Akron Food & Canalway Tours with ExploreCity Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves moderate walking with frequent rest stops
Overview
Experience Akron’s unique blend of outdoor strolls and local flavors with ExploreCity Tours. Discover historic canal paths and bite into the city’s evolving food scene with their well-crafted walking tours.
Details
Akron, Ohio, often overlooked in the outdoor adventure scene, offers an engaging blend of urban history, food culture, and scenic waterways. ExploreCity Tours provides a distinctive way to engage with this vibrant city, combining narratives of heritage with a taste of local flavors. Their signature offerings include the Akron Canalway Food Tour and the Akron Canalway Afternoon Tour, which highlight the historic Ohio & Erie Canal’s role in shaping regional industry and commerce, while winding visitors along peaceful water trails. These tours reveal a side of Akron where natural beauty meets urban grit, framed by gentle canal waters and industrial-era landmarks.
Beyond Akron, ExploreCity Tours extends into nearby Canton, featuring the Hall of Fame City Food Tour, and Wooster’s Signature Food Tour, showcasing the greater Northeast Ohio region's rich culinary heritage. Akron’s BLU Zone Food Tour taps into the city's commitment to longevity and wellness, bringing guests to eateries that prioritize healthy, nutrient-rich dishes.
Each trip encourages slow, intentional movement through neighborhoods where vibrant murals, historic buildings, and local stories add texture to the experience. Unlike typical walking tours, these food and canal tours are curated to offer a practical connection to Akron's evolving identity, making them ideal for those who appreciate context alongside cuisine.
ExploreCity Tours anchors itself as a local pioneer in cultural adventure, opening pathways for visitors to engage deeply with Ohio's urban outdoor spaces. Whether it's a relaxed afternoon by the canal or a flavorful journey through Akron’s diverse eateries, this company creates meaningful adventure with a practical edge. For travelers intrigued by the crossroads of history, outdoor strolls, and food culture, these tours deliver an accessible yet vibrant escape.
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Tours involve several hours of walking on paved and uneven surfaces near the canal and city streets.
Bring a water bottle
Stay hydrated during your food and walking tours, especially in summer heat or longer afternoon shows.
Check tour start times carefully
Some tours run only in the afternoons or weekends; booking ahead ensures availability and the right timing.
Notify the guide of dietary restrictions
Most food tours can accommodate common allergies or preferences with prior notice to ensure a smooth experience.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- The Lock 3 Park during less busy weekday afternoons
- The quiet side trails along the Akron Canal Towpath with seasonal wildflowers
Wildlife
- Great Blue Heron often seen near the canal waters
- Eastern Gray squirrels common in urban parkways
History
The Ohio & Erie Canal, completed in the 1830s, was a vital trade route that helped Akron thrive during the 19th century industrial boom.
Conservation
Local initiatives along the canal focus on water quality improvements and maintaining towpath trails for sustainable urban outdoor recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- Near Lock 3 Park looking down the canal
- Street scenes of downtown Akron murals
- Quiet stretches along the canal towpath
What to Photograph
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Strong support and traction help on varied pavement and occasional canal-side paths.
Reusable water bottle
Hydration is crucial during summer heat, especially during food and walking tours.
summer specific
Light jacket or layered clothing
Variable Ohio weather calls for layers to stay comfortable during outdoor walking portions.
spring|fall|winter specific
Small daypack
Useful to carry purchases, water, and personal items comfortably throughout the tour.