My Local Guide

Finger Lakes Villages, Vineyards, and Open Water

Ontario County, New York

Explore a New York county shaped by Canandaigua Lake, Geneva and Seneca Lake, vineyards, historic sites, rolling farmland, parks, and Finger Lakes food culture. Canandaigua and nearby communities provide the services, food, culture, and local traditions that anchor daily life, while parks, historic sites, and scenic routes reveal a broader regional story. Whether you are planning a day trip, researching a move, or looking for useful local contacts, this guide brings the county’s places, resources, and practical information together in one starting point.

Ontario County at a Glance

Population113,130 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatCanandaigua
Largest MunicipalityGeneva
Established1789
ZIP Codes21 ZIP Codes serving the county
Total AreaApproximately 663 square miles, including water
Major RoutesI-90 / New York State Thruway • US 20 • NY 5 • NY 14 • NY 21 • NY 96 • NY 332
Area Code315 / 585 / 680
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Greenfield County courthouse
Discover the County

Ontario County

Ontario County was established in 1789 and became an early administrative center for a much larger portion of western New York. Today it sits in the western Finger Lakes, anchored by Canandaigua and Geneva and shaped by glacier-carved lakes, productive farmland, wineries, colleges, historic homes, and village centers. The Thruway and major state routes connect the county with Rochester and the broader Finger Lakes region.

Visitors can tour gardens and historic estates, swim or boat, hike waterfall glens, explore Ganondagan, taste local food and wine, and spend time in Canandaigua or Geneva. County parks such as Gannett Hill and Grimes Glen add easily accessible outdoor options, while Victor and Farmington provide major shopping and services. The result is a county that blends resort-town energy, working agriculture, and everyday regional convenience.

What Shapes Us

Lake and Vineyard Country

Canandaigua and Seneca lakes, rolling hills, vineyards, orchards, and farm markets define the county’s scenery and food-and-drink culture.

Historic Crossroads

Ganondagan, Canandaigua, Geneva, estates, and old transportation routes connect Indigenous history, settlement, civic growth, and education.

Villages and Recreation

Parks, waterfalls, lakefronts, downtowns, colleges, shopping, and seasonal events provide year-round options across both urban and rural communities.

Local stories, shared places, and room to explore.
My Local Guide

Ontario County

Our County — Our Stories
County Wire

Ontario County Wire

Local Stories — DailyPicture Attribution & Terms Demo
FingerLakes1 — Ontario County & Finger Lakes News

Cayuga County workshop offers composting tips and free bins Oct. 10

Cayuga County residents can learn practical ways to protect water quality, reduce food waste and compost at home…

Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Around Ontario County

Stories from every corner of Ontario County.

Cayuga County workshop offers composting tips and free bins Oct. 10

Cayuga County residents can learn practical ways to protect water quality, reduce food waste and compost at home…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Auburn seeks residents’ ideas for Cottage Place Park improvements

Auburn residents will have an opportunity to help shape improvements to Cottage Place Park, a West Street neighborhood…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

Geneva council to consider utility rates, tax cap override and South Main speed limit tonight

Geneva City Council will consider proposed water and sewer rates, a property tax cap override and a lower…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

CANANDAIGUA: Environmental Conservation Board meeting (webcast)

On Tuesday, the Town of Canandaigua’s Environmental Conservation Board held its regularly scheduled meeting for the month of…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read

WATKINS GLEN: Village board holds October meeting (webcast)

On Tuesday, the Watkins Glen Village Board held its regularly scheduled meeting at village hall. The session was…

Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
ONTARIO COUNTY WEATHER
Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

County Resources

Everything You Need. All in One Place.

From public services and schools to health care, trails, transportation, and everyday essentials, use these verified Ontario County resources to find organizations that serve residents and visitors.

Government

Ontario County Government
Official county departments, public services, notices, and contacts.
Official Website

New York Local Government Portal
State links to local-government information and services.
Official Website

NY Department of State — Local Government Services
Training and technical resources for local governments and communities.
Official Website

New York Committee on Open Government
Freedom of Information Law and Open Meetings Law guidance.
Official Website

New York Property Tax Resources
Official property-tax, assessment, and exemption information.
Official Website

We’re Here To Help.

Practical answers for living in, visiting, and exploring Ontario County, New York.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions.

Start with the questions people actually ask about Ontario County — from signature attractions and outdoor access to local travel, weather, and community life.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Top Picks for Every Kind of Day.

Browse local ideas for family time, food, shopping, outdoor adventures, and free ways to enjoy Ontario County.

Kids’ Fun

  1. Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
  2. Roseland Waterpark
  3. Ganondagan State Historic Site

Restaurants

  1. New York Kitchen
  2. Rio Tomatlan
  3. Nolan’s on Canandaigua Lake

Shopping & Retail

  1. Eastview Mall
  2. Main Street Canandaigua
  3. Wegmans Canandaigua

Clothing & Boutiques

  1. Von Maur – Eastview Mall
  2. Macy’s – Eastview Mall
  3. Old Navy – Victor

Outdoor Fun

  1. Grimes Glen Park
  2. Gannett Hill Park
  3. Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area

Free Things To Do

  1. Kershaw Park
  2. Grimes Glen Park
  3. Canandaigua Lakefront
Every place has a story.Find Your Next Favorite.
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