Getting out on the water in Rochester, a medium-sized city in New York State,  is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, take in the sites of the city skyline or experience the history of the most remarkable engineering achievement of the 19th century – The Erie Canal.

Kayaking near Rochester, NY

Since we are originally from the Western New York area, and still visit frequently, we love confidently approaching any waterway in the area – knowing that nothing is actively trying to kill us. (Florida waterways are not nearly as kind.) Kayaking near Rochester, NY is family friendly, date friendly and solo friendly!

Rochester’s location on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York provides many great paddling opportunities, including flatwater paddling, rowing and even some whitewater kayaking. 

Before we dive into the paddling opportunities, as road scholars, we’d be missing a great opportunity if we didn’t first discuss the history and science of the Erie Canal.

Where are the best places for kayaking near Rochester, NY?

The Erie Canal

Completed in 1825, the Erie Canal connected the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean via the Hudson River, revolutionizing transportation by creating a direct water route from the Midwest to the East Coast. Spanning 363 miles from Albany, New York, to Buffalo, New York. This remarkable engineering achievement features 83 locks to manage a 565-foot elevation difference. 

The canal significantly lowered transportation costs, allowing goods such as grain and timber from the Midwest to reach markets in the East more affordably. It spurred economic growth and urban development along its route including the development of cities like Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo.  Despite the decline of commercial traffic in the mid-20th century due to the competition of railroads and highways, the Erie Canal, a National Historic Landmark, remains a recreational and historic landmark, attracting tourists and offering scenic cruises and biking paths along its route.

Paddling through a section of the Erie Canal is an excellent science lesson for any road scholar. The Erie Canal employs locks to facilitate the movement of boats through changes in water elevation along its route. These locks are designed to raise or lower vessels between different water levels, enabling navigation through varying terrains that would otherwise be impassable. Each lock consists of a long, narrow chamber with watertight gates at each end. When a boat approaches, it enters the lock chamber, and the gates are closed behind it to create a sealed environment. To raise a boat to a higher elevation, water is introduced into the lock chamber from an upstream reservoir or canal section, lifting the boat to the desired level. Conversely, to lower a boat to a lower elevation, water is drained from the lock chamber into a downstream reservoir or canal section. Throughout the process, careful management of water flow and gate operations ensures that the water levels inside the lock chamber are equalized with those of the canal sections on either side, allowing safe passage for vessels along the Erie Canal.

There are plenty of places for novice kayakers in Rochester, NY, but if you are an experienced kayaker, there is a perfect place for you as well- just keep reading! Here are the most popular places for kayaking in the Rochester area.  Finding the best place is a subjective adventure, but this list was compiled by like-minded people, and any one of them is sure to be a great time.

As with all our blog posts, we’ve included a Google Map  with some additional places for your reference. It’s always a good idea to take a look at a map and see what’s nearby. There may be a hidden gem right near your current location, and could be the difference between a good day and a great day!

Lock 32 on the Erie Canal

Because we are always looking to learn and experience unique new things, our number one location to kayak in the Rochester area is at Lock 32 on the Erie Canal.  Experiencing a Lock first hand is an unforgettable experience as thousands of gallons of water move in or out of the lock to raise or lower you 25 feet!!  It takes about 15-20 minutes to get through the lock, and it’s a wonderful experience! 

Kayak rentals can be acquired on location, and there are lessons and group tours available at Lock 32 Paddling Center.  Once you get your boat into the water, our recommendation is to experience the lock and then continue paddling east about 4.5 miles to a spot called Bushnell’s Basin Dock. Grab an ice cream cone before paddling back to your car. 

While the state charges for commercial and recreational boating to enter the lock, kayaks and canoes are allowed to transit without a fee. Paddle boards must exit the water and walk around the lock. There are ropes to hold on to along the side of the canal, but you will feel very little movement as the water level changes within the lock.  Just enjoy the ride!

Although there are bike paths and walking trails all along the canal, this paddling experience gives you a different perspective of the canal. Along the way you’ll see many unique sights, including century-old locks, stone aqueducts, tugboats, cruisers, birds, wildlife, unique geology, and many other unique sites.

Experienced Kayakers Tip: Ask at Lock 32 Paddling Center for information about whitewater park paddling at this location! 

