Summer Activities: The Best Finger Lakes Kayaking

Summer Activities: The Best Finger Lakes Kayaking

 

When summer returns to New York, the Finger Lakes Region attracts adventurer's from all over the country. Nature enthusiasts spend their summers exploring the area's beautiful state parks, cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, and glacial lakes. There are endless ways to get outside and explore the region's beauty, from hiking to biking and kayaking. Ithaca offers a fantastic destination to experience Finger Lakes kayaking just minutes from our luxury hotel La Tourelle.

 

Ithaca is located on the southern end of Cayuga Lake, the longest body of water in the Finger Lakes. And just down the road is the largest Finger Lake, Seneca Lake, where you can discover even more paddling adventures. Visit us in Ithaca and spend your summer paddling the beautiful lakes of New York.

Cayuga Lake

Cayuga Lake spans three different counties, offering dozens of launching points since it's the longest body of water in the Finger Lakes. There are also plenty of kayak rentals and tours available to make your paddling adventure more accessible than ever!

Paddledockers

Launch your kayak right from downtown Ithaca and start your paddling adventure on the Cayuga inlet. If you prefer a local guide to show you the best kayaking route, sign up for Paddledockers morning or evening tour.

Paddle-N-More

Paddle-N-More offers excellent watercraft rentals for your Finger Lakes kayaking adventure. They offer kayak rentals at three launching locations on Cayuga Lake. These include Stewart Park in Ithaca, Myers Park in Lansing, and Taughannock Falls State Park in Trumansburg.

Seneca Lake

Since Cayuga and Seneca Lakes are just around 20 minutes from each other, it is easy to paddle both lakes in one trip. We recommend launching your kayak from the Seneca Harbor Marina in Watkins Glen. Paddle the crystal clear water of Seneca Lake as you take in the views of scenic cliffs and waterfalls.

 

We recommend the kayak rentals and guided tours with Summit to Stream Adventures for your Seneca Lake kayaking adventure. Their tours include a canal paddle trip where you will make your way to Catherin Creek Marsh to encounter wildlife like deer, beaver, muskrat, foxes, and turtles. Call 607-535-2701 to reserve your kayak or book a tour.

Finger Lakes Kayaking

Make the most of your Finger Lakes kayaking experience and make a stop along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. There are dozens of charming shops and restaurants along the lake that offer the perfect pit stop for your kayaking adventure. After your day on the water, return to La Tourelle to unwind and reflect on the day. Enjoy a delicious dinner at our on-site restaurant or feel your stress melt away at our August Moon Spa. Discover all of our Ithaca hotel rooms and stay in some of the coziest accommodations in the Finger Lakes region.