There is a paid parking lot located at the IU Pathology Lab, on 11th Street. It's across the street from the IU University Med School. The entrance to the Canal Walk is literally across the street, so it was a very convenient place to both start and end our walk. We had no issues finding a parking spot either day we went.

There are bikes, canoes and a gondola too.

4 person Paddle boats for $35 per hour, single kayaks for $20 per hour, and tandem kayaks for $25 per hour. You can also rent bikes at the south end of the canal- $10 an hour for single- $25 for 4 person surrey. On really nice days, the canal is packed with boaters on the water and bikers on the sidewalk. Then there are the Segway motorized scooters.

I defer to the previous answer. March 17th opening date.

I'm sure, with a nice tip, you can get what you want.

No, only traffic allowed is the rented paddle boats or gondolas.

There is very close Canal Access parking at 9th Street.

It's pretty safe during the day. I wouldn't do it at night alone. The "horseshoe" main section I consider safe, but the fringes have a bunch of homeless guys. It's always good to be cautious.