“Stay close to the serenity of a lake to meet your own peace of mind.” -Munia Kahan
On our way to our anniversary getaway in Ontario we drove up to Rochesters to check out a few waterfalls and lighthouses. We cruised through Rochester in 2018 when we did the Western Erie, but we couldn't see much from the canal. It seems like a very industrial city, but it does have some beautiful parks. Rochester is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state. Nicknamed “The Flour City,” it's best known for its unique and impressive history, educational resources, and industry leaders in manufacturing such as Eastman Kodak and Bausch & Lomb. The settlement began in the late 18th century, and the city flourished with the opening of the Erie Canal. From Rochester we drove along the lake and checked out a few more lighthouses and beach parks.
The best way to view High Falls on the Genesee River is to walk over the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge. It's definitely not the prettiest waterfall we've seen, but it does make the city look a little more desirable.
Looking north from the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge with the Genesee Beer Company to the right.
The Lower Falls on the Genesse River is located in a park. We walked down a short trail to the falls and picked fresh raspberries on our way.
Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse was built in 1822 and is the oldest active surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario. It is located in the Port of Rochester.
The Port of Rochester is mostly home to pleasure boats now.
Ontario Beach Park is a popular beachside park known for its century-old carousel, swimming, boating and rentable shelters. It was a beautiful Sunday when we were there and it was beginning to full up.
Rochester Harbor Lighthouse is located at the end of the Charlotte Pier near Ontario Beach Park.
Braddock Point Lighthouse was built in 1896. The lighthouse was deactivated in 1954. But reactivated by the Coast Guard in 1999. Today the lighthouse is privately owned, serving as an elegant bed-and-breakfast, restored to its late Victorian-era style. It's one of the very few privately owned, fully functioning lighthouses in the United States.
Oak Orchard Lighthouse operated on the shores of Lake Ontario, at Point Breeze from 1871 to 1916. In 2010 a local community group built a historically accurate replica near the original site on the east side of Oak Orchard Creek.
Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse was opened in 1876. on the south shore of Lake Ontario and is part of Golden Hill State Park. It gets its name because it's on a point 30 miles east of the Niagara River.
Fort Niagara Lighthouse was established in 1782 atop the "French Castle", a structure still located within Old Fort Niagara. The current tower was first lit in 1872, having been removed from the French Castle to allow for more room for officer's quarters. The light was deactivated in 1996, having been replaced by a light beacon at the US Coast Guard Station Niagara. It was the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes.
A view of the Niagara River looking towards Lake Ontario.
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