Get out on the water and see New York State’s marvelous fall foliage from a different perspective! Witness the beautiful shades of autumn reflected on the water’s surface as you cruise along historic canals, pristine lakes, and tranquil rivers passing everything from lighthouses to castles aboard steamboats, luxury yachts, and other majestic vessels. From Lake George to the Hudson River, here’s how to enjoy the colors of the season by boat.

Originally published 09/30/2022

JUMP TO: NYC | Adirondacks | Capital-Saratoga | Central New York | Chautauqua-Allegheny | Greater Niagara | Finger Lakes | Thousand Islands- Seaway

NYC

Circle Line

Rolling hills covered in vibrant fall foliage along the Hudson River on a cruise up to Bear Mountain
Credit: @mercurial.things on Instagram

Trade the streets of the concrete jungle for unbeatable fall foliage views on a scenic 40-mile voyage along the Hudson River and up towards the beautiful Hook Mountain. Indulge in an Oktoberfest-themed menu featuring schnitzel, bratwurst, giant pretzels, and seasonal brews as you marvel at the sights including the mighty George Washington and Mario Cuomo bridges, 800-foot-tall sheer cliffs, and the glorious Palisades. Local bands will have you rocking on the four-hour trip, and you just might see a raven, hawk, osprey, or occasional bald eagle hiding among the autumn foliage. October 19 and 20; Prices start at $59

Seastreak 

Colorful crimson, gold, and orange leaves on trees along the magnificent blue waters of the Hudson River
Credit: @seastreak on Instagram

Experience the magic of the change in season as you cruise along the tree-lined Hudson River to your destination of choice. The luxurious Seastreak catamaran offers cruises to Cold Spring for fine dining and boutique shopping, Milton for a farm or winery visit, and Bear Mountain for an afternoon of exploring nature. The brilliant colors of autumn can also be enjoyed on a picturesque Fall Foliage Brunch Cruise with a delicious buffet of cheese and western omelets, home fries, steak medallions, butternut squash soup, and more! Through November; Prices vary

Classic Harbor Line 

View from inside the cabin of a Classic Harbor Line yacht while sailing up the Hudson River in the fall
Credit: @classicharborline on Instagram

Want to sail the Hudson River in a schooner? How about an elegant 1920s-style yacht? Classic Harbor Line offers several options to admire the autumnal vibrance of the Hudson Valley from the water. From brunch and lunch cruises to relaxing scenic sails, you’ll be treated to dramatic foliage scenes no matter which ride you choose. Through November 10; Prices starting at $108

Adirondacks

Lake George Steamboat Company 

Steamboat Minne-Ha-Ha making its way across Lake George on a fall foliage cruise
Credit: @travellerari on Instagram

The “Queen of American Lakes” is even more majestic in the fall when the surrounding Adirondack Mountains spring to life in crimson and gold. Cruise by the beautiful mountain wilderness on the crystal clear waters of Lake George aboard the Mohican or flagship Lac du Saint Sacrement on your trip of choice ranging from a stunning sightseeing tour to an Oktoberfest luncheon cruise, and more. Dates and prices vary

Capital-Saratoga

Adirondack Cruise and Charter Company

A boat with the Adirondack Cruise and Charter Company sailing through Saratoga Lakea scenic tour

Sit back, relax, and soak in the history of Saratoga Lake on a narrated scenic cruise (offered October 5, 6, 13, 19, and 20) aboard the 50-foot General Schuyler, a 1920s replica fantail launch. This 1.5 hour jaunt across the water is the perfect way to enjoy the fall foliage around the lake and even bite into some fresh Saratoga apples, which are provided on each trip. Adults $25, Veterans $20, kids ages 10 and under $15

Dutch Apple Cruises 

The exterior of the Dutch Apple Cruises boat on the water
Credit: @dutchapplecruises on Instagram

Dutch Apple Cruises amps up the fall vibes on their seasonal sightseeing cruises of the Hudson River and the state’s capital city of Albany. Bask in the warm elegance aboard the Dutch Apple II, which evokes the Hudson River Day-liners of yesteryear. See the changing colors while enjoying a fall-themed beverage including Oktoberfest drafts, pumpkin spiced coffee, and hot apple cider paired with a sweet treat of apple cider donuts and apple strudel sticks. Friday - Sunday through October 31; Online ticket prices: Adults $28, Seniors/AAA/Military/AARP $25, Children ages 3 to 12 $18, children 2 and under free

Central New York

Erie Canal Cruises 

Indulge in the spectacular fall scenery of the beautiful Mohawk Valley as you travel the tranquil waters of the Erie Canal while your captain spins fascinating tales of this historic waterway. This 90-minute cruise will take you through massive guard gates and past the historic Fort Herkimer Church before embarking on the thrilling highlight of the journey — being raised and lowered over 20 feet in an Erie Canal lock! Through October 13; Adults $25, children (ages 4 to 10) $15, children 3 and under ride for free

Chautauqua-Allegheny

Chautauqua Belle 

The white and blue trimmed Chautauqua Belle steamboat in the water surrounded by trees turning color for fall

Breathtaking panoramic views of gorgeous fall colors will greet you as you cruise along the 17-mile Chautauqua Lake on this authentic Mississippi River-style steamboat, one of five such vessels still operating in the US. Built in the 1970s, feel the old-time charm of the Belle’s iconic tall stacks and gingerbread lattice as you take in the scenery and hear stories about the lake from the late-1800s. Historical tours through October 27; prices range $10-$35.

