Canandaigua Lake like the other Finger Lakes was carved by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. The name Canandaigua is derived from the Seneca word, Ganondagan, which means “the chosen spot.” With the gorgeous vistas of the lake from the surrounding hills, this name was aptly given.
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Lake Facts
Canandaigua Lake is the 4th largest Finger Lake and is known for its clean water. The Lake provides the city of Canandaigua with its drinking water. In 2013, Canandaigua was voted as having the best drinking water in New York State.
Length: 16 miles long
Width: 1 mile
Acreage: 10,558 Acres
Maximum Depth: 276 Feet
Did you know?: When the Seneca Indians lived on Canandaigua Lake before it was settled, they would burn tobacco around the shores of the Lake in thankfulness of the good harvest. The tradition continues today, with fires lining the shore of Canandaigua Lake on Labor Day Weekend (and other finger lakes during the 4th of July) known as the Ring of Fire.
A printable version is available here.
What to Do
Sonnenberg Gardens
Visit the extensive gardens and the gorgeous 1887 mansion in the heart of Canandaigua of this world-famous botanical garden. If you haven’t visited this gorgeous destination and the historic mansion, you owe it to yourself to add it to your must-visit list. If you are visiting with children, ask for the “I Spy” kid’s trail adventure map. Once they complete the map, they receive a prize.
Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum
Enjoy a tour of this historic homestead. This home was established in 1816 and was the home of 4 generations of Grangers. This is a must-visit for history buffs.
Roseland Park
When the weather gets hot, head to this fun water park that has a raft ride, wading pools, tons of water slides, and an adventure river. Lifeguards are always on duty and carefully watch each area.
Bristol Mountain Aerial Adventures
This is a great excursion for families looking to add a bit of adventure. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the Bristol Valley on their exciting Zipline Canopy Tour. Partake in one of 7 Aerial Adventure Courses that vary in degrees of difficulty. Kids between the ages of 4 and 7 will love the kid’s aerial adventure course that is designed just for them.
The Canandaigua Lady
Embark on a dinner or lunch tour of Canandaigua Lake on the Canandaigua Lady. The replica of a 19th-century ferry boat is a great way to tour the lake.
Canandaigua Pier
This is a great place to park and view Squaw Island or take pictures of the lake and fish. If you are hungry for some ice cream or interested in renting a kayak, you can stop by Woodard Rentals.
Parks, Hiking, and Nature Watching
Kershaw Park
This park is located in Canandaigua on the north end of the Lake. The beach portion of the park is enclosed by a fence and charges admission for non-residents. However, there is a lovely walking path that follows the shoreline, as well as picnic tables and benches. This is a nice place to just relax and enjoy the beauty of Canandaigua Lake.
Lagoon Park
The park is situated on the Canandaigua Lake Outlet. You can hike the trails that weave through 34 acres of wetlands and enjoy scenic overlooks and picturesque bridges. The park is open from 6:00 am – sunset.
Skenoh Island
Skenoh Island (formerly Squaw Island) is a small island of approximately 8,000 square feet on the north end of Canandaigua Lake. It is one of only two islands in the Finger Lakes. The dissolving limestone around the island creates rare and unique formations called “water biscuits,” which are lime carbonate oncolites. This island has a lot of history behind it. Lots of Native American artifacts have been discovered on the island. You can only reach the island by boat. The island is fairly overrun by birds, so use caution when approaching as they will sometimes become aggressive when nesting.
Cummings Nature Center
Located in Bristol on Gulick Road, this nature center is associated with the Rochester Museum and Science Center. There are lots of activities and programs throughout the year that families can participate in. Cummings Nature Center also offers snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals in the winter. There are 5 trails within the park that offer lots of wildlife viewing opportunities.
Grimes Glen
In the town of Naples, you will find this gorgeous glen that has not one but two incredible waterfalls. This is a great place to visit on a hot day to cool off in the creek or the waterfall pool.
Barnes Creek Falls
This is one of the prettiest creek walks we have explored in New York. We first visited Barnes Creek Falls in the wintertime, and it was absolutely gorgeous. We decided to revisit in the summer, and it was a perfect creek walk for a hot summer day. This is great for families wanting to cool off or waterfalls chasers looking to check a few more falls off their list. There is a series of waterfalls here and hiking for every skill level.
