Business Details
37 Years
experience
Erie Canal Cruises & Themed Boat Tours in Fairport, NY
Established in 1989, the Colonial Belle is a family-owned and operated business dedicated to providing exceptional Erie Canal cruise experiences. Our U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel accommodates up to 149 passengers, combining historical narration with modern amenities for a memorable journey. With decades of collective experience, our crew ensures every cruise is both educational and entertaining.We pride ourselves on offering diverse themed cruises, including dinner and lunch options catered by local restaurants, while maintaining accessibility and comfort for all guests. Our commitment to excellence has made us a trusted name in regional tourism since our founding.
Services
Erie Canal Cruises
Themed Cruises
Dinner Cruises
Lunch Cruises
Private Charters
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1989 with deep Erie Canal expertise
- U.S. Coast Guard-certified vessel for safety assurance
- Historic narration by experienced captains
- Variety of themed cruises for diverse interests
- Partnerships with local caterers for quality dining options
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Coast Guard
What people say
Knowledgeable captain
Clean facilities
Enjoyable themed cruises
Great food
Informative and entertaining
Services
Erie Canal Cruises
Our 2-3 hour Erie Canal cruises combine scenic beauty with educational narration about regional history. Passengers enjoy 14-16 mile routes passing through historic towns and landmarks. The journey features interactive storytelling about the canal's construction and the Colonial Belle's unique heritage.
Themed Cruises
Seasonal themed cruises include murder mystery dinners, holiday celebrations, and special event charters. These curated experiences combine entertainment with canal exploration, featuring costumed performers, themed decorations, and customized programming for unique celebrations on the water.
Dinner Cruises
Catered dinner cruises offer gourmet meals from local restaurants paired with scenic canal views. Menus feature options like Chicken Marsala, salmon teriyaki, and vegetarian dishes, served with wine and beer selections. Reservations require 48-hour advance notice for meal selections.
Lunch Cruises
Boxed lunch cruises provide convenient dining options with DiBellas sandwiches, salads, and desserts. Passengers enjoy pre-packaged meals featuring turkey, ham, roast beef, or vegetarian options, accompanied by fresh fruit and baked goods during shorter canal excursions.
Private Charters
Private vessel charters accommodate special events with customizable itineraries. The Colonial Belle hosts weddings, corporate events, and family reunions with flexible catering options and themed decorations. Groups of 25+ receive special menu accommodations when requested in advance.
People
Captain Lee Poinan
Founder
The late Captain Lee Poinan established the Colonial Belle in 1989, combining his maritime expertise with passion for Erie Canal history to create educational and entertaining tours.
Captain Tammee Poinan Grimes
Captain
Daughter of founder Captain Lee Poinan, Captain Tammee Poinan Grimes brings decades of maritime experience and a passion for Erie Canal history to her role, ensuring engaging and educational cruises for all guests.
Questions
What is the Colonial Belle's operating season?
Our cruising season runs from May 16th through November 2nd annually, with office hours available year-round via email and limited phone support during off-season months.
How do I book a cruise?
Cruises can be booked online (with 24-hour cutoff) or by calling (585) 223-9470 for real-time availability and assistance with reservations and gift certificate activation.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, gift certificates can be purchased online via PayPal or by phone, with physical certificates mailed via US postal service for recipient redemption.
What dining options exist?
We offer lunch, dinner, and brunch cruises with menus from local caterers featuring meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free options requiring 48-hour advance ordering.
Is the vessel accessible?
Our lower deck is fully accessible with restrooms and comfortable seating, while the upper deck provides scenic open-air viewing with safety features for low bridges.
What happens during bad weather?
Cruises operate rain or shine with enclosed lower deck seating, though severe weather conditions may occasionally cause cancellations with advance notice to passengers.
