7 Reasons You'll Want to Visit Canandaigua This Summer
Long, lazy days by the lake, local festivals, seasonal meals with sun-ripened ingredients, live music under the stars…it’s all waiting for you in the Finger Lakes. Here’s why you’ll want to visit Canandaigua this summer.
1. Countless ways to get out on Canandaigua Lake
From sunset cruises leaving from The Lake House dock (see the full schedule here) to kayak rentals from Canandaigua Sailboard (just a short walk from The Lake House), leisurely tours aboard The Canandaigua Lady, a replica of the original 1800s “Lady of the Lake” steamboat, to good old fashioned swimming, Canandaigua Lake comes alive during the summer. Of course, kicking back and relaxing by The Lake House’s lakeside pool is also always an option.
2. Outdoor concerts
Canandaigua may be relatively small — and we like it that way — but it still draws in big names when it comes to summer concerts. Less than three miles away from The Lake House, Canadaigua’s impressive CMAC amphitheater with lawn seating attracts concert goers from across the region to see some of the season’s hottest shows. CMAC’s 2022 lineup includes country superstars, like Kenny Chesney and Keith Urban, along with longtime favorites, including Journey and Hall & Oates. (See how you can plan an easy getaway to go to a concert in Canandaigua here.)
3. Small town markets and festivals
On June 15-17, Canandaigua locals and visitors will head downtown along Main Street for the Canandaigua Art & Music Festival. Running for more than 30 years, the festival showcases a variety of local artists and mediums along with live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and more. Another Canandaigua institution, now in its 21st year, the Canandaigua Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from June through the last Saturday in October. Here you’ll find a bounty of fresh local produce and artisanal food items — and we mean local. As Ontario County’s only farmer-run market, each vendor lives within Canandaigua.
4. Cycling and hiking trails
The Finger Lakes is best explored either on two feet or two wheels. Avid cyclists can find a number of dirt trails and road routes to ride through the region. Prefer a more leisurely approach to pedaling? Pick up a complimentary bike from The Lake House to meander around the lake or roll downtown along Main Street.
5. Special summer stay packages on Canandaigua Lake
There’s no better place to spend the summer than on Canandaigua Lake in the Finger Lakes. Our summer stay packages make it even sweeter.
6. Lakeside eats and drinks
It wouldn’t be summer without seasonal treats and al fresco dining. During the warmer months, The Lake House’s Sand Bar shines with dishes that take their cue from the sea, like Atlantic sea scallops, crab cakes, and a lakeshore fish fry — just want you want for a casual but filling meal after a day spent outdoors. Ordering drinks and snacks from the Pool Bar while lounging poolside also screams summer. The good eats and drinks don’t end here, however. Right around the lake you’ll find a number of local wineries and Canandaigua breweries, crafting quality local tipples paired with delicious bites.
7. Family-friendly adventures
While The Lake House grounds are always ripe for kid-approved adventure — and lots of water time — weekends during the summer are especially family-friendly affairs. Complimentary activities range from dedicated kid’s yoga to the opening of The Sandpit, a lakefront activity shed chock full of fishing poles, lawn games, and more. Just a short drive from The Lake House you’ll find the popular Roseland Waterpark, boasting 56 acres of aquatic attractions. For those wanting to see the region from a different point of view, paired with a dose of adrenaline, look no further than Bristol Mountain. Canandaigua’s premier ski resort transforms in the summer into a thrilling ropes course, zipline track, and kids activity zone.
