48 Hours in Lockport

Jul 14, 2025

Unlock a spectacular canalside escape in Lockport! Just 20 miles from Niagara Falls, this hidden gem city was once a vital stop along the Erie Canal in the 1800s, home to the magnificent Flight of Five locks. Today, the “Lock City” is a vibrant hub of adventure with scenic canal cruises, a robust wine trail, small town charm, historic tours, and more. Plus, 2025 officially marks the canal’s 200th anniversary, so there’s no better time to visit! Here’s your guide to spending 48 hours in Lockport. Photo credit: @warren_n_jennifer on Instagram.

FRIDAY

3:00PM: Check into your hotel

Drop off your bags and make yourself at home in Lockport! If you’re looking for luxury amenities with an affordable price tag, settle into one of the 90 updated guest rooms and 30 luxury suites at the family-owned Lockport Inn & Suites, featuring jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, and access to the outdoor pool. The Hampton Inn Lockport is another great option for those looking to stay near top attractions along the Erie Canal with stylish, modern accommodations, and an indoor pool.

3:30PM: Travel back to the early days of the Erie Canal

Travel through time to the 1820s and early days of the canal at the Erie Canal Discovery Center. Explore multimedia and interactive exhibits and dive into the role this engineering marvel played in the economic development of New York State and the United States. Museum highlights include a short 12-minute movie about the construction of the canal and a mini Flight of Five display, where you can try your hand at moving a boat through locks!

5:30PM: Dinner on the Canal at Stooges

After working up an appetite, lock in dinner plans at Stooges! This stuffed burger bar is a true hidden gem, found in Lockport’s historic Old City Hall, serving up outrageous, made-to-order burgers alongside a view overlooking the canal. Create your own over-the-top burger or choose from specialty menu items like The Krazy, a mac-and-cheese stuffed beef burger, or the Chicken Parm, a breaded chicken burger topped with spaghetti tossed in red sauce and mozzarella.

8PM: End the night with ice cream at the drive-in

Credit: @transitdrivein on Instagram

Lake Effect Artisan Ice Cream is a must when visiting Lockport. With a second location in Buffalo, this small batch artisan ice cream company is a staple throughout the region, serving up unique flavors that can’t be found anywhere else. Grab your ice cream to-go and head over to Transit Drive-In to soak up the retro vibes with a film under the stars.

SATURDAY

8AM: Fuel up for the day at Steamworks Coffee

Credit: @steamworkscoffeeroasters on Instagram

Start your first full day in the “Lock City” at Steamworks Coffee. Pair a cold brew, speciality latte, or refreshing tea with homemade pastries and revel in the inviting atmosphere. In the warmer months, sip while you soak up the sun from the outdoor seating area.

10AM: Lock in a morning of fun on a canal cruise

Now that you’ve learned all about the canal, experience it for yourself aboard a two-hour guided cruise with Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises. Your Coast Guard-licensed captain will narrate your journey as you experience the sensation of the boat rising 50 feet as three million gallons of water fill Locks 34 and 35, the only double set on the Erie Canal. You’ll also get to see the famous Flight of Five lock and pass under Lockport’s Big Bridge, which is one of the widest in the US at 399 feet wide!

12:30PM: Stop for lunch at Scripts Cafe

Once you’ve finished up your cruise, head down the road for lunch at Scripts Cafe. This cozy and casual cafe has something for every craving including wraps, paninis, bahn mi, reubens, salads, soups, quinoa bowls, and more.

3PM: Choose your trail

Looking to spend more time along the canal? You’re in luck! From Lockport, you can walk or bike on the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail, which runs along the length of the canal from Albany to Buffalo. The Lockport to Middleport portion of the trail starts at the dramatic Five Locks Park and heads east where you’ll pass by scenic countryside and water views. Paddlers can spend an afternoon traversing the 450-mile Water Trail from three Lockport access points. Stop by Erie Canal Boat Company for kayak rentals and experience the sensation of paddling through Locks 34 and 35 for yourself! If a wine trail sounds a little more your speed, this city is nestled in the heart of Niagara Wine Country. Sip through 60 miles of scenic vineyards throughout 11 member wineries including Arrowhead Spring Vineyards, Freedom Run Winery, Honeymoon Trail Winery, and Spring Lake Winery, all located in Lockport.

6PM: Wind down with dinner at Shamus

After a long day of adventure, stop by Shamus for a warm meal that’s sure to satisfy. Settle into the inviting and historic interior and enjoy house favorites like Guinness-battered Fish ‘N Chips, blue cheese sirloin steak, and artichoke, tomato, and basil pesto pasta.

8PM: End the night at New York Beer Project

Wrap up the night with a brew from the laid back atmosphere at New York Beer Project. Inspired by Brooklyn’s brewhouse culture, chill out with a pint of house brews like the Lockport Lager or Buckleberry Wheat from the taproom, rooftop terrace, or outdoor patio.

SUNDAY

8AM: Rise and shine at Tom’s Diner

Kick off day three with retro diner vibes Tom’s Diner. Nothing beats a hearty diner breakfast and Tom’s doesn’t disappoint with a menu that includes eggs over biscuits and gravy, omelets, fluffy Belgian waffles, potato pancakes, and more.

10AM: Explore Lockport’s famous Flight of Five on a walking tour

Credit: @warren_n_jennifer on Instagram

For those looking to dive even deeper into the rich history of this picture-perfect canal town, follow along the Flight of Five Lock Tenders Tour. This 45-minute walking tour will highlight Lockport’s role in the construction of the Erie Canal, where you’ll get to walk alongside the Flight of Five Locks and listen to the stories of the lock tenders who manually opened and closed the five ton wood lock gates to move boat traffic both up and down the Niagara Escarpment.

12PM: Grab a quick lunch at Kith and Kin

Make a pit stop for lunch at family-run Kith and Kin. This cozy cafe is 100% gluten free, serving up delicious baked goods, breakfast, lunch, and lighter fare options. Lunch menu highlights include pierogies, quiche, and stir fried vegetables over rice.

1PM: Experience the wonder of Niagara Falls

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If you’re still up for one more adventure, the magnificent Niagara Falls is just 30 minutes outside of Lockport! Experience the Cave of Winds and travel down into the Niagara Gorge for an up close view of the falls or explore the roar on a Maid of the Mist Boat Tour to the basin.