Accessible Travel Guide to Ontario County Finger Lakes, New York

Ontario County sits right in the middle of the Finger Lakes, a chain of five beautiful lakes, and gives you access to all of them without committing to just one town or resort area – because the whole area is worth checking out.

Canandaigua and Geneva are the two main anchors. Canandaigua feels more relaxed and lake-focused with parks, marinas, and walkable waterfront areas. Geneva is a bit busier and more compact, with tasting rooms, restaurants, and cultural stops clustered close together. Victor sits closer to Rochester and works well if you want trails and parks.

What makes Ontario County worth visiting is how doable it is. You don’t need to plan every hour or jump between far-apart attractions. Trails connect towns. Lakefront parks are close to restaurants. Wineries and breweries are grouped instead of scattered.

Ontario County also has Accessibility Verified places. This means trained mappers have gone into hotels, attractions, and restaurants to measure and assess things that actually matter, like entry access, bathroom layouts, and turning space. That means less guessing and fewer surprises when you arrive.

This guide covers when to visit, where to stay, what’s worth your time, and how to plan a trip that works for you without overcomplicating it.

Best Time to Visit and Accessibility

Ontario County works year-round, so it just depends on the type of getaway you're looking for. Late spring through early fall is when most people visit. The weather is comfortable, the lakes are active, and wineries, trails, and lakefront parks are fully open. Summer brings boat traffic and festivals, especially around Canandaigua and Geneva, while fall slows things down a bit and adds grape harvest season and foliage drives that are some of the best in the country.

Winter is quieter and more spread out. Some attractions reduce hours, but towns like Canandaigua and Geneva still have restaurants, museums, and indoor things to do. If you like fewer crowds and don’t mind cold weather, it can be a solid off-season option.

From an accessibility standpoint, Ontario County is a mix. Downtown areas, lakefront paths, museums, and newer attractions tend to be the easiest places to get around. Trails and outdoor areas vary a lot depending on surface and grade, so it’s worth sticking to paved paths, rail trails, and designated accessible routes when you’re planning time outside. Many wineries, museums, and public attractions now offer step-free entrances and accessible restrooms, especially in the more visited areas around the lakes.

Where to Stay

You can't really go wrong wherever you choose to stay.

Canandaigua is one of the most popular home bases, and for good reason. You’ve got direct access to Canandaigua Lake, a walkable waterfront, parks, restaurants, and boat activity all in one area. Hotel Canandaigua is a top option. Located right on the lake, you'll have access to the waterfront path, pier, and downtown restaurants just minutes away. Accessibility-wise, there are room options with roll-in showers, grab bars, and portable shower seats available, along with plenty of turning space in both the bedroom and bathroom. The onsite restaurant and bar look out over the lake and serve seasonal menus, and the outdoor pool is equipped with a lift, making it easy to enjoy time by the water without leaving the property.

The Lake House is another hotel to put on your radar. It feels even more like a stay-you-don’t-want-to-leave kind of place. It also sits right on the lake and offers not only roll-in showers and grab bars, but also enough space under the bed for a Hoyer lift. Their amenities are top-notch with full spa services (with saunas), lakefront pool with a lift, fire-pit areas around the resort, and much more.

Geneva works well if you want a slightly busier town feel with restaurants, tasting rooms, museums, and the lakefront close together. It’s also a good jumping-off point for exploring wineries around Seneca and Keuka Lakes. Fairfield Inn & Suites is a practical, affordable option here. They also have roll-in showers with grab bars, and low bed heights for easier transfers. They offer free continental breakfast each morning.

Victor is less about lake views and more about convenience. It’s closer to Rochester, right off major roads, and near trail systems and parks. If you plan to spend a lot of time on paved trails or want easy highway access, staying in or near Victor can make your trip simpler.

No matter where you stay, having a car makes things easier in Ontario County. Distances between towns are short, but attractions are spread out, and driving gives you the flexibility to actually enjoy them without rushing.

Accessible Things to Do in Ontario County

Ontario County works well for travelers who want variety without long drives. Lakes, paved trails, wineries, historic sites, and small downtowns are all close enough that you can mix outdoor time with food, culture, and easy exploring in the same day.

Canandaigua Lake & Waterfront

Canandaigua Lake is the most obvious place to start. The lakefront area has parks, a pier, and paved paths that make it easy to spend time by the water without committing to a full-day outing. You’ll see people walking, biking, kayaking, or just sitting along the shore. It’s also close to restaurants and downtown, so it’s easy to pair with a meal or coffee stop.

Ontario Pathways Rail Trail

If you want a longer, uninterrupted roll, the Ontario Pathways Rail Trail is one of the best options in the county. It’s a wide, paved trail that stretches for miles through wooded areas, open land, and small towns. You don’t need to do the whole thing. You can hop on at different access points and turn around whenever you want, which makes it flexible for different energy levels.

Ganondagan State Historic Site (Victor)

Ganondagan State Historic Site is an important Indigenous historic site focused on Seneca history and culture. The visitor center offers exhibits, storytelling, and interpretive displays that give real context to the land you’re traveling through. The grounds are open and scenic, and many visitors combine this stop with time in Victor or nearby trails.

