Description:  The City Pier is known for its color boathouses. There are three staircases along the pier that bring people closer to lake levels, but only the southern two staircases can be used by non-motorized craft. Because these stairs are not designed for boat launching, this site should only be used by paddlers who can carry their boats down a small set of stairs. 

Launch characteristics: 4 stairs down to a concrete platform, which is approximately 1 foot above lake level

Location: City Pier (extension of South Main Street), Canandaigua, NY

Directions: South Main Street turns into City Pier, just south of the intersection with Lakeshore Drive in the City of Canandaigua.

GPS Coordinates:   42.872494, -77.272340

Parking: approximately 100 spaces available, but can be nearly filled on summer weekends

Fees: none

Amenities: flush toilets (mid-May to mid-October), potable water (mid-May to mid-October), picnic benches

Restrictions/other information:

Closest Emergency Take Out: Kershaw Park Western Launch Area – Lakeshore Drive, across from Booth Street, Canandaigua NY

Phone Number and Website: (585) 396-5060  http://www.canandaiguanewyork.gov/index.asp?SEC=C8914E2E-B169-445A-83C3-15DF86FFF888 

Canandaigua City Pier

Description: The Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park is a public boat launch operated by New York State Parks primarily used to launch trailered, motorized boats.  However, the gently sloping concrete boat ramp also provides easy access for paddlers with trailered or car-top boats.  Paddlers can also access the water just upstream of the boat launch at grassy areas along the creek. Canandaigua Lake is a quick 750 foot paddle down the creek. Paddlers can grab a meal, sandwich or snack at one of the many businesses along Lakeshore Drive, Parrish Street, Route 5&20, and Main Street, all of which are less than a mile walk. Before choosing this site, paddlers should note that it can be very congested with motorized boat traffic on summer weekends, which can make it difficult for paddlers to launch or land during those times.

Launch characteristics: concrete ramp which is shared with trailered, motorized boats; may also launch directly into the stream upstream of the concrete launch, which is unimproved streambank.

Location: 620 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Directions: Located just south of the intersection of South Main Street (Rt 332) and Rt 5&20 in the City of Canandaigua

GPS Coordinates: 42.875964, -77.276631

Parking: approximately 250 spaces available, but can be nearly filled on summer weekends

Fees: New York State Parks fee (usually $7/vehicle) or Empire Passport

Amenities: flush toilets (mid-May to mid-October), potable water (mid-May to mid-October), picnic benches and grills

Closest Emergency Take Out: Canandaigua City Pier – extension of South Main St. – GPS Coordinates: 42.873543, -77.272499

Phone Number and Website: (585)394-9420 – https://parks.ny.gov/parks/3/details

Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park

Description: The Kershaw Park Western Launch Area is located in the City of Canandaigua and offers a gradually sloping sandy beach for launching. This site is also utilized by Canandaigua Sailboarding to launch their boats and paddleboards. Like the Kershaw Park Small Marine Craft Launch, this site provides access to all of the amenities of the Kershaw Park, including a walking path, picnic tables, pavilions, a playground, and a public swimming beach (beach requires a fee). A small public parking lot is located across the Lakeshore Drive, just west of Booth Street. However, these parking locations fill up fast. Paddlers can grab a meal, sandwich or snack at one of the many businesses along Lakeshore Drive, Parrish Street, Route 5&20, and Main Street.

Launch characteristics: gradually sloped sandy beach; requires carrying boats approximately 400 feet from parking area.

Location: Lakeshore Drive, Cananadaigua, NY – across from Booth Street

Directions: This site is located on the western edge of Kershaw Park, west of the Kershaw Park Beach and Bathhouse and almost directly across from Booth Street. The closest parking is on the north side of Lakeshore Drive, approximately 150 feet west of Booth Street.

GPS coordinates:  42.875363°, -77.271187°

Parking: approximately 20 spaces available at the grass/gravel unmarked parking lot that is approximately 150 feet west of Booth Street; spots can fill quickly on summer weekends.

