Was up at Fort William this week and the canal is closed just outside the town near Corpach and the locks are being drained. Seems work has been going on there for some time now. If they are opened by Easter then its lovely around there.
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/inverness/caledoniancanal/
Check this link out

Just to let you know - have been on my wee hol. Was brill. Kids loved it too. Need I say weather wasn't too good but didn't spoil it. Lock keepers very helpful - will def do it it again later in year. Scenery great as well !! We didn't see Nessie this time, but next time ....
If anyone interested in details ask away.

Where and how far along the canal did you go, and what in your opinion was the most scenic part of it?

HI
We started at Inverness and only went as far as Great Glen. Only had the boat out Mon afternoon till first thing Fri. Did stop for an afternoon and night in Fort Augustus so could have gone further. We had taken sons canoe so he wanted time out on that. We did like Fort Augustus but Loch Ness was great - lovely cruising by Urquart Castle.