New York State's canals are historic, but they are far from being history. With literally hundreds of miles of exciting outdoor experiences on the water, along newly constructed trails and at historic sites, tourists are rediscovering the waterway that helped fuel westward migration and build the Empire State into a major economic and political force.

The Erie Canal is part of social studies curriculums in schools across the United States. Increasingly, the New York State Canal System is also a destination for value-minded boating, outdoor and recreation enthusiasts. The New York State Canal Corporation and communities along the 524-mile system are boosting awareness by adding to an impressive schedule of events.

Starting with this April's Fresh Herb and Wine Festival in Seneca Falls through October's Pull the Plug Regatta in Pittsford, the Canal System now boasts more than 80 seasonal festivals and events -- nearly twice as many as last year. Plus cities along the canal, and diversions ranging from wineries to outlet shopping, create a complete vacation package for travelers.

"We are extremely enthusiastic about the new festivals and events that are planned along the Canal System," said Canal Corporation Executive Director Michael Fleischer. "New York State has so much to offer vacationers. The festivals along the Canal System are a great way to take advantage of the hospitality and friendly atmosphere across New York this summer."

In addition to the festivals, major progress is being made on completing the Canalway Trail, which will further raise the profile of the New York State Canal System as a world-class destination. The trail will play host to the sixth annual cross-state bicycle tour -- Cycling the Erie Canal -- scheduled for July 11-18, 2004. Cycling the Erie Canal is an eight-day, 400-mile, recreational bicycle tour from Buffalo to Albany, which drew riders from 35 states in 2003.

The New York State Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways: the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. It spans 524 miles across New York State -- linking the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture. For more information about the New York State Canal System, to see the complete festival schedule or to book a trip, call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit http://www.canals.state.ny.us.