The Delaware River Canal Boat Company

Floating down the Delaware Canal, a Registered National Historic Landmark, behind a team of mules on this replica of a mule-drawn barge will be great fun for the entire family.

Your trip will start in historic downtown New Hope and then travel through history along the scenic Bucks County countryside, experiencing life along the Delaware Canal as it was in the 1800s.

Hear interesting tales of canal days related by an interpreter in period costume as you keep your eye for native birds, plants and other wildlife.

Today, the canal retains almost all of its features as they existed during its century of commercial operation.

In the early 1800s, when America was growing rapidly, canals were used as a principal way of transporting natural resources to urban areas. When completed in 1832, the Delaware Canal connected with the Lehigh Navigation System at Easton and helped to develop the coal industry in the Upper Lehigh Valley. These canals provided a convenient and economical means of transporting coal to Philadelphia, New York and the eastern seaboard.

As railroads became a more efficient means of transporting goods, it became increasingly difficult to profitably operate canals. The last paying canal boat completed its journey through the Delaware Canal on October 17, 1931. On the same day, 40 miles of the canal were deeded to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The canal is a Registered National Historic Landmark and its towpath is a National Recreation Trail.

Come Prepared

Barges depart at noon on Saturday and Sundays in April, weather permitting, and daily May through October.

Outsider’s Tip

A canal barge is a great and unique place to hold your next party — each boat can hold 80 people and private parties and group excursions are welcome.