Greater Niagara

Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises

A boat navigates its way through the Erie Canal in Lockport
Credit: @spotlightsojourns on Instagram

Lock, stop, and roll! Featured on the History Channel’s "Modern Marvels," this unique narrated two-hour cruise accompanied by crowd-pleasing 19th century canal tunes will take you on an epic fall adventure. Journey along the Erie Canal under the widest bridge in the U.S., through the 20-foot high stone walls of the “deep rock cut,” and past five of the original 1800s locks, dubbed the “Flight of Five.” Also, experience being raised and lowered 50 feet in Locks 34 and 35, the only double set of locks on the Erie Canal. Through October 14; Adults $24.50, Children ages 4-10 $12 (under 4 free); AAA/CAA Members $23

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour

Water flowing down Niagara Falls with the Maid of the Mist boat steering in the direction of the falls below with orange, yellow, and green trees at the top in the distance
Credit: @highway_july on Instagram

It’s hard to imagine the glorious Niagara Falls could be even more striking, but that’s exactly what happens in the fall as the leaves trade their summer shades for the colors of autumn. Don your blue poncho and climb aboard the legendary Maid of the Mist for an unforgettable journey through the crashing waters into the heart of the American and Horseshoe Falls. Through November 3; Adults $28.25, Children ages 6-12 $17.75, free for children 5 and under 

Finger Lakes

Canandaigua Lady

The Canandaigua Lady, a replica of a 19th-century double-decker paddlewheel boat, on the lake at sunset surrounded by fall foliage
Credit: @tkystudio on Instagram

Cruise into relaxation on a laidback leaf-peeping excursion aboard the Canandaigua Lady, a replica of a 19th-century double-decker paddlewheel boat. You’ll hear stories of the Steamboat Era and the history of Canandaigua Lake as you take in the breathtaking views of the lush tree-covered hillsides surrounding the water. Choose from a dinner, lunch, or narrated cruise. Through October 16; prices vary

Sam Patch Tour Boat 

Sam Patch traveling along the Erie Call on a gorgeous fall day
Credit: @beautifulmoments514 on Instagram

Enjoy a relaxing getaway showcasing the history and ingenuity of the Erie Canal amid the fall splendor aboard this replica packet boat as you depart from the charming village of Pittsford. The Erie Canal Lock 32 tour provides an authentic canal cruising experience as you enjoy a leisurely adventure charting a course through one of the country’s most famous waterways. Get a taste of autumn on a Sunday cruise that comes with a glass of local apple cider and a tasty doughnut or embark on a scenic voyage passing through the Great Embankment. Through October 29; Prices vary depending on cruise

Colonial Belle

The Colonial Belle offers another way to explore the beauty of fall while cruising the Erie Canal. Experience the joy of "ducking down" for low bridges from the upper open-air deck on daily cruises departing from the village of Fairport, known as the “Crown Jewel of the Erie Canal.” There’s also a special four-hour fall foliage cruise to Downtown Rochester with live music and seasonal meal (October 6 and 13). Through late October; prices vary

Thousand Islands-Seaway

Clayton Island Tours 

The illustrious Boldt Castle stands atop Heart Island surrounded by beautiful fall foliage

The Thousand Islands are a sight to behold when the lush landscape is blanketed in fall colors. Treat yourself to a 3.5-hour cruise along the grand St. Lawrence River for breathtaking views of some of the area's main attractions including Rock Island and Sunken Rock lighthouses, plus Boldt Castle (pictured), where you have the option to marvel at life in the Gilded Age on a self-guided tour (through October 14). Cruises operate through October 14; Prices range $18-$29.

Uncle Sam Boat Tours

Uncle Sam Boat Tours sails along the St. Lawrence River past an island covered in fall foliage
Credit: @unclesamboattours on Instagram

See even more views of the stunning Thousand Islands region with a 22-mile journey that will take you through not one, but two nations as you tread American and Canadian waters. Learn about historic events that took place during the War of 1812, hear the colorful history of the lavish mansions as you cruise by Millionaires Row, and cruise through narrow passageways that get you up close and personal with the islands. Through October 31; Adults $28.50, Children ages 5 to 12 $17, Infants free

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