Lockport Canalside Banquet Center
Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises / Lockport Canalside was founded in 1987 by the husband and wife team of Michael and Sharon Murphy. Michael was a police officer while Sharon was a business instructor at a local college. Mike & Sharon were looking for a career change. They hit the water running with an 18-passenger pontoon boat operating from a City of Lockport public dock. It was a risk because no one in the area had ever attempted such a business on the canal.. Here they are celebrating their 30th year of narrated cruising and banquet service..
Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises is unique in Western New York State as it continues to be the only tour boat operator on the western end of the Erie Canal. The Canalside Banquet Center is located inside a renovated 19th century building situated on 500 feet of canal frontage only steps away from the boat docks. Canalside was designed to look like a canal village scene. The property includes an outdoor dining pavilion which may be used for wedding receptions during the warm weather months. Outdoor heaters are available for those very infrequent chilly summer evenings.
We operate 3 tour boats from 40 up to 150 passengers. The largest is a fully functioning Mississippi River style paddler wheeler. For an additional cost, you may add an Erie Canal cruise to your reception package.
Our highly experienced chef prepares our meals. A very attentive staff provides dining service. We offer a fully stocked bar.
After having been in business for 30 years Capt. Mike had this to say, " After 20 years in law enforcement, these past 30 years have been not only an exciting challenge, but, a revelation. Sharon and I have met and served an amazing variety of people from across America and the World. Not in our wildest dreams did we think the world's diversity would become part of our lives. We are rewarded by the experience and look forward to the future."
