7 easy things to do in Canandaigua New York near Canandaigua Lake

Hi there!

Canandaigua Lake is one of the Finger Lakes of New York.

It’s on the western side of the Finger Lakes region.

This means that Canandaigua NY can make for a perfect part of a western New York road trip, including as a day trip from Niagara Falls.

You can make a few quick stops as you are driving by Canandaigua Lake, or you can spend a few days in Canandaigua.

Canandaigua is one of the bigger towns around the Fingers Lakes with a developed tourist area.

And along with many of the Finger Lakes, there is a dedicated Canandaigua Lake wine trail.

The things on the list below will focus on activities that can be quick stops with VIEWS! It will also mostly focus on things you can do by foot.

But, you can get out on the water in Canandaigua Lake!

I went to Canandaigua as part of a Western New York road trip, and here’s what to know!

 

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You will be able to find free parking near the spots on the list below.

 

1. Canandaigua City Pier

 

The Canandaigua City Pier is one of the main parts of Canandaigua NY.

This is a pier that you drive out onto.

 

 

Then you can park and get out of the car and walk along the edge of the pier for some scenic lake views! There are a few picnic tables and benches along the lake too.

 

 

If you are looking to go kayaking in Canandaigua Lake, then there are also some kayak rental shops and stand-up paddleboard rental shops near the city pier. You can take a look at Canandaigua Sailboard and Canandaigua Side Shore.

 

 

2. Canandaigua boathouses

 

Another reason to go to the city pier is because once you’re there, you’ll also be able to see the iconic boathouses of Canandaigua Lake. You’ll want to head to the very end of the pier.

 

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3. Squaw Island

 

And… Squaw Island is another thing that you can see from City Pier.

This is an island that is in Canandaigua Lake, and it’s said to be New York’s smallest state park.

So you can see Squaw Island for free from the pier. Or, you can also go and get closer to Squaw Island. For that, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and go paddling to Squaw Island.

 

 

 

4. Kershaw Park trail

 

Kershaw Park is the lakefront park that’s located along the northern end of Canandaigua Lake.

There is no single walking path that loops all the way around Canandaigua Lake.

But if you are looking for a spot to walk around Canandaigua Lake at least for a little bit, then you’ll want to head to Kershaw Park!

There’s a walking path along Canandaigua Lake so you can go for a nice leisurely stroll with lake views!

 

 

You’ll also find benches and picnic tables along the lake trail too.

 

 

 

5. Kershaw Park beach

Canandaigua Lake has a swimming beach towards the the eastern end of Kershaw Park. There’s a fee to enter the swimming area, and it’s about $5 per adult and $2 per child.

This swimming area is also where you’ll find the bathrooms of Kershaw Park, which you can use for free since it’s before the beach entry area.

 

What’s the water temperature in Canadaigua Lake?

 

On this July 2021 day, the water temperature was measured at 72F.

 

 

6. West Lake Drive

 

Now moving away from Canandaigua town and heading south along Canandaigua Lake…

Driving along West Lake Drive means driving with views of Canandaigua Lake!

As you’re driving on West Lake Drive you’ll pass by Onanda Park. This is another Canandaigua Lake beach. There is an entry fee for this park. A tip from a google review says you can park for free “up the hill across the street from the park entrance and then walk to the beach or trail.” It seems there may be a $1 walk-in fee. (If you enter with your car it will be more.) Aside from the lakeside access to the beach at Onanda Park (which is a rocky beach so bring water shoes), it seems like this could be a good place to go if you’re looking for a quiet walk in the woods, and there are mentions of small waterfalls. Read the reviews.

 

 

7. South Bristol Scenic Overlook

 

The South Bristol Scenic Overlook is where you go to get the grand scenic views of Canandaigua Lake from above! This is located directly off the main road.

 

 

This is another spot that you can make your designated picnic spot so you can eat with views of Canandaigua Lake!

 

 

On google maps this is listed as Naples Road – Lake View Point.

 

And that’s a bit about making it a drive to Canandaigua Lake!

 

Explore the map.

 

Be sure to see more of the quieter Finger Lakes to visit in the area:

• Finger Lakes road trip in Western New York

 

More for your Western New York road trip:

• Places in visit in Western New York

 

HAPPY WALKING AROUND CANANDAIGUA LAKE!

 

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