engineering feats of our country. Thanks for taking us along.

[@NigelHay]

Hi Donald, I hope to check out some more of the canal later in July.

[@gshsr1]

Very much enjoyed this ride Nigel.😊

[@NigelHay]

Something different, didn't really know what to expect

[@boredgaminglowammo9335]

11:56 passing botanical gardens on your left in North Tonawanda.

[@kungazopa2831]

Nigel, you are a cool dude!

[@joesmith7427]

That bridge with the concrete block is the Jack-Knife bridge! They kids climb up and dive into the canal, lots of them!

[@NigelHay]

In today's society that would surely be throwned upon. Unless they are wrapped in bubble wrap

[@squirlsworld]

What a ride

[@NigelHay]

Looking forward to the next stretch, I heard less no wake zones

[@joesmith7427]

The northside is niagara county,the spoth side is erie county!

[@squirlsworld]

Enjoy the weather

[@joesmith7427]

The Niagara river flows at 15 mph! (9 km)

[@shotbychristo]

Nice one Nigel.

[@boredgaminglowammo9335]

2:58 Your close to Edgewater Grand Island. There is a wreck of a steam ferry just off the Grand Island shore. It protrudes above the water with part of it's boiler. It's a cool look.

[@NigelHay]

I'll be heading over there again no doubt this year, I'll see if I can find it.

[@MrStanwyck]

Hi Nigel- I just ran across your channel and I’ve been enjoying your boating adventures. I’m interested in learning more about the process of boating from NY to Canada and back. My sister lives in Dunkirk, and it would be a nice little adventure next summer to go across Lake Erie to visit my brother who lives in Fort Erie.

[@NigelHay]

It actually rather easy. I would presume it's just the opposite of what I do. On a small craft arrival I think you should be able to just use the Arrive CAN app (not 100% sure). Other than that, there is a number you can call and report your arrival, but if you are US Citizens you may have to do that from a Dock CBSA have listed, I think there is one on the Niagara River, a few minutes along from Buffalo. For me, I just use CBP app (US) they reply within minutes, quick phone interview and done, then I just call CBSA number when I return.

[@joesmith7427]

A mule pulled the barge on a toe-path, on the shore!

[@Stratus6]

*tow-path

[@ruralrider7732]

Really nice video! I live close by and would love to ride sometime

[@NigelHay]

Thanks, where abouts are you?

[@ruralrider7732]

@@NigelHay I’m in NY Finger Lakes area so I’m close to the canal as well as Lake Erie and Lake Ontario! You’ve inspired me and the mrs to get a ski next summer

[@NigelHay]

I hope to ride in NY before end of October

[@joesmith7427]

That swing bridge didnt have any night lights when a boat with a crows nest drove under it, they were drunk, and killed a few people years ago! The railroad never took the bridge down, they just made it so it wouldnt move to cross the waterway!

[@NigelHay]

You know a lot about the area, good to know for any future visits

[@ozzietadziu]

After the canal was widened and deepened, barges were towed by motor vessels so towpaths for mules were no longer needed.

[@robertpimpo4698]

Quite a interesting video had to be fun what kind of seadoo is that

[@NigelHay]

I have a 2021 GTX 170. Perfect for what I need it for. Uses regular 87 fuel as it's not a super charged engine (premium fuel and more maintenance, costs more to run)

[@joesmith7427]

What we need here is some barge house boats!! They use them in the uk, why not some here??

[@NigelHay]

My thoughts exactly. It would be great.

[@alexzaleeski7365]

They did. There used to shanties in that part of town, before the swing bridge on the N.T. side.

[@BTKSPENCE]

You and Yukon Bob need to calab

[@juliechatburn1429]

Great video. Quick question have you launched from Dunnsville and traveled down grand river

[@NigelHay]

Hi Julie, Dunnsville of Dunnville? Myself and Mark did that last year when we visited Gull island. Shame that the Grand river has a Dam up by Dunnville.

[@craigbrady4588]

Cool video Nigel. How deep was the water in the canal? I own the same machine as you and would like to get out for a ride with you this season.

[@NigelHay]

Sorry for the delay Craig. Yes for sure, I would like to have you along for a ride somewhere. as for the canal, from what i remember it was quite deep, 25ft in most places.