Visit Ontario County

Active or relaxed. Winter or summer. Luxurious resorts to charming bed and breakfasts. On the water or through the snow. Flying through the trees on a zipline to cow cuddling. Farm to table meals to authentic international experiences. Big-name performances to local musicians. Museums to local boutiques. Wine to craft beer (too hard cider and spirits!). Ontario County has it all – it’s all in the luxury of choice!

With its rolling hills, winding roads, and glacier-carved lakes, Ontario County is primed for exploration in every season. Set your own agenda and your own pace, and we know you’ll leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and renewed.

Ontario County is within 5 hours' driving distance of major East Coast cities like New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia with four stops on the New York State Thruway leading you right to our oasis. Traveling by plane? Visitors can fly into Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse’s airports for a quick trip south to the Finger Lakes. The Canandaigua Airport is also available for private jets and smaller aircraft.

What Sets Ontario County Apart?

Lakeside Resorts

Hotel Canandaigua, A Tapestry Collection by Hilton: The newest property to Ontario County, you can enjoy all the perks of a lakeside retreat while racking up Hilton points!

The Lake House on Canandaigua: A boutique resort with a spa, 2 restaurants, event barn, pool, and a design-first approach with world-class customer service.

Belhurst Castle: Yes – a castle in upstate New York! Three distinctive lodging properties, 2 restaurants, a winery/craft beverage tasting room and lake views on the northern shore of Seneca Lake.
Geneva On The Lake: Think a bit of Italy right on the shores of Seneca Lake! This Italianate villa and gorgeous gardens offer vast beauty, and exceptional hospitality.
Popular Activities in Ontario County 

We’re known for our trails in the Finger Lakes – all kinds! 

For the libation lover: Try the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail or Rochester/Finger Lakes Craft Beverage Trail to maximize your tasting room time.

For the winter enthusiast: Zip down trails at Bristol Mountain, a world-class ski resort in the heart of the Bristol Hills.

To get your heart pumping: Hit the trail by foot or bike! Popular spots include Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area, Cumming Nature Center, Grimes Glen, and Wesley Hill Nature Preserve.

For those who love the water: OK, these might not be trails, per say, but with 5 of the 11 Finger Lakes located in Ontario County, that is miles of water on Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua, and Seneca Lakes to kayak, canoe, paddleboard, swim, or boat.

For the art enthusiast: In the Finger Lakes, half the fun is in the journey as it is in the destination and driving around the Finger Lakes Barn Quilt Trail you can take in art around the region, while taking the winding roads through the hills and by the lakes for a scenic drive like no other.

For the ghost hunter: Two of our properties – Belhurst Castle and The Naples Hotel – are located on the Haunted History Trail of New York State. Learn the storied history of these properties and see if you spot some new friends during your stay.

Unique to Ontario County:

Cow cuddling: You read that right! Mountain Horse Farm offers a luxurious farm stay (complete with balconies and Jacuzzis!), including cow cuddling which is a highly sought-after wellness activity. Refresh, rejuvenate, and relax!

Craft Beverage Scene: While Finger Lakes remains wine country, the growing surge of craft breweries cannot be overlooked! From large, New York City-based breweries expanding to Ontario County like Other Half Brewing and Big aLICe Brewing, and unique-to-us spots like Young Lion Brewing, Frequentem Brewing, and Twisted Rail Brewing, there is something for all tastes in Ontario County.

Authentic International Cuisine: There’s no need for a passport to sample great food from around the world – we have it all here! Enjoy an authentic dining experience by many owners who bring the tastes of their country here, including Rio Tomatlan, Bon Ami French Bistro, Thai by Night, India House, and so many more.

A Foodie Destination: FLX Table and Ravines Wine Cellar’s Ravinous Kitchen both offer unique dining experiences that have been recognized nationally, really delivering on the farm-to-table trend visitors are looking for. New York Kitchen is another great experience, from its restaurant and tasting room to unique cooking classes with industry experts that let you get hands-on in the kitchen.

Natural Beauty: Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park is one of the most extensively preserved estates from the Victorian era, offering visitors a chance to walk through the mansion and nine themed gardens on the property. Stopping by Carolabarb Park is also a Finger Lakes must, with its unparalleled view of Canandaigua Lake. 

All Things Grape: You know we’re wine country, but in Ontario County, we love all things grape! From u-picks to wine tastings, Naples is also the Grape Pie Capital of the World – and a visit to Monica’s or Cindy’s will offer a road snack you won’t soon forget.