Vacation rentals in Lake Ontario

A trip to the sparkling shores of Lake Ontario offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation with your family, a fishing trip with friends, or a romantic couple’s getaway, there is a vacation rental for everyone. The southern shores of Lake Ontario span over 200 miles along New York’s picturesque waterfront, so you can choose a vacation rental that perfectly suits your needs, whether that’s closer to nature or closer to one of the towns along the lakefront. Many of the vacation rentals in Lake Ontario are set near the shores of the lake while others may be in a forested area or in a quiet neighborhood setting.

The vacation rental options on Lake Ontario are dynamic, ranging in styles, sizes, and settings. Your pet can join in on the fun with an array of pet-friendly accommodations, including some rentals that feature private garden and yard spaces for your pet to roam around. Make your couples’ getaway extra romantic with a rental tucked away in nature and serene lake views. Family vacations can be made to be extra memorable with spacious rentals for large groups which feature several bedrooms, a kitchen, high-speed internet, and a private pool. City rentals are perfect for foodies and for anyone wishing to stay in the heart of the action. With such customized accommodation options available, there’s no doubt that you’ll be able to make your dream vacation come to life!

Lake Ontario may be the smallest of the Great Lakes, but it is still quite massive by any other standard and spans over 7,500 square miles across both the United States and Canada. The portion of the lake on the US side of the border spans over 200 miles of shoreline and is absolutely packed with attractions and natural features, as well as towns and cities. In order to see as much as possible, it is necessary to rent a car or drive your own car during your visit to the lake. The south shore of the lake, which spans along the northern New York shoreline, is home to New York’s third-largest city, Rochester, which is well known for its arts and entertainment scene. East of Rochester is Fair Haven, a tiny lakeside village that is well worth the visit. The town features a picturesque beach, hiking trails, and exceptional fishing.

If you’re looking to unplug from the busyness of everyday life, there is no better way to do it than by spending time relaxing along the lakeside and exploring the many nearby natural features. Visiting at least one (or ideally, a few!) of the many lakeside beaches is a must. Golden Hill State Park is a wonderful lakeside beach option in a serene setting, offering stunning views of the lake and the historic Thirty-Mile Point Lighthouse. The park is also popular for fishing and boating.

Lake Ontario is a prime destination for your family vacation with endless kid-friendly activities on offer. Visit the Strong Museum of Play, a kids-haven filled with gardens, pretend supermarkets, and vintage favorites to play with and explore. Old McDonald’s Farm in Sackets Harbor is another must-do for families with young children. The farm features more than 200 friendly animals, pony rides, miniature golf, and more. Families with members of all ages will love the boat tour around Alexandria Bay which offers a stunning glimpse of the Thousand Islands Region, as well as an early 1900s castle and more. All of the beaches around the shores of Lake Ontario, and more notably Sodus Point Beach Park, Ontario Beach Park, and Southwick Beach State Park all offer a charming family setting to enjoy the sun rays and to spend some quality family time.

History buffs will have no shortage of historical sites and attractions to explore. Fort Ontario State Historic Site has a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War. The entire site overlooks Lake Ontario and features a fort with immaculate, vast grounds, arms demonstrations, and more. A trip to the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is another one to add to your itinerary. The 40 ft stone, octagonal lighthouse is one of many historic lighthouses set on the lakeside, and dates back to the early 1800s. It is located in northern Rochester at the mouth of the Genesee River. A small admission fee allows you to enter the lighthouse and wander the onsite gardens. Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site is a picturesque waterfront historic site in Sackets Harbor. The grounds are filled with informational plaques designed to educate visitors on the history of the Battle of 1812.

You’ll feel like you’re actually at the ocean while visiting the sandy shores of Fair Haven Beach State Park. The park spans over 1,000-acres along the southeastern shores of Lake Ontario. Pack your cooler, your beach towels, and sunscreen and soak up the scenic views, sandy beaches, and family-friendly atmosphere of this lakeside beach.

This historical market is a must-see during a trip to Lake Ontario and offers a memorable experience for foodies. It has been serving market-goers since 1827 and presently features over 300 different vendors and food stalls. There is something for everyone here: sandwich stalls, pastry shops, empanadas, salads, beverages galore, and more.

Another breathtaking beach along the shores of Lake Ontario, Hamlin Beach State Park is one of New York’s most well-loved lakeside beaches. The park offers a leafy forested area with picnic tables and benches just next to its golden, sandy shores. There are also well-kept hiking trails if you’re feeling adventurous.

History buffs won’t want to miss out on a visit to Old Fort Niagara, which happens to be the oldest continuously occupied military site in North America. The site offers a variety of daily presentations during the summertime on blacksmithing, Native American History, 18th century cooking and building demonstrations, and more.

Seventeenth-century French explorer Count Frontenac described Alexandria Bay as “A fairyland, that neither pen nor tongue of man may even attempt to describe.” And to this day, it remains the same! The stunning bay features a stunning castle on one of its many islands, which can be seen and enjoyed during a boat tour.