Travel like an insider with these tips on how to make your boating trip in New York EPIC!
First, the best time to visit New York is between April and June. April, May and June offer wonderful summer-like weather without excessive heat! The temperature ranges from 14-25 degrees Celsius in those early months. Later on in the year from September to early November allows for breezy autumn weather. The changing colours in the trees, the beautiful waters and sunny days make for the best weekend trip. Second, find some places you’d like to see! Here’s a list of the trendiest, most beautiful, and most instagram-worthy spots. Check out the list below for some of our favourites.
Chautauqua Lake
This beautiful lake hosts many marinas, parks and great spots for fishing. It also has several restaurants and cottage rental opportunities. Chautauqua Lake is nestled between Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh borders. It’s great for water sports and recreational activities, such as catch-and-release fishing (which is recommended by conservationists). This is the perfect lake for all-around family fun!
Lake George
Lake George is our favourite spot for boating and water sports. Lake George Marinas offer boat rentals with free training courses for inexperienced boaters, and also allows you to launch your own boat at multiple locations. Lake George spans 28,000 acres, and is perfect for tubing and other water sports. The lake is a refreshing 70 degrees fahrenheit in June – perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. Million Dollar Beach is a beautiful family-friendly spot to relax and picnic under the sun.
Lake Champlain
Named after the explorer Samuel de Champlain, its depths reach 400 feet and features over 80 species for cold and warm-water fish. Lake Champlain stretches 120 miles along New York on the coast of Adirondacks Mountains. Even more exciting is the mystery long-necked creature swimming in its waters, also known as Champ to the locals.
Skaneateles Lake
About a 30 minute drive from Syracuse lies a pristine, glimmering lake. Skaneateles Lake offers boat launches for your own vessel, or you can rent kayaks and canoes to use for the day. Don’t miss out on the sixth largest of the Finger Lakes in the region. It’s calm waters allow for beautiful beaches and park access at Thayer Park, Clift Park and Shotwell Park. Boating and fishing are just a few pastimes well used by locals and visitors throughout the year.
Liberty Landing Marina
Lady Liberty allows you to dock and eat under her beautiful statue in the Marina. The Marina offers two renowned restaurants and gorgeous sunset views across the water. The Ellis Island Ferry tour offers great views from several angles of Lady Liberty and the New York skyline. Truly stunning!
The best way to enjoy New York is either by heel-toe express or by water. Boating is a perfect way to experience the charm of a hustling city from a more relaxed point of view, while learning about the city’s heritage and history. There are also tons of other water activities to try out in New York! Many different parts of New York offer great paddling and rowing experiences at little or no cost. Learn basic canoeing with the Urban Park Rangers in the Bronx, go out with the Village Community Boathouse along the Hudson starting in Manhattan, have a row and dinner with the North Brooklyn Boat Club, or head out to the Long Island City Boathouse and learn some canoeing and kayaking skills. There are several ways to enjoy the beauty of New York at sea level, hopefully these tips for an awesome boating weekend in New York will help you get out there and explore them!
