Visit the Shop & Try Canoes on the Water
Shop Visits
Hemlock Canoe Works is a small working canoe shop where visitors can see handcrafted canoes in progress, compare models, and get advice on choosing the right boat.. Visitors are welcome to stop in, see boats in progress, and ask questions about models, materials, and fit. Some visits are open and casual, while others work best with a little planning. Many visitors combine a shop visit with a paddle on nearby Hemlock or Canadice Lake, two of the quietest flatwater paddling spots in the Finger Lakes.
Visit the Shop
Stop by and talk paddling
Demo Nights
Try canoes on the water
Repair Work
Keep your canoe going strong
Paddling Advice
We’re always happy to help
HOURS & SCHEDULING
When to Visit
Our hours are a little different than a typical retail shop, and rotate seasonally. Below is our current off-season schedule.
Saturday
Regular shop hours
Walk-ins welcome
No appointment needed
Tuesday-Friday
Mornings are spent building boats but we enjoy seeing visitors whenever we’re at the shop
Visits are welcome, especially with a call or email ahead of time
We’re happy to work around your schedule when possible
PLAN A VISIT
How to Schedule
We look forward to seeing visitors during regular shop hours—no appointment needed. If those times don’t work, schedule an appointment online or reach out directly. Prefer not to book online? A quick call or email works just as well.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What Happens During a Visit
See canoes in various stages of construction
Talk through models, materials, and design choices
Get advice on topics like trip planning, outfitting, or transporting your canoe
Browse a curated selection of paddles, accessories, and replacement parts
No pressure — you’re welcome to stop by just to chat or look around
We also stock a limited selection of gear focused on what we use and recommend ourselves.
LOCATION
Finding the Shop
We’re located in the Finger Lakes region of New York, right near Rochester, and around corner from the best flat water paddling in the area on Hemlock and Canadice Lakes.
Experience a Hemlock Canoe
Next Steps
If you’re considering a Hemlock, but aren’t sure where to start, the canoe buying guide walks through the full decision process step by step. You can also explore construction options or reach out directly if you’d like help choosing a model.
Learn About the Canoes
Explore canoe models and learn how different construction methods affect weight, durability, and performance.
Visit the Shop
See the canoes in person, talk through options, or schedule a test paddle to see how different models feel on the water.
Talk to a Builder
Have questions about models, fit, or construction? We’re always happy to talk through options and help you choose the right canoe.