Named after the area’s Native American people, Canarsie is a predominantly residential neighbourhood in south-east Brooklyn. It was originally established as a fishing village and became a popular summer resort in the late 19th century before being developed with residential housing in the 1940s. Canarsie overlooks Jamaica Bay, a sprawling estuary that connects to the coastal lagoons of Long Island.
Things to do in Canarsie
Dominating the waterfront is Canarsie Park, which is located on a believed burial site of the Canarsie Indians. After the arrival of the Dutch in the 1630s, they named the area “New Amersfoort” before it became known as the “Flatlands” under British rule. Today, the park is home to a soccer field, a baseball diamond and basketball courts, as well as a waterfront walking trail.
On the other side of Canarsie is Shirley Chisholm State Park, which occupies a former marsh and landfill site. It is named after the first African American Congresswoman in the country and offers spectacular views of Manhattan from its elevated setting. Admire the mural of Shirley Chisholm created by local artist Danielle Mastrion and take advantage of the “bike library” to explore the park’s network of trails.
If you’re a keen angler, head to the Canarsie Pier, which has been a popular fishing destination for more than 300 years. In addition to luring in blue fish and fluke, you can launch a kayak to explore Jamaica Bay at your leisure. Stretching south is Canarsie Beach, which is backed by the Jamaica Bay Greenway.
Getting around Canarsie
Canarsie is around 40 minutes’ drive from Manhattan and 15 minutes from John F. Kennedy International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Subway services stop at the Rockaway Pkwy Station while buses travel throughout the neighbourhood, connecting most of its attractions.