Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park

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Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park is a popular destination located in the Finger Lakes region of New York.


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Summary

Situated on the northern shore of Canandaigua Lake, the park offers stunning scenery and a variety of recreational activities.

One of the main reasons to visit the park is for its beautiful natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, boating, and swimming in the lake. Additionally, the park hosts several annual events, including a fishing derby and a fireworks display.

There are several points of interest to see within the park, including a playground, picnic areas, and a boat launch. The park also features a nature center where visitors can learn about the local wildlife and ecology.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Canandaigua Lake is one of the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes, reaching depths of up to 276 feet. It is also home to a variety of fish species, including bass, trout, and salmon.

The best time of year to visit the park depends on the activities you plan to do. Summer months are ideal for swimming and boating, while fall offers spectacular foliage and great fishing. Winter activities include ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Overall, Canandaigua Lake State Marine Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Finger Lakes region of New York. Its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and educational offerings make it a perfect spot for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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