There are dozens of beautiful lakes throughout New York that are well worth the visit. But every once in a while, tourists have to go big or go home. In that case, Lake Ontario is as big as it gets. Even then, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide what part of Lake Ontario to visit. The eastern-most Great Lake covers over 7,000 square miles, and its coasts are lined with some truly historic landmarks and remarkable sights. While spanning the New York border of the lake is no easy task, there are plenty of places to stop that will make it well worth the trip.
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is one of the best ways to explore not only Lake Ontario, but Lake Erie, the Niagara River and the St. Lawrence River as well. The 518-mile route winds through scenic villages and shows off stunning views of Lake Ontario.
Fort Niagara was built in 1726 as a French outpost, played a significant role in the French and Indian War and is known as the oldest continuously occupied military site in North America. For the history buffs, this is a no-brainer; they've got events that cover everything from reenactments to diving deep into the 18th century fur trade.
Head up to Clayton on the eastern edge of Lake Ontario, and you'll find Coyote Moon Vineyards, an idyllic spot to enjoy a glass of wine, explore the vineyard and enjoy a delightful view of the river.
A few hours in Rochester is always a good call if you're exploring the northern border of New York, and Rochester Public Market is certainly one of the highlights there. It houses upwards of 300 vendors on busy weekends, and local cafes and coffee shops are open for business.
The Thousand Islands are one of the most spectacular sights in the northeast. Over 1,800 islands are scattered throughout the St. Lawrence River, some of them large enough for 19th-century mansions and estates, some of them barely large enough for a small house and a few trees.
You can't get much closer to the U.S.-Canada border than Cape Vincent, located on the edge of Jefferson County, New York. Visit Tibbets Point Lighthouse, take a walk in Burnham Point State Park or hop on a ferry to Wolfe Island.
Not many people have easy access to the 13th-largest lake in the world, so this one’s certainly worth taking advantage of for New Yorkers. Whether you’re looking to explore some historic sites or find some good local food, you won’t be disappointed by a day on Lake Ontario.
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