Resting among the tall trees of Ontario County, Canandaigua is part of New York's Finger Lakes region. Its name comes from the Seneca word “Kanandarque,” which translates to “the chosen spot.” The city is prized for its walkability, historic homes, a local spread of microbreweries and wineries, and the 16-square-mile Canandaigua Lake, which is a popular recreational destination in upstate New York.
Census data estimates that Canandaigua’s population was 11,380 residents in 2023, a 13.5% increase from 2010. Tourism is a large part of life here, with the lake and attractions like Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park bringing visitors from across the Empire State. Major industries include county government, as Canandaigua is the county seat of Ontario County, and health care, with the Canandaigua VA Medical Center and F.F. Thompson Hospital within the city. F.F. Thompson is the largest employer in Canandaigua, says Tracey Stritto, president and CEO of the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce: "They’re the largest and growing exponentially as time goes on." She adds that the city also has some manufacturing.
Canandaigua is also part of the state’s Wine Country, and it's where one of the world’s largest wine and spirits companies was founded. “Constellation Brands is a regionally born wine and spirits company that grew out of Canandaigua, the closest Finger Lake to Rochester," says Erik Frisch, Rochester’s deputy commissioner of neighborhood and business development. "[They’re] now a Fortune 500 firm that owns Corona, Modelo and Robert Mondavi.” Headquartered in Rochester, just a half hour away, Constellation owns wineries within Canandaigua proper, keeping to its roots.
Canandaigua Lakes serves as the main attraction to the citys tourism indurstry.
F.F. Thompson Hospital is the Canandaigua's largest employer.
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Canandaigua Lake for swimming, fishing and boating
Locals can fish for rainbow trout and largemouth bass at Canandaigua Lake or rent motorboats, pontoon boats or kayaks to explore the area, while Kershaw Swimming Lake is open through the summer for anyone looking to take a dip. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds at Baker Park or Richard P. Outhouse Memorial Park.
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is a 50-acre botanical garden surrounding a historic Queen Anne mansion. In appropriate seasons, visitors can tour the home or its vibrant meadows. In the summers, the city hosts Roseland Waterpark, with a wave pool, lazy river and waterslides for the whole family to enjoy.
Canandaigua has four distinct seasons, with humid summers, icy winters and an average annual snowfall higher than New York state's.
There are plenty of walking trails along Canandaigua Lake.
Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is a 50-acre botanical garden surrounding a historic Queen Anne mansion.
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Dining on Main Street and exploring the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail
Main Street hosts restaurants and shops on either side of a tree-dotted median. The Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail extends 22 miles between several wineries around the lake and is a great opportunity to sample local vintages and take in sweeping views of the waterfront. The Greater Rochester–Finger Lakes region is known for several homegrown dishes, like grape pie from the neighboring town of Naples and Chicken French from Rochester, an Italian-inspired entree of chicken cutlets in a tangy lemon sauce.
Pintxo Wine Bar in Canandaigua serves vibrant small plates, homemade bread, and charcuterie.
Bon Ami French Bistro on Main Street in Canandaigua has a warm and cozy atmosphere.
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Late 19th-century homes on the market
Single-family homes range from $90,000 to $550,000, varying by square footage, remodel status and age. Styles range from American Foursquares, colonials and Victorian homes, some built as far back as the 1890s, while midcentury ramblers and bi-level homes are also available.
According to data from the Canandaigua Police Department, violent crimes dropped by 4.4% from 2020 to 2023, while property crimes have experienced a slight decrease. Overall, Canandaigua’s crime rate is well below the national average.
Home styles in Canandaigua range from American Foursquares, colonials and Victorian homes, some built as far back as the 1890.
Overall, Canandaigua’s crime rate is well below the national average.
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One of the best school districts in Ontario County
Canandaigua City School District serves the city and much of the northern Canandaigua Lake communities. It is rated an A-minus overall on Niche, which ranks it as the second-best school district in Ontario County. The town is also home to Finger Lakes Community College, a SUNY school.
Canandaigua City School District is rated an A-minus overall on Niche, which ranks it as the second-best school district in Ontario County.
Canandaigua is home to Finger Lakes Community College, a SUNY school.
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Annual festivities in Canandaigua
The city hosts a variety of annual events that bring the community together. “Winter in Canandaigua has three parts — a family-friendly winter carnival with vendors, food and beverage tastings in January,” Stritto says. “In February, the Business Improvement District puts on Fire and Ice, with chili cookoffs, ice sculptures and sled dogs. That one has gotten very popular over the last decade.” Winter in Canandaigua finishes in March at nearby ski resort Bristol Mountain with the Spring Fling, an event full of vendors, food, music and face painting. “It’s kind of a last hurrah for skiers at the end of the winter season,” Stritto adds. Folks often come to see live music at CMAC, a covered amphitheater on the Finger Lakes Community College campus; Stritto mentions that big-name artists have played there, including the Dave Matthews Band and Carrie Underwood.
Bristol Mountain is one of the hosts of the annual Canandaigua Winterfest.
The Canandaigua Winterfest begins with family-friendly events including local vendors at Bristol Mountain.
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Rochester is less than 30 miles away
Commuters will likely take Rochester Road 28 miles to Rochester for work. Local government offices are about a mile drive east of the city along Saltonstall Street. Ontario RTS buses are available, but access is somewhat limited, with just a few routes. Canandaigua’s downtown is highly walkable, with consistent sidewalks and access to the Ontario Pathways rail trail, which runs 26 miles through the county.
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