Canandaigua Lakefront Walkway and Lagoon Park Loop

If you’ve ever wondered how many beautiful features can fit into just a couple of miles of shoreline, the Canandaigua Lakefront Walkway might convince you the answer is “more than you think.” From a kinetic sculpture honoring a beloved amusement park, to a sacred Seneca burial site, to a tiny island called peace, to the iconic 1850s boathouses — this walk (yes, walk!) is filled with history, character, and lakeside charm at every turn.

Join us for a relaxed, scenic, laughter-filled Sunday outing where the biggest climb will likely be stepping up onto the City Pier boardwalk. A perfect November adventure for all!

PS – Suggestion for Before the Walk: Explore the Canandaigua Christkindl Market!

For those who would like to begin their day in Canandaigua earlier, I highly recommend visiting the Canandaigua Christkindl Market before our walk. Open on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with $8 admission, this exceptional European-style holiday market transforms the grounds of the Granger Homestead & Carriage Museum (295 N. Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424) into a festive village with 130+ artisans, German foods, mulled beverages, music, baked goods, and holiday cheer. If you’ve never been, it’s a wonderful experience — and if you have, you already know why it’s worth arriving in town early! Please visit the website parking and shuttle information: https://grangerhomestead.org/events/christkindl-market-2023/

Use this map to find the parking lot and the Canandaigua Lady Dock. Click on the image for a larger view.

Hike Meeting Time, Place & Parking 

We will meet at 1:45 p.m. at the Canandaigua Lady Boat Tours Dock with a prompt departure at 2:00 p.m.

Parking: Behind Hotel Canandaigua (205 Lakeshore Dr., Canandaigua, NY 14424), accessed via the Boat Tour / Kershaw Park Parking entrance.

Surface: Flat and well-groomed (paved, gravel, sidewalk)
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed along the Lakefront Walkway; not permitted in Lagoon Park
Bathrooms: Port-a-potties available at the Kershaw Park Bath House and on the City Pier

“Hike” (a.k.a. Walk) Description

This is an approximately 90-minute walk:

• 45 minutes along the Lakefront Walkway
• 45 minutes around the Lagoon Park Loop

From the Canandaigua Lady dock, we’ll begin by heading east toward the shimmering kinetic sculpture The Ghost of Roseland. After looping around the walkway’s end (high-fives optional but encouraged!), we’ll turn west toward Kershaw Park, enjoying open lake views and lakeside art.

We’ll stay on the path north of the gazebo (we’ll pass it again on the return) and continue toward the Canandaigua City Pier, one of the most picturesque and historic spots on the lake.

After walking the full pier loop — including a stop to admire Skenoh Island — we’ll return along the lakeshore toward Twisted Rail Brewing.

From Twisted Rail, we cross the outlet, follow the path north, cross Lakeshore Drive, and enter Lagoon Park, a tranquil wetlands preserve where we’ll complete the 1.7-mile outer loop before returning to Twisted Rail for our social gathering.

Social at Twisted Rail Brewing (169 Lakeshore Dr, Canandaigua, NY 14424) http://www.twistedrailbrewing.com

After our walk, we’ll gather at Twisted Rail for food, beverages, and good conversation. A cozy way to wrap up our lakeside adventure!

Landmarks & Points of Interest Along the Route

1. Seneca Burial Marker

Near the east end of the lakefront, this bronze marker honors sixteen Seneca men and boys — dwellers of the ancient village of Kanandarque — whose remains were found lying in a circle, faces turned toward Genundewa (Bare Hill), a sacred Seneca site. A powerful reminder of the deep Indigenous history of Canandaigua Lake.

2. “The Ghost of Roseland” Sculpture

Artist: Benji Carr • Installed: 2025 A stainless-steel kinetic sculpture celebrating Roseland Park (1925–1985), the amusement park that once delighted generations of Finger Lakes families. Its ferris-wheel and carousel forms turn gently in the breeze — a lakeside tribute to summers past.

3. Skenoh Island

Visible from the City Pier and reachable by the footbridge near the boathouses, this tiny island’s name means “peace” in the Seneca language. It’s one of the smallest state-recognized islands in the U.S. and is known for its rare oncolite formations and cultural significance. Interpretive signs share its stories of geology and heritage.

4. The Historic City Pier and Boathouses

Home to more than 80 colorful boathouses dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the City Pier is a Finger Lakes icon. Once bustling with steamboats and fishermen, it remains one of the most photographed spots in the region — practically a lakeside postcard come to life.

5. Lagoon Park & the Wetland Loop

A peaceful 34-acre wildlife preserve featuring gravel trails, bridges, boardwalks, and quiet views along the Canandaigua Outlet. Look for herons, ducks, turtles, and late-season birds enjoying the calm. Note: Pets are not permitted in Lagoon Park due to its protected habitat.

Directions:

From the Canandaigua Wegmans: These directions are provided in case the instructions below are confusing.  Exit the Wegmans Parking lot to Route 20. Turn right onto Route 20. In 0.1 miles, take the first right onto E Lake Rd (NY-364). In about 0.3 miles, turn right onto Lakeshore Dr. In 0.4 miles there is a well marked crosswalk to Lagoon Park. Turn left into the parking lot (You will see a sign for Boat Tours and an EV Charging Station). Head toward the lake for the parking lot.

From Springwater and Honeoye: From Springwater, head north on NY-15A N/N Main St. In 2.7 mi take a slight right onto Old Bald Hill Rd South, and then an immediate right onto Johnson Hill Rd. Stay on Johnson Hill Rd until it ends at Canadice Rd (CR 37). Turn left and stay on CR 37 through Canadice and north to US-20A. Turn right onto US-20A E into Honeoye.  Stay on 20A to the stop sign at NY 64 (7.9 miles).  Turn left and follow NY-64/US 20A to the light at 5&20.  Turn right and follow 5&20 into Canandaigua. At the first light in Canandaigua at S Main St, turn right onto Lakeshore Dr. In 1 mile, you will pass the Hotel Canandaigua on the right. Take the second right entrance at the Boat Tours sign (You will see a sign for Kershaw Parking and for Boat Tours). Head toward the lake for the parking lot.