Lakeside Charm by Train
Traveling by vintage passenger train in Canandaigua, at the northern tip of its namesake lake, offers a powerful blend of scenic beauty and storied history. Pulling into town aboard the Finger Lakes Rail Experience, you’re greeted by a backdrop of serene waters, historic streets, and a community deeply rooted in both Native and American traditions.
A Place Called “The Chosen Spot”
Nestled at the north end of Canandaigua Lake, a deep, glacial Finger Lake almost 16 miles long, the city is named from the Seneca word meaning “the chosen spot.” This honored place grew from a Seneca village, later becoming a European-American settlement following the Phelps & Gorham Purchase and the signing of the Treaty of Canandaigua in 1794—a pivotal moment securing peace and recognition for the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
From Steamboats to Streetcars
Canandaigua’s early connection to travel and tourism began with steamboats, which carried passengers on Canandaigua Lake from 1827 to as late as 1935. Later, in 1887, the Canandaigua Street Railroad began horse-drawn, then electric trolley service—connecting the waterfront with downtown.
By 1840, trains had arrived via the Rochester–Auburn Railroad, and later interurban service followed the route to Batavia and beyond. These connections cemented Canandaigua’s role as a regional transportation hub, echoing today’s arrival aboard the FLX trains.
Grand Gardens & Lakeside Leisure
Today, Canandaigua remains a destination for lakeside leisure and timeless elegance. A prime example is Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion, a 50-acre Queen Anne estate established in 1887 and restored as a state historic park.
The City Pier, lined with historic boathouses and offering boat tours aboard the replica paddle-wheeler Canandaigua Lady, maintains the town’s steamboat legacy. The lake supports everything from boating and fishing to scenic picnics and paddle-boarding.
A Perfect Pairing
With summer’s debut of the FLX Rail Experience, Canandaigua is reclaimed once again as a gateway for rail travelers heading into the heart of the Finger Lakes. Departures from here connect visitors to Geneva, Seneca Falls, and intimate countryside excursions, placing the city back on the map as a heritage-rail hub.
Passengers enjoy restored 1940s passenger cars, complete with vintage elegance and modern comfort, along scenic routes surrounded by vineyards, farms, and waterfront charm.
Passengers can choose from a variety of themed trips:
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Family-friendly excursions
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Brunch and Mimosa rides
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Wine tasting journeys
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Sunset Club Trains with music and evening ambiance
Click here to start booking your trip! All trains depart from 25 Pleasant Street, Canandaigua, NY, 14424
Explore While You’re Here
FLX Rail guests visiting Canandaigua can explore a variety of attractions:
- Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion, with its historic mansion, formal gardens, and walking trails
- The New York Wine & Culinary Center, showcasing statewide ingredients and regional pairings
- The Canandaigua Street Pier, with paddleboat excursions and lakeside relaxation
- Boutique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and waterfront parks in town
These experiences complement a lakeside rail journey, making Canandaigua a must-stop destination on the Finger Lakes Rail Experience route.
Travel the tracks that helped shape New York
The Finger Lakes Rail Experience operates every weekend from July through August 2025, with departures from Canandaigua, Geneva, and Seneca Falls. Tickets are now on sale and additional trips may be offered in the future.
Canandaigua 2025 Summer Schedule
CANANDAIGUA
Sunset Club Train
Fri, Aug 8: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sat, Aug 9: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Fri, Aug 22: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sat, Aug 23: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Fri, Aug 29: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sun, Aug 31: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
BOOK CANANDAIGUA SUNSET CLUB TRAIN
Family Train
Fri, Jul 4: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fri, Jul 4: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Sat, Jul 5: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sat, Jul 5: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Sat, Jul 5: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sat, Jul 5: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sun, Jul 6: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sun, Jul 6: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Sun, Jul 6: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Fri, Aug 8: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fri, Aug 8: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Fri, Aug 8: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sat, Aug 9: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sat, Aug 9: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Fri, Aug 22: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fri, Aug 22: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Fri, Aug 22: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sat, Aug 23: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sat, Aug 23: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Fri, Aug 29: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fri, Aug 29: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Fri, Aug 29: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sat, Aug 30: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sat, Aug 30: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
BOOK CANANDAIGUA FAMILY TRAIN
Mimosa Express
Sun, Aug 10: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sun, Aug 24: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
BOOK CANANDAIGUA MIMOSA EXPRESS
Wine Train
Sat, Aug 9: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Sun, Aug 10: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Sat, Aug 23: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Sun, Aug 24: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Sun, Aug 31: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
SIGN UP TO GET NOTIFIED WHEN SALES BEGIN
Click here to start booking your trip! All trains depart from 25 Pleasant Street, Canandaigua, NY, 14424
🖥️ Quick Links
- 📆 View Our Schedule
- 🚂 Tour the Train
- 🛤️ View the Route
- 🎟️ Contact the Ticket Agent
- ⚠️ FAQs, Rules & Safety
Please note that this schedule may be expanded or amended as necessary at the discretion of Finger Lakes Railway or Finger Lakes Rail Experience.
