Canadice Lake

Canadice Lake details:

  • Length: 3 miles
  • Maximum width: 0.3 miles
  • Maximum depth: 90 feet
  • Average depth: 55 feet
  • Major cities and towns: none

What you'll find on this page:

I know you'll want to make sure to spend some time on Canadice Lake while you visit the Finger Lakes Region.

Read on about: 

  • Which Finger Lake is the smallest
  • Why Canadice Lake is small yet so mighty
  • How Canadice Lake got its name
  • Easy links to other outdoor things to do on Canadice Lake 

Chances are really rather excellent you'll find one or more activities to add to your itinerary!

Which is the smallest Finger Lake?

Egret by shoreCanadice Lake is your little piece of paradise away from the hustle and bustle.

Canadice Lake, like its neighbor Hemlock Lake, is part of a protected state forest in the Finger Lakes Region - and you won't want to miss it if you are looking for seclusion, quiet, and peace. 

The smallest of all the Finger Lakes, Canadice is only three miles long. It maxes out about 90 feet deep, similar to its neighboring lake, Hemlock. It's surrounded by the 6,684-acre Hemlock-Canadice State Forest, which has some amazing trails for hiking. Canadice Lake's waters are excellent if you like to kayak, canoe, and fish.

So, don't let the size of this lake deter you because it's a little piece of paradise where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of busy life. 

Let me tell you how...

Canadice Lake: Small but mighty

glass of waterCanadice and Hemlock Lakes provide clean drinking water to the city of Rochester.

A little back-story:

There are no houses or businesses on the lakefront of Canadice Lake, just forest and rocks.

How can this be, you ask? Well, similar to the neighboring lake, Hemlock, Canadice Lake is part of a forest preserve operated by the state of New York. While at one time it did have development along its shoreline, in the early 1950's, Canadice Lake was purchased by Rochester to protect the drinking water supply of this city that sits about 30 miles north of the lake. Canadice and Hemlock Lakes were later sold to the state when Rochester hit some money troubles so the forests and waters would stay forever wild.

Today, Canadice and Hemlock Lakes are part of a 40,000-square-acre watershed that supplies drinking and bathing water to the residents of Rochester.

So if you happen into Rochester on your visit, be sure to thank these two small but beautiful lakes whenever you brush your teeth.

How did Canadice Lake get its name?

Similar to the tradition of naming lakes in the Finger Lakes Region after phrases the indigenous peoples living in the area once called them, Canadice Lake gets its name from early inhabitants. 

While it looks like the name might come from the Candice or Candace, variants of a Biblical name, Canadice Lake is derived from the Seneca word "ska-ne-a-dice." This meant 'long lake,' though, ironically, Canadice Lake is the shortest of The 11 Finger Lakes. 

As it turns out, Skaneateles Lake also got its name from a phrase meaning 'long lake,' even though Skaneateles Lake isn't particularly long either. 

Just as there are Finger Lakes that are longer than Canadice, there are also other lakes in the region that don't get included in being one of The 11 Finger Lakes. Some of these lakes are shorter than Canadice Lake. 

Personally, I think we ought to just accept that the lakes name is Canadice and get on with enjoying it.

Man fishing on small boatCanadice Lake is a paradise for outdoor activities.

Things to do while visiting Canadice Lake

So, you wanna visit Canadice Lake?

Canadice Lake is known for its serenity, quiet, and solitude. It's a place to get away from it all and spend some time in nature. I don't blame you for wanting to come here. Even though I live locally, I'm planning my next trip too!

To find out more about the following activities on Canadice Lake, just click on the link. I suggest you try them all - because you just never know what kind of good stuff you might miss out on if you don't!

Boating

Camping

Hiking

Paddling

Create your own Finger Lakes adventure

Canadice Lake is just too amazing to miss!

Which outdoor activities will you add to your next Finger Lakes adventure itinerary? 

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