What to do in Lake Champlain?

Nestled between the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Lake Champlain is a sparkling gem that offers a rich blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences. Whether you're visiting in summer, fall, or even winter, the Lake Champlain region is bursting with activities for nature lovers, families, history buffs, and adventure seekers alike. Stretching 120 miles long and up to 12 miles wide, the lake forms a dynamic playground straddling the U.S.-Canada border, with a unique mix of attractions on land and water.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in and around Lake Champlain.

1. Boating, Sailing, and Kayaking

Lake Champlain’s vast waters are perfect for boaters of all skill levels. You can rent a sailboat, motorboat, or kayak from various marinas around Burlington, VT, and Plattsburgh, NY.

• Sailing tours offer scenic views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding let you explore coves, rocky shorelines, and islands.
• Fishing charters are popular for catching lake trout, bass, and salmon.

2. Island Hopping

Lake Champlain has over 70 islands, some of which are accessible by car, bike, or boat.

• Grand Isle and South Hero are part of Vermont’s Champlain Islands and are known for orchards, wineries, and beach parks.
• Valcour Island, near Plattsburgh, NY, offers hiking trails, primitive camping, and historic lighthouse ruins.
• Explore the Lake Champlain Islands Scenic Byway for a relaxed driving or biking tour.

3. Swimming and Beaches

During summer, the lake’s clean waters warm up enough for comfortable swimming.

North Beach Park (Burlington, VT): A sandy, family-friendly beach with lifeguards and amenities.

Plattsburgh City Beach: One of the largest freshwater beaches in the U.S., with stunning views and shallow swimming areas.

Sand Bar State Park (Milton, VT): A popular spot for picnics, swimming, and paddle sports.

4. Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

Located in Vergennes, Vermont, this museum dives into the region’s nautical history, including:

• Revolutionary War shipwrecks (especially from the Battle of Valcour Island)
• Full-scale replicas of historic vessels
• Exhibits on maritime archaeology and Indigenous lake history

It’s a must-see for history buffs and families alike.

5. Hiking and Biking

The terrain around Lake Champlain is full of scenic trails.

Island Line Trail: A spectacular 13-mile biking route over causeways and bridges, with a ferry connection through the lake.

Ausable Chasm (NY): Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," it offers hiking, rafting, and rock formations.

Mt. Philo State Park (VT): A short hike with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.

6. Historic Sites and Forts

Lake Champlain played a key role in early American history, especially during the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812.

Fort Ticonderoga (NY): A beautifully restored 18th-century fort with reenactments, museum exhibits, and gardens.

Crown Point State Historic Site: Includes ruins of both British and French forts overlooking the lake.

Chimney Point Historic Site (VT): Interprets Native American and colonial life at the lake crossing.

7. Wildlife Watching and Birding

The lake’s wetlands, islands, and forests attract abundant wildlife.

• Look for ospreys, bald eagles, herons, loons, and migrating waterfowl.
• Visit the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area during fall for snow geese migrations.
• In summer, take a boat tour to watch for otters, turtles, and even the legendary lake monster, Champ.

8. Visit Burlington, Vermont

The vibrant city of Burlington sits right on the lake’s eastern shore and is packed with cultural experiences:

Church Street Marketplace: Outdoor pedestrian mall with shopping, dining, and live performances.

Burlington Waterfront Park: Features festivals, bike paths, and views of the lake and mountains.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain: A science and nature museum focused on the ecology and history of the lake.

9. Wine, Cider, and Farm Trails

The Lake Champlain region, especially the Champlain Islands, is home to boutique wineries, apple orchards, and local farms.

Snow Farm Vineyard (South Hero, VT): One of the oldest wineries in Vermont, offering tastings and lake views.

Champlain Valley Cider Mill and other farms offer fresh produce, cheeses, maple syrup, and hard cider.

10. Winter Activities

Lake Champlain doesn’t go dormant in winter—when conditions allow, it transforms into a snowy playground.

• Ice fishing is a local favorite, especially for northern pike and perch.
• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available along lakeside trails and parks.
• Enjoy cozy fireside dining in lakeside inns and lodges.

Conclusion

Whether you're boating past tranquil islands, hiking to mountain vistas, exploring battle-scarred forts, or enjoying a lakeside wine tasting, Lake Champlain offers a diverse range of activities for all seasons and interests. It’s a destination where natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture converge—inviting you to explore, relax, and connect with one of the Northeast’s most scenic and storied landscapes.