Fees: None

Amenities: rack for temporary boat storage (bring your own lock, but rack has metal loops to hook into); flush toilets and potable water at the Kershaw Park Beach and Bathhouse (Memorial Day to Labor Day); public swimming for a fee at the Kershaw Park Beach and Bathhouse (Memorial Day to Labor Day); picnic tables and grills; pavilions available for rent through the City of Canandaigua; playground; walking path

Restrictions/other information: At present time, no paddlers are allowed within 500 feet of shoreline near the swim beach (Canandaigua City Code 519-17); restricted area is designated by buoys.

Closest Emergency Take Out: Canandaigua City Pier – Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, NY

GPS Coordinates:   42.873543, -77.272499

Phone Number and Website: (585) 396-5060  http://www.canandaiguanewyork.gov

Description: Atwater Meadows is an 18-acre wooded, undeveloped park on the north end of Canandaigua Lake. It offers a small beach area for paddlers to take a rest or picnic and is close to the numerous north end launching sites.  Paddlers can access the lake from West Lake Road via a 1000- foot portage on a trail. Paddlers should be aware that there is poison ivy along the trail and in the woods.

Launching characteristics: 1000-foot portage along a path to a gradually sloped beach launch area

Location: 767 West Lake Drive, Canandaigua, NY

Directions: The footpath is accessible from West Lake Drive, about ¼ mile south of Rt 5&20.  A sign designates the park and parking lot. 

GPS Coordinates: 42.872328, -77.280068

Parking: 6 parking spaces in a gravel parking lot on West Lake Road.

Fees: None

Amenities: this is an unimproved park, so there are no restrooms, water or services on site

Restrictions/other information: The park is open from 6:00 am to sunset year round.

Closest Emergency Take Out: Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park – 620 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY

GPS Coordinates: 42.875964, -77.276631

Phone Number and Website: (585) 396-5060  http://www.canandaiguanewyork.gov/index.asp?SEC=C8914E2E-B169-445A-83C3-15DF86FFF888

Description: Squaw Island is a small rocky island located in the northwest corner of Canandaigua Lake.  At only a ¼ acre, it is New York’s smallest wildlife management area. This site is a great place to paddle around, to stop to fish for sunfish or to see gulls.  Local legend says that the Seneca Native Americans hid women and children on the island to protect them from troops in the 1700’s. While this is not a place to picnic, people are allowed to go on the island when gulls are not present.  However, paddlers should not enter the island or disturb the gulls once the gulls arrive, which is typically the end of the May. Paddlers can contact NYS DEC if they have any questions on the gulls or the island’s use.

Launch characteristics: site is only accessible from the water

Location: Squaw Island is located in the northwest corner of the lake.

Directions: This site can only be accessed by the water.  Paddlers will find the island if they head to the north western corner of the lake.

GPS coordinates:  42.870205, -77.275712

Amenities: None – this is a very small, unimproved island

Restrictions/other information: No paddlers are allowed on the island when gulls are there, which usually begins around late May.  Paddlers should also avoid disturbing the gulls when paddling and fishing around the island.

Closest Emergency Take Out: Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park – 620 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY – GPS Coordinates: 42.875964, -77.276631

Phone Number and Website: (585) 226-5380,   http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/101178.html

Description: The Canandaigua Outlet Launch is a small platform located on the Canandaigua Outlet. Paddlers can also reach the water via a gradually sloped mud/gravel bottom area. This site provides access to both the open waters of Canandaigua Lake and the sheltered, typically calm waters of Lagoon Park, so it is an excellent location for paddlers of all levels.  

Warning: While waters in Lagoon Park are often calm, there can be a strong current near the outlet gates when they are open.  Stay at least 300 feet from the outlet gates at all times.  The outlet gates are located at the eastern end of Lagoon Park behind Wegmans. See map and photo below.

The paddle through Lagoon Park is an out-and-back along two branches of the Outlet, which is a total of 1.25 miles of paddling.

