Canton (New York) Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and transportation options in Canton (New York).


Introduction to Canton (New York)

Located in the North Country region of New York, Canton is a charming town with a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Canton is often regarded as one of the best gateways to explore the Adirondack Mountains. The town is home to St. Lawrence University and has a rich history of being a center for education and culture.

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Canton.

List of Places to Visit in Canton (New York)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • St. Lawrence County Historical Association - The museum offers an excellent collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that showcase the history of St. Lawrence County.

  • Frederic Remington Art Museum - This museum is home to a vast collection of artworks by Frederic Remington, one of the most famous western artists in America.

  • Hermon DeKalb Historical Association - This museum offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the DeKalb area, including farming, the Civil War, and early settler life.

Natural Attractions of Canton (New York): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Grasse River Heritage Area - The Grasse River offers several outdoor activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The Grasse River Heritage Area also features several parks and scenic trails.

  • Higley Flow State Park - This state park is a nature lover’s paradise. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, picnicking, and camping amidst the park’s beautiful scenery.

  • Adirondack Park - Canton is an excellent starting point for exploring the Adirondack Mountains, which are home to several scenic spots, including High Falls Gorge, Lake Placid, and Whiteface Mountain.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Canton (New York)

Canton offers several hiking and biking routes that cater to all levels of fitness. Here are some of the most popular routes:

  • St. Lawrence University Trails - This trail system offers some of the most scenic views in Canton, including the SLU Nature Trail and Kip and Robie trails.

  • Grasse River Trail System - This trail system is perfect for biking and hiking enthusiasts. The trail passes through several parks and natural landmarks, including Higley Flow State Park.

  • Adirondack Park Trails - Canton is an excellent starting point for exploring the Adirondack Mountains. There are several trails available for visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty.

Best Things to Do in Canton (New York): Activities and Tours

  • Visit the St. Lawrence County Fair - This annual event is held in Canton and features agricultural exhibits, vendors, and carnival rides.

  • Explore the North Country Farmers Market - The market is held every Saturday morning on Main Street in Canton. Visitors can purchase fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.

  • Attend a Concert at the St. Lawrence University Performing Arts Center - The St. Lawrence University Performing Arts Center hosts several performances throughout the year, including music, dance, and theater.

Week-Long Itinerary for Canton (New York)

Day 1-2: Visit the Frederic Remington Art Museum and explore the Grasse River Heritage Area.

Day 3-4: Discover the historical attractions of Canton by visiting the St. Lawrence County Historical Association and Hermon DeKalb Historical Association.

Day 5-6: Hike the St. Lawrence University Trails and explore the Adirondacks.

Day 7: Attend a concert at the St. Lawrence University Performing Arts Center and enjoy the North Country Farmers Market.

Food and Drink Scene of Canton (New York)

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pulled Pork Sandwich - This southern-style sandwich is available at several restaurants in Canton, including the Blackbird Cafe and the Clubhouse.

  • Maple Taffy - This famous local treat is made from boiling maple syrup to produce a sticky, sweet, and delicious candy.

  • Chicken and Biscuits - This classic American dish is available at several restaurants in Canton, including the Hoot Owl and the Village Diner.

Local Beverages

  • Local Beer and Wine - Canton is home to several breweries and wineries, such as St. Lawrence Brewing Company, which produces craft beers, and Coyote Moon Vineyards, which produces award-winning wines.

  • Maple Syrup - Maple syrup is not only used as a topping for pancakes, but it is also used in cocktails to add a sweet and rich flavor.

Where to Stay in Canton (New York): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Best Western University Inn - This hotel is located near St. Lawrence University and offers a free shuttle service to the university and the Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

  • Motel 6 Canton - This budget-friendly motel offers basic amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, parking, and pet-friendly rooms.

  • Brookview Town Houses - These luxurious townhouses offer fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and scenic views of the Grasse River.

What to Buy in Canton (New York): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup - Maple syrup is one of the most popular souvenirs to bring home from Canton. Visitors can purchase maple syrup at several local farms, including Buck Hill Farm.

  • Handmade Crafts - The North Country Farmers Market is an excellent place to find handmade crafts and other local products, including wooden toys, quilts, and pottery.

  • Books About Local History - Several bookstores in Canton offer books about the history of St. Lawrence County, as well as other topics, such as the Adirondack Mountains and local folklore.

Local Culture and Customs of Canton (New York)

Canton is a friendly and welcoming town, and visitors are encouraged to embrace the local culture. It’s essential to be respectful of the town’s history and cultural heritage when visiting museums and historical sites. Cantonians are also proud of their local food and drink scene, so be sure to try some of the local specialties.

Best Time to Visit Canton (New York)

Canton is a year-round destination, with something to offer in every season.

  • Summer - The summer months are perfect for outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and swimming.

  • Fall - The autumn months offer some of the most scenic views of the Adirondack Mountains and excellent opportunities for leaf-peeping.

  • Winter - The winter months are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter sports.

  • Spring - The spring months are perfect for exploring the town’s parks and trails as the flowers begin to bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Canton (New York)

Do:

  • Explore the Outdoors - Canton is home to several parks, trails, and natural landmarks, so be sure to spend some time exploring the town’s natural beauty.

  • Try Local Food and Drink - Canton is known for its excellent food and drink scene, so be sure to sample some of the local specialties.

  • Respect Local Culture and Customs - Canton has a rich history and cultural heritage, and visitors should be respectful of this when visiting museums and cultural attractions.

Don’t:

  • Litter - Canton is a beautiful town, so be sure to dispose of litter and trash in the appropriate bins.

  • Ignore Traffic Laws - Like most towns, Canton has traffic laws that must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety.

  • Be Disrespectful to Locals - Cantonians are friendly and welcoming, so be sure to treat them with respect and kindness.

Safety and Health

Safety in Canton (New York)

Canton is a safe and friendly town, but visitors should take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly when hiking or biking.

Health in Canton (New York)

Visitors to Canton should ensure they have the necessary vaccines and medical insurance. The town has several pharmacies and medical centers, including the Canton-Potsdam Hospital.

Getting to Canton (New York): Transportation Options and Logistics

Canton is easily accessible by several transportation options, including:

Airports Near Canton (New York)

  • Ogdensburg International Airport - This airport is located approximately 30 miles from Canton and offers domestic flights to several cities in the United States.

  • Watertown International Airport - This airport is located approximately 55 miles from Canton and offers flights to several destinations across the globe.

Bus Stations Near Canton (New York)

  • Greyhound Bus Lines - This bus line offers bus services to several locations across the United States, including Canton.

Other Options

  • Car Rental - Visitors can rent cars from several car rental companies located in the town, including Hertz and Enterprise.

  • Train - The nearest train stations are located in Syracuse and Albany, both of which offer connections to major cities across the United States.

How to Get Around in Canton (New York)

Canton is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance. Visitors can also rent bikes or cars to explore the town and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Canton (New York): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ottawa, Canada - The capital city of Canada is located approximately 120 miles from Canton and offers several attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks.

  • Lake Placid - This charming town is located approximately 40 miles from Canton and offers several attractions, including winter sports, hiking trails, and scenic views.

  • Cornwall, Canada - This Canadian city is located approximately 70 miles from Canton and offers several attractions, including scenic views, shopping centers, and casinos.

Conclusion

Canton is a perfect destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the town’s natural beauty, sample the local food and drink, and learn about the town’s history and cultural heritage. With so much to do in Canton, visitors are sure to leave with unforgettable memories of their trip to this charming town.

Gunnison Memorial Chapel, St. Lawrence University Gunnison Memorial Chapel, St. Lawrence University