Irondequoit Creek at Ellison Park

Ellison Park is a beautiful park in the Irondequoit Creek Basin which was formed during the Last Ice Age. During the glacier’s advances and retreats, it sculpted the landscape through erosion, creating valleys and shaping the terrain of what we now know as the Irondequoit Creek Basin. The movement of ice also influenced the hydrology of the region, forming channels and altering drainage patterns that continue to this day. 

If you have your own vessel, there are several places to launch a canoe or kayak on Irondequoit Creek, but the easiest way to experience this beautiful area and its wetlands is to hop aboard the Ellison Park Shuttle Bus. This shuttle service will transport you AND your boat to the perfect launch spot. Rentals are available, but they will transport your own boat as well for a fee.

Park at BayCreek Paddling Center where you’ll take a 10- minute shuttle to Ellison Park and from there you can enjoy a 4.5-mile, downstream paddle through the park where you can really appreciate the natural views. You’ll travel by several footbridges while gliding under trees into the upper wetland, through the Narrows and onto the lower wetlands, right back to the docks at BayCreek.

New in 2024, and free to renters is the Historic Waters Tour App. As you glide along the creek, you’ll learn about the history of the area, including famous figures of the 1700-1800s and gain insight into the rich history of the Seneca Nation. (Interested in Native Culture- Check out our post on Indian Caves in Arizona) 

Irondequoit Bay

Located in northwest Monroe County,  Irondequoit Bay is an inlet of Lake Ontario in Western New York and is fed by Irondequoit Creek, which is considered a major tributary of Lake Ontario. The Irondequoit Bay Marine Park has been completely redesigned and rebuilt to improve the boat launches, boat trailer parking and additional car parking for people that are kayaking, shore fishing, bird feeding, sightseeing, walking on the pier/beach or picnicking. 

This is a great place to go kayaking/canoeing in the early spring and late fall once all the recreational boats are off the water. The kayak launch site has its own parking lot by the playground, away from the main public boat launch. The steep sides of the bank makes it sheltered from east/west winds, but can make it really rough when the wind is out of the north/south, so be mindful of the weather before trying to kayak here. There are also several restaurants within walking distance that serve burgers, ice cream and additional scrumptious food so you can fuel up before or after your adventure.  Taking in the beauty of the lake and the sounds of the water from your kayak or canoe makes for a fantastic lake day! 

Genesee Waterways Center

This is a great place for kayaking and canoeing as the views are quite good along the river and a short paddle towards the city also provides a great water view of the skyline.  There are several wetland habitats along the river so there is a high chance of seeing interesting wildlife such as herons and hawks.  

The Genesee Waterways Center is located at the crossing point of the Erie Canal and the Genesee river, and is close to a marshy tributary called Red Creek. You have the option to head toward the city or toward Lock 33 in the Town of Pittsford. You will find restaurants in both directions. This center serves as a crew/rowing center and also provides canoe/kayak lessons and group outings. The Genesee Waterways Center rents canoes, single kayaks, tandem kayaks and you can also launch your own vessel from their site for free. Fresh water, maps, route recommendations, bug spray and public bathrooms are available on location at this rental place. 

Black Creek

Despite being a relatively undeveloped park, this leads to a greater opportunity and excellent setting for a lot of wildlife. You may encounter beaver, deer, otter and birds such as blue heron. In addition to the opportunities for hiking, fishing, horseback riding, sledding, and cross country skiing, this 1,505 acre park has a lovely creek that meanders through wooded areas in the towns of Bergen, Riga and Chili. You can enter the creek with your kayak at Churchville Park or near Sunnyside Lodge in Black Creek Park.  The creek is a tributary of the Genesee River, but due to the undeveloped nature of the park, in some sections, you may encounter shallow water and a lot of deadfall, but the opportunity for serenity and wildlife viewing is worth the adventure! 

Mendon Ponds Park

Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1967 in recognition of its unique glacial geology including kettle ponds, kames, and eskers, this site is a great place for a leisurely day that can include hiking, cycling, paddling and picnicking. It is a great spot for beginner kayakers, as parking is free and the water is flat. There is no fear of getting lost or traveling too far and getting too tired to get back. Three of the ponds are accessible by hand launches: 100 Acre Pond, Deep Pond and Round Pond.