Launch characteristics: Wooden platform with 1 step down, that is approximately 1 foot above water level; Gradually sloped grassy/mud/gravel bottom area near the bridge

Location: 205 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, NY

Directions: Parking is located in the public parking lot adjacent to the large hotel construction site.  The parking lot entrance is off of Lakeshore Drive, approximately 0.2 miles east of Muar Street.  Use the western entrance to reach the launch area.

GPS Coordinates:   42.875203, -77.261305

Parking: approximately 25 spaces available at public parking lot adjacent to the hotel construction site (use western entrance).

Fees: None

Amenities: rack provides temporary boat storage (bring your own lock, but rack has metal loops to hook into); fishing platform at this site; Lagoon Park (just across Lakeshore Drive) has walking paths; a walking bridge over the Canandaigua Outlet provides access to all of the amenities to Kershaw Park

Restrictions/other information: There can be a strong current near the outlet gates in Lagoon Park when they are open.  Stay at least 300 feet from the outlet gates at all times.  The outlet gates are located at the eastern end of Lagoon Park behind Wegmans. See map and photo below. At present time, no paddlers are allowed within 500 feet of shoreline near the Kershaw swim beach (Canandaigua City Code 519-17) – restricted area is designated by buoys.

Closest Emergency Take Out: Kershaw Park Small Marine Craft Launch Area – 155 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua

Phone Number and Website: (585) 396-5060  http://www.canandaiguanewyork.gov/index.asp?SEC=C8914E2E-B169-445A-83C3-15DF86FFF888

Description: Lagoon Park is a 34-acre park featuring a portion of the Canandaigua Outlet, wetlands, walking trails and fishing platforms. The typically calm, sheltered waters of the Outlet in Lagoon Park create the perfect opportunity for paddling for novices, for times when the open lake waters are rough, or for those simply looking for a sheltered water paddling experience. 

Warning: While waters in Lagoon Park are often calm, there can be a strong current near the outlet gates when they are open.  Stay at least 300 feet from the outlet gates at all times.  The outlet gates are located at the eastern end of the park behind Wegmans. See map and photo below.

The route is an out and back through the northern and eastern branches of the Outlet in Lagoon Park, for a total of approximately 1.25 miles of paddling.

Launch characteristics: Destination Only (access and storage at the Canandaigua Outlet site)

Location: Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Directions: From the lake, paddle north up the Canandaigua Outlet, which is located on the eastern edge of Kershaw Park and just west of the hotel construction project. Paddle under the walking bridge and under the Lakeshore Drive bridge to enter the park; From the Canandaigua Outlet access point, paddle north under the Lakeshore Drive bridge.

GPS Coordinates: 42.876023, -77.261206

Parking: Destination Site only

Fees: None

Amenities: walking paths and fishing platforms; a walking bridge over the Canandaigua Outlet provides access to all of the amenities to Kershaw Park

Restrictions/other information: There can be a strong current near the outlet gates when they are open.  Stay at least 300 feet from the outlet gates at all times.  The outlet gates are located at the eastern end of the park behind Wegmans. See map and photo below. At present time, no paddlers are allowed within 500 feet of shoreline near the Kershaw swim beach (Canandaigua City Code 519-17) – restricted area is designated by buoys.

Closest Emergency Take Out: Canandaigua Outlet Access Site – GPS Coordinates: 42.875203, -77.261305 

Phone Number and Website: (585) 396-5060  http://www.canandaiguanewyork.gov/index.asp?SEC=C8914E2E-B169-445A-83C3-15DF86FFF888

Description: Ontario Beach Park is an excellent place to rest during a paddle and have a picnic overlooking the lake.  There are terraced stones which have been informally used to launch boats, but the rocks are very steep and difficult to traverse. This park has over 300 feet of shoreline with a small grassed area, picnic tables, and grills.

Launch characteristics: informal launch – terraced stones create steep, uneven steps to water.

Location: 3990 – 4024 State Route 364 (East Lake Road), Canandaigua, NY

Directions: The park is located off of Route 364, less than ½ mile south of Turner Road.

GPS Coordinates: 42.834149, -77.256658

Parking: 18 parking spots

Amenities: flush toilets (time frame), picnic tables, grills.

Closest Emergency Take Out: Deep Run Park – across from 4281 East Lake Rd (Rte 364), Canandaigua, NY

GPS Coordinates: 42.820865, -77.25993

Location: Across from 4281 East Lake Rd (Rte 364), Canandaigua, NY

Directions: Located on the eastern shoreline at the public swimming beach, which has a bathhouse and lifeguard chairs, and is approximately 1 mile south of Ontario County Beach.

GPS Coordinates:   42.820865, -77.259930

Restrictions/other information: This is for emergency shoreline access only.

Destination Only Site

Description: Deep Run Park is an excellent spot to take a break from paddling.The park features a public swimming beach with lifeguards, bathroom facilities, and picnic benches and grills. The sandy shoreline makes for an easy landing.  This park is one of only a few mid-lake destination points.

Launch characteristics: gradually sloped sandy beach

Location: Across from 4281 East Lake Rd (Rte 364), Canandaigua, NY

Directions: Located on the eastern shoreline at the public swimming beach, which has changing rooms and lifeguard chairs, and is approximately 1 mile south of Ontario Beach Park.

GPS Coordinates: 42.820929, -77.260002

Parking: No launching is permitted at this site.

Amenities: flush toilets, picnic tables, grills, water

Fees: None

Restrictions/other information: Paddlers must land their boats on the northern most section of the park, just south of the stream.  Kayaks and canoes may not enter the designated swimming area. Paddlers should avoid the large stacked rocks at the mouth of the stream along the northern border of the park.

Closest Emergency Take Out: Ontario Beach Park, 3990 – 4024 State Route 364 (East Lake Road), Canandaigua, NY – GPS Coordinates: 42.834149, -77.256658

Phone Number and Website: (585) 396-4000 https://www.co.ontario.ny.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Deep-Run-Beach-3

Description: Vine Valley Town Park offers paddlers a place to launch their boats, along with a place to swim or rest.  The park has a sandy beach with a gazebo to escape the sun and lifeguards are on duty for swimming during the summer month. Both trailed and cartop boats can launch at the gradually sloped concrete ramp.  The newly constructed bathhouse and newly renovated Vine Valley General Store make this a great destination point.

Location: Vine Valley Road, west of the South Lake Road intersection

Directions: The park is located at the western most part of Vine Valley Road. Take North Vine Valley Road and turn right onto Vine Valley Road at the Vine Valley Community Center.

GPS Coordinates: 42.723490, -77.327455

Parking: on-street parking is available, which can be limited during the summer

Fees: None

Amenities: restrooms (Memorial Day to Labor Day), picnic tables, grills, water (Memorial Day to Labor Day), Vine Valley General Store (sandwiches, snacks and ice cream offered seasonally)

Restrictions/other information:

Closest Emergency Take Out: FLLT East Shore Preserve (trail under construction to access road)

GPS Coordinates: 42.740265, -77.321558

Phone Number and Website: https://www.middlesexny.org/

Description: Onanda Park is a multi-use Town park on the west side of the lake, offering swimming, picnic facilities, a fishing dock, and hiking trails. The park also has pavilions, halls and overnight cabins for rental. The park is open from sunrise to sunset year round. Paddlers can launch from the park or use the park as a destination site.

Launch characteristics: gradually sloped, gravelly, natural beach between boat ramp and fishing dock

Location: 4965 County Road 16, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Directions: The park is located off of West Lake Road, approximately 8 miles south of the City of Canandaigua.  The park is south of Deuel Road and north of Barnes Road.

GPS Coordinates: 42.782129, -77.313149

Parking: Approximately 15 parking spots are located 450 feet from the launch area, but these fill quickly on busy summer weekend. Additional parking is across West Lake Road about 1/3 of a mile away from the launch site.

Fees: For those launching – pay at the gatehouse upon arrival; $5/vehicle during the week; $7/vehicle on weekends and holidays; $1/person for walk-ins

For those accessing the park from the water –  see instructions on the Town of Canandaigua website for fees and payment

Amenities: flush toilets, potable water, public swimming with lifeguard on duty Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, picnic tables and grills; cabins for overnight rentals with a minimum 2 night stay and required reservations; pavilions and halls for rental; fishing platform; hiking path

Restrictions/other information: Boats must launch and land along the natural shoreline between the boat ramp and fishing platform. Paddlers landing at Onanda Park as a destination site must pay park fees in advance and be able to show park staff a receipt for payment (see instructions on Town of Canandaigua website).  When not in use, boats must be stored according to park rules. Organized, multi-boat events must secure a Temporary Use Permit by the Town Board to utilize the park as a launching or destination point. No trailered boats allowed between April 15th and November 15th. Cabins must be pre-reserved and require a 2-night minimum. No camping permitted. No alcohol allowed. Follow all park rules.

Closest Emergency Take Out: FLLT East Shore Preserve (trail under construction to access road)

GPS Coordinates: 42.740265, -77.321558

Phone Number and Website: http://townofcanandaigua.org

Description: The Finger Lakes Land Trust East Shore Preserve at Bare Hill is 390 feet of protected shoreline. This rustic site offers paddlers a place to rest or have a picnic. The gradually sloped sandy/gravel beach provides for easy landing and launching. The preserve is located close to the Vine Valley Boat Launch and is perfect destination for a couple of hours paddling.

Launch characteristics: gradually sloped gravel/sandy beach

Location: This site is only accessible to paddlers from the water.  The site is approximately 1.3 miles north of the Vine Valley Boat Launch on the east side of the lake. It is across the lake from Seneca Point.

Directions: The site is marked with signs for the Finger Lakes Land Trust and is approximately 1.3 miles north of the Vine Valley Boat Launch.

GPS Coordinates: 42.740265, -77.321558

Parking: None

Fees: None

Amenities: No restrooms, potable water or other facilities.

Restrictions/other information: No swimming is permitted from the shoreline.  No motorized boats are allowed to land on the shoreline at this site.  
Closest Emergency Take Out: Vine Valley Town Park – North Vine Valley Rd., Middlesex, NY 

Description: Woodville State Boat Launch is the main launch site for both trailered and cartop boats on the southern end of Canandaigua Lake. It features the only accessible canoe/kayak ramp on the body of the lake, which is available seasonally.  Year round, paddlers can utilize a small landing area and can use the trailered boat ramp when it’s not busy.  This is an excellent launch site for people of all paddling abilities, as they can easily paddle on the open water of the lake or take a short paddle to the calmer waters of West River.  If paddlers are looking for a place to eat, the Sawmill Restaurant is located 100 yards north of the launch and there are numerous dining options in the Village of Naples approximately 3.5 miles south of the launch.

Launch characteristics: accessible chute launch with composite dock; gradually sloped, gravel shoreline; trailered boat ramp.

Location: 7121-7201 Rt. 21, Naples, NY

Directions: Located off of Route 21 in Woodville approximately 3.5 miles north of the Village of Naples; it is only approximately ¼ south of Smith Boys Marina.

GPS Coordinates: 42.668427, -77.363717

Parking: approximately 80 parking spots

Fees: None

Amenities: portable toilets (time frame)

Closest Emergency Take Out: Finger Lakes Land Trust Great Hill Nature Preserve – eastern shoreline of Canandaigua Lake near the Sunnyside Road dead-end.

Description: The West River State Boat Launch provides access to the winding West River complex for both cartop and trailered boats, offering a sheltered-water paddling experience. This is one of only two accessible launch points for paddlers in the area. While this site does not provide direct lake access, paddlers can reach the lake through a 1.75 mile paddle down West River. Paddlers can also view wildlife, go fishing or access the Lehigh Valley Rail Trail, making this site an excellent destination point.

Launch characteristics: accessible chute launch with composite dock; trailered boat ramp.

Location: 4934 Route 245, Naples, NY

Directions: Located off of Route 245 approximately ½ mile southwest of Sunnyside Road in the Town of Italy.

GPS Coordinates: 42.651461, -77.340529

Parking: approximately 12 car and trailer parking spots

Fees: none

Restrictions/other information: When lake level is low, West River can get weedy. Also, West River has a population of water chestnut, an invasive species, which is actively being managed.  Paddlers should take extra care to inspect and clean their boats to prevent the spread of water chestnut.

Closest Emergency Take Out:  4830 Sunnyside Rd, off Rt. 245 north of Naples 

Description: The West River DEC State Fishing Access Site is mainly a fishing access site for West River, but is also used to launch car-top boats.  This is a primitive facility with no water, restrooms or other facilities. The West River provides paddlers with a sheltered-water paddling experience and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Paddlers can also access the Lehigh Valley Rail Trail from this site, making this site an excellent destination point. They can also reach the lake from this site by paddling downstream.

Launch characteristics: grassy, natural shoreline

Location: 4830 Route 245, Naples, NY

Directions: Located off of Sunnyside Road just north of Route 245

GPS Coordinates: 42.656295, -77.331255

Parking: approximately 5 cars

Fees: none

Amenities: No restrooms, water or other facilities.

Restrictions/other information: When lake level is low, West River can get weedy. Also, West River has a population of water chestnut, an invasive species, which is actively being managed.  Paddlers should take extra care to inspect and clean their boats to prevent the spread of water chestnut.

Closest Emergency Take Out: West River State Boat Launch – 4934 Route 245, Naples, NY 

Description: The Finger Lakes Land Trust West River Preserve is 64 acres of restored grassland habitat.  The site offers excellent grassland birdwatching and is a designated Audubon Important Bird Area.  The site also has breath-taking views of the Naples Valley. 

Launch characteristics: This site is not accessible from the water.

Location: This site is located on Sunnyside Road approximately 0.5 miles north of West River DEC Fishing Access Site.

Directions: Land at the West River DEC Fishing Access Site at Sunnyside Road and walk north on Sunnyside Road approximately 0.5 miles. Just past the intersection with West Avenue, there is a clearing and educational signage for visitors.

GPS Coordinates:  42.661489, -77.333722

Parking: None

Fees: None

Amenities: No restrooms, water or other facilities.

Restrictions/other information: There are no trails on the property. Its primary use is birdwatching and as a scenic overlook.

Description: The winding West River complex is the ideal location for those looking for a sheltered-water paddling experience.  Paddlers can also view wildlife, go fishing or access the Lehigh Valley Rail Trail, making this site an excellent destination point.  West River has two launch sites directly on it or it can be accessed from the lake. The entrance from the lake is on the very southern end of the lake. The paddle from the lake to the Sunnyside Road Launch is approximately 2.5 miles. Restrictions/other information: When lake level is low, West River can get weedy. Also, West River has a population of water chestnut, an invasive species, which is actively being managed.  Paddlers should take extra care to inspect and clean their boats to prevent the spread of water chestnut.

GPS Coordinates: 42.665353, -77.357319

Emergency Take Out Site Only

Location: 3524 Co Rt. 16, Canandaigua, NY – Boat ramp located at the south end of the walled shoreline
Ownership: private
Latitude/Longitude: 42.856939, ?77.279210

Description: The Canandaigua Yacht Club is a private sailing club located about 2 miles down the west side of the Lake.
The Yacht Club has agreed to allow this site to be an emergency take out site only.

Emergency Take Out Site Only

Directions: Located on the eastern shoreline of Canandaigua Lake near the Sunnyside Road dead-end –  approximately 0.5 miles north of the southern tip of the lake.

Take-out Location: Look for sign designating area as part of the Finger Lakes Land Trust; Sunnyside Road is right along the shoreline and a cliff is on the far side of the road.