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Every Christmas season, millions of Americans return to Bedford Falls to watch George Bailey discover just how much one life can matter. What many don't realize is that the fictional movie town of Bedford Falls may have been inspired by a real place that Great Loop cruisers can visit today.

In 2026, the United States will mark a milestone few generations ever experience—the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Across the country, communities large and small are preparing for commemorations that will honor America’s history, culture, and spirit of exploration. But among all the parades, fireworks, concerts, and ceremonies planned for the nation’s semiquincentennial, one celebration is already capturing the imagination of boaters and history lovers alike: the return of the tall ships.

The New York Canal System opens Friday … and the Great Lakes await! But with more than one route option through New York and into Canada, which way should you go?

For many Loopers—both those planning and those already underway—the Great Loop is often thought of as a single 6,000-mile route through a connected system of waterways across the eastern United States. It links the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Lakes, inland rivers, and the Gulf. It doesn’t take long, however, to realize that the Loop is far from a single fixed path. In fact, there are numerous alternate routes within the Loop itself. This flexibility is one of the reasons many Gold Loopers continue cruising in pursuit of the Platinum Burgee—they discover there are far more ways to complete the Loop than they originally imagined.

If you’re wondering whether the Potomac River and Washington, D.C. belong on your Great Loop itinerary—and whether they’re worth the detour—the answers are yes and an emphatic YES.

As I write this, the Erie Canal has opened to thru-navigation, but it’s been an unprecedented winter and spring with more snow melt and rainfall than usual. Colder temperatures lasted longer this season as well, which meant frost and other challenges for the maintenance team to get the off-season work completed before the Canal opened for the season.

Everything you need to know about cruising the Welland Canal.

Because you must clear a 15'6" bridge, the Western Erie Canal is the water less cruised for many Loopers. Gold Loopers Dave & Nancy Kanzler share with us why, if you can clear the bridges, it is well worth exploring the western portion of the Erie Canal.

The current tension between the federal governments of the United States and Canada is at the forefront of many discussions these days. Should you cross the border into Canada this season? Should Canadians come to the U.S.? If so, what can you expect? Read on to learn more.