Canal opens May 1

The Champlain Canal will soon be abuzz with activity as the New York State Canal Corp. is tentatively scheduled to open the state’s canal season for the 2013 navigation season on Wednesday, May 1.

Operation of the canal system is subject to the latest water and weather conditions but with a normal water levels and a fairly uneventful forecast on tap for the next several days the canal should open as planned.

Locally, the Whitehall Marina plans to be ready for boaters and will open for the 2013 season on May 1. All marina operations at Finch and Chubb have been moved to the Whitehall Marina with the former serving as a restaurant only.

To learn more about boating on the Champlain Canal, including hours of operation and how to purchase toll passes, visit www.canals.ny.gov.