St. Helena III Canal Boat
Step back in time on the St. Helena III Canal Boat, a horse-drawn journey offering history, relaxation, and unique tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More frequent rides available
St. Helena III Canal Boat
Best Time
More frequent rides available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time on the St. Helena III Canal Boat, a horse-drawn journey offering history, relaxation, and unique tours.
"A very relaxing and informative boat ride, offering a glimpse into historic canal life."
🎟️ Book Ahead for Tours
Limited spots on the 'Spirits and Spirits' tour. Book in advance to secure your spot!
🐎 Horse Power is Key
The boat is pulled by horses! A truly unique and historic experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Horse-Drawn Canal Boat Ride
Canal Fulton
A relaxing, hour-long journey on a historic canal boat pulled by horses. Educational and scenic!
Spirits and Spirits Tour
Canal Fulton
Combine local haunted history with scotch whisky shots for a unique evening experience. Interactive and fun!
Pre-Departure Movie
Canal Fulton
A must-see 30-minute film offering historical context before your canal boat ride.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Horse-Powered History
Seasonal Operations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Ahead for Tours
Limited spots on the 'Spirits and Spirits' tour. Book in advance to secure your spot!
🐎 Horse Power is Key
The boat is pulled by horses! A truly unique and historic experience.
🎥 Watch the Intro Movie
Don't skip the 30-minute film; it's educational and enhances the ride.
☀️ Top Deck Views
Limited time on the top deck (5 mins per group) for the best photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead for Tours
Limited spots on the 'Spirits and Spirits' tour. Book in advance to secure your spot!
🐎 Horse Power is Key
The boat is pulled by horses! A truly unique and historic experience.
🎥 Watch the Intro Movie
Don't skip the 30-minute film; it's educational and enhances the ride.
☀️ Top Deck Views
Limited time on the top deck (5 mins per group) for the best photos.
🕰️ Check Operating Hours
Rides are typically 1 PM and 2:30 PM. Verify schedule before visiting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the St. Helena III Canal Boat for its unique, horse-drawn experience and relaxing atmosphere. The 'Spirits and Spirits' tour is a standout for its blend of local haunted history and whisky tasting. While the seasonal operation and limited ride times require planning, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting friendly staff and educational value.
"It was a fun time! Sherry the guide was very informative! I got to hear about the local haunted history of Canal Fulton! Along with doing some scotch whisky shots! The name of the tour is the spirits and spirits! I got to participate when telling some stories about my own hauntings! Along with helping her out with the history of Gnadenhutten!"
James Akers
"A very relaxing trip down the canal, as if you had lived back in these times. 2 horses pull the boat down to a lock, then they turn the boat around and go back. They allow you to go up top of the boat (for a few minutes, 5 at a time) to get the best view Educational and interesting, there's a 30 minute movie that's a must see before departure time, and boat ride is 1hour. Boats run 1pm and 2:30 only most days in the summer and only on Saturday and Sunday in spring and fall."
Karen Bolton
"If want friendly people and a great view of the Canal please visit here the atmosphere was great and the folks were sweet"
debra marks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The St. Helena III Canal Boat is located in Canal Fulton, Ohio. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Check local maps for the most direct route to the departure point.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the canal boat departure area in Canal Fulton. It's advisable to arrive a little early to find convenient spots, especially during busy times.
Public transport options to Canal Fulton might be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car for easier access to the canal boat and surrounding attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing can vary, but the canal boat ride is generally affordable. It's best to check the official website or contact them directly for the most current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for the popular 'Spirits and Spirits' tour or during peak season. Rides can have limited capacity.
The canal boat typically operates seasonally, from May to October. Rides are often scheduled for specific times, such as 1 PM and 2:30 PM, and may be limited to weekends in spring and fall. Always confirm the schedule.
Yes, the 'Spirits and Spirits' tour is a popular option that combines local haunted history with scotch whisky. This special tour often requires advance booking.
The standard canal boat ride lasts approximately one hour, offering a relaxing and educational experience along the historic canal.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll experience a unique, hour-long journey on a canal boat pulled by horses. It's a relaxing and educational trip with opportunities to learn about local history.
Yes, passengers are allowed on the top of the boat for a few minutes at a time (around 5 minutes per group) to get the best views and take photos.
The canal boat ride is generally suitable for families and children, offering a gentle and educational experience. The 'Spirits and Spirits' tour might be more geared towards adults.
This special tour delves into the local haunted history of Canal Fulton and includes scotch whisky shots. It's an interactive experience where you can share your own haunting stories.
Comfortable, casual clothing is recommended. Consider layers as the weather on the water can change. Comfortable shoes are also a good idea if you plan to explore the area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The canal boat itself typically does not offer extensive food services. However, the 'Spirits and Spirits' tour includes scotch whisky shots. You can find dining options in Canal Fulton.
Canal Fulton offers various local eateries and restaurants. You can find places to enjoy a meal before or after your canal boat ride.
📸 📸 Photography
The top deck of the boat offers the best panoramic views for photography. You can also capture unique shots of the horses pulling the boat.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always good to be mindful of other guests and the tour guide's instructions, especially during storytelling segments.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you're interested in capturing the horses or the canal scenery, a lens with good zoom capabilities can be helpful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Before the ride, the introductory movie provides valuable context that can be simplified for kids, making the journey more meaningful. While the 'Spirits and Spirits' tour is more adult-oriented, the standard canal boat rides are a fantastic, wholesome activity for a family outing. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as these are not typically provided on the boat itself.
👻 Ghost Enthusiasts & History Buffs
The standard canal boat rides also appeal to history buffs, offering a direct experience of how the Ohio & Erie Canal functioned historically. The horse-drawn aspect is a key differentiator, providing a genuine glimpse into 19th-century transportation methods. The pre-ride movie further enriches this historical perspective.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Access to the top deck, even for short periods, allows for panoramic shots of the canal and surrounding landscape. For the 'Spirits and Spirits' tour, photographers can capture atmospheric shots of the storytelling and the unique setting, though it's important to be respectful of the intimate nature of the tour.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The St. Helena III: A Living History Experience
Before embarking on the hour-long ride, visitors are treated to a compulsory 30-minute movie that delves into the history of the canal and the region. This educational prelude is highly recommended by visitors as it significantly enhances the understanding and appreciation of the journey. The boat itself is designed to evoke the feel of historical canal boats, offering a glimpse into how goods and people traveled centuries ago.
Beyond the standard ride, the St. Helena III also hosts special events like the 'Spirits and Spirits' tour. This unique evening experience combines local haunted history with scotch whisky tasting, allowing participants to share their own ghost stories. It's a testament to the versatility of the attraction, offering both educational daytime trips and more interactive, themed evening adventures.
Navigating the Canal: Tips from Visitors
For those interested in the 'Spirits and Spirits' tour, booking in advance is crucial due to its popularity and limited capacity. This tour is noted for being informative and fun, blending historical anecdotes with a tasting experience. It's a great way to engage with local lore and enjoy a unique evening out.
When planning your visit, remember that the canal boat operates seasonally, typically from May to October, with specific hours that can vary. It's essential to check the operating schedule and book tickets ahead of time, especially for special events, to avoid disappointment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit