Explore the Finger Lakes by Water

Canandaigua Lake offers gorgeous views of its miles of wooded hillsides and vineyards. Paddle the West River, which runs through part of the High Tor Wildlife Management Area at the south end, with its abundance of wildlife and still waters. Quietly paddle up to a whitetail deer or see wild turkeys in the surrounding fields.

On the north end, where the city of Canandaigua is located, you can paddle past a mix of lake cottages and open woodlands. Paddle down the outlet for a while if you want a break from open lake paddling, then stop at Kershaw Park and take a walk to stretch your legs, stopping for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area.

During peak season we do have a minimum rental amount of $200, due to the large distance between Canandaigua Lake and our shop. There is no minimum rental amount if you travel to our shop to rent the items.

Start your day in the village of Waterloo or Seneca Falls, paddling east through the locks on the Seneca–Cayuga River, entering Cayuga Lake’s north end. Here you can explore the interesting marshes and abundance of bird wildlife. You can also start from Cayuga Lake State Park, paddle up the Barge Canal and into the connecting Erie Canal, or just paddle the many miles of shoreline, enjoying the unique views of woodlands, vineyards, and cottages that you can only get from a canoe or kayak.

At the south end of the lake, you can paddle to one of several parks—Allen H. Treman State Marine Park, Stewart Park, or Cass Park. Here you can take a break from paddling to walk along the waterfront before getting back in your kayak and continuing on. Ithaca is located here and is a great place to stop for a bite to eat.

During peak season we do have a minimum rental amount of $400, due to the large distance between Cayuga Lake and our shop. There is no minimum rental amount if you travel to our shop to rent the items.

Keuka Lake offers a wide variety of paddling opportunities. At the Guyanoga Creek inlet on the northwest end of the lake, where the village of Branchport is located, you can paddle upstream for about 45 minutes to the first set of beaver dams, or go downstream toward the lake through a reed-filled marsh which eventually opens into the main body of the lake. Throughout this entire area, you will see several types of bird species, turtles, fish, and many other types of wildlife—including a possible whitetail deer sighting.

The other inlet on Keuka Lake is at the south end, where the village of Hammondsport is located. Take a break from paddling and stroll through this quaint small town with its many shops and restaurants.

The village of Penn Yan is located at the northeast end. Here you will find the town boat launch, which is an excellent place to put your kayak or canoe in the water. This area is protected from the weather and affords great paddling no matter how rough the lake may be. Here you will find a marsh to explore with several species of bird wildlife and more.

Also known as the “Little Finger Lakes,” Waneta and Lamoka Lakes can be easily accessed at the County Route 23 boat launch. From here you can paddle under the bridge, through the channel, and into Waneta Lake. Paddle the length of this small lake, taking in the unique beauty that it has to offer, then stop at The Waneta Inn for a break and something to eat.

Now paddle back under the bridge and down the wood-lined channel to Lamoka Lake. Paddle up to and around the various islands and marshes that can be found throughout this small lake. Paddle down the narrows into Mud Lake and back, taking a break along the way for a picnic lunch.

Known for its great depth—620 ft.—Seneca Lake is also the largest of the Finger Lakes at 37 miles long.

The city of Geneva is located at the north end, where the Seneca–Cayuga River originates, running west to Cayuga Lake. Here there are canal locks to paddle through and wildlife viewing opportunities along the way.

The south end offers excellent paddling along huge cliffs, where you can paddle up to the base of Hector Falls or paddle the Chemung Canal, which leads south out of the village of Watkins Glen. You can also hike the beautiful gorge and other trails of Watkins Glen State Park. Later, enjoy great shopping and dining opportunities in the village.

Visit one of our great Seneca Lake wineries by kayak. Miles Winery is located just a short distance from our main Seneca Lake launch. This is a great way to experience everything the Finger Lakes have to offer in one package.

Also known as the “Little Finger Lakes,” Waneta and Lamoka Lakes can be easily accessed at the County Route 23 boat launch. From here you can paddle under the bridge, through the channel, and into Waneta Lake. Paddle the length of this small lake, taking in the unique beauty that it has to offer, then stop at The Waneta Inn for a break and something to eat.

Now paddle back under the bridge and down the wood-lined channel to Lamoka Lake. Paddle up to and around the various islands and marshes that can be found throughout this small lake. Paddle down the narrows into Mud Lake and back, taking a break along the way for a picnic lunch.