Let’s face it. People love to be on or near the water. That is why so many of Chautauqua & Lake Erie NY’s most popular activities involve our lakes. We boast more than 45 miles of eastern Lake Erie shoreline, the largest inland lake in western New York state (Chautauqua Lake), plus Findley Lake, Cassadaga Lakes, and Bear Lake. Each lake offers its own unique style and set of activities and experiences.
Power Boating
One of the best ways to enjoy the waters of Chautauqua & Lake Erie NY is aboard your own boat. Boaters from many states come to our lakes every year. We offer many convenient and well-equipped boat launches throughout the region and plenty of parking.
An important requirement for all power boaters (excluding those renting a boat from a marina), is for the boat operator to carry proof of having completed a Boating Safety course. The requirement has been phased in by age bracket for the past few years but went into effect for all age groups as of 1/1/2025. A list of Boating Safety course options is available through the NYS Parks office.
Rent a Boat
There are a dozen boat rental options available throughout the region, with the majority serving Chautauqua Lake. These include rentals for pontoon boats, ski boats, small fishing boats, as well as “paddle options” like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Though not required when renting a power boat in New York state, it is a good idea to have taken a Boating Safety course.
Boat Launches
Lake Erie offers spacious boat launches with docks and marina services at Dunkirk/Chadwick Bay, Barcelona Harbor near Westfield, and Sunset Bay. On Chautauqua Lake, there are several boat launches with trailer parking areas available as well as full-service marinas. Cassadaga Lakes, Findley Lake, and Bear Lake all offer a NYS DEC boat launch. View a List of Boat Launches.
Paddling
When it comes to canoeing, kayaking, and paddle-boarding, visitors can bring their own, rent one, or join a guided outing. Companies offering rentals include Ashville Bay Marina, Bemus Bay Water Toys, the Chautauqua Institution Sports Club, Evergreen Outfitters, Ready About Sailing, and SUP Erie Adventures on Lake Erie. There are a number of ADA accessible kayak launches on area lakes. In addition to our area lakes, there are paddling opportunities available on the Chadakoin River connecting southern Chautauqua Lake with Jamestown, and the Marden-Cobb Waterway which extends from southern Chautauqua County to Warren, PA.
Beaches and Swimming
Sunset Bay Beach and the adjacent Town of Hanover Beach are among the most popular Lake Erie beaches in western New York. Sunset Bay features beachfront dining at Cabana Sams and an ice cream shop as well as an ample parking area. There is a fee to use the lifeguarded beach. Nearby Dunkirk offers two Lake Erie beaches—one at Point Gratiot Park and the other at Wright Park, which also features a splash pad at the playground area. Further west, Barcelona Harbor offers an un-lifeguarded beachfront area which is popular with sunbathers. View the Beach Status Report.
Parks
The region offers several beautiful parks where visitors can enjoy a waterfront setting while camping, hiking, cycling, picnicking, fishing, or just generally taking in nature. Area parks are also a great place to observe local and migratory bird populations. A few examples are Long Point State Park, Lucille Ball Memorial Park, and Mayville Lakeside Park on Chautauqua Lake as well as City Pier Park and Point Gratiot on Lake Erie.
View our list of Parks throughout the area.
Fishing
The lakes & waterways of Chautauqua & Lake Erie NY boast some of the most rewarding fishing experiences in the northeastern United States. Area waterbodies are known for smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, muskellunge, and (in the Lake Erie area and tributaries) steelhead. Anglers from all over come to enjoy the prolific results offered in Chautauqua County’s five lakes and complimentary creeks.
Learn more about Chautauqua & Lake Erie NY fishing
Lakeside Dining and Lodging Options
Sometimes it’s fun to just sit by the water. That is why so many of our area restaurants and lodging options are located on the lakeshore or nearby. Cassadaga Lakes and Findley Lake both have dining options near the respective lakes, as well as vacation home style lodging. Chautauqua Lake boasts the Athenaeum Hotel at Chautauqua Institution and the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in the southern portion of the lake. Both offer excellent accommodations as well as highly regarded lakefront dining. The villages of Bemus Point and Mayville on Chautauqua Lake offer several lakefront dining experiences like the Village Casino and EBC Chautauqua with additional dining choices nearby.
Lake Erie offers several “sunset-facing” dining options in Westfield/Barcelona, Dunkirk at the Chadwick Bay pier area, and in Hideaway Bay and Sunset Bay near Silver Creek. Some popular spots include Cabana Sams, and Drift Restaurant at Hideaway Bay.
View our list of Waterfront and Outdoor Dining Options
Excursions
Many visitors to the Chautauqua & Lake Erie, NY area enjoy taking an excursion of some type. One popular option is a narrated cruise aboard the steam-driven paddle wheeler Chautauqua Belle. Visitors have been crossing Chautauqua Lake aboard the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry for well over a hundred years. “One Fine Day Boat Charters” offers private charter and themed tours aboard a 28 foot Lyman “Islander” day cruiser. Finally, visitors can take in a private fishing charter through a member of the Eastern Lake Erie Charter Boat Association.
