Destination overview

When you think of New York it’s primarily the city and not the state. But the two couldn’t be more different.It won't take long to learn that the great outdoors takes on a whole new meaning in New York. With amazingly diverse terrain and four distinct seasons which each offer their own set of exciting activities, New York continually challenges and inspires. Whether you're a weekend warrior or extreme adventurer, you'll find the call of Mother Nature too strong to resist.

Defined largely by its inland waterways – the Hudson River, the 524-mile Erie Canal connecting Albany to Buffalo, and the St Lawrence River – New York stretches to the Canadian border at world-famous Niagara Falls and under-the-radar Thousand Islands. Buffalo is a foodies' paradise and offers great value, while wine aficionados can pick their favourite vintage from around the state, but especially in the Finger Lakes region close to the college town of Ithaca.

From wilderness trails with back country roads to small-town Americana and miles and miles of sandy beaches, from the historic, grand estates and artists colonies in the Hudson Valley and Catskills to the rugged and remote Adirondacks, it's easy to understand why so many people keep returning to this part of the world.

New York City may be a mecca for shoppers, but so is New York State. Great quality factory outlets offer shoppers the perfect way to find fantastic bargains on name brand items. Definitely check out Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (one of the largest outlet malls in the world) located in the Hudson Valley, Waterloo Premium Outlets in the Finger Lakes, and Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls. All feature designer labels and high-end brands at a fraction of the retail cost.

And then of course, there’s New York, New York – the town so nice they named it twice. NYC is a great big playground for visitors. There’s just so much to see and do that you will need to come back again and again to experience just a fraction of what this fabulous city has to offer.

Check out iconic attractions and great performances throughout the five boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. From classic Broadway shows to the Bronx Zoo, there’s something for everyone. Explore landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Lincoln Centre, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Central Park and The Cloisters; pay your respects at the Ground Zero site now called One World Trade Centre; catch a Broadway show and dine at Sardi’s; soak up the atmosphere of Times Square; go shopping on famous Fifth Avenue; hang out downtown in the hip neighbourhoods of Greenwich Village, Soho and Tribeca; and have tea at The Plaza.

Don’t miss the world class museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and The Guggenheim; marvel at the architecture throughout the city including brownstones and skyscrapers and make sure you get to the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Station.

The best way to explore Manhattan is by walking – you’ll find little hidden gems around every corner. Let your feet do the work around the Upper East Side and Upper West Side; walk from uptown to downtown and experience everything you find on the way. Take in the skyline with a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry and walk across the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge – the views are spectacular at any time of the day.

New York has always been known as the city that never sleeps and that's because the nightlife and entertainment you will find here is among the best in the world. It truly is a city like no other.

Because New York state is so large and provides so many holiday options, New York state is divided into 11 tourism regions. Each has its own character, beauty, history and style.
Adirondack Region The Adirondacks region is within an easy day's drive of most major cities in the Northeast. The Adirondack Park is a six million-acre natural sanctuary of public and private land protected under the state constitution. The Park stands today as America’s largest wilderness preserve outside of Alaska and one of the most successful conservation efforts in history.

Saratoga/Capital Region

This region focuses on New York's capital city of Albany as well as the cities of Saratoga Springs, Troy and Schenectady. History abounds in this region which was settled early in the 1600s by the Dutch. Quaint towns dot the countryside and you'll find plenty to do in the urban centres as well.

Catskills Mountains

The Catskills region features legendary mountains and activities for all seasons including antique hunting, visiting historic sites, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing and skiing and Catskill streams and rivers provide some of the best trout fishing in the nation.

Chautauqua-Allegheny Region

Located in the southwestern-most corner of New York state, this region is comprised of Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. You'll find natural beauty blended with a variety of unique cultural attractions regardless of the season. Visit the the famed Chautauqua Institution and Allegany State Park.

Finger Lakes Region

This region encompasses 14 counties with 11 lakes, ranging in size from 11 to 40 miles with more than 650 miles of shoreline. The Finger Lakes Region is located between the triangle cities of Rochester, Syracuse and the Corning/Elmira area and is bordered by the Pennsylvania border to the south and Lake Ontario to the north. The Finger Lakes Region is conveniently located midway between New York City and Niagara Falls.

Hudson Valley Region

The Hudson River cuts a great, sinuous path through its valley and the vistas created in the spring and summer are of deep green and river sky. In autumn the colours practically burst, while in winter they fade to white. The river cities include Catskill, Hudson, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Beacon, Newburgh, Ossining and Peekskill, just to name a few, and touch the Hudson with street and parkland.

Central Leatherstocking Region

Ranging from the city of Binghamton in Broome County up to Oneida County (and lake) and then over to Shoharie this region is packed with indoor and outdoor action.

Long Island, New York

Located next to the Big Apple, you'll be amazed with the country-like atmosphere of Long Island. Rich in history and culture with Revolutionary War sites and early Native American influences to the Gold Coast mansions of the Gatsby era and the many storied lighthouses.

Niagara Falls Region

Five counties make up the Niagara frontier which include the City of Buffalo in Erie County and Niagara Falls in Niagara County as well as Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming Counties. The Greater Niagara Region has it all - spectacular natural wonders, a thrilling supercoaster, fine theatre, historical sites and everything in between.

Thousand Islands Region

The Thousand Islands - Seaway Region is a playground in one of the most beautiful settings in the northeastern United States. The historic lighthouses at Oswego, Port Ontario, Sackets Harbor, Cape Vincent and Ogdensburg mark the way along Lake Ontario. Historic battlefields are at Fort Ontario, Little Sandy, Sackets Harbor and Ogdensburg. And the 1,000 Islands, romantic Boldt Castle, the impressive Eisenhower Lock and the Erie Canal are attractions that stand as monuments to the wonders of nature.

New York City Region

New York City is as much an experience as it is a place. The fact that there are so many people, so much to see and so much to do in such a small area gives New York City its unique character. Discover the history among all the buildings, streets, piers and sidewalks. In this city like no other you will find food, culture, entertainment and people from around the world in in every neighbourhood.