100 Acres Pond is the largest and most used. The primary launch is on Douglas Road. This is also the launch for the smallest pond: Round Pond.  There is a nice parking area, a gravel launch point, and a small dock. The water is shallow with marshy shores (between 5-10 feet) and you can access Deep Pond by kayaking to the inlet on the south end of the pond. Alternatively, you can kayak Deep Pond by launching at the Algonkian Shelter. 

While in the park, it would be worth it to take a scenic short hike to a rare phenomenon called Devil’s Bathtub. Devil’s Bathtub is a deep, round-shaped hole in the rock that was formed by water wearing away the stone over a long period. This small pond looks a bit like a giant bathtub, making it a cool and unique spot in the park. This pond is classified as a meromictic pond. A meromictic pond, has distinct layers of water that don’t fully mix. This results in different properties between the layers, such as temperature and salinity. It is roughly 47 feet deep.

Fairport: Erie Canal 

 We’ll wrap up our preferred list of kayaking spots with a second one on the Erie Canal because paddling in the locks is just so unique. Just east of the city of Rochester in a town called Fairport is where you’ll find the Erie Canal Boat Company and Cycling Center.  Offering a number of FREE inclusive kayaking and cycling events, The Erie Canal Boat Company and Cycling Center offers standard rental equipment (canoe, kayak, tandem kayak, and paddleboard rentals) as well as adaptive equipment, making kayaking an accessible sport for many more people. Events such as “full moon paddles”, weekend paddling camps, and lock excursions make this an excellent place for everyone. 

How can you stay safe while kayaking near Rochester, NY?

Learn and Practice Kayaking Skills: Evaluate your paddling abilities. Take a few lessons or practice paddling in calm waters to develop basic skills like paddling techniques, maneuvering, and self-rescue.

Check Weather Conditions: Always check weather forecasts and understand how wind, tides, and currents might affect your route. Avoid kayaking in severe weather conditions. Bring sunscreen. Skin burns faster when out on the water. 

Know your Location: Research the areas you can launch your own kayak. Is there parking? Is there a dedicated boat launch? Do you have to portage a specific distance to the water? Are there rental companies nearby? Does the company offer lessons? Shuttles to the launch area?

Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear a properly fitted PFD (life vest) that is approved for kayaking. Ensure it is in good condition and buoyant enough to keep you afloat.

Inform Others: Let someone know your planned route, expected return time, and emergency contacts. Consider using a float plan and carry a waterproof communication device (like a VHF radio or a cell phone in a waterproof case).

Carry Essential Gear: Essential gear includes a kayak paddle, bilge pump or sponge for bailing water, whistle or signaling device, navigation tools (like a map and compass or GPS), a first aid kit and dry bags or ziplock to protect your phone.

Dress Appropriately: Wear clothing suitable for kayaking that protects against sun exposure, hypothermia (even in warm weather, water can be cold), and allows for freedom of movement.

Know Your Limits: Choose routes and conditions that match your skill level. Avoid areas with strong currents or hazardous conditions beyond your experience.

Practice Capsize and Rescue Techniques: Learn and practice self-rescue techniques such as re-entering a kayak from the water and assisted rescues with a partner.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Bring an adequate supply of water and snacks to stay hydrated and maintain energy levels during your trip.

Respect Wildlife and Environment: Avoid disturbing wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment.

Be Aware of Boat Traffic: Be cautious of larger vessels and follow maritime rules and regulations, especially in busy waterways.

Be Prepared for Emergencies: Have a plan for emergencies such as capsizing, getting stranded, or encountering unexpected hazards. Carry necessary equipment like a spare paddle and a tow line if kayaking with others.

In Conclusion…

It’s a good idea to be comprehensive in your research when embarking on a kayak journey. Click here for a complimentary digital download to kayaking the Erie Canal Waterways where you can continue your research. Don’t forget to check out our Google Map where you’ll find other kayaking locations just outside of Rochester in the Finger Lakes area, the most beautiful lakes in central New York. In addition to beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities, you’ll also find local wineries like Sheldrake Point Winery and breweries like Birdhouse Brewing on the beautiful waters of Honeoye Lake serving up small batch craft beers. Definitely worth checking out after a long day of paddling!

If you’re interested in exploring caves while kayaking – check out our blog post about Kayaking Sea Caves and Islands in Bayfield, Wisconsin!