One of New York State’s 11 Finger Lakes
Canandaigua, located at the north end of Canandaigua Lake, is just 30 minutes from Rochester. The city offers a variety of water activities, including kayak rentals, swimming at Kershaw Park, and cruises on the Canandaigua Lady, a replica of a 19th-century steamboat. You can also enjoy the sight of the 80 colorful boathouses on City Pier. It takes about an hour to drive around the entire lake, and along the way, you can visit popular spots such as Onanda Park on the east shore, Deep Run Park on the west, and the town of Naples at the southern end.
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Take the lift up Bristol Mountain in the autumn and check out the Aerial Adventure Park and Zip-line Canopy Tour. You can walk up or down the mountain trails or take the lift.
Fun fact: The Seneca Nation, also known as the Onodowaga Nation or “People of the Great Hill,” originated near South Hill at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake. The Seneca word for Canandaigua, Kanandague, means “The Chosen Spot.”
To learn more about things to do on Canandaigua Lake, check out the destination guides for Canandaigua and Naples below.
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The Finger Lakes region is a diverse and picturesque area located south-southeast of Rochester. It encompasses cities, villages, farmland, and 11 lakes, making it a versatile tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and dining while taking in the natural beauty of the lakes. They can take a leisurely lakeside stroll or embark on a challenging hike along scenic hilltops or deep into the region’s unique waterfall gorges.
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What is your favorite thing to do on Canandaigua Lake?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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