Navigating from Hampton, Virginia to Lake Ontario, Oswego NY entry?

[Kornelia]

Excited as new boater to help out friend who bought 43 ft. diesel boat and would like help bringing it into Canada, into Lake Ontario and crossing over toward Belleville, Ontario. Any and all info on shortest and quickest way via canal systems in New York appreciated. Where exactly on the east coast from Atlantic Ocean would be best inland entry, through New York City and up Hudson River? Googling waterway systems doesn't give much clarity. Cheers and kind regards to anyone who can shed some insight. Peter

[AnchorageGuy]

Peter, the Hudson is the only route unless you plan to head to Newfoundland and down the St. Lawrence Seaway, not recommended. You will have one choice to take the Erie Canal to the Lake. The Erie is currently closed because of a cave in and no word yet on when it will reopen. You don't give any information on the boat so it is difficult to answer your question. The Erie Canal does have limitations. You can also take the long route up the Champlain Canal to Lake Champlain, to the Richelieu Canal and down the St. Lawrence against the current and then come back to Ontario. Chuck