Canandaigua Vista Nature Preserve
The crown jewel of this preserve is the multiple splendid views of Canandaigua Lake. We visited in early spring when the trees were still bare and were treated to the most breathtaking vistas (the preserve is appropriately named.) It is a beautiful hike around the preserve, and boom, there is Canandaigua Lake in the distance multiple times throughout your hike.
Atwater Meadows Park
Hidden away in the City of Canandaigua is an 18-acre parcel of land that leads visitors to stretches of beach on Canandaigua Lake. This is a great destination to enjoy the beauty of the Lake, get a great view of Squaw Island, launch a kayak or just enjoy a quiet picnic on the beach.
East Shore Preserve at Bare Hill
We are big fans of land trusts because they are hidden gems of protected lands that always have something special waiting for those who visit. The East Shore Preserve at Bare Hill was no exception. Although it is a small parcel of land, the pristine view of Canandaigua Lake is just magnificent.
Lake View Point Scenic Overlook
This is probably the best view of Canandaigua Lake and one of the most scenic views in the Finger Lakes. This scenic overlook is adjacent to the parking lot, and you don’t even have to exit your car to enjoy it.
Winter on Canandaigua Lake
Winter is inevitable in Upstate New York. Canandaigua Lake is one of those places where winter just makes the lake even more beautiful. If you don’t mind the temperature, getting out and exploring Canandaigua Lake during the winter can be very rewarding. This is one of my favorite lakes to take a drive around because there are lots of places to stop and view the lake.
Boating
Canandaigua Lake is a very popular destination for boaters. The beautiful scenery, crystal clear water, and multiple boat launches make this a great place to spend the day on the water.
Boat Launches
The Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park – Located on route 20 on the north end of the Lake. There is a $7.00 parking fee and the boat launch can accommodate approximately 110 vehicles. The boat launch is open all year long.
Woodville Boat Launch – Located just north of the town of Naples, this boat launch is close to the Inlet. The parking lot can accommodate approximately 86 vehicles.
Onanda Boat Launch – Located 6.5 miles south of the City on West Lake Road. The parking lot can accommodate approximately 25 vehicles.
Ontario County Beach Park – Located on East Lake Rd, This picnic park has a small car top launch (with handicap assistance) for kayaks and canoes.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canandaigua Lake is a great lake for canoeing and kayaking, particularly the inlet. Paddling the Canandaigua Lake Inlet is one of the most peaceful and interesting places to explore. In fact, this is one of our favorite places to paddle.
Boat rentals
Sutter’s Marina – Choose between powerboats and Pontoon boats. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required when making a reservation, as well as a $500 deposit on the day of sailing.
German Brother’s Marina – Rent pontoons boats from this marina. This marina requires that you be 25 years old with a valid license to rent or drive the boat.
Smith Boys – Located in Naples, this company rents pontoon and tri-toon boats.
Canandaigua Lake Sailboarding – Ever wanted to learn how to scuba dive or windsurf? This is the place to go. You can rent all the equipment as well as get lessons. They also rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Reagan’s Canoe and Kayak Livery – Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent.
Fishing
Canandaigua Lake has great fishing available. Species commonly found in the lake are: Alewife, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Bullhead, Brown Trout, Burbot, Chain Pickerel, Lake Trout, Lake Whitefish Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed, Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Smelt, Yellow Perch. The Lake Trout and Brown Trout are stocked annually, while the Rainbow Trout breed naturally.
Beaches
Kershaw Park –
The beach portion of this park is fenced off. There is a fee to use the beach for non-residents. $5.00/adults $2.00/children (6-18 years old), free for children under 6 years old.
Onanda Park
This lovely little park is a hidden gem on the shores of Canandaigua Lake. Located on West Lake Road, it is a great gathering place for families in the summer to eat, swim, and enjoy the beauty of the Lake. This is a fun and affordable way to stay on Canandaigua Lake without breaking the bank. Even if you don’t plan on staying here, you can enjoy an afternoon of summer fun.
Ontario Beach Park –
This park is located on East Lake Road. This park has picnic tables and grills, but swimming is prohibited as there are no lifeguards.
