The Shropshire & Union Canal, which runs alongside the village, has been a part of day-to-day life in Gnosall since the 16th century, and has played a significant role in shaping the village's history and culture.

The canal was originally constructed to provide transport routes between Ellesmere, and the industrial Midlands network, and was opened to the public in 1796. This allowed goods to travel along the canal, cutting out a large amount of road travel time, which made transportation extremely efficient. As a result, the canal was used by the industries in the area for transporting coal, and by merchants looking to transport their goods to the Midlands and beyond.

Following the re-opening of the Shropshire & Union canal in 1875, the canal immediately became a much-loved and well-used part of the community. Visitors from far and wide were also welcomed into Gnosall to explore the canal's delights.

Today, the canal remains a main part of life in Gnosall, with many families along the canal-side having lived there for generations. The combination of the canal’s beauty and the sense of community spirit has put the village on the map in recent years as people come to take part in the variety of activities to be enjoyed along the canal.

The canal also plays host to the annual CFest event, a family-friendly village festival for locals and visitors alike that celebrates the heritage of the canal and the local area. At this time of year the village buzzes with enthralling entertainment, local food, and merchants selling the latest canal-faring wares. Many traditional canal-related activities take place over the week-long festival, making for an enjoyable day out for all.

The canal in Gnosall is highlighted as one of the defining features of the village, and its ancient roots and continued importance for the local community has earned the canal village status. The family-friendly annual CFest event serves as a reminder of the glory days of the canal, and the importance of the canal within the village.