CANANDAIGUA LAKE

Length: 15.5 miles
Maximum width: 1.5 miles
Maximum depth: 276 feet
Nearby Towns: Town of Canandaigua, Naples

 

Canandaigua Lake, the fourth largest of all of the Finger Lakes, is a favorite destination for many visitors who come to the western edge of the region to enjoy the beautiful scenery and numerous activities. Canandaigua Lake takes its name from the Seneca for “chosen place,”. At the north end of the lake, the town of Canandaigua is the largest town on the lake. Naples anchors the southern end of the lake. Naples, home to the Naples Grape Festival, is among the towns considered to be at the very heart of the Finger Lakes wine industry, as viticulture in this hilly area has been big business for over a hundred years.

 

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO CANANDAIGUA LAKE

Canandaigua Lake Lodging

 

Things to do

 

Canandaigua Lake Wineries

HIGHLIGHTS OF CANANDAIGUA LAKE

 

Reinvention Brewing Company

Come see what all the buzz is about at one of the newest micro-breweries in the Finger Lakes

Town of Canandaigua

Located on the north end of Canandaiuga Lake, this town of 12,000 residents has much to offer

Sonnenberg Gardens

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is 50 acres of property containt nine themed gardens, a 19th century Victorian style mansion and an expansive

THINGS TO DO – ON CANANDAIGUA LAKE

 

Boat

Boating on Canandaigua Lake

Spend the day on your boat soaking up the sun and the views from the water. There are many boat rental options to choose from or you can reserve a tour or boat charter. Kayak, canoe and paddle board rentals are also available. There are several Boat launch sites and marinas around the lake with amenities.

Check out our Canandaigua Lake Boating Guide for more details.

Fishing

Canandaigua Lake Fishing

If fishing is your water sport of choice, Canandaigua lake is especially good for lake trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. There is also a fishing pier in Canandaigua that is pretty popular among local fishermen.

Check out our Cananadaigua Lake Fishing Guide for more info.

FLX Swimming

Swimming in Canandaigua Lake

There are some designated swimming areas in Kershaw park, west lake school house, Onanda Park and Deep Run Park in Canandaigua. Not necessarily on the lake, the Roseland Water Park has plenty of room for everyone in their 27,000 square foot wave pool, 600 feet long lazy river, and multiple water slides. The Roseland Wake Park, located just next to the water park, is a great place for a beginner to learn wakeboarding as the water is smoother and more predictable.

See our Finger Lakes Swim Guide for more details.

THINGS TO DO IN CANANDAIGUA LAKE

Nature Lovers will be smitten with all of the parks, hiking trails and waterfalls that surround the lake.

Hiking

Cumming Nature Center

Cumming Nature Center

The 900-acre Cumming Nature Center in Naples has six miles of hiking trails that wind through the expansive park.

 

Onanda Park

Onanda Park

Onanda Park, just south of the town of Canandaigua, features some of the best views of gorges and waterfalls around Canandaigua.

 

Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area

For serious hikers the Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area, just outside of Naples, has some trails that range from moderate to challenging, some that traverse steep and sometimes rocky terrain, you can even make it a multi-day hike.

 

Finger Lakes Forest Immersion Walks and Retreats

If you’re looking for a healing journey, Finger Lakes Forest Immersion walks and retreats located in Naples, may be the answer. Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese term roughly translating to mean “forest bathing” or immersing in the medicine of the forest, is a guided practice to access the peace, vitality, creativity and renewal of the forest. These scheduled walks should ideally be 3 hours long to fully let your mind rest while engaging all of your senses and are concluded with a tea ceremony of wild, forest plants.

 

Parks

Canandaigua offers 13 parks to choose from, ranging in size and amenities. Naples Community Park offers a golf course, pump track, hiking and running trails. Ontario County Park on Gannett Hill and Cumming Nature Center offers year round activities.

 

Skiing

Enjoy skiing, snowboarding or just stay warm and curl up with a mug of hot chocolate in Bristol Mountain. If you’re not experienced on the slopes, no problem–Bristol Mountain has a helpful staff at the ski school that will take you from the bunny hill to the main mountain in no time. The mountain itself rises 1,200 feet above the base and has 30 different well-groomed trails to choose from. For the more experienced skiers and boarders, the Olympic-style half pipe is a fun addition to the landscape. When you work up an appetite head to the Main Lodge and grab a bite to eat. The resort also has a Children’s Learning Center and space for special events.

 

Waterfalls

Grimes Glen Park

Grimes Glen Park is a one mile creek walk which will take you to two 60′ waterfalls and some stunning gorge walls. Another 60′ waterfall is found by brave and limber hikers further ahead.

Conklin Gully

Conklin Gully is located in the High Tor Wildlife Management area, and is open to the public. If you want to see everything this gully has to offer you will need to do some climbing and be willing to get your feet wet. The first cascading falls you can walk up but with some effort. This leads to a larger (20′), steeper waterfall. For the casual hiker, this is probably the end of their hike, but the more serious hikers can climb this waterfall to see even more.

 

Clark Gully

Clark Gully is north east of Naples. This is the toughest of the four glens and gullies in the area. If you’re not ready to climb, you’re only going to see one waterfall about 20ft high after a short creek walk. The other two waterfalls are about 60ft high but getting there is a challenge.

Tannery Creek

Tannery Creek there are no signs for this glen. The creek can be accessed from behind the maintenance buildings at the end of Tannery Road. You have to find your own way down to the creek bed, which is about 5-10 feet below road level. From there it is a straightforward creek walk up to the falls.The creek features a number of small waterfalls, and a couple of 50′ falls.

Biking

The area around Canandaigua Lake provides a scenic backdrop for bicyclists touring the region. The 35 mile loop around the lake and an extended 47 mile circuit that ventures a little further eastward are both popular on-road routes, with spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding woodlands. Both routes feature steep inclines and winding roads that make for challenging riding. But if you’re a fit rider, you’ll love exploring the roads around Canandaigua Lake.

ARTS, CULTURE, EVENTS, & MUSEUMS

Canandaigua

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion Historic Park

Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion Historic Park is a 50 acre New York State Historic Park containing nine themed gardens, a 19th century Victorian-style mansion and an expansive greenhouse. Take a guided tour or pack a picnic and enjoy the lush perennial gardens. You will also find a cafe on the grounds as well as the Sonneberg gift shop and The Finger Lakes Wine Center, both located in the historic Bay House near the conservatory which is accessible from the main parking lot. Garden admission is not required to enter the Bay House.

Granger homestead

Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum

Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum is located on North Main Street in Canandaigua, NY.. Take a tour through the living quarters of the 19th century Federal-style home and then head over to the antique carriage museum. The museum offers a unique look at transportation in the Finger Lakes region during the 1800s, as well as the opportunity for seasonal carriage rides. Check out their events page before planning your visit.

Canandaigua Art Galleries

Art & Music festival

Canandaigua’s Annual Art & Music festival in July which showcases juried artists (including student artists) in many different mediums. The festival has grown to include local music acts, children’s activities and food trucks.

Naples Grape Festival

Naples Grape Festival in september houses The World’s Greatest Grape Pie Contest since the 1950’s. The festival celebrates the grape harvest season along with local artisans and musicians

CMAC Performing Arts Center

CMAC Performing Arts Center – check for the latest big name shows at this great venue that can hold up to 15,000 people.

Bristol Valley Theater

Bristol Valley Theater

Bristol Valley Theater Check out what’s on the main stage at Bristol Valley Theater. Located on main street in Naples.

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FingerLakes.com is your complete guide to the entire Finger Lakes region of New York State--from wine trails to hiking trails and fishing to skiing.