The waterway that connects New York, the state's Canal System, officially opens today.

Tolls and fees for recreational vessels on the system have been waived again this season. The locks opened at 8 a.m.; Lock 23 on the Oneida River in Onondaga County is believed to be the busiest lock in the Canal System.

"It's a fantastic system," said Brian Stratton with the New York State Canal Corporation. "So whether it's kayaking, boating, biking, walking, running, there is something to do. And we always say 85% of upstate New York lives within 25 miles."

Standard hours of operation are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. On busier days, the locks will stay open until 9 p.m., but plan ahead.

The Canal Corporation says it operates 57 locks and 16 lift bridges.

If you've never been through the lock, float in. The canal speed is 10 mph, and it's a no-wake zone.