Deep Run Beach Park-
This park is located on East Lake Road a features picnic tables, grills, and a nice sandy beach. The park is open for swimming from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty daily from 10 am-9 pm. There is a restroom on-site as well.
Wineries
Like most of the other Finger Lakes, Canandaigua Lake has wineries and vineyards in its surrounding hillside. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting and tour some of your favorite New York State wineries on the Canandaigua Wine Trail.
Finger Lakes Wine Center
151 Charlotte Street,
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Heron Hill Tasting Room on Canandaigua Lake
5323 Seneca Point Road,
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Heron Hill Tasting Room was chosen by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the 10 most spectacular tasting rooms.
Arbor Hill Grapery
6461 State Route 64 Naples, NY 14512
Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars
1 Niagara Lane Naples, NY 14512
Inspire Moore Finger Lake Winery & Vineyard
197 North Main Street,
Naples, NY 14512
Raymor Estate Cellars
3263 Wheeler Station Road,
Bloomfield, NY 14469
Where to Eat
There are tons of food options in Canandaigua and around Canandaigua Lake that fit every budget. Far too many to list for sure.
New York Kitchen
800 South Main Street, Canandaigua
New York Kitchen is a one-of-a-kind eatery that is more than just food. Visitors can enjoy cooking classes, cocktail-making classes, learn about wine and beer pairings, and more. If you are looking for delicious food, look no further. This classy restaurant has an incredible menu with pizza, crab, and lobster fondue. Steaks, burgers, and lobster mac n’ cheese.
Nolan’s on the Lake
726 South Main Street, Canandaigua
This restaurant has the best food imaginable such as steak and seafood.
The Green Front Restaurant
35 Niagara Street, Canandaigua
This restaurant has a little bit of history behind it. It opened as a speakeasy in 1928 and remained so until 1933. Today, it is a family-friendly restaurant with a flair for amazing food.
Nick’s Chophouse
5 Beeman Street, Canandaigua
Enjoy some of the best food around and if you’re in the mood, live music every night from 7:30-10: 30 pm.
Gateway Grille
151 S Main St
Enjoy breakfast or lunch at this quaint. restaurant on Main Street, with outdoor dining along the street. The food here is excellent, and the service is top-notch.
The Lobby Craft Eatery
3530 East Lake Road, Canandaigua
Try the most unique pizzas in Canandaigua.
Scoops
24 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua
If you need some ice cream to refuel you after a great day on the lake…this is the place. Excellent ice cream at excellent prices.
Bob and Ruth’s Vineyard Restaurant
204 North Main Street, Naples
This is a favorite restaurant of the locals. It has the laid-back atmosphere of a diner, except you can enjoy a glass of wine with your dinner as well as excellent food and service. If you get the opportunity, definitely try the lobster bisque. Stop by for some ice cream if you aren’t up for a meal.
The Sawmill
7131 State Route 21, Naples
Enjoy your meal with a splendid view of Canandaigua Lake. Excellent food at reasonable prices. Great location to take pictures of the Lake.
Redwood Restaurant
6 Cohocton Street, Naples
Don’t miss having a great meal at this classic restaurant. They have a full menu with just about anything you can think of. This restaurant has some of the best service you will find anywhere, and they care that their customers enjoy their experience as well as their food.
Where to Stay
Cottage Rentals
If you want to stay as close to the water as possible, then renting a cottage is the way to go. Airbnb has an extensive listing of cottages available for rent on the lake. You can adapt your search to include cottages that come with kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, jacuzzis, and other amenities.
Bed and Breakfast
If you have even thought of trying a Bed and Breakfast, Canandaigua Lake has some of the most beautiful establishments imaginable. Visit BedandBreakfast.com for a complete list of beautiful accommodations.
Hotels
There are a number of economy hotels located in the Canandaigua area. You can find pretty much anything to fit your budget.
The Lake House on Canandaigua
If you want to stay in style, this is the hotel to book your stay at. Located right on Canandaigua Lake, this hotel has some of the most luxurious rooms you will find anywhere.
Camping/Cabins
There are quite a few places to camp or rent cabins in the Canandaigua Lake area.
