Perhaps you already know your preferred outdoor activity, or perhaps you are ready to try something new. Here’s a little taste of what our sweet resort town offers: kayaking, biking, and ski and paddle board rentals. There is every reason to explore Canandaigua and the surrounding Finger Lakes. No matter your choice of outdoor play, our little chosen spot takes pride in catering to all of our visitors!
Want to tour the beautiful Finger Lakes on two wheels? The B&B at Oliver Phelps makes a great home base for a variety of bike rides.
For our guests we provide maps with turn-by-turn directions, difficulty, and distance instructions. Also highlighted are opportunities for historical/cultural sites, wineries/breweries, or heart opening scenery. You can be own personal tour guide on your own time discovering the many jewels this area has to offer!
Bringing your own wheels/skis/ board? Covered bike/board/ski parking is also available at the Inn.
Need some wheels? Kayak? There is a bicycle shop within a mile of the Inn that rents bicycles by the hour, day or week, and our Kayak rentals are a cool five min drive to the lake. Two-week advance reservations are recommended. https://www.recreationalvehiclesandequipment.com/. http://www.cdgasailboard.com/
Exploring the finger lakes on foot? There are hikes a plenty!
Make sure to bring hiking shoes that work well with wet terrain as we have many waterfall and gorge hikes that you want to be prepared for (I always bring a 2nd pair to have dry foot wear after). I will often finish up my errands, and look on google maps to find a hike nearby, and I am always delighted with my new found favorite hike( until the next one of course!!).
Like to plan in advance? I use – All Trails App https://www.alltrails.com/mobile. It has also helped me to find shortcuts back to my car when I find I hiked too far, and am out of time, ( I can get a little distracted by the beauty of nature.)
Here are some Biking and Hiking venues that are loved by locals and visitors alike, and are not to be missed!
Grimes Glen
Located in Naples at the south end of Canandaigua lake , it is easy and fun if you enjoy creek hiking, and waterfalls. Parking at Grimes Glen is limited and visitors are encouraged to park in the municipal lot located on Mill Street. (nearby is Tannery Creek if you want a little more challenge!)
Ontario Pathways
Hike ,bike ,cross country ski – you will have the luxury of 23 miles of open terrain, and country peace, passing by acres of farming, waterfalls ,and nicely constructed bridges.
Stid Hill
Mountain biking located across from our Bristol Ski Resort. Known for its 3 star difficulty rating due to the steep incline of the path.
Canadaigua Lake 44 miles, Seneca Lake 77 miles
For bicycle enthusiasts these trips are worthy of their challenge, and scenic to boot! You will find terrific local dining offers along the route as well.
Montezuma Wildlife Refuge
https://friendsofmontezuma.org/
There is more here to discover than your wildest imagination! Check out all you can do! To assist try this pre-visitor link: mwc.oncell.com.
Kershaw Park
Features 9 acres of park land on the north shore of Canandaigua Lake. Lakefront walkways, with beach area, and bathhouse, small craft launch area, and a public dock equipped with a boat pump-out station. Picnic pavilions and an open-air gazebo are also available. With-in walking distance you will find fine dining, breweries, pubs , music, homemade ice cream, spa services, and paddleboat/kayak rentals. Its as if you are in the midst of a small resort area.
Watkins Glen State Park
A must hike. You will want your full stamina to hike the entirety, which can be slightly challenging due to some of the paths inclines and wet terrain. This is one of many beautiful gorges in the finger lakes area, and not to be missed! While your there you can also check out Montour Falls only a few minutes away. Often on the journey back from Watkins our guests will stop at Ports Café for a bite, leaving time to stop along the way for a tasting or two at from the vast selection of wineries and breweries available. (Fox Run Vineyard is a common favorite!)
Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park
https://www.sonnenberg.org/
A serene respite in Canandaigua to stroll through its flower-filled gardens, and picnic under its majestic trees . Enjoy the magnificent mansion, on its 50-acre estate which is one of just two public gardens in all of the New York State Parks System .
Letchworth State park
Letchworth offers guided walks, tours, a summer lecture series, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and hot air ballooning. Also called “The Grand Canyon of the East,” a scenically magnificent area with a roaring gorge over three major waterfalls amidst lush forests. Hikers can choose among 66 miles of hiking trails. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/79/details.aspx
Niagara Falls State Park
Whether you are on the Canadian, or American side( or perhaps both) Niagara Falls, is a Natural Wonder that draws 14+ million visitors. It makes a perfect day trip for our out of state guests who want to see it ALL! Check out the links to find your perfect Niagara Falls experience.
https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/niagara-falls-state-park/
https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
