CANANDAIGUA LAKE

Lake Facts
Maximum Length: 16 mi
Maximum Width: 1.5 mi
Surface Area:16.8 Sq. Miles
Maximum Depth: 276 ft


Intro
Canandaigua Lake, the fourth largest of all of the Finger Lakes, is a favorite destination for many visitors who come to this lake at the western edge of the region to enjoy this, the least developed of the major Finger Lakes. Canandaigua Lake takes its name from the Seneca for "chosen place," and it is the spot that Finger Lakes visitors choose when they want to get away from it all. With scenic vistas and vast tracts of undeveloped forests and meadows, Canandaigua is highly regarded for its natural, untouched beauty.

At the north end of the lake, the town of Canandaigua (population 7,649 according to the 2000 census), in Ontario County, is the largest town on the lake. Naples (population 2,441) 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.

Don't Miss

Naples Grape Festival - Sleepy Naples comes to life in a big way every September, when tourists from far and near flock to this small town to celebrate the grape.

Take a Cruise - Several operators offer cruises on these waters, making sure visitors get a good taste of local flavor to make their visit to Canandaigua Lake memorable.

What To Do

Bicycling

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 Candandaigua Lake.

Boating

Canandaigua Lake is a great spot for boaters. The Canandaigua Lake State Marina, at the north end of the lake, is a popular place to put in, with a small launch fee. Also in the town of Canandaigua, the German Brothers Marina and Sutter's Marina both offer recreational boat rentals and other facilities.

A few operators offer cruises on Canandaigua Lake, including one on the Canandaigua Lady, a double-decker, paddle wheel steamboat that evokes images of a bygone era as it floats across the lake.

Fishing

Canandaigua Lake is a good place for fishing, especially for  lake trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout, but you'll need a fishing license. You can get a license at City Hall on Main Street in Canandaigua or at the local Wal-Mart.  There is a fishing pier in Canandaigua that is a popular place to drop a line. At the south end of the lake, Naples Creek is a favorite spot for locals and anglers in the know.  For the off-season visitor, a good ice fishing spot is in Onanda Park. 

Hiking
Among the best areas for hiking in all of the Finger Lakes, the Canandaigua region is rich with hilly trails and scenic vistas.  The 900 acre Cumming Nature Center in Naples has six miles of hiking trails that wind through the expansive park. Onanda Park, just south of the town of Canandaigua, features some of the best views of gorges and waterfalls around Canandaigua. 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. For serious hikers, Hi Tor is the place to explore - you can make a multi-day hike of it in Hi Tor. More sedate day hiking can be had at the Ontario County Park in Naples.

Hot Air Balloon Rides
Ballooning enthusiasts should check out the Festival of Balloons in nearby Dansville - it will be held on Labor Day Weekend 2009. Several hot air balloon operations offer rides in the Finger Lakes region:

High Hopes Balloon Co. offers flights in the Finger Lakes and surrounding area.  (585-377-7768, highhopesbaloon@aol.com, http://www.highhopesballoon.com/) For ballooning enthusiasts, the Festival of Balloons in nearby Dansville will be held on Labor Day Weekend 2009.

Finger Lakes Ballooning offers flights in the Finger Lakes and surrounding area. (315-594-8946)

Liberty Balloon Company offers flights in the Finger Lakes and Letchworth Park. They have a special wine country tour that launches from Canadaigua. (1-800-777-2FLY, office@libertyballoon.com, http://www.libertyballoon.com)

Sunset Adventures, based in Auburn, offers balloon flights in the Finger Lakes area.  (315-252-7768, http://www.fingerlakes-ballooning.com/)

 

Public Parks
Cumming Nature Center, in Naples, has hiking and ski trails and educational programs to help you and the kids learn about the local flora and fauna. Kershaw Park, in Canandaigua, is a small, popular park with a beach, picnic tables and a gazebo.

Wine
In the eastern United States, no region can match The Finger Lakes for winemaking, mostly due to the geothermic and topographic features of these glacial lakes that make this area perfect for viticulture. Naples is widely considered to be the center of the industry, and this small town welcomes more than 75,000 visitors each year to the Naples Grape Festival, held each September.

The Canandaigua Wine Trail is small but well worth exploring. Arbor Hill, Casa Larga, Imagine Moore, Widmer and Wilhelmus are highly regarded wineries near Canandaigua Lake. 

 
Where To Stay

Canandaigua Lake is ringed with private homes and cottages, some of which are available for rent. For all other lodging options, you'll find the most choices in the town of Canandaigua, with a couple of large hotels, some chain hotels, and a selection of B&B's. 

At the high end, you'll find the nicest hotels, such as the Inn on the Lake, and resorts like Bristol Harbour, in the town of Canandaigua. For budget options, check out the Super 8 and Econo Lodge, both of which area also in Canandaigua. There are a few hotels in Naples - the Vagabond Inn and the Naples Inn as well as a handful of B&B's.

Where to Eat