Visit Local Wineries

Ontario County sits in the heart of Finger Lakes wine country, and you don’t need to be a wine expert to enjoy it. Tastings here tend to be relaxed, scenic, and easy to fit into one of your days. Here are a few top ones to consider:

• Billsboro Winery (Geneva): Billsboro is a good first stop if you want something low-key and approachable. They focus on small-lot Finger Lakes wines, and tastings feel casual rather than scripted. It’s easy to pair a visit here with time in downtown Geneva or a walk along the lakefront.
• Arbor Hill Grapery & Winery (Canandaigua): Arbor Hill is known as much for the setting as the wine. The vineyard sits up on a hill with wide views of the surrounding countryside, and tastings are straightforward and unpretentious. It’s also home to Brew & Brats at Arbor Hill, making it an easy place to combine wine, beer, and a simple meal in one stop.
• Heron Hill Tasting Room at Canandaigua Lake: Heron Hill is all about the wine and the view. The tasting room sits above Canandaigua Lake, so you’re looking out over the water while sampling Finger Lakes wines. They’re especially known for their Rieslings, but there’s a full lineup to taste through. They also offer small bites, like cheese plates, to enjoy while you taste. If you want the full experience, go at sunset.

Seneca Lake State Park (Geneva)

Located at the north end of Seneca Lake, this park is one of the easiest ways to enjoy the water without committing to a long hike or full-day plan. The park is flat and open, with paved paths along the lake, marina views, and plenty of space to stop, sit, and take in the scenery. It works especially well if you’re staying in Geneva or visiting nearby wineries, since it’s right in town and easy to pair with lunch or a tasting nearby.

Where to Eat

Ontario County’s food scene leans local and unfussy, with a mix of lakefront spots, wineries with kitchens, and places that locals actually go back to. You don’t need to overplan meals here, but these are a few places worth putting on your list.

Simply Crepes (Canandaigua)

Simply Crepes focuses on scratch-made food with a wide menu of savory and sweet crepes, plus breakfast plates, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. It’s a popular spot near the lake and downtown Canandaigua, especially for breakfast and lunch. The savory crepes are the main draw, with fillings like chicken, vegetables, cheeses, and sauces. They also serve a variety of local beers and wines.

Kindred Fare (Geneva)

Kindred Fare is about warmth, from their atmosphere to their service and of course, their heart-filled menu with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Their menu offers outstanding shareables and mouth-watering entrees like steak, fried chicken and pasta. They offer vegan options. After your meal, stay a while and enjoy an espresso and one of their house-made desserts.

COHO Pizza & Wine Bar (Canandaigua)

If you're craving pizza, COHO is a go-to spot for pizza and wine in Canandaigua. The focus is wood-fired with a thin crust, plus salads and a handful of small plates. Their wine list highlights Finger Lakes wineries, so it’s a good place to try something local with your meal. It works well for an easy dinner that doesn’t feel rushed, especially if you’re spending time near the lake or downtown.

Brew & Brats at Arbor Hill (Canandaigua)

Brew & Brats is exactly what it sounds like, in the best way. Sausages, pretzels, burgers, and casual beer-friendly food, paired with Arbor Hill’s wines and ciders. It’s laid-back, outdoors-focused, and easy to stop at if you’re already visiting the winery or passing through the area. This is more of a relaxed lunch or early dinner spot than a long sit-down meal, but it’s solid and satisfying.

Local Events

Naples Grape Festival (September)

Held each fall in the village of Naples, this festival is all about the grape harvest and the food that comes with it. Grape pie is the star, but you’ll also find local vendors, wine tastings, crafts, and live music spread through town. It’s busy but manageable, and it’s one of the easiest ways to experience the Finger Lakes’ agricultural side without committing to a full winery tour day.

Indigenous Music & Arts Festival (Summer)

Hosted at Ganondagan State Historic Site, this festival focuses on Indigenous culture through music, art, storytelling, dance, and food. It feels intentional and educational rather than overwhelming. If you’re visiting in summer and want something meaningful that connects directly to the region’s history, this is worth planning around.

Fire & Ice Festival (Winter)

Canandaigua’s Fire & Ice Festival gives winter a reason to visit instead of avoid it. Downtown fills with ice sculptures, carving demonstrations, fire performances, food, and warm drinks. It’s compact, walkable, and centered around the main streets, so you can take it in without spending all day outside.

Getting Around Ontario County

Ontario County is spread out, so having a plan for transportation makes a big difference. While towns like Canandaigua and Geneva are walkable once you’re there, getting between lakes, wineries, parks, and attractions usually requires a car or some form of scheduled transit.

Public transportation does exist, but it works best if you plan ahead. RTS Access serves Ontario County and connects to the greater Rochester area. It’s a door-to-door service for eligible riders and can be helpful if you’re staying in one place and heading to specific stops. Finger Lakes Bus Service, operated by The Arc Ontario, provides transportation within the county, mainly for essential trips. It’s reliable, but routes and schedules are limited, so it’s not ideal for spontaneous exploring.

Of course, renting a vehicle is the easiest and most convenient option, especially if you want to visit multiple lakes, wineries, parks, or small towns in one trip. If you need a wheelchair-accessible van, United Access operates locations in nearby Rochester (about 30 minutes from Canandaigua) and Syracuse (just over an hour from Canandaigua), both of which are common arrival points for the Finger Lakes. Renting from either city works well if you’re flying in and then driving into Ontario County. They can even drop off the vehicle at the airport for an extra fee. Inventory can be limited, so booking ahead is important, especially during peak seasons.

Overall, Ontario County rewards travelers who give themselves flexibility. With a car, you can move at your own pace, take scenic drives, and actually enjoy the region without feeling rushed.

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