Each year from May through October, both the Genesee Waterways Center and Lock 32 Paddling Center on the Erie Canal offer weekend walk-up, public kayak and canoe rentals!

We have a fleet of easy-to-paddle single (solo) and tandem (double) kayaks, for any ability level or body type. We also offer sturdy and comfortable Grumman canoes for those wishing to paddle together in the same craft.

In these boats, just upstream on the Genesee River from the Genesee Waterways Center in the City of Rochester (location/map), you can experience the amazing four-way “water crossroads” of the Genesee River and Erie Canal! You can also experience plant and animal life all around you in Red Creek. And just a few bends downstream from the Center, the skyline of downtown Rochester appears dramatically before you!

Before or after your paddle, you can also enjoy beautiful Genesee Valley Park and the four walking/biking recreational trails that come together in the Park: The Genesee Riverway Trail, the Genesee Valley Greenway, the Erie Canalway Trail, and the Empire State Trail!

On the historic Erie Canal from Lock 32 Paddling Center in the Town of Pittsford (location/map), you can paddle your way towards Lock 33; and possibly make the thrilling passage through Lock 32, where thousands of gallons of water rush rapidly in or out of the lock to raise or lower you 25 feet! You can paddle into Pittsford Village for lunch or dinner, ice cream, shopping, and more. Note: Lock 32 is also home to our amazing whitewater paddling park. Visit www.lock32.com for more information about whitewater opportunities!

During our open rental days, drop by either site during open hours—no reservations needed! Pay when you arrive; our staff will provide and assist with all the equipment and wayfinding you need!

Note that we also host several special paddling events for the community every year.

We also offer custom group paddling outings for organizations, companies, families, etc.

NEW THIS YEAR!
FOUR FREE LEARN-TO-PADDLE DAYS FOR CITY OF ROCHESTER YOUTH & FAMILIES

Did you know that the City of Rochester has a Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights? This bill “defines a list of outdoor activities that all children should have the right to experience.”

In service to this Bill of Rights, the GWC is offering four free Learn-to-Paddle sessions expressly for youth and families that reside within the City of Rochester!

On these four Saturday mornings, attendees will have the opportunity to try paddling kayaks or canoes on the Genesee River and Erie Canal, right from our City-based headquarters in Genesee Valley Park (149 Elmwood Avenue). Just come on down, no reservations needed! Just bring sunscreen or hats, and safe shoes!

Saturday, June 28 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday, July 26 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday, August 16 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
Saturday. September 13 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.)

Questions?
Contact us at 585-325-3960 or info@geneseewaterways.org

Big thanks to Jim Farr, Rochester Youth Sports Foundation, and CIty of Rochester for supporting this program!

2025 DATES:

Saturdays and Sundays, May 24 through September 28
BONUS: Memorial Day, Monday, May 26!

First boats out 12:00 p.m., last boats out 5:00 p.m. Last boats in 7:00 p.m.

Note that public paddling may be cancelled for inclement weather or hazardous water conditions.

RATES:

Single (Solo) Kayak: $30 for 3 hours
($25 for City of Rochester residents)

Single (Solo) Kayak: $55 for full day (7 hours)
($40 for City of Rochester residents)

Tandem (Double) Kayak: $55 for 3 hours
($45 for City of Rochester residents)

Tandem (Double) Kayak: $100 for full day
($85 for City of Rochester residents)

Canoe: $45 for 3 hours
($40 for City of Rochester residents)

Canoe: $80 for full day
($75 for City of Rochester residents)

Group of 10 or more: 20% discount per person

Students, Seniors (age 65+), Military Members: 10% discount

All-You-Can-Paddle Season Pass, Individual: $99.00

All-You-Can-Paddle Season Pass, Family (up to 4): $199.00
(each additional family member, $25.00)

Launch your own kayak/canoe from